Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen condemned the traumatic experience his team faced in Libya, where they were held for over 20 hours at an abandoned airport before their AFCON qualifier. Eguavoen called for a CAF investigation, highlighting Libya's actions as a deliberate attempt to frustrate the Nigerian team.
Super Eagles caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen expressed his dismay over the traumatic experience his team endured in Libya, describing it as a "horrible" ordeal lasting over 20 hours. The team was effectively held hostage at an abandoned airport, far removed from the venue for their scheduled 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Libyan national team.
Upon their safe return to Nigeria, Eguavoen recounted the distressing circumstances that surrounded the team’s stay in Libya, emphasizing that it was an experience they do not wish to repeat. He thanked the Libyan authorities for ultimately allowing the team to leave, but he condemned the treatment they received during their ordeal. "We were held hostage, and we could not have played this match under these circumstances," he stated.
Eguavoen highlighted the unity that football typically brings to nations, expressing his disbelief at the actions taken against the Super Eagles. He anticipates that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. Team spokesman Promise Efoghe echoed these sentiments, alleging that Libya’s actions were a deliberate attempt to sabotage the Nigerian team before the match. The team and officials are now back in Nigeria, awaiting further developments regarding the situation and any potential repercussions for the Libyan Football Federation.
