The upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifier between Nigeria and Libya is shaping up to be a heated affair after the tensions from the first leg in Uyo, which Nigeria won 1-0.
The Libyan captain, Faisal Al-Badri initially complained about mistreatment upon arrival in Nigeria, a claim that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) strongly refuted, citing logistical issues caused by the Libyan Football Federation.
Despite this, the Libyan side and their supporters have expressed significant dissatisfaction, vowing revenge for the perceived poor treatment.
Reports from *Libya News* suggest that the Nigerian national team could face a challenging reception for the return leg in Benghazi.
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Plans allegedly include long waits at far-off airports, police dog searches, and uncomfortable transport arrangements.
Some Libyan fans have even taken to social media, airing grievances and promising to reciprocate the perceived mistreatment.
This is seen on their Facebook page “Next Tuesday, The Nigerian national team’s plane will be given permission to land at Tamanhat Airport or Sebha Airport – far south of Libya.
The Nigerian national team’s mission will be searched by police dogs.
The Nigerian national team’s waiting time at the airport will not be less than 8 to 10 hours.
The Nigerian national team will be transported on old school buses that are not air-conditioned.
The Nigerian national team’s mission will be informed that the hotels in the city of Benghazi are completely full and there is no vacant hotel inside the city and they are allowed to stay in a hotel that is at least 300 km away from the city of Benghazi.
The same treatment that our players received.”
And on another post “Libya vs Nigeria: We will never only get revenge on the past, but on the bad treatment that we received, on the long hours that you left us sleep on the ground of the airport, on the bad buses that you sent us to take us 200km through forests and bad roads.
We’ll never forget. ”
This situation, if not addressed by both federations and football authorities, could escalate into more than just a football rivalry, potentially impacting the overall matchday experience and safety of the Super Eagles in Libya.
Authorities should ensure that the match is conducted in a fair and professional environment, both on and off the pitch.
