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Libya FA explains their inhumane treatment of Super Eagles delegation

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Following the outrage that followed Libya’s inhumane treatment to the Super Eagles delegation who had arrived for a scheduled Match Day 4 of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, the Libyan FA has denied complicity in the plot.

In a statement issued via a reel in the official X handle of the Libyan Football Federation, the body confirmed the inhumane treatment and explained as follows:

“We are deeply concerned about the recent reports surrounding the diversion of the Nigerian national team’s flight ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya

“While we regret any inconvenience caused, it is essential to note that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel.

“These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon. We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional.

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“There are no grounds to accuse the Libyan security teams or the Libyan Football Federation of deliberately orchestrating this incident. Such actions are inconsistent with our values and principles.

“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation. It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification.

“Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities. Football, in its essence, unites nations, and we are committed to upholding the spirit of fairness and mutual respect both on and off the field.

“In Libya, we pride ourselves on our hospitality and our welcoming nature. We have always prioritized treating all visiting teams, includingour African brothers and other international delegations, with the respect and dignity they deserve

“Hosting these events is a great honor for us, and we strive to ensure that all teams feel safe and respected as our guests. This commitment to equality and hospitality is a core aspect of our culture and tradition.

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“We hope that this misunderstanding can be resolved with understanding and goodwill. Our doors are open to our Nigerian brothers and all African teams, and we continue to promote the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and friendship in the world of football.”

Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

AFCON

AFCON 2025: Nigerians to Watch All Super Eagles Matches Free-to-Air as AfroSport Secures Nationwide Broadcast Rights

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Nigerian football fans can look forward to a fully inclusive AFCON viewing experience this December, as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and New World Televisions (NWTV) have confirmed that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 will be broadcast free-to-air nationwide.

The announcement ensures that every Super Eagles match—including all fixtures in Group C—will be available live to millions of households across the country.

AfroSport, Nigeria’s leading free-to-air (FTA) sports platform, has once again secured the FTA rights, marking a historic third consecutive AFCON broadcast after delivering the 2022 and 2024 editions to audiences nationwide.

With more than 33 million TV homes relying on terrestrial broadcasting, FTA television remains the most powerful and accessible medium in the country—reaching urban centres, rural communities and remote villages alike.

 AfroSport’s involvement guarantees that AFCON 2025 will continue to be a national event shared by Nigerians of all backgrounds, regardless of income or access to pay-TV services.

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The broadcasts will be delivered through the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) network, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) as national broadcaster, and AfroSport’s growing roster of FTA affiliates.

Chief Consultant Akintunde-Johnson Bada, announcing the partnership, said Nigeria’s FTA platform remains the heartbeat of mass football consumption.

“We are proud to once again receive CAF’s trust and to deliver this most important event to every Nigerian home,” Bada said.

 “AFCON 2025 arrives at a critical moment for Nigerian football, and we all hope our boys can go one better than they did in Ivory Coast two years ago. AfroSport is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian can be part of this journey.”

NWTV Managing Director Nimonka Kolani said the partnership was made possible through CAF’s leadership.

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“By securing the AFCON 2025 Free-to-Air rights, AfroSport guarantees that all Nigerians will be able to follow their heroes in Morocco,” Kolani said. “CAF, under Dr. Patrice Motsepe, continues to bring joy to millions of football fans across Nigeria.”

A Christmas Football Festival

AFCON 2025 will run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, making it one of the rare editions to be staged during the Christmas and New Year period. Morocco, building on its reputation as an emerging football powerhouse, will host matches across six cities.

The opening match on 21 December will feature hosts Morocco vs Comoros.

Nigeria will launch its Group C campaign on 23 December against Tanzania, before taking on Tunisia on 27 December and Uganda on 30 December.

All Super Eagles matches—and every other tournament fixture—will be broadcast live and free across Nigeria.

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With the unmatched reach of free-to-air broadcasting and AfroSport’s leadership, AFCON 2025 promises to unite the nation once again—live, free, and everywhere.

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AFCON 2025: Nigeria Fans Still Have Chance to Secure Group-Stage Tickets as 800,000 Seats Already Sold

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By Kunle Solaja.

Despite a surge in demand that has pushed several high-profile fixtures to sold-out status, match tickets for Nigeria’s group-stage games at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are still available, offering Super Eagles supporters a crucial window to secure their seats ahead of the tournament in Morocco.

More than 800,000 tickets have already been snapped up for AFCON 2025, scheduled for December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, according to Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) president Fouzi Lekjaa.

He revealed the figures on Wednesday, November 26, during a briefing at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora.

Lekjaa confirmed that several fixtures involving the hosts Morocco, defending champions Cote D’Ivoire, Algeria, Cameroon, and Senegal are already sold out, with tickets disappearing rapidly during the CAF sales phases.

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Morocco and Algeria matches, in particular, sold out completely as soon as Phase 3 opened on November 15.

However, unlike these heavyweights, Nigeria’s group-stage matches still have available tickets, giving fans—both at home and across the diaspora—a chance to attend the Super Eagles’ games live.

How to Buy Tickets

CAF has made it mandatory for all fans to obtain a Fan ID before purchasing tickets.
The Fan ID:

  • serves as a unique identifier for stadium and fan-zone access, simplifies visa procedures for international visitors, and allows the purchase of one ticket per match.

All ticket purchases must be made exclusively through the Yalla app, CAF’s official ticketing platform.

Tournament Overview

AFCON 2025 will take place across nine stadiumsinsix Moroccan cities:
Casablanca, Rabat, Agadir, Marrakech, Tangier and Fez.

With Nigeria aiming for a strong showing under a new competitive format and with supporters eager to paint the stands green and white, officials are urging fans to begin the Fan ID process early and secure the remaining tickets before they sell out.

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For now, Super Eagles supporters still have an open windowbut with sales approaching the million mark, it may not stay open for long.

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CAF Launches AFCON 2025 Diaspora Tour, Taking African Football Spirit to London and Paris

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has kicked off the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 Diaspora Tour, a vibrant continental showcase designed to connect Africa’s football heritage with its vast global diaspora.

Described as more than a promotional tour, the initiative celebrates the unity, identity and cultural energy that African football inspires worldwide.

The tour will make a dazzling stop in London on Friday at Below the Lights, Piccadilly Circus, and will continue to Paris on Thursday 4 December, where fans will gather at YOYO in the Palais de Tokyo.

CAF officials say the tour is meant to “forge an unbreakable bridge” between Africa—the birthplace of generations of football legends—and the diaspora communities that continue to champion, support and amplify the continent’s game across global stages.

At the centre of the tour is the AFCON trophy, showcased as a symbol of continental pride and a reminder that Africa’s biggest football prize belongs to Africans everywhere—whether in Casablanca, Lagos, London, Paris or beyond.

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The London and Paris events pay tribute not only to the iconic African players who rose to stardom on European soil, but also to the millions of fans whose passion links the diaspora with the continent’s rich football culture.

 CAF says each stop honours “the enduring connection that pulses through every match, every cheer, and every goal.”

As Morocco prepares to host the 2025 AFCON, the diaspora tour signals the beginning of the journey toward Africa’s premier football tournament—one that CAF insists will be shared by Africans wherever they live.

The road to Morocco 2025, it declared, “begins together.”

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