AZN secures exclusive rights to stream Nigeria’s Dambe sport

African Warriors Fighting Championship (AWFC) has secured an exclusive partnership with DAZN, the London-based sports streaming service, to bring Dambe, Nigeria’s centuries-old form of boxing, to a global audience. Through this collaboration, DAZN becomes the official global streaming partner for the Dambe World Series, a five-event tournament where Nigeria’s top fighters take on international contenders.

It marks a major step in the globalisation of Dambe, a combat sport with roots in West African warrior traditions. While Dambe has already gained traction online—attracting over 15 million YouTube views via AWFC’s broadcasts—DAZN’s global reach could elevate its profile much like UFC did for mixed martial arts. In 2023, AWFC teamed up with Stake, the online casino known for sponsoring global sports like football and Formula One, marking Dambe’s first international partnership.

“Dambe is a sport with deep cultural roots and immense athletic appeal,” said Maxwell Kalu, founder of AWFC. “Partnering with DAZN allows us to introduce it to a global fanbase. We are confident that 2025 will be the year Dambe captures the attention of fans worldwide.”

Founded in 2018, AWFC promotes and organises professional Dambe events to develop the sport’s global presence. Its 2024 “King of Dambe” tournament featured the sport’s first European competitor. The upcoming Dambe World Series, which kicks off in June 2025, will build on this momentum.

This partnership could also be a turning point for Dambe’s commercial viability. Beyond streaming, AWFC aims to attract sponsorship deals, merchandising opportunities, and a broader international fanbase. If successful, Dambe could follow in the footsteps of other combat sports, evolving from a regional tradition into a globally recognised competition with mainstream appeal.

“Audience attention for global combat sports has seen a huge rise,” said Kalu. “It speaks to consumer trends where people prefer to watch bite-sized content. In terms of challenges for Dambe, it’s just raising awareness. Dambe is a sport that had a vibrant ecosystem before anybody discovered it, but it was very much a quiet sport. We are raising the production standards where necessary.”

AWFC stages fights across Nigeria through a network of partner arenas, drawing paying spectators from various parts of the country. The matches are also streamed online, attracting viewers from the US and Brazil—two regions with dedicated Dambe followings, according to Kalu.

DAZN, often referred to as the “Netflix of Sport,” boasts 20 million paying subscribers across 200+ countries and holds streaming rights to major sports, including boxing, football, and the NFL. It flows well, but it could be slightly smoother. In 2023, the company reported $2.8 billion in revenue, with backing from investors, including billionaire Sir Len Blavatnik’s Access Industries.

By securing exclusive broadcasting rights to Dambe’s biggest events, DAZN is betting on the sport’s crossover appeal. For AWFC, the deal provides a crucial platform to showcase the best of Nigerian combat sports on the world stage.

By Emmanuel Nwosu, techcabal

40-Year-Old Nigerian Boxer Dies After Collapsing Mid-Fight

Nigerian boxer Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who collapsed during a fight in Ghana, has died. He was 40.

Olanrewaju was facing off against Jonathan Mbanugu of Ghana on Saturday, March 29, in a light-heavyweight match at the Bukom Boxing Arena when he fell over backward into the ropes and appeared to lose consciousness. The referee immediately called for the ringside doctor and paramedics to assist the boxer and revive him.

Olanrewaju was then taken to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, according to the Ghana Boxing Authority, and despite efforts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead soon after.

"We are really devastated," said Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Remi Aboderin, in an interview with BBC Sport Africa. "[This] is not something we envisaged. We will live up to our responsibility and make sure that we stand [by] the family."

Aboderin added that Olanrewaju was a "ring warrior" and a "fearless" fighter.

The GBA announced its intention to investigate Olanrewaju's death, as well as the safety measures in place during the fight.

Known as "Success" in the boxing community, Olanrewaju kicked off his career in 2019, later gaining national and West African championship titles. Before the bout on March 29, Olanrewaju had 13 wins — all but one by knockout, according to NilePost — as well as 8 losses.

By Rachel Raposas, People

Super Eagles bid for World Cup 2026 falters - Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe

Nigeria's hopes of a place at the 2026 Fifa World Cup are back in the balance after Zimbabwe netted a last-minute equaliser to leave the West Africans off the pace in Group C.

A diving header from Victor Osimhen had put the Super Eagles on the brink of a second successive victory, but on-loan Huddersfield forward Tawanda Chirewa stunned the home crowd in Uyo when he poked past Stanley Nwabali in the 90th minute.

