CAF wants Super Eagles to play against Libya – Enoh

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, has claimed that the Confederation of African Football, CAF, are “insisting” that Nigeria play Libya on Tuesday.

The Super Eagles players have said they will boycott the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, after they were held hostage at the Al Abraq Airport over 15 hours after arrival in Libya.

But in a post on X, Enoh revealed that he has spoken to CAF president, Patrice Motsepe and the Secretary-General, Mosengo Omba.

He tweeted: “This morning, I was on a conference call with CAF President and CAF Secretary General.

“While the CAF President’s concern seems to be what to do to get the national team to participate in tomorrow’s match.

“I have instead informed CAF that the concern of the Government and people of Nigeria is first,the safety of the team and their safe return, urging that CAF should focus on working with us to achieve this.

“There must be a serious adverse consequence to the Libyan football federation for this unspeakable behaviour.

“This can not be through insisting that Nigeria still takes part in this match given the very obvious situation.

In a related development,  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that it is in communication with the Nigerian Mission in Libya following the unexpected diversion of the Super Eagles’ flight.

The Nigerian senior men’s football team was en route to Benghazi for the second leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya, scheduled for Tuesday.

The flight, however, was diverted mid-air to Al Abraq, a small airport primarily used for hajj operations, leaving the team stranded without any immediate assistance.

The Libyan Football Federation has so far failed to provide transportation for the team, exacerbating the situation.

In response to the incident, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar took to his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday to address the issue.

He assured the public that efforts are being made to resolve the situation and assist the team.

According to the minister, the Nigerian contingent was given internet access and essential supplies by early Monday morning, around 6 a.m.

However, Tuggar expressed frustration over the delay in obtaining authorization from Libyan authorities to allow the team to travel to Bayda City, where Al Abraq airport is located.

The Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safe and timely arrival of the Super Eagles.

Tuggar wrote, “I have been closely monitoring the situation involving the Super Eagles in Libya. Through the Head of the Nigerian Mission in Tripoli, Libya, Amb. Stephen Anthony Awuru, the Mission has maintained contact with the NFF, and the Libyan authorities since last night. Despite efforts, Libyan authorities have not yet authorised the Nigerian Mission’s trip to Bayda City, where the airport is located.

“In the meantime, the Head of the Nigerian Community in Benghazi, Mr Morris Eromosele, arrived at the location at 6 am this morning with necessary supplies and internet access. We will continue to follow developments and await a report for further action.”

The situation has sparked widespread criticism, with some Nigerians calling for the immediate return of the Super Eagles to Nigeria.

Others have expressed disappointment over the delayed response from the Confederation of African Football in addressing the issue