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Tag: Super Eagles

  • Libya vs Nigeria: Super Eagles captain reacts after CAF’s decision

    Libya vs Nigeria: Super Eagles captain reacts after CAF’s decision

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong has reacted over the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on the botched match day 4 encounter of the 2025 AFCON qualification series scheduled to be played by Libya and Nigeria in Benina on 15th October.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Disciplinary Board of CAF reveals the decision, awarding Nigeria, three points and three goals and fining Libya $50,000 as a result of the botched match day 4 encounter.

    This is following the embarrassing incident which occurred when three-time African champions, Nigeria visited Benghazi for the AFCON 2025 qualifier second leg against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya.

    The Super Eagles were forced to spend over 15 hours at the Al Abraq Airport without food or water in a hostage-like situation; which forced the game to be cancelled.

    The CAF Disciplinary Board also slammed Libya with a 50,000 dollars to be paid within 60 days of notification of the present decision with all other and further motions or prayers for relief dismissed.

    Reacting, Troost-Ekong wrote via X: “JUSTICE: CAF awards three points and three goals to Nigeria. Libya fined $50,000. Plane was diverted 300km from scheduled airport even when the pilot told them he was low on fuel. One step closer to our target AFCON 2025”.

    Recall that Nigeria’s delegation to the qualifier slated to hold in Benghazi was left stranded for over 20 hours, following the diversion of their plane from Benghazi to Al Abaq airport, a three-hour drive away from their original destination in Benghazi; where the team were held hostage without food, water or internet services.

    A statement by CAF Disciplinary Board in its ruling on Saturday, signed by the chairman, Ousmane Kane, said the Disciplinary Board ruled met and decided as follows:

    “The Libya Football Federation is found to have breached Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

    “The match No. 87 Libya v. Nigeria of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 (scheduled to be played on 15 October in Benghazi) declared lost by forfeit by Libya (by a score of 3-0).

    “The Libya Football Federation is ordered to pay a fine of USD 50,000. The fine is to be paid within 60 days of notification of the present decision. All other and further motions or prayers for relief are dismissed,” the statement said.

    The implication is that Nigeria is now poised to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with two matches to spare.

    With the decision, the Eagles now have 10 points from four matches, four points better than second-placed Benin Republic, while Rwanda have five points.

    Bottom-placed Libya have only one point and are out of the running for qualification.

    Victory or draw against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Abidjan on Nov. 14 (a Matchday 5 encounter) will land the Super Eagles a ticket to the finals in Morocco, December 2025/January 2026.

  • BREAKING: CAF awards Nigeria 3 points, 3 goals against Libya

    BREAKING: CAF awards Nigeria 3 points, 3 goals against Libya

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded Nigeria three points and three goals and fined Libya the sum of $50,000 from the botched match day 4 encounter of the 2025 AFCON qualification series scheduled to be played by Libya and Nigeria in Benina on 15th October.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the CAF Disciplinary Board had met to deliberate on the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Qualifier that was scheduled between Libya and Nigeria.

    This is following the embarrassing incident which occurred when three-time African champions, Nigeria visited Benghazi for the AFCON 2025 qualifier second leg against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya.

    The Super Eagles were forced to spend over 15 hours at the Al Abraq Airport without food or water in a hostage-like situation; which forced the game to be cancelled.

    The Libya Football Federation was found to have breached Article 31 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

    CAF Disciplinary Board on Saturday disclosed that the match No. 87 Libya v. Nigeria of the CAF African Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 (scheduled to be played on 15 October 2024 in Benghazi) is declared lost by forfeit by Libya (by a score of 3-0).

    “The Libya Football Federation is ordered to pay a fine of USD 50,000. The fine is to be paid within 60 days of notification of the present decision. All other and further motions or prayers for relief are dismissed,” a statement by the CAF Disciplinary Board reads.

    TNG reports the statement was signed by Ousmane Kane, Chairperson of the CAF Disciplinary Board.

    The implication is that Nigeria is now poised to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with two matches to spare. With the decision, the Eagles are now on 10 points from four matches, four points better than second-placed Benin Republic, while Rwanda have five points. Bottom-placed Libya have only one point and are out of the running for qualification.

    Victory or draw against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Abidjan on Thursday, 14th November (a Matchday 5 encounter) will land the Super Eagles a ticket to the finals in Morocco, December 2025/January 2026.

  • Club releases update on Victor Boniface after car accident

    Club releases update on Victor Boniface after car accident

    Bayer Leverkusen and Super Eagles striker, Victor Boniface was involved in a car crash on Sunday, a day after the club’s 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.

    Boniface, who scored a 72nd-minute winner in Saturday’s match, on Sunday shared pictures and video of a smashed car in since-deleted posts on Instagram, as well as what appeared to be a picture of his hand covered in blood.

    However, a club source has said Boniface is doing well after the car accident.

    German tabloid Bild reported that the Nigeria international was a passenger in the car en route to Frankfurt airport and suffered minor hand injuries before being taken to hospital.

    In a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Boniface wrote: “God is the greatest”.