After six rounds of the 10-match group campaign Nigeria have slipped to six points behind leaders South Africa, who secured a 2-0 away win against Benin through efforts from Burnley striker Lyle Foster and Jayden Adams.

Nigeria, who missed out on the 2022 finals in Qatar, are fourth in the group, a point behind Rwanda and Benin.

Only the nine group winners will qualify for the expanded 48-team tournament next year.

The four best second-placed sides will play off for a spot at an intercontinental tournament which will decide the final spots in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

After failing to win their first four games in Group C, pressure had been on Nigeria and their new coach Eric Chelle to take maximum points from their two fixtures this month.

Nigeria started with purpose against Zimbabwe, forcing visiting goalkeeper Washington Arubi into six saves in the opening 10 minutes.

Osimhen, who struck both goals in the 2-0 win over Rwanda on Friday, saw a volley from an acute angle tipped behind and his header from the resulting corner brilliantly clawed away.

After Alex Iwobi and substitute Tolu Arokodare had gone close it looked like Osimhen had given the Super Eagles another vital three points when he converted Ola Aina's cross in the 74th minute.

Zimbabwe almost levelled straight away when Nwabali failed to claim a cross from the left and Knowledge Musona stabbed against the crossbar.

And, after the Warriors silenced the Uyo crowd when Chirewa placed a calm finish under Nwabali at the death, Nigeria now need other results to go their way to force themselves back into contention.

BBC

Video - Nigerian basketball veterans out to inspire the growth of the game among youth

According to the veterans, the sport exposes youth to opportunities and plays a big role in keeping them away from social vices.

CGTN

Nigeria make history, beat New Zealand in Women's U-19 Cricket World Cup

Nigeria’s women’s U-19 cricket team, the Junior Female Yellow Greens, stunned test-playing nation New Zealand by two runs in their debut match at the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia.

The historic game took place on Monday at the Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak.

After their opening match against Samoa was washed out on Saturday, Nigeria’s eager stars finally took to the field. However, the game against New Zealand faced a two-hour delay due to a wet pitch.

New Zealand won the toss and elected to field first in the reduced 13-over match. Despite an early setback, Nigeria’s captain, Lucky Piety, led the fightback, hitting the team’s first-ever World Cup six. New Zealand responded by taking two quick wickets, leaving Nigeria at 28 for three after the powerplay.

Lilian Ude contributed 19 crucial runs, while Omosigho Eguakun struck a four off the final ball, setting New Zealand a target of 66 runs for the loss of six wickets in 13 overs.

In the second innings, the Junior Yellow Greens showed their mettle with the ball. Peace Usen claimed Nigeria’s first World Cup wicket on the opening ball, running out Kate Irwin before Emma McLeod was dismissed for three.

Eve Wolland and Anika Todd steadied New Zealand’s innings, but their dismissals by Piety and Shola Adekunle reignited Nigeria’s hopes. Ude delivered a near-perfect final over, conceding just six runs and securing a run-out on the last ball, sealing a memorable victory for Nigeria.

Captain Lucky Piety was named Player of the Match for her game-changing performance, scoring 18 runs off 22 balls and taking one wicket for just eight runs in three overs.

The victory places Nigeria second in Group C with three points, trailing leaders South Africa, who defeated Samoa by 10 wickets to claim their second win of the tournament.

Nigeria and South Africa are well-positioned to advance to the Super 6 stage. They will face each other on Wednesday to determine the group’s top spot.

By Abiodun Adewale, Punch

New Nigeria coach Éric Sékou Chelle promises attacking football

Éric Sékou Chelle has begun his tenure as coach of Nigeria's men's national team with a promise to play an attacking style of football as he works towards pulling the Super Eagles' World Cup chestnuts from the fire.

The Franco-Malian, who was officially presented by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday, says he is aware of the expectations of Nigerians -- and is prepared for them.

"Football is about scoring goals, I love attacking football, this is my philosophy," Sékou Chelle said at Monday's ceremony. "I know the expectations of Nigerians, and I will settle down and work diligently with assistants towards the goal of qualifying the Super Eagles to the FIFA World Cup."

"I want to thank my agent, the NFF, and indeed all Nigerians, for this big opportunity. Coaching the Super Eagles of Nigeria is an amazing job; I do not take this appointment for granted.

"To coach the most populous Black nation in the world is an honour. For me, it is the best nation in Africa. I am elated and will do my utmost best. I believe Nigeria can qualify for the World Cup."

