The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has launched a scathing critique of its Nigerian counterpart following a chaotic flip of occasions main as much as their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier in Benghazi.
The match, set for Tuesday was thrown into disarray when the Super Eagles squad opted to boycott the sport after their flight was diverted to Al Abraq airport on Sunday.
Stranded about 230 kilometers (143 miles) from their meant vacation spot, the Nigerian delegation confronted important delays on the terminal constructing earlier than deciding to return dwelling.
They arrived again in Kano by Monday afternoon, leaving the Libyan group in a lurch.
Despite Libya’s preparations to meet the fixture on the Martyrs Stadium in Benina, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that the match wouldn’t happen.
In a robust assertion, the LFF condemned the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) for its refusal to take part, pledging to take “all necessary legal measures” to guard the pursuits of the Mediterranean Knights.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong defended the squad’s resolution on social media, emphasizing the significance of respect in soccer.
“Our goal of doing the best for Nigerian football won’t ever change,” he acknowledged on X, expressing hope for a extra favorable final result in subsequent month’s AFCON journey.
CAF has initiated an investigation into the incident, citing Nigeria’s “disturbing conditions” throughout the ordeal.
Several outcomes loom, together with the potential of Libya being awarded a 3-0 victory or a rescheduling of the match.
Nigeria are making ready to lodge an official criticism with CAF.
Tensions have been brewing between the 2 federations, particularly after Libya’s grievances following their current qualifier in Nigeria.
Last week, Libyan gamers endured journey delays after their flight landed removed from Uyo, the match venue.
Despite Nigeria securing a slender 1-0 victory in that match, either side proceed to voice their frustrations over the remedy of gamers and officers.
The LFF claims they confronted “challenging circumstances” main as much as final Friday’s fixture, asserting that their airplane was rerouted to Port Harcourt as a substitute of Uyo.
The NFF refuted this, stating it was Libya’s resolution to journey to Port Harcourt, and that they have been solely knowledgeable of the touring social gathering’s plans at a late hour.
The NFF additionally alleges that Libya rejected provided transport choices and ended up navigating “dense forest and remote jungle roads” to achieve Uyo with out safety escorts.
Adding to the tensions, the Nigerian delegation reported delays leaving Nigeria and suspected that Libya had orchestrated the same expertise for them.
NFF press officer Promise Efoghe described the expertise as “horrific and harrowing,” emphasizing the gamers’ considerations for his or her security.
In distinction, the LFF defined that Nigeria’s flight diversion was not intentional, attributing the incident to straightforward air site visitors protocols and logistical challenges widespread in African worldwide journey.
However, the NFF voiced their dissatisfaction, revealing that the Nigerian gamers have been locked contained in the terminal with out meals, water, or Wi-Fi, pressured to sleep on chairs throughout their wait.
While Nigeria’s expertise was exacerbated by Libya’s political turmoil, which sees the nation divided between rival administrations, it’s price noting that Sudan efficiently hosted Ghana in Benghazi with out reported problems.
Source: www.dailysabah.com