    The Hessen state police website said the accident occurred on Sunday morning.

    “A 28-year-old was driving a Mercedes in the middle of three lanes in the direction of Frankfurt when, according to his own account, he lost control of the vehicle due to fatigue.

    “He  collided sideways with a truck that was driving in the right lane next to the Mercedes,” the report added.

    Boniface’s management agency did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

    The 23-year-old Boniface has scored seven goals in 10 appearances for Leverkusen across all competitions this season.

    German champions Leverkusen, who are fourth in the Bundesliga standings with 14 points from seven games, face French side Brest in the Champions League on Wednesday.

  • BREAKING: CAF cancels Super Eagles, Libya qualifier match

    BREAKING: CAF cancels Super Eagles, Libya qualifier match

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF), has cancelled the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON  2025 qualifier match between Libya and Super Eagles of Nigeria

    The game was slated to be played this evening in Libya.

    In an official statement, CAF indicated that the fixture would not proceed as planned.

    The football body did not, however, provide specific reasons for its action for cancelling the match.

    CAF will now take the matter to the appropriate bodies for further consideration.

    The statement added, “The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Qualifier fixture between Libya and Nigeria will not take place as scheduled tonight,” the short statement reads.

    “The matter will be referred to the competent CAF bodies.”

  • Troost-Ekong ‘proud’ of Super Eagles boycott plans

    Troost-Ekong ‘proud’ of Super Eagles boycott plans

    Super Eagles of Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong spoke about being “held hostage” in a Libyan airport.

    Al Kholood defender Troost-Ekong and his Nigerian teammates were set to play Libya in an African Cup of Nations qualifier.

    His team-mate Wilfred Ndidi posted: “This is not football. Very embarrassing. Hostage to a national team. Disgrace.”

    “Just got back to Nigeria with the team,” said Troost-Ekong yesterday.

    “I just want to say thanks for all the support we’ve been getting. It’s been a long 24 hours. We have tried to do our best to keep our spirits high.

    “This will be the last thing I’m going to say about it. Football is all about respect and that starts by respecting ourselves. We took a stand. I’m proud of the team’s decision (to boycott the match).

    “We are waiting to see what will be the follow-up from here. Whatever the consequences are, we will be ready to continue our journey to AFCON in November. Thanks everyone for the support. We really appreciate it.”

  • Super Eagles: Akpabio condemns maltreatment calls for stiffer penalties

    Super Eagles: Akpabio condemns maltreatment calls for stiffer penalties

    The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON has condemned in strong terms the nasty treatment of members of the Super Eagles, and its delegation to a return leg of the 2025 African Cup of Nation (AFCON) qualifier in Libya.

    Akpabio, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh decried the antics and shameful behaviour of the Libyan officials and authorities saying, “This unfortunate incident is a stark reminder of the disregard for human dignity and the lack of respect for international norms”.

    He declared that the reported mistreatment of our players is not only unacceptable but also a breach of the principles of fair play and sportsmanship that underpin international football competitions.

    As the President of the Senate, I stand in solidarity with the Super Eagles, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the entire Nigerian football community in condemning this unjust treatment. The Nigerian Senate will continue to monitor this situation closely and ensure that the rights and dignity of our citizens are protected. We will not tolerate any form of mistreatment or disrespect towards our nationals, regardless of the circumstances.

    We demand a thorough investigation from the Disciplinary Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and appropriate sanctions to be meted out against those involved.

    It is also imperative that the Libyan authorities take immediate action to investigate this incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable to prevent future occurrences.

    We call on the international football community to condemn this unacceptable behaviour and support our demand for justice.

  • Super Eagles ordeal; Tunisian pilot reveals full details of raw deal

    Super Eagles ordeal; Tunisian pilot reveals full details of raw deal

    Tunisian pilot who flew the Super Eagles team to Libya said he was instructed by Libyan authority to divert the plane to a different location.

    According to the pilot, the original flight plan was to land the aircraft in Benghazi, Libya, as approved by the aviation authorities. But later they were suddenly directed by officials to divert to another airport just as they neared their destination.

    “The flight plan was to land in Benghazi. We got the approval from the Libyan civil aviation authority that we were approved to land,” the pilot explained. “But unfortunately, when we started the descent, they asked us to divert to Mitiga, which is almost 150 miles (300 km) away. This was not even our alternate airport.”

    The pilot said he warned the officials that the diversion would have severely impacted their fuel reserves, and could compromise the safety of the flight.

    ” I asked them several times, at least eight times, and I warned them that I would be in trouble for the fuel situation,” the pilot recounted. “They said it was from the highest authority and that we had to divert to Mitiga immediately.”

    The pilot later complied with the directive. Thankfully, the aircraft landed safely in Mitiga with no challenges.

    This revelation comes hours after Super Eagles players reported that had been mistreated by Libyan authorities ahead of their Tuesday match, which they later boycotted and flew back home after being held hostage for 20 hours.

    In a series of tweets early Monday morning, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong described the situation as “disgraceful,” accusing the hosts of playing “mind games.”

