“We will not tolerate” – CAF president Patrice Motsepe talks on Nigeria-Libya hostage saga

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Patrice Motsepe, has reacted to the recent hostage saga the Nigerian national team experienced at Al Abraq Airport ahead of their clash against Libya, Soccernet.ng reports. 

This incident occurred as the Super Eagles were en route to Benghazi for their 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya. The distressing situation left Nigeria’s Super Eagles stranded at the airport in Libya for several hours.

President Motsepe addressed the situation, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to accountability in such matters.

He stated: “When there was this problem of the Nigerian national team in Libya. I will not comment on that because there is a proper investigation [going on] but I want to emphasise the principle we will not tolerate.  Because this is something that has been going on for quite some time. Forget about the Nigeria-Libya situation because it has been properly investigated and appropriate action will be taken.

“I have heard too many stories of a football club or a national team going to a country. You spend hours at the airport and they ask you about documents that is not meant to be accessed. And apparently during Covid, they will look at the 10 best players from your team and say those players have Covid. These are lack of sportsmanship that has existed and we have not taken effective action.”

In the earlier report, CAF confirmed it had been in contact with both Libyan and Nigerian authorities after learning that the Nigerian national football team and its officials were instructed by Libyan authorities to land under troubling conditions.

The statement read: “The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation, and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations.”

The Super Eagles, diverted to Al Abraq Airport—over two hours away from their intended destination—found themselves stranded for more than thirteen hours without transport provided by the Libyan Football Federation.

This incident caused outrage ahead of Nigeria’s crucial second-leg AFCON qualifier against Libya, which led to the postponement of the game.