FG Blasts Libya Over Poor Treatment On Super Eagles, Petitions CAF
…We Are Sorry, Libya Football Federation Apologize
The Libyan Football Federation has apologised to the Nigerian delegation after the diversion of their flight from Benghazi to Al Abraq, leaving the team stranded for over 15 hours.
The Nigeria Football Federation announced on Monday that the Super Eagles will not honour the Africa Nations Cup qualifiers after the delegation was held hostage.
The Libya Football Federation has responded to the claims of foul play, while citing air traffic control protocol for the diversion in a statement on Monday.
The statement reads, “We are deeply concerned about the recent reports surrounding the diversion of the Nigerian national team’s flight ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya.
“While we regret any inconvenience caused, it is essential to note that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel.”
The Federation claimed that the diversion was not intentional, and frowns at the foul play allegations.
“These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon. We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional.
“There are no grounds to accuse the Libyan security teams or the Libyan Football Federation of deliberately orchestrating this incident. Such actions are inconsistent with our values and principles.
“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation. It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification.
“Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities. Football, in its essence, unites nations, and we are committed to upholding the spirit of fairness and mutual respect both on and off the field.
“We hope that this misunderstanding can be resolved with understanding and goodwill. Our doors are open to our Nigerian brothers and all African teams, and we continue to promote the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and friendship in the world of football.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh has slammed Libya for the ill treatment handed out to the Super Eagles delegation.
He said, “I strongly condemn the obnoxious treatment meted out to players and officials of the Senior National Team, the Super Eagles, who arrived in Libya yesterday, the 13th of October, for the reverse version of the match played on Friday in Uyo, the AFCON 2025 Group D qualifiers.
“The National Team was en route to Benghazi but was diverted on approach the airport(with very scant attention to their safety) to Al Abaq Airport, which is hours away from Benghazi, where their match is slated to take place.
“All through the night, I have escalated the matter and involved all necessary authorities. From the Foreign Affairs Minister, the National Security Adviser, the DG NIA, Amaju Pinnick, our CAF Executive member. I have also remained in touch with both the president of the NFF, who is on the ground with the team and the Chairman of Value Jet, owners of the plane that airlifted the team to Libya.”
The Minister confirmed that he had spoken with CAF President, Patrice Motzepe, who has apologised and made effort to persuade the team to play the match tomorrow, but the minister vehemently rejected the plea and ordered the team to return back to Nigeria.
He said, “As Sports Minister, I have instructed the NFF president to lay a formal complaint to CAF without prejudice to any actions already taken. This must be on record and thoroughly addressed. This morning, I was on a conference call with the CAF President and CAF Secretary General.
“While the CAF President’s concern seems to be what to do to get the national team to participate in tomorrow’s match, I have instead informed CAF that the concern of the Government and people of Nigeria is first, the safety of the team and their safe return, urging that CAF should focus on working with us to achieve this. There must be a serious adverse conseqùence to the Libyan football federation for this unspeakable behaviour.
“This can not be done by insisting that Nigeria still takes part in this match, given the very obvious situation. I strongly condemn the obnoxious treatment meted out to players and officials of the Senior National Team, the Super Eagles, who arrived in Libya yesterday, the 13th of October, for the reverse version of the match played on Friday in Uyo, the AFCON 2025 Group D qualifiers.”
Super Eagles Captain, William Troost-Ekong confirmed that the team is about to leave Libya for Nigeria.
He wrote: “Power of social media. Apparently our plane is being fueled as we speak, and we should be leaving to Nigeria shortly. Thanks for everyone’s support!”.
FG Blasts Libya Over Poor Treatment On Super Eagles, Petitions CAF is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
