South Sudan National Team Stranded In Libya As Passports Seized.
In a troubling repeat of past incidents, the South Sudan national football team found themselves stranded at an airport in Libya for three hours on Monday, with their passports confiscated by local officials. The team, who had arrived in Benghazi from Cairo at 10:12 AM local time, faced a frustrating ordeal that echoes similar experiences endured by Nigeria and Benin in the North African nation.
According to reports, no representatives from the South Sudan Football Association were present at the airport to facilitate the team’s entry, leaving the players and staff at the mercy of Libyan immigration officials. For three to four hours, the squad was left without food, water, or clear communication, before their passports were seized. Eventually, they were permitted to leave the airport—albeit without their travel documents—raising concerns about their ability to continue their journey or return home seamlessly.
This incident bears a striking resemblance to the treatment meted out to Nigeria’s Super Eagles in October 2024. During their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier preparations, the Nigerian team’s flight, originally bound for Benghazi, was diverted at the last minute to Al Abraq International Airport, some 230 kilometres away. Stranded for over 16 hours without food, water, or phone connectivity, the players accused Libyan authorities of deliberate “mind games” aimed at disrupting their focus ahead of the scheduled match. The team’s captain, William Troost-Ekong, described the situation as “disgraceful,” noting that the airport gates were locked, and no assistance was provided. Ultimately, Nigeria boycotted the fixture, prompting an investigation by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which later awarded them three points and fined Libya $50,000 for breaching regulations.
Benin’s national team has also faced challenges in Libya, though specific details of their experience remain less documented. However, the recurring pattern of logistical disruptions and alleged mistreatment of visiting squads has cast a shadow over Libya’s hosting of international football matches.
For South Sudan, the latest episode adds to the growing list of grievances African teams have encountered when travelling to Libya. The players, visibly shaken but resilient, were able to depart the airport after the prolonged delay, though the fate of their passports remains unclear. The South Sudan Football Association has yet to issue an official statement, but the incident is likely to spark calls for CAF to intervene once more.
Football fans across the continent have expressed outrage on social media, with many pointing to Libya’s apparent pattern of obstructing visiting teams. “It’s becoming a disgraceful trend,” one supporter posted on X. “CAF needs to take stronger action to protect players and ensure fair play.”
As South Sudan’s national team presses forward with their commitments, this ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the challenges African football continues to face off the pitch. The hope now is that such incidents will prompt meaningful reforms to safeguard the spirit of the game across the continent.
