Former Nigerian football star Victor Ikpeba has strongly condemned the inhumane treatment of the Super Eagles by Libyan authorities.
The Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team, arrived in Libya on Sunday for a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Mediterranean Knights. However, they were left stranded at the Al Abaq Airport, sparking outrage and concerns about player safety.
Ikpeba, who is part of the Nigerian delegation in Libya for the AFCON qualifier, expressed his dismay at the situation.
“If CAF know their job, Libya ought to be banned from international football,” he told SCORENigeria.
“This is unacceptable and barbaric. CAF are not mindful of the safety and well-being of players across Africa,” Ikpeba added, highlighting the continent’s governing body’s apparent lack of concern for player welfare.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has already taken action, sending a protest letter to the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The Super Eagles’ captain, William Troost-Ekong, has also announced that the players will boycott the game due to the poor treatment.
Ikpeba, who played for the Super Eagles for 10 years, drew from his own experience.
“I never experienced what I have in Libya in the last hours,” he said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Given the country’s volatile security situation, Libya’s hosting of international matches has raised concerns.
“This is a high-risk country, and one really wonders who approved Libya to be playing their games at home,” Ikpeba questioned.
