AFCON qualifiers: Super Eagles players resolve to boycott Libya game

14.10.2024 - 21:57 guardian.ng

Super Eagles players have resolved to boycott Tuesday’s AFCON second leg qualifier against Libya.This was confirmed by Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong on X.The decision was taken following the maltreatment players and officials of the Eagles were subjected to by Libyan authorities.“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending,” Troost-Ekong wrote on X. “Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.

They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games.“I’ve experienced stuff before playing away in Africa but this is disgraceful behaviour.

Even the Tunisian Pilot who thankfully managed to navigate the last minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land had never seen something like this before.“Upon arrival he tried to find a nearby airport to rest with his crew to be denied at every hotel again under Government instruction.

He could sleep there but NO NIGERIAN crew members allowed. They have returned to now sleep on the plane which is parked up.“At this point we have called for our Nigerian Government to intervene and rescue us.

Super Eagles William Troost-Ekong Tunisia county Eagle Nigeria Libya

Libya ponders petition to CAS Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, believes justice has been served, and that the team is closer to securing the ticket to their 21st appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to rule in Nigeria’s favour, the disputed AFCON qualifier between the Super Eagles and the Mediterranean Knights of Libya.

CAF awards botched Libya versus Nigeria AFCON qualifier to Eagles, fines Libya $50,000

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded the botched Libya versus Nigeria Africa Cup of Nations qualification match to the Super Eagles.

Super Eagles move three steps to 36th in FIFA ranking

Despite their inability to play in the last round of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series following CAF’s decision to call off their game against Libya, the Super Eagles have moved up three places in the latest FIFA rankings. In the October World ranking released, yesterday, by FIFA, the team moved to the 36th position from the previous 39th, gaining 1,503.29 points within the period under review. The Super Eagles defeated Libya 1-0 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo, on October 11, but the return leg of the tie scheduled for Benghazi, Libya on October 15 was called off following the Libyans’ alleged ill-treatment of the Nigerian delegation two days before the game. African football governing body, CAF is expected to rule on the botched game this week. Nigeria’s new FIFA ranking also reflects on the Super Eagles’ position in Africa, as they are now the fourth-best team in the continent, up from last month’s sixth position. Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt are the three leading teams in that order. Argentina, France (second), and Spain (third) are still the leading teams in the world, followed by England (fourth), Brazil (fifth) and Belgium (sixth).

FIFA Ranking: Super Eagles rank 36th worldwide, 4th in Africa

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have moved up by three spots to place world 36th in the October FIFA ranking.

CAF gives Libya, Nigeria October 20 to provide evidence on botched AFCON qualifier

• Jalla Wants AU To Call Libya To Order • Civil Society Group Urges Tinubu To Approach ICC In Hague

CAF delists Nigeria vs Libya AFCON qualifier

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially delisted the Group D second-leg match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Libya’s Mediterranean Knights, which was scheduled for Tuesday in Benghazi.