Sékou Chelle, who has a French father but played for Mali at international level, making five appearances, said that he had always had a soft spot for the Super Eagles, whose chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup are teetering after poor early qualifying results.

The Super Eagles need to win all six of their remaining games to guarantee qualification, and hope other teams in the group stumble. Sékou Chelle says they need to play high-pressure football.

"When I was growing up, this was my favourite team," he said. "I want to be the best. I need to talk to the players. We need to work harder and play high-pressure football. Time is not the best friend of every coach, but if you accept the risk you need to take responsibility."

NFF president Ibrahim Musa Gusau said the coach had signed a two-year contract, with the option of another year if he qualified the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals

"I see in the new head coach the right spirit and the right attitude, and I have faith that he will take the Super Eagles to the next level," Gusau said. "He sees the job of leading the Super Eagles as his dream job, and that is a huge motivation in itself.

"Coach [Sékou Chelle] recognizes and appreciates what is ahead of him, and he says he loves the challenge. We will be there giving him the necessary support all the way."

Despite the vote of confidence from the NFF, Sékou Chelle's appointment has been met with a rash of criticism from some former Nigeria internationals, including high-profile names such as two-time African Player of the Year Nwankwo Kanu and Austin Okocha.

The major arguments are that if the NFF could not hire a high-profile foreign coach they should have left Austin Eguavoen in the role or hired a Nigerian.

In response, 1997 African Player of the Year Victor Ikpeba, a member of the NFF's technical committee that recommended Sékou Chelle, said that no process would have been perfect.

"The appointment of a coach for the Super Eagles will always generate a lot of interest," Ikpeba said. "This is one of the biggest countries in Africa, and that's the passion that comes with the national team.

"Even if we had appointed Pep Guardiola, there would still be complaints. If there are no arguments, there won't be success."

Ikpeba also had some broadsides for his former teammates over their criticism of the appointment

"When Finidi George had his issues in the Super Eagles, how many ex-internationals came out to support him? Eguavoen did a remarkable job to qualify us for the [Africa Cup of Nations] but now a decision has been made and we have to support the new man.

"Eric Chelle is a young coach who will succeed with our support. We're in a tight corner in the World Cup qualifying campaign, and we must back him to get the best out of the players, who are the main actors in this situation."

Sékou Chelle, who becomes the 36th man to coach the Super Eagles, and the first non-Nigerian African, has already begun work, taking a supervisory role in the Super Eagles' African Nations Championship team preparing for the 2016 tournament in Rwanda.

By Colin Udoh, ESPN

Related story: Nigeria make historic hire of Sékou Chelle to manage Super Eagles

Video - Nigerians react to appointment of new Super Eagles head coach

The appointment of former Malian coach, Eric Chelle, took football fans by surprise. Chelle has his job cut out, as Nigerian football officials want the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

CGTN

Video - Nigerian archers call for increased awareness about the sport

Archery was introduced in Nigeria in the 1990s, but the sport is not popular in many parts of the country, largely due to lack of facilities. The Nigeria Archery Federation said it was campaigning for more awareness about the sport, which presents an opportunity for the country to win medals.

CGTN

Ex- Super Eagles star Odemwingie targets Olympic gold in Golf for Nigeria

Former Super Eagles forward Osaze Odemwingie has revealed his ambition of seeing Nigeria represented in golf at the Olympics.

The former West Brom star, who transitioned to professional golf after retiring from football in 2018 is determined to elevate the sport in his home country and inspire a new generation of Nigerian golfers.

Odemwingie began playing golf towards the end of his Premier League career at West Bromwich Albion. He graduated from the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) school in June 2024.

With golf's reintroduction to the Olympics in 2016, he sees a unique opportunity for Nigeria.
What Odemwingie said
“If I cannot play as a golfer, I can at least be in the team of a golfer who will play there,” he told BBC Sport Africa.

He continued, “I want to introduce people to the game and build a generation of golfers, from Nigeria in particular, that will participate in the Olympics.”

Odemwingie understands the prestige of Olympic competition, having been part of the Nigerian team that won silver in men's football at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

Referencing his own medal and the gold won by Nigeria in Atlanta '96, he stated, “The medal is very well respected. It’s a way to sell the project to our state government.”

Beyond the Olympics, Odemwingie is focused on promoting golf within Nigeria. He plans to engage with government officials and corporations to highlight the benefits of the sport and establish a golf academy in Benin City.

