“Instances of football sabotage have intentionally interfered with the team’s preparation and performance in Africa. Sabotage can manifest in various ways, such as logistical disruptions, administrative delays, intimidation, and manipulation of travel, accommodation, and match scheduling. These incidents, which have occurred within the context of continental competitions overseen by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), have significantly impacted the integrity and progress of African football.”
The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the most prestigious tournament in African football, captivating millions of fans across the continent. It not only provides an opportunity for supporters to rally behind their national teams but also serves as a platform to celebrate the accomplishments of African players who have made the leap from local clubs to the global stage of European football. Superstars like Sadio Mané, Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen, and Ademola Lookman exemplify African football’s success and intricacies. Nevertheless, a pertinent question arises: Does the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) meet the standards for an international competition in terms of organization, infrastructure, officiating, and overall quality of play? Despite the unmatched popularity of football in the region, the tournament has, in recent decades, failed to embrace this widespread appeal fully. It has been marred by controversies, match-fixing scandals, financial mismanagement, administrative challenges, dramas, and disputes, raising doubts about its reputation. Issues such as subpar officiating, allegations of corruption, violence in the stadiums, and national associations treating each other as adversaries within their own countries have overshadowed the tournament. African football has become entangled in animosities, prompting questions about the underlying reasons for this state of affairs.
Several football analysts have established that the establishment of the Union of European Football Association (UEFA) in 1954 and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 1957 occurred almost simultaneously. UEFA, comprising 55 national associations, was formed first, followed by CAF. The inaugural CAF championship in Khartoum involved Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt, as South Africa withdrew due to its refusal to participate with a mixed-race team. However, African football is currently facing challenges. A comparison between the two football worlds sheds light on why many young African players are eager to leave their countries, driven by the continent’s struggles to organize and manage football effectively. Corruption, mismanagement of funds, and political interference have plagued African football for years, hampering its ability to host successful international tournaments. Embezzling funds intended for football infrastructure and grassroots programs has been a recurrent issue, while political agendas have often taken precedence over the sport’s best interests. These challenges have hindered Africa’s global potential to showcase its football talent and undermined trust in the continent’s football governing bodies. The question persists: What are the consequences of these challenges?
In recent years, African football teams have encountered new challenges in addition to the longstanding issues of corruption and mismanagement. One of the emerging problems is the frequent abandonment of teams at airports due to administrative, financial, and logistical matters by football governing bodies or the Confederation of African Football (CAF). For example, in 2010, the Libyan authorities caused a delay in a flight transporting the Heartland football club of Nigeria. The team experienced a 24-hour hold-up at a Libyan airport due to visa issues upon arrival for their CAF Champions League match against Al Ittihad in Tripoli. This significantly disrupted the team’s schedule and preparations for the game. Similarly, in 2011, Enyimba Football Club, with a rich history in African football, encountered a significant airport delay during their trip to Libya. The delay, caused by visa and security issues, hampered their travel plans as they were en route to play a crucial CAF Champions League match against Al Ittihad. This unexpected delay not only affected the team’s travel schedule but also added an extra layer of challenge to their preparation and focus for the upcoming match. The Libyan authorities justified the implementation of strict travel and security measures by citing the political unrest prevalent in the country at that time. Despite these challenges, both teams ultimately participated in their respective matches.
Years later, the South African national football team (Bafana Bafana) faced a delay at the Port Harcourt International Airport in Nigeria before their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Nigeria. The delay was caused by the team missing their connecting flight to Uyo, where the game was scheduled. Upon arrival in Port Harcourt from Johannesburg, the team discovered that the airport in Uyo had already closed for the day, requiring an overnight stay at Port Harcourt Airport. These travel complications disrupted the team’s preparations for the crucial match, as they had already endured a lengthy journey of over 18 hours. Last week, the Libyan national football team also experienced delays at the Port Harcourt airport in Nigeria upon their arrival for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Nigeria. The delay occurred because the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) failed to inform the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) about their arrival in Port Harcourt instead of Uyo, the intended match location. Upon their arrival, the Libyan team opted to make their own transportation arrangements instead of using the ones provided by the NFF. Later, there were complaints about the buses they had hired, with reports stating that they lacked air conditioning. However, the NFF stressed that they had provided the necessary security and logistical support and attributed any inconvenience to the choices made by the Libyan team.
