If Nigeria still embodies the qualities that earn it the title of the “giant of Africa,” it must seize this moment to rally support against the uncivilized conduct exhibited by some African nations towards visiting sports teams, particularly in football.
The recent confrontations between Nigeria and Libya surrounding their qualification matches for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco 2025 starkly illustrate a departure from the true spirit of sports, which should be to unite and foster friendship among nations.
When the Libyan national team arrived in Nigeria, they reported being “maltreated” by being diverted to Port Harcourt instead of Uyo, experiencing a three-hour delay at the airport, and having to travel by road to the match venue. They attributed their 1-0 loss to Nigeria to these “ordeals.”
In response, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) countered that they had been kept in the dark about the Libyans’ arrangements and accused them of altering travel plans at the last minute while the Nigerian team awaited their arrival in Uyo. This lack of communication and cooperation only escalated tensions.
In what appeared to be a retaliatory act, the Libyans redirected the aircraft bringing the Super Eagles to Al Abraq Airport, located 200 miles away from the match venue in Benghazi. The Nigerian players were reportedly held for 15 hours without food or water and denied adequate accommodations. The distressing images and messages shared by the Eagles players incited outrage and created a diplomatic crisis between Nigeria and Libya.
Historically, Nigerians have welcomed foreigners with warmth and hospitality, often treating visiting sports teams with great respect. However, Northern African teams have been known to exhibit hostility towards their opponents, often resorting to intimidation to secure victory.
Nigerian teams, including the Super Eagles and club sides like Enyimba and Rivers United, fear for their safety when playing in North Africa, a trend that must come to an end. The continued humiliation of Nigerian teams on the continental stage will no longer be tolerated.
We urge the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to thoroughly investigate these incidents and impose appropriate sanctions to promote better sporting conduct among nations. Africa should strive to emulate the sporting respect seen in Europe, treating visiting teams with the dignity they deserve. Countries unwilling to respect the spirit of sportsmanship should be excluded from the community of sporting nations.
Nigeria must take the lead in this vital campaign, advocating for a more respectful and hospitable sporting environment across the continent.