The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has strongly condemned Nigeria’s decision to withdraw from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, citing potential legal action against the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). Libya expressed deep disappointment after the Super Eagles’ abrupt exit from the match scheduled for October 15, 2024. According to the LFF, Nigeria’s decision to pull out was not only unjustified but also harmful to the interests of the Libyan national team.
In an official statement, the LFF accused the NFF of failing to cooperate in the organisation of both the first and second-leg matches, causing widespread confusion and delays. The LFF pledged to take legal measures to protect its team, condemning Nigeria’s withdrawal as an “unacceptable disruption” of the tournament. This development has raised tensions between the two football federations, with Libya determined to pursue justice on behalf of its players and fans.
Nigerian Football Federation Cites Safety Concerns After Airport Ordeal
The Nigerian Football Federation justified its decision to withdraw from the AFCON qualifier, citing the safety concerns that arose after the Super Eagles were stranded at Al Abaq Airport in Libya for over 13 hours. The Nigerian team experienced a harrowing ordeal after their flight was unexpectedly diverted to the airport, leaving the players, pilots, and support staff without basic necessities like food and water.
Photos of the Nigerian players sleeping on airport benches went viral, prompting widespread condemnation from Nigerian authorities and football fans. William Troost-Ekong, the Super Eagles’ captain, described the situation as “disgraceful,” accusing Libyan officials of playing “mind games” by deliberately revoking their landing permit. The NFF later announced that these unacceptable conditions posed a significant risk to the safety of the players, leading to the decision to withdraw from the scheduled match.
President Tinubu Welcomes Super Eagles’ Return from Libya, Demands Justice
In response to the Super Eagles’ ordeal, President Bola Tinubu welcomed the team’s safe return to Nigeria and called for swift justice. Expressing deep concern over the “inhuman treatment” of the players at the Libyan airport, President Tinubu described the situation as unacceptable, urging the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to conduct a full investigation. He expects the Disciplinary Board of CAF to recommend appropriate action against those responsible for violating the spirit and regulations of the tournament.
President Tinubu also commended the swift response from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, which ensured the safe return of the players. The President praised the resilience of the Super Eagles, applauding their courage despite the extreme conditions they endured in Libya.
Calls for Improved Cooperation and Fair Play in African Football
The controversy surrounding Nigeria’s withdrawal from the AFCON qualifier has ignited broader discussions about cooperation and fairness in African football. President Tinubu highlighted the unifying power of football, noting that the treatment of the Super Eagles was not in line with the values of sportsmanship. He called on CAF, African football federations, and administrators to work together to prevent future incidents that undermine the integrity of the game.
Libya’s legal threats and Nigeria’s safety concerns have revealed significant gaps in coordination between African football governing bodies. As tensions escalate, both countries are looking to CAF for solutions to ensure that the spirit of fair play prevails in future competitions. The incident has sparked debates among football enthusiasts, with many calling for stricter enforcement of tournament regulations to protect the safety and dignity of all players involved.
Table of Contents
Discover more from OGM News NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