Following an earlier delay, the Libyan Football Federation reciprocated by causing delays for Nigeria’s Super Eagles during their trip to Libya for the return match against Libya. Reports suggested that Libyan authorities deliberately caused delays in response to issues their own team had faced in Nigeria. Football analysts alleged that Libya intentionally held the Nigerian team at their airport for over 18 hours, causing significant inconvenience. They perceived this as part of a broader strategy by Libyan authorities to hinder the Nigerian team. Many have argued that the delay experienced by the Libyan national football team at Port Harcourt airport was primarily attributed to logistical challenges and inadequate communication between the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). Specifically, the Libyan team’s decision to land in Port Harcourt instead of proceeding directly to Uyo, the location of the match venue, was not communicated to the Nigerian authorities, leading to confusion and airport delays. Furthermore, the Libyan team’s choice to handle their own transportation arrangements, which reportedly involved uncomfortable, non-air-conditioned buses, added to the delays and stress ahead of the AFCON qualifier.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) vehemently denied the allegations of mistreatment during the Libyan team’s visit to Nigeria. The NFF stated that they addressed any reported delays and discomfort experienced by the Libyan team at Port Harcourt airport. The NFF emphasized that they provided all necessary support, including security and transportation, as required for visiting teams. The NFF attributed the confusion to last-minute changes in travel plans made by the Libyan Football Federation (LFF), including the decision to land in Port Harcourt instead of Uyo, the designated match venue. Additionally, they clarified that any discomfort experienced by the Libyan team, such as non-air-conditioned buses, was due to their decision to arrange their own transportation instead of using the services provided. The Nigerian football authorities stressed that they diligently adhered to protocol and were not responsible for the delays or any inconvenience faced by the Libyan team.
After the Nigerian football team was stranded for over 18 hours, the team decided to cancel the match against Libya. Nigerian captain William Troost Ekong expressed frustration, describing the incident as “sabotage” by Libyan authorities. However, the Libyan authorities vehemently denied involvement in the alleged sabotage, attributing the flight diversion to security challenges. This incident has drawn significant global attention and sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of visiting teams in international competitions, prompting essential discussions about the standards of hospitality and accommodation provided to visiting teams during such events. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) expressed deep concern and pledged to thoroughly investigate the “disturbing and unacceptable experiences” faced by the Nigerian team. It is surprisingly heartbreaking to hear that some Nigerians, with their loud mouths, have taken to social media to assert that we somehow interfered with the flight of the Libyan national team. Therefore, we should accept whatever treatment we receive from the Libyan Football Federation. How can we be so pessimistic about Nigeria that we fail to acknowledge any wrongdoing against our nation? Why do we find joy in negative occurrences involving Nigeria and Nigerians? What satisfaction do we gain from focusing on these negatives?
I do not blame such Nigerians. I blame the government for providing unrestricted access to the Internet, allowing them to purchase data and disparage Nigerians or anything about Nigeria without undergoing thorough scrutiny or analysis of the issues. Misleading information concerning our football can exacerbate tensions and sow division within the nation. It is worrying that some are trying to use social media to deepen the existing disunity, especially when sports have the potential to unite us. No wonder countries like Egypt have imposed restrictions on social media, where individuals can’t simply express unfounded opinions without conducting thorough investigations. While I understand the approach taken by countries like Egypt in regulating social media, there are more effective ways to address these issues. The Nigerian national football team’s use of platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to share their experiences during their delay in Libya not only served as a means of communication but also documented their journey, potentially providing valuable evidence for the Confederation of African Football’s investigation into the team’s travel and stay in Libya.
Despite some unscrupulous Nigerians supporting Libya and expressing gratitude for their retaliation, the account provided by the Tunisian Pilot who flew the Super Eagle Team to Libya for the crucial football match was quite consoling. It strongly suggests that the deviation from the planned flight path was not accidental but a deliberate and premeditated act. The pilot disclosed that the air traffic control communications showed no signs of distress or emergency before the sudden change in direction. According to his statement, the air traffic controller instructed him to redirect the flight to an unused airfield without a proper explanation, raising serious concerns about the safety and security of the flight and the people on board. This reckless action could have potentially led to a mishap and endangered the safety of the passengers and crew on board. Such behavior constitutes a serious offense that warrants further investigation by the relevant aviation authorities. This conduct may have legal implications beyond the jurisdiction of football governing bodies. We urge CAF to identify the individuals responsible and hold them accountable or subject them to the appropriate disciplinary actions. This is crucial not only to address the current situation but also to deter any potential repeat occurrences in the future. It is essential to uphold football’s integrity and high standards by ensuring that all individuals understand the consequences of their actions and the importance of adhering to established protocols and guidelines.
Instances of football sabotage have intentionally interfered with the team’s preparation and performance in Africa. Sabotage can manifest in various ways, such as logistical disruptions, administrative delays, intimidation, and manipulation of travel, accommodation, and match scheduling. These incidents, which have occurred within the context of continental competitions overseen by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), have significantly impacted the integrity and progress of African football. The sabotage has led to unfair advantages for specific teams, undermined the spirit of fair play, and hindered football development in the region. It is imperative for African football authorities to address and effectively prevent any instances of sabotage swiftly. This proactive approach is essential to maintain a level playing field, uphold the integrity of the sport, and foster the overall growth and development of African football.
The repeated incidents of football sabotage undermine the credibility of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as the governing body of African football. Such unethical practices and disruptions in high-profile tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations and the CAF Champions League, cast severe doubt on the fairness and integrity of competitions, eroding trust among fans, sponsors, and global football organizations. This not only tarnishes the reputation of African football but also makes it increasingly tricky for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to attract top sponsors, secure lucrative broadcasting deals, and elevate African football on the world stage effectively. This could hinder the growth and development of the sport across the continent. We, therefore, urge CAF to thoroughly investigate instances of sabotage, such as match-fixing, corruption, and unfair practices, and take concrete actions to address them before they irreparably damage the integrity and beauty of our beloved sport.
