The Confederation of African Football has announced the cancellation of the second leg of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifier between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Libya, originally set for Tuesday.
The fixture was called off following Nigeria’s refusal to participate in the match, citing mistreatment during their time in Libya.
In a brief statement released on Tuesday, CAF confirmed that the game would not go ahead as planned, stating, “The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifier fixture between Libya and Nigeria will not take place as scheduled tonight. The matter will be referred to the competent CAF bodies.”
The Super Eagles’ protest came after they endured what they described as “inhumane treatment” upon arrival in Libya, where they were stranded at Al Abraq Airport for over 13 hours on Sunday.
This long delay and lack of proper reception at the airport raised concerns over the team’s safety and well-being, prompting their decision to pull out of the match.
This development comes amid rising tensions between the Nigerian Football Federation and the Libya Football Federation with both sides leveling accusations at each other.
On Monday, CAF responded to the controversy by launching an investigation into the situation.
The LFF, in turn, alleged sabotage and threatened to take legal action against Nigeria for withdrawing from the fixture.
In a statement issued late Monday, the LFF condemned Nigeria’s refusal to honor the match, accusing the NFF of being uncooperative in the lead-up to the game.
The Libyan federation expressed frustration over the breakdown in communication and logistical planning, which they said exacerbated the situation.
Despite the Nigerian team’s concerns, the LFF remains adamant that they fulfilled their obligations, with officials accusing Nigeria of failing to act in good faith.
The LFF’s statement read, “The Nigerian Football Federation failed to cooperate in organising the match,” highlighting their dissatisfaction with how the events unfolded.
With the match now canceled, CAF will review the case and determine the appropriate course of action regarding the points, penalties, and any further implications for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