“If we have more golf courses, there will be tourism. Kids can get scholarships in good countries. If somebody sees an opportunity, they can latch on to [it] and give themselves an amazing life. It’s like any other sport. The earlier you start, you have a chance to become an elite,” he explained.

Odemwingie’s football career saw him play for Bendel Insurance in Nigeria before moving to Europe, where he played for clubs including La Louviere, Lille, Lokomotiv Moscow, West Bromwich Albion, Cardiff City, Stoke City, Bristol City, Rotherham United, and Madura United in Indonesia.

He also earned 65 caps for the Super Eagles, scoring 11 goals.

By Seye Omidiora, PulseSports

Related story: Former Super Eagle star Odemwingie becomes certified Professional golf player

Nigeria make historic hire of Sékou Chelle to manage Super Eagles

 

In a historic move, Nigeria have named former Mali coach Éric Sékou Chelle as the new manager of the men's senior national team, the Super Eagles announced on Monday.

Sékou Chelle, from Mali, will make history as the first non-Nigerian African to coach the Super Eagles. The 47-year-old came to the attention of Nigerian football fans last year when he led Mali to their first victory over the Super Eagles in 50 years of contests between the sides.

His Mali side defeated Finidi George's Eagles 2-0 in a friendly in March 2024.

A statement from Nigeria Football Federation communications director Ademola Olajire said: "The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has endorsed the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee for the appointment of Mr. Éric Sékou Chelle as head coach of Nigeria's senior men national football team, Super Eagles.

"His appointment is with immediate effect, and he has the responsibility of guiding the Super Eagles to earn a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, with the next round of matches [Matchdays 5 and 6] taking place in March."

Born in Ivory Coast to a French father and a Malian mother, Sékou Chelle holds three nationalities -- Mali, Ivory Coast and France -- and played the majority of his career in France, where he featured for FC Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres and Chamois Niortais.

He represented Mali at international level, making five appearances for the national team.

His coaching career included spells at GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne and MC Oran. He was appointed Mali head coach in 2022, and he took them within a minute of a place in the semifinals at the Africa Cup of Nations.

His wards led hosts and eventual winners Ivory Coast for most of the game before conceding an equaliser in the last minute of regulation time, and eventually losing 2-1 after extra-time -- with Chelle's reaction turning into a viral meme.

Sékou Chelle was fired by Mali in June 2024, days after they were held to a goalless draw by 10-man Madagascar in a Group I World Cup qualifier in Johannesburg.

By Colin Udoh, ESPN

Video - Nigeria hosts Fencing World Cup

Nigeria made history by becoming the first sub-Saharan country to host the event.

CGTN

Ademola Lookman named African players of the year

Nigeria's Ademola Lookman has been crowned the 2024 African Footballer of the Year at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Awards in Marrakesh.

The Atalanta forward saw off competition from Ivory Coast's Simon Adingra, Guinea's Serhou Guirassy, Achraf Hakimi of Morocco and South Africa's Ronwen Williams.

Lookman is the second consecutive Nigerian to claim the award after Victor Osimhen in 2023.

Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda made history as the first Zambian to win the women's prize, finishing ahead of Moroccan Sanaa Mssoudy and Nigeria's Chiamaka Nnadozie.

The winners are voted for by a panel of experts which includes members of Caf's technical committee plus African media professionals, players and coaches.

Lookman's standout year

Lookman, 27, was hot favourite to pick up the award for the first time in his career after an impressive 2023-24 season.

He played a key role in helping his Italian club win the first European trophy in their history with a memorable hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen - making him the sixth player to score a treble in a European club final and the first since 1975.

On the international scene, Lookman was named in the team of the tournament at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, scoring three goals as the Super Eagles finished as runners-up to the hosts in February.

The former Everton, Fulham and Leicester City player was also the only African on this year's men's Ballon d'Or shortlist, finishing 14th.

Lookman has again proved instrumental for Atalanta this season, scoring eight goals in Serie A to help his team go top of the table.

BBC

Osimhen strike books Nigeria place at Africa Cup of Nations

A late equaliser from Victor Osimhen stamped Nigeria's ticket for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday while Tunisia also booked their place with a 3-2 win over Madagascar.

In spite of not playing on Thursday, other results also saw South Africa, Gabon and Uganda secure places at the 24-nation showcase of African football, which kicks off in Morocco on December 21 next year.

Sudan missed a chance to qualify after a shock 4-0 loss to Niger -- a result which offered a glimmer of hope to Ghana ahead of a must-win match in Angola on Friday.