CAF faces significant challenges in enforcing strict regulations to prevent sabotage within its operations. The lack of robust mechanisms for punishing misconduct or providing effective oversight leaves substantial gaps for potential exploitation. While CAF has implemented fines and suspensions as punitive measures, the lack of consistent enforcement exacerbates the issue, raising concerns about the overall effectiveness of the regulatory framework. The progress of football in Africa hinges on the presence of fair competition. Sabotage hampers growth, dissuades investment, and restricts the opportunities for African players and teams to engage in international football. It conveys that unethical conduct might be accepted, creating obstacles for developing nations to participate in competitions. We call upon the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to review its internal mechanisms and ensure consistent enforcement of the law against individuals involved in acts of sabotage. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the sport and upholding fair play across all levels of competition.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has faced allegations of being a victim and participating in acts that undermine visiting teams. These allegations have implications for the NFF’s reputation within CAF and FIFA and its relationships with other African football associations, which could result in strained dynamics during competitions and international matches. We urge the Nigeria Football Federation to take immediate action and implement comprehensive measures to prevent acts of sabotage in the future. Nigeria is closely scrutinized by several African nations, stakeholders, fans, and sponsors due to the negative impact of these incidents on the organization and execution of football tournaments and events. Therefore, it is crucial to take proactive steps to defend our reputation rather than passively waiting for potential attacks when faced with flight delays beyond our control. The Nigeria Football Federation should collaborate closely with relevant stakeholders, including airlines, airport authorities, and tournament organizers, to identify the root causes of these issues and develop sustainable solutions to prevent similar incidents. By demonstrating a proactive and transparent approach, Nigeria can reassure fans, sponsors, and the broader football community of its commitment to upholding the highest standards in organizing and executing football tournaments and events.
Sabotage has been a persistent issue affecting Nigerian football clubs and national teams, particularly during their away games in continental competitions. They have faced deliberate delays in transportation, intimidation tactics, and questionable officiating, all of which have significantly impacted their performance in crucial matches. To safeguard the interests of Nigerian football, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) should actively push for enhanced security and protection for the teams, both on and off the field. Additionally, the NFF must advocate for greater transparency and fairness within the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to ensure that Nigerian teams are not unfairly targeted. Moreover, to avoid any potential entanglement in allegations of sabotage, the NFF needs to prioritize fair play and uphold the highest standards of professionalism for Nigerian teams, especially in home matches. This proactive approach will not only protect the integrity of Nigerian football but also position Nigeria as a leading advocate for upholding ethics and fair play within African football.
To counteract sabotage in African football, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) should enforce stricter and more precise regulations. This would entail imposing significant penalties on countries, teams, or officials involved in such activities, including fines, suspensions, or expulsion. Moreover, consistent enforcement and monitoring mechanisms, such as regular audits and investigations, are essential to ensure transparency. Launching fair play campaigns across the continent would contribute to nurturing a culture of integrity and sportsmanship in African football. These campaigns could encompass educational programs, workshops, and outreach efforts targeting players, coaches, and fans to promote ethical behavior and respect for the game. Federations like the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) should actively advocate for these initiatives within their respective countries. This may involve developing and implementing integrity policies, establishing ethical conduct guidelines, and providing regular integrity training for all football stakeholders.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) can mitigate the risk of sabotage by providing comprehensive infrastructure and logistical support for all participating teams. This includes ensuring that training facilities, accommodations, and transportation meet international standards. Host countries should be required to adhere to stringent facilities, security, and hospitality regulations to safeguard the safety and well-being of all participants. Establishing independent bodies, such as a referee commission and a match scheduling committee, to oversee critical decisions could diminish the perception of bias or manipulation in sports. These independent bodies would ensure impartial referee appointments and transparent and fair match scheduling, thereby bolstering the overall integrity of the game. Moreover, teams should have access to confidential reporting mechanisms, such as a dedicated integrity hotline or online reporting platform, to promptly raise concerns and ensure that issues are handled effectively. This would empower players, coaches, and officials to report suspicious activities or ethical breaches without fear of reprisal, fostering a more transparent and accountable football environment.
Therefore, we strongly urge the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to thoroughly investigate the “disturbing and unacceptable experiences” that teams encounter when traveling to other countries for international competitions. The recent incidents involving acts of sabotage and kidnapping in African soccer are profoundly concerning and demand immediate action. For instance, consider the scenario where a team’s flight is diverted to an airport over 300 kilometers away due to external interference. This not only disrupts the travel plans but also poses a severe safety risk. If the aircraft had run out of fuel due to the diversion, it could have resulted in a catastrophic crash. Such negligence and disregard for safety standards are unacceptable in African football. It is imperative that all member countries adhere to international standards for the safety and security of all teams and individuals involved in football competitions. The safety of players, coaching staff, and all personnel must be a top priority. CAF must take decisive measures to address these issues and ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. Enough is enough!
Rev. Ma, S.J., is a Jesuit Catholic priest of the North West Africa Province of the Society of Jesus. He writes from Abuja, FCT.
