Nigeria’s refusal to play their Africa Cup of Nations qualification fixture in Libya due to alleged mistreatment of their squad has caused them to return home, overshadowing Algeria and Cameroon qualifying for the 2025 football finals. The Nigerian team experienced an ordeal at a deserted airport in Libya, resulting in their decision not to play the scheduled match. Nigeria’s captain William Troost-Ekong emphasized the importance of respect in football and expressed his team’s solidarity in facing challenges together.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed the team’s return home after being held at an abandoned airport in Libya for more than 20 hours. The team’s chartered flight was diverted to a location far from their intended destination, leading to safety concerns about traveling to the match venue by bus. Despite the disappointment of not being able to play the game, the Nigerian team remained united in their decision and maintained their Naija spirit in overcoming the experience. A formal complaint has been made to the Confederation of African Football, who are conducting an inquiry into the incident.
The Libyan Football Federation denied any mistreatment of the Nigerian team, stating that they have the utmost respect for their opponents. They rejected claims of foul play and emphasized their commitment to fair play and respect in football. Meanwhile, Cameroon and Algeria secured their places in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with victories in their respective group matches. Cameroon defeated Kenya 1-0, while Algeria beat Togo by the same scoreline. Both teams have earned enough points to guarantee their qualification for the tournament.
In Group D, Nigeria leads the standings with seven points from three matches, while Libya is at the bottom with one point. Despite the setback in Libya, the Nigerian team remains in a strong position to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations. Algeria and Cameroon’s qualification adds to the excitement of the upcoming tournament, with both teams looking to make an impact on the continental stage. The focus now shifts to the remaining group matches as teams vie for the remaining spots in the finals.
In Group J, Cameroon secured their qualification with a win over Kenya, while Zimbabwe is in contention for the other qualifying place. In Group E, Algeria’s victory over Togo has put them in a commanding position, with Equatorial Guinea likely to join them in the finals. The race for qualification continues in other groups, with Ghana facing Sudan in a crucial match in Group F. The competition for a place in the Africa Cup of Nations finals is heating up, with teams giving their all to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament. Live coverage of the matches will be available for fans to follow the action as it unfolds.
