The Libyan Football Federation has reacted to news of Nigeria’s Men’s National Football Team’s decision to withdraw from honouring a 2025 AFCON qualifier against the North African nation on Tuesday, October 15 at 19:00 GMT.
Nigeria reported that they were stranded at the Al Abraq Airport in Libya for 12 hours though the team’s flight was scheduled to land at the Benghazi Airport. (Click highlighted text to read full story)
Reports indicate that, this act was in retaliation from the Libyan authorities who went through similar frustrations in Nigeria when the North African nation honoured the first of a double header against Nigeria in Uyo that Nigeria won 1-0.
In a statement released on its X (formerly Twitter) page, the Libyan Football Federation expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and added that “such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel.”
According to @MobilePunch The Super Eagles have taken the decision to withdraw from their Tuesday AfconQ against Libya after being stranded at Al Abraq Airport for 12 hrs
The NFF backs this decision and will subsequently arrange transportation for players back to Nigeria pic.twitter.com/fR2kMaMlUa
— TheFundamentals (@KojoNketsia) October 14, 2024
Libya ranks bottom of Group D standings with just a point from three games while Nigeria lead the group with seven points. Scroll down to read full statement from Libyan Football Federation.
🚨Statement:
1- 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.#Caf #Libya #Nigeria #football
— Libyan FF – الإتحاد الليبي لكرة القدم (@Libyan_FF) October 14, 2024
