The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has asked the Libyan and Nigerian Football Federations to explain why 2025 AFCON qualifying Group D fixture was called off.
Futballnews understands that Nigeria Super Eagles refused to play the match after being held in a near-hostage situation at the Al ABraq Airport following their arrival for the fixture.
We also learnt that the Al ABraq Airport was not the original destination Nigeria’s football delegation was expected to land.
The flight was set to land in Benghazi, where the match was to be played, before the pilot was given a mid-air order by the Libyan government to divert the plane to Al ABraq airport.
On arrival at Al ABraq airport, the Nigerian delegation raised alarm about Libya’s harsh treatment which included lack of water and food for several hours alongside poor internet coverage.
Footage of Nigerian footballers showing them sleeping on makeshift seats swept the media. It was at the instance of such treatment that the team decided to pull out of the match and travel back to Nigeria.
CAF had reportedly urged the Nigerian delegation to go ahead with the fixture but they turned down the plea and implored the football governing body to investigate the incident.
CAF gives Libya, Nigeria deadline to explain fallout at Al ABraq Airport
Now, CAF has reportedly asked Libya, including Nigeria for an explanation of the ugly incident that led to the cancellation of the fixture.
According to Libya Al-Ahrar Channel, the Secretary-General and person in charge of running the body, Nasser Al-Suwaie, has confirmed in a statement that the football governing house in Africa has given the Libyan and Nigerian associations until October 20 to submit the documents per the fallout.
Notably, the Libyan Football Federation have not denied the diversion of the Nigerian flight to Al ABraq Airport but they have argued it was not the decision of the LFF.
According to Al-Suwaie, the LFF has assigned a lawyer to provide evidence, adding that there may be collusion from some parties within the CAF, but the position of the Libyan Federation is strong.
He cleared the air that the Libyan Football Federation had nothing to do with changing the course of the plane’s landing to Al-Abraq Airport as it was exclusively on the orders of the Libyan state.
According to Al-Suwaie, it was a decision taken by the Libyan state, and the sovereignty of the Libyan state must be respected by everyone.
”Our position in this case is strong. We have sensed some possible collusions that may obstruct Justice but there is no cause for alarm as we have all the evidence,” he said.
CAF’s possible penalty for guilty party
CAF are expected to take a decision after hearing from both parties. They had already confirmed that the case had been referred to the body’s Disciplinary Commission for further action.
After assessing reports by the two countries and diligent investigations, suggestions are that the match will be rescheduled at a neutral venue with Libya fined if they are found guilty. Nigeria could also be sanctioned if they are the guilty party.
Football fans are eagerly waiting for the verdict from the football umpire with calls to ensure such an incident never occur again.
