The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) blamed opponent Nigeria for the cancellation of Tuesday’s African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Nigerian players and officials reported being trapped for more than 16 hours at the airport, about 220 kilometers from Benghazi, where the match was scheduled to take place. The plane’s destination was changed at the last minute.
The Super Eagles players had no access to food or water during the ordeal and were not contacted by Libyan officials, so they did not play in the game and decided to fly back to Nigeria on Monday. He said he had chosen.
Captain William Troost-Ekong said his team would not make the three-hour bus journey in the unstable country for safety reasons. He accused Libyan authorities of “mind games”.
Libyan Federation statement
The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) said the incident was unintentional and asked for Nigeria’s understanding.
LFF said in a statement: “We reject any allegation suggesting foul play or sabotage in this situation.”
“There is no basis for accusing the Libyan security team or the Libyan Football Federation of deliberately orchestrating this incident.”
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“Such actions go against our values and principles.
“We categorically reject any allegations suggesting foul play or sabotage in this situation.”
LFF noted last week that its homegrown players were also facing travel difficulties.
Libya’s plane landed several hours away from the match venue in Uyo, and the players endured long travel delays before losing 1-0 to Nigeria.
What is happening now?
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said: “We have been informed that the Nigeria national football team and its technical team have been stuck at the airport in disturbing conditions for several hours and are in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities.” Announced. They are said to have been instructed by Libyan authorities to disembark. ”
The federation said the matter has now been referred to a disciplinary committee.
Former African Player of the Year Victor Ikpeba, who was with the team in Libya, advocated for stricter sanctions against Libya and supported the decision to boycott the match.
“If CAF knows what they do, Libya should be expelled from international football,” he told AFP news agency.
Meanwhile, the LFF said it would take all legal measures to protect the interests of the national team.
After the Nigeria squad returned home, Troost-Ekong said the experience would make him and his teammates stronger. The team tops the qualifying group with seven points and is in pole position to qualify for next year’s final in Morocco.
“Throw at us what you want. It’s in our blood to overcome it,” he tweeted. “I’ve seen a lot in my 10 years with this group, but there’s never been an experience like this, and it’s one that has brought us even closer together.”
Among the Nigerian players are Ademola Lookman, who scored a hat-trick with Atalanta in last season’s Europa League final and is a candidate for the Ballon d’Or, and Victor Boniface, a striker from German Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. There is.
rc/ (AFP, AP, DPA, Reuters)
