The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) introduced on Monday that the nationwide workforce has safely returned dwelling following studies of “inhumane treatment” in Libya forward of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
In an announcement, the NFF detailed the workforce’s departure from Al-Abraq Airport at 3:05 p.m., heading to Kano earlier than persevering with to the Federal Capital, Abuja.
NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire elaborated on the workforce’s “ordeal on Libyan soil” in a complete 20-point assertion, highlighting how the “keenly anticipated match” devolved right into a “fiasco” as a result of actions of Libyan federal authorities and the Libyan Football Federation.
The Super Eagles endured a troublesome state of affairs after being detained at an deserted airport in Libya for greater than 20 hours following their chartered flight’s arrival on Sunday. Originally scheduled to land in Benghazi, the workforce’s aircraft was unexpectedly diverted to Al-Abraq, positioned 230 kilometers (143 miles) from its meant vacation spot.
A proper criticism by Nigeria has been despatched to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), whose disciplinary board is now investigating the incident.
Captain William Troost-Ekong stated the workforce wouldn’t make a three-hour bus trip from al-Abraq to Benina, the place the qualifier was scheduled to be performed on Tuesday, for security causes.
“As the team captain, together with the team, we have decided that we will NOT play this game,” he posted on social media.
“Let them have the factors.
“We will not accept to travel anywhere by road here; even with security, it’s not safe. We can only imagine what the hotel or food would be like given to us if we continued.”
CAF stated it seen “the disturbing and unacceptable experiences of the Nigerian national football team at an airport in Libya in a very serious light.”
The assertion added that CAF had been in touch with each the Libyan and Nigerian authorities.
“Appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF statutes and regulations,” the assertion concluded.
The Libyan Football Federation denied any impropriety, saying in an announcement it had the “utmost respect” for Nigeria.
“There are no grounds to accuse the Libyan security teams or the Libyan Football Federation of deliberately orchestrating this incident,” it stated.
“Such actions are inconsistent with our values and ideas.
“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation.”
‘Team just isn’t secure’
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba, who accompanied the Nigerian workforce to Libya, has known as for stiff sanctions towards Libya and supported the choice to boycott the match.
“If CAF knows its job, Libya ought to be banned from international football,” he instructed Agence France-Presse (AFP).
“This is a high-risk nation, and one actually wonders who permitted for Libya to be enjoying its video games at dwelling.
“I played for the Super Eagles for 10 years, and I never experienced what I have in Libya in the last hours.”
“The team is not safe; those of us traveling with them are also not safe,” he added.
“We have been locked up in an deserted airport for greater than 10 hours like hostages.
“The team will call their bluff and not play this match.”
On Friday, Nigeria beat Libya 1-0 within the southern metropolis of Uyo.
Nigeria leads Group D with seven factors from three matches, whereas Libya is on the backside of the standings with one level.
Source: www.dailysabah.com