Nigeria were trailing against Benin in Group D before reigning African Footballer of the Year Osimhen equalised nine minutes from time to secure a 1-1 draw in Abidjan.

Mohamed Tijani had put Benin ahead after 16 minutes as they sought to repeat a shock triumph over Nigeria in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at the same stadium last year.

Nigeria top the table with 11 points after five rounds, leaving Benin (seven), Rwanda (five) and Libya (four) to fight for the second qualification place.

Nigeria host Rwanda on Monday at the same time as Libya will have home advantage over Benin. Libya got back into contention by beating Rwanda 1-0 through a late Fahd Mohamed goal in Kigali.

A thrilling 3-2 victory for South Sudan over Congo Brazzaville in Juba ensured Uganda and South Africa would qualify from Group K before they meet on Friday in Kampala.

Congo, needing maximum points to keep their slim hopes alive, twice surrendered the lead before being reduced to 10 men on 78 minutes when Bryan Passi was sent off.

South Sudan took full advantage of having an extra man to snatch victory soon after through substitute Data Elly.

- Seesaw struggle -

Ali al Abdi scored in the third minute of added time to give 10-man Tunisia a 3-2 victory over Madagascar in Pretoria and qualification from Group A.

In a seesaw struggle, Madagascar twice equalised before gaining a late second-half advantage when Wajdi Kechrida was red-carded.

But the Indian Ocean islanders fell behind again four minutes later and defeat stretched a winless run in AFCON qualifiers to 15 matches.

Comoros, shock winners over Tunisia last month, will fill the other qualifying place from the section if they beat the Gambia on Friday.

Sudan needed one point from a clash with Niger in Lome to clinch qualification from Group F, and eliminate four-time champions Ghana.

But the east Africans fell behind after only six minutes when Daniel Sosah scored, and he converted a penalty in first-half added time to widen the lead to three goals.

There was no way back for the rattled Sudanese in the second half with Ousseini Badamassi completing the rout by scoring on 51 minutes.

Ghana must defeat leaders Angola in Luanda, and Niger in Accra on Monday, and hope Angola beat Sudan if they are to avoid the humiliation of failing to qualify.

An unbeaten run by Burkina Faso in Group L ended when they fell 1-0 to 2022 AFCON champions Senegal in Bamako. Habib Diarra scored the lone goal seven minutes from time.

There are 10 qualifiers scheduled for Friday when Botswana, Comoros, Mali, Mozambique, Sudan, Zambia and Zimbabwe could qualify.

Should all seven secure berths, it would leave just two qualifying places up for grabs.

Guinea could fill one on Saturday if they beat the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group H and Tanzania fail to take maximum points against Ethiopia.

Benin, Rwanda or Libya would complete the line-up.

Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast and Senegal had secured places before Thursday.

Morocco are automatic participants as hosts, but are taking part in qualifying to gain competitive match practice.

AFP

CAF awards Super Eagles 3 points, 3 goals against Libya

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, on Saturday awarded three points and three goals to the Super Eagles following the botched 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.

The Super Eagles consolidated their top position in the group following the verdict.

The Nigerian side now have 10 points from four matches, four points clear of nearest rivals Benin.

Libya remain bottom of the group with one point.

A draw with Benin in Abidjan next month will qualify the Super Eagles for the 2025 AFCON to be hosted by Morocco in December 2025.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also fined the Libya Football Federation $50,000.

The fine is to be paid within 60 days of notification of the decision.

Daily Post

Related story: Video - Libya blames Nigeria for abandoned AFCON clash in Benghazi

Nigeria Football team boycotts Africa Cup qualifier after being stranded at Libya airport

 

Video - Libya blames Nigeria for abandoned AFCON clash in Benghazi

The Libyan Football Federation says the flight delays that affected the Super Eagles, which ultimately led to the abandonment of their fixture in Benghazi, were caused by routine air traffic and logistical challenges rather than deliberate foul play. The federation also highlighted the fact that the Mediterranean Knights of Libya also faced challenges after arriving in Nigeria for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier last week. 

CGTN

Related story: Video - Nigerians react to abandoned AFCON clash against Libya

Nigeria Football team boycotts Africa Cup qualifier after being stranded at Libya airport

 

Video - Nigerians react to abandoned AFCON clash against Libya

The aborted 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Libya and Nigeria that was due to be played in Benghazi earlier this week elicited sharp reaction from Nigerians. The Nigerian Football Federation pulled the Super Eagles out of the match after the team was allegedly stranded for hours without basic necessities at an airport in Tripoli. 