    He revealed that the team was kept in an abandoned airport with no access to food, drink, or phone connections.

    Recall Nigeria defeated Libya 1-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, October 11. Both nations were scheduled to play the return leg in Libya on October 15.

  • Tinubu demands justice for Super Eagles’ mistreatment in Libya

    Tinubu demands justice for Super Eagles’ mistreatment in Libya

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board to conduct a thorough investigation and take action against those responsible for violating the organisation’s statutes and regulations.

    In a statement on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu condemned the inhuman treatment of the Super Eagles, at a Libyan airport, welcoming their safe return to Nigeria.

    The team’s harrowing experience led the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to withdraw from the scheduled match on Tuesday.

    The President also praised the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development for their swift response in addressing the incident and ensuring the players’ safe return.

    The ministries’ proactive coordination helped alleviate the situation.

    He also commended the players for their resilience despite the ordeal and acknowledged football’s power to unite nations and people, emphasizing that the treatment of the Super Eagles was unsportsmanlike and inhumane.

    Tinubu urged unity among football lovers and administrators to prevent similar incidents in the future.

    “President Bola Tinubu, deeply moved by the inhuman treatment endured by the Super Eagles of Nigeria at a Libyan airport, warmly welcomes their safe return to Nigeria.

    “The harrowing experience of the national football team at the hands of their hosts and the Libyan authorities prompted the Nigerian Football Federation to withdraw the Super Eagles from the scheduled match on Tuesday.

    “President Tinubu expects the Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to conduct a thorough investigation and recommend appropriate action against those who wilfully violated the organisation’s Statutes and Regulations.

    “The President commends the proactive coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development in addressing the unfortunate episode and ensuring the safe return of our players.

    “President Tinubu applauds the players for keeping their spirit alive despite the excruciating ordeal in Libya.

    “The Nigerian leader recognises football’s unifying power in bringing nations and people together and views the treatment of our citizens as unsportsmanlike and inhumane, a stark contrast to the spirit of the game he deeply appreciates.

    “He fervently calls on all lovers of the round-leather game and administrators to unite and work collaboratively to prevent and overcome such incidents in the future,” the statement reads.

  • ‘Appropriate action will be taken’ – CAF on Super Eagles ordeal at Libyan airport

    ‘Appropriate action will be taken’ – CAF on Super Eagles ordeal at Libyan airport

    The Confederation of African Football, (CAF) has ordered investigation into ordeal faced by Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, at a Libyan airport.

    The federation highlighted immediate steps to engage both Libyan and Nigerian authorities, following reports that the team and their staff were left stranded under distressing conditions for several hours.

    This was contained in a statement obtained from the CAF website on Monday afternoon.

    It was titled, “CAF Views the Disturbing and Unacceptable Experiences of the Nigerian National Football Team (‘Super Eagles’) at an Airport in Libya in a Very Serious Light.”

    “The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it was informed that the Nigerian National Football Team (‘Super Eagles’) and their technical team were stranded in distressing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land at by the Libyan authorities.

    “The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation, and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations,” it read.

  • ICYMI: NFF denies Libya players were maltreated in Nigeria

    ICYMI: NFF denies Libya players were maltreated in Nigeria

    Captain of Libya senior men national football team, Faisal Al-Badri had accused the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of poor treatment on arrival in Nigeria in the first leg of their 2025 AFCON qualifier last Friday in Uyo.

    However, the NFF insisted the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) created chaos for its own team, the Mediterranean Knights and that the poor treatment the Libyan players suffered in Nigeria was not the doing of the NFF.

    NFF’s Assistant Director (Protocol), Mr. Emmanuel Ayanbunmi said the Libya Federation only informed the NFF that its team was landing in Port Harcourt, and not Uyo, only three hours to the team’s arrival on Tuesday.

    “I spoke to the General Secretary of LFF, at length, on Monday, 7th October and he never hinted that his team would be arriving on Tuesday (the following day). He only said he would get back to me but he never did. On Monday evening, someone sent as an advance party by the LFF called me and said his team would be arriving on Tuesday by noon. We made all arrangements to receive the team in Uyo on arrival.

    “It was only an hour after the team was airborne that he told me the delegation would be landing in Port Harcourt. That disrupted so many things, but we still raced on hurdles to get approval from federal authorities to allow their plane to fly them to Uyo once they concluded immigration formalities in Port Harcourt.

    “Apparently, that would have meant additional cost to the LFF from the charter company, and they didn’t want that, so they preferred to travel from Port Harcourt to Uyo by road.”

    Ayanbunmi added that the Libyan delegation jettisoned road transportation arrangements made for them by the NFF and instead hired buses on their own.

    “If they travelled on buses that were not air-conditioned, that had nothing to do with the NFF as they hired their own buses. We provided security for them, with men and vehicles in front and behind their buses, so we are unmoved about their complaints and threats”.

    TNG reports the Super Eagles of Nigeria, along with the coaching crew and NFF officials are currently stranded in Libya and are set to abandon the second leg of the fixture.