Sports
AFCON Qualifiers: CAF Silent On Super Eagles’ Ordeal In Libya
The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) remains silent amidst growing outrage over the Super Eagles’ horror in Libya, where the Nigerian national football team was stranded at Al Abraq Airport for 13 hours while en route to a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights.
The Super Eagles‘ scheduled flight to Benghazi Airport was unexpectedly rerouted, leaving players and officials without food or internet access during their extended wait.
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Disturbing images and videos emerged on social media, showing the team sleeping on benches surrounded by scattered luggage, highlighting their dire circumstances and prompting widespread condemnation from fans and officials alike.
The Nigerian government quickly condemned the situation, likening the treatment of the Super Eagles to “hostage-taking.” Minister of Sports Development John Enoh took swift action, escalating the matter to relevant authorities, including the Foreign Affairs Minister, the National Security Adviser, and Amaju Pinnick, a member of CAF’s executive committee.
Enoh said, “All through the night, I have escalated the matter and involved all necessary authorities. I have been in constant communication with the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who is on the ground with the team, and the Chairman of Value Jet, the airline that transported the team to Libya.”
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), echoed the minister’s sentiments, urging CAF to intervene and address the “inhumane” treatment faced by the senior national team.
As of now, CAF has not commented on the incident, raising concerns about the handling of logistics and security for competing teams in the AFCON qualifiers.
The lack of response from the continental football governing body has added to the frustration among Nigerians, who are calling for accountability and better treatment of their national team.
The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has taken a defiant stance ahead of the crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Nigeria, stating that there will be “no room for excuses” as their players prepare for the clash.
The statement comes amid controversy surrounding Nigeria’s decision to pull out of the match following an extended delay at Al Abaq Airport.
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In a post on its official X account on Tuesday, the LFF shared images of the Libyan national team’s training session at the Martyrs of Benina International Stadium in Benghazi.
The federation emphasized its commitment to playing the match as scheduled, with a caption that read, “Some may be used to putting up obstacles before the match, but here in the heart of Benghazi, specifically on the grounds of the Martyrs of Benina Stadium, there is no room for excuses after the starting whistle.”
The fixture has been thrown into uncertainty after Nigeria’s Super Eagles and officials were stranded at the airport for over 16 hours following an unexpected flight diversion on Sunday.
This disruption led the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to announce their withdrawal from the Group D qualifier, originally slated for today.
The LFF has condemned Nigeria’s withdrawal and accused the NFF of failing to cooperate in organizing both the initial and return legs of the qualifying tie.
The Libyan federation further criticized Nigeria’s decision, contrasting it with their own experience during the first leg, where the Libyan team faced what they described as “inhumane conditions” in Nigeria but still fulfilled the fixture.
The LFF’s message comes as both federations remain at odds over the situation, raising the possibility of legal action, with Libya vowing to take all necessary steps to protect its national team’s interests in the AFCON qualifiers.
The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has voiced its disapproval regarding the Super Eagles of Nigeria’s decision to withdraw from an upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, stating plans to take legal action against the Nigerian team.
The controversy arose when the Super Eagles arrived at Abraq International Airport, where they encountered significant travel disruptions less than 48 hours before their scheduled match against Libya’s Mediterranean Knights.
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Recall that the Nigerian contingent, which departed from Uyo on Sunday morning, was left stranded at the airport, raising serious safety concerns.
In light of these issues, the Nigerian players chose not to participate in the match, resulting in strong criticism from the LFF.
See statement below:
The Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team, have safely returned to Malam Aminu Kano International Airport following a difficult ordeal in Libya.
Biztellers reports that the team was left stranded at Abraq International Airport, less than 48 hours before their crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights, scheduled for Tuesday.
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The Nigerian contingent had departed from Uyo on Sunday morning, anticipating a smooth journey to Libya for the upcoming match.
However, upon arrival at Abraq International Airport, the team faced unexpected complications that left them stranded and unable to proceed as planned.
More to follow…………
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