CGTN

Related story: Nigeria Football team boycotts Africa Cup qualifier after being stranded at Libya airport

 

Leverkusen's Boniface only 'slightly injured' after car accident

Bayer Leverkusen and Nigeria striker Victor Boniface on Sunday shared video footage and photos of his smashed car after an accident.

The forward can be seen looking into the camera and then showing what appears to be his arm dripping with blood.

Other images show a black sports car which appears to have been destroyed in an accident. The post has since been deleted.

German tabloid Bild reported Sunday Boniface is "doing well considering the circumstances and is only slightly injured", citing a source close to the striker.

Boniface wrote on social media on Sunday "god is the greatest" and "god says my time hasn't come."

The forward's club Leverkusen are yet to comment publicly on the news.

The 23-year-old striker joined Leverkusen last season and played a key role as the club broke through for an unbeaten league and cup double -- their first ever Bundesliga win -- while receiving his debut Nigeria call-up.

This season he has seven goals in 10 games in all competitions. On Saturday, he missed a penalty but headed in the winner in a 2-1 home victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.

Leverkusen are away at French club Brest in the Champions League on Wednesday.

SuperSport

Video - Nigeria hopes for better finish at U-17 Women's World Cup

The Flamingoes, who finished third in the last edition of the tournament in India in 2022, completed preparations for the upcoming competition in the Dominican Republic. The team is placed in Group alongside the hosts, Ecuador and New Zealand.

CGTN

Nigeria Football team boycotts Africa Cup qualifier after being stranded at Libya airport

Nigeria’s soccer players returned to their country dancing and singing on Monday after boycotting their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya where they were stranded overnight at Al Abraq Airport in what the team captain described as “mind games.”

Though authorities in Libya denied it was sabotage, the Confederation of African Football which organizes the competition said it will investigate the “disturbing and unacceptable experiences” of Nigeria.

The Super Eagles were scheduled to play the Group D game on Tuesday. Nigeria won 1-0 when the teams played on Friday, when similar accusations of sabotage from the Libya team came after they were delayed at a Nigerian airport.

Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong said the plane was due to land at Benghazi Airport but was diverted at the last minute to Al Abraq some 220 kilometers (130 miles) away.

“The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason,” Troost-Ekong said on X. “They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games. As the captain, together with the team, we have decided that we will not play this game.”

The Libyan Football Federation said it regretted the flight diversion, adding: “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,” it said on X.

CAF said it referred the incident to its disciplinary board which will take “appropriate action against those who violated” its rules.

Pictures posted online by the players showed some of them lying on airport seats, their luggage beside them and with no other passengers in sight. By Monday morning, some of them were asleep.

Nigerian Football Federation spokesman Ademola Olajire said the team spent 19 hours at the Libyan airport and they were prevented from leaving the facility to board the buses that Nigerian officials eventually hired.

“At past midnight, it was learnt that there had been word from ‘higher authorities’ that the Nigeria delegation should be delayed for a minimum of 10 hours at the airport for what they falsely claimed was done to their team in Nigeria,” Olajire said without elaborating.

The Nigerian players and officials eventually resorted to games and music to play down their anger and frustration, he said.

Among the players in Nigeria’s squad were Ademola Lookman, who scored a hat trick for Atalanta in the Europa League final last season and is on the Ballon d’Or shortlist, and Victor Boniface, a striker for German champion Bayer Leverkusen.

English Premier League players Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Taiwo Awoniyi and Wilfred Ndidi were also in the team that beat Libya 1-0 on Friday.

The Libya team accused Nigeria of maltreatment ahead of the first leg, an allegation the Nigerian federation denied.

Libya captain Faisal Al-Badri said they were delayed “from one city to another” for three hours after their bags were searched, and before they were transported on a road trip to the city where the match was played. He had called for “reciprocity.”

Nigeria sports minister John Owan Enoh said he instructed the soccer federation to send a formal complaint to CAF. “This must be on record and thoroughly addressed,” he said in a statement.

By Chinedu Asasdu, AP

Video - Nigerian flamingoes set for the FIFA Under 17 Women's World Cup

The Nigerian Flamingoes have wrapped up their preparations for the eighth FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup set for the Dominican Republic from next week. They head into the competition as one of the strong contenders from Africa after finishing the third in the previous edition.

CGTN