Sibling Rivalries and Controversies in African Football: A Look at the Libya-Nigeria AFCON 2025 Row
As the rivalry between the Fursan al-Mutawasit (The Mediterranean Knights) of Libya and the Super Eagles of Nigeria intensifies over the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, I find myself reflecting on a piece I wrote in 2010 titled “Giving the Beautiful Game a ‘Pretty’ Bad Name: A Viewpoint on African Football.” This article explored the tumultuous landscape of African football, where moments of brilliance are often overshadowed by controversies. The recent dispute surrounding Libya and Nigeria is yet another chapter in this ongoing saga.
The controversy at Al Abraq Airport, where the Nigerian team was left stranded without essential resources before their AFCON qualifying clash, has drawn widespread criticism. The Super Eagles were forced to forfeit the match, prompting a strong rebuke from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Fulham manager Marco Silva also voiced concerns over the treatment of Nigerian players Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, describing it as unprofessional and lamenting its potential impact on the players’ fitness for upcoming Premier League fixtures. Silva remarked: “This experience was neither professional nor normal, and it’s certainly not something that should be part of football.”
Unfortunately, such incidents are not new to African football. In my 2010 article, I discussed the good, bad, and ugly sides of the sport across the continent. While African players have made immense contributions to European football, particularly in the Premier League, the management of African football often struggles with poor decisions and internal conflicts. These issues range from the politically charged rivalries between teams to administrative missteps.
One such politically charged rivalry is the long-standing tension between Algeria and Egypt. This animosity came to a head in 2009 during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The teams faced off four times in a span of months, with each encounter fraught with violence and political rhetoric. Clashes between fans, attacks on team buses, and diplomatic tensions made headlines, marring the sporting competition. The rivalry culminated in a tense playoff match in Sudan, which Algeria won, securing their World Cup berth. The fallout from these encounters left deep scars in the footballing relationship between the two North African nations.
Similarly, Nigeria and South Africa have also experienced heated confrontations on the football pitch. One of the most memorable was the diplomatic row during the 2019 AFCON, where Nigeria expressed concerns over security measures in South Africa. These tensions were not just confined to the football field but were influenced by broader political dynamics between the two countries. As Nigeria defeated South Africa in a thrilling quarterfinal, the rivalry, both sporting and political, intensified, further exemplifying how football can often be a reflection of larger geopolitical issues.
The ongoing Libya-Nigeria dispute, while rooted in sporting competition, is reflective of the broader issues that have historically plagued African football. In my 2010 article, I explored similar controversies, including the suspension of the Togolese team from the African Nations Cup after the Cabinda attack and the frequent sacking of African coaches following poor performances. These incidents paint a troubling picture of African football’s governance and the challenges it faces in maintaining professionalism and fair play.
As Africa continues preparations for the 2025 AFCON and other upcoming tournaments, it is clear that the continent’s footballing landscape remains fraught with challenges. The beautiful game in Africa, despite its moments of brilliance, is often overshadowed by rows like those between Libya and Nigeria, Egypt and Algeria, and Nigeria and South Africa. The question persists: can African football rise above these controversies and restore its image, or will these incidents continue to cast a shadow over the sport?
For a more detailed exploration of these issues, readers can refer to my 2010 paper Giving the Beautiful Game a ‘Pretty’ Bad Name, which delves into the recurring challenges facing African football and its impact on the sport’s global reputation.
