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Tag: Libya

  • JUST IN: Super Eagles on course for AFCON 2025 after CAF sanctions Libya

    JUST IN: Super Eagles on course for AFCON 2025 after CAF sanctions Libya

    The Super Eagles Nigeria is poised to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with two matches to spare.

    This comes after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded the Super Eagles three points and fined the Libya Football Federation 50,000 USD

    The Eagles are now on 10 points from four matches, four points better than second-placed Benin Republic, while Rwanda have five points. Bottom-placed Libya have only one point and are out of the running for qualification.

    With the earned three points, the Super Eagles only need a draw against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Abidjan on Thursday, November 14, which will guarantee them a ticket to the finals in Morocco, December2025/January 2026

    The Nation reports that the Disciplinary Board of Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Nigeria, three points and three goals from the botched Matchday 4 encounter of the 2025 AFCON qualification series scheduled to be played by Libya and Nigeria in Benina on 15th October.

    In its ruling on Saturday, signed by the chairman, Ousmane Kane, the Disciplinary Board ruled:

    1) The Libya Football Federation is found to have breached Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

    Read Also: Super Eagles shoot  to 36th in  FIFA ranking

    2) The match No. 87 Libya v. Nigeria of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 (scheduled to be played on 15 October in Benghazi) declared lost by forfeit by Libya (by a score of 3-0).

    3) The Libya Football Federation is ordered to pay a fine of USD 50,000.

    4) The fine is to be paid within 60 days of notification of the present decision.

    5) All other and further motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.

  • UPDATED: CAF awards Nigeria three points, fines LIbya

    UPDATED: CAF awards Nigeria three points, fines LIbya

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sanctioned Libya and awarded three points and three goals to Nigeria for the abandoned game against Libya.

    This was disclosed in a statement by the chairperson of CAF Disciplinary Board, Ousmane Kanethe on Saturday.

    Nigeria walked away from the tie following poor treatment by the host country that left Super Eagles players and staff stranded at an abandoned airport for almost a day.

    The Libya Football Federation was also fined $50,000, which must be paid within 60 days of the decision’s notification.

    The penalty, aimed at holding Libya accountable for regulatory violations, reflects CAF’s stance on maintaining discipline and fairness in the tournament.

    CAF, in its ruling, said it found the Libya Football Federation to have breached Article 31 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

    The five-point decision in the statement reads: “The Libya Football Federation is found to have breached Article 31 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

    Read Also: BREAKING: CAF awards three points to Nigeria, fines Libya 50, OOO USD

    “The match No.87 Libya v. Nigeria of the CAF African Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 (scheduled to be played on 15 October 2024 in Benghazi) is declared lost by forfeit by Libya (by a score of 3-0).

    “The Libya Football Federation is ordered to pay a fine of USD 50,000.

    “The fine is to be paid within 60 days of notification of the present decision.

    “All other and further motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.”

    With the decision, Nigeria has 10 points from four games.

  • BREAKING: CAF awards three points to Nigeria, fines Libya 50, OOO USD

    BREAKING: CAF awards three points to Nigeria, fines Libya 50, OOO USD

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded the Super Eagles three points and fined the Libya Football Federation 50,000 USD 

    This was contained in a statement by the football body. 

    In the statement signed by Ousmane Kane, Chairperson of CAF Disciplinary Board, the Governing body ruled on the botched Africa qualifiers between Nigeria and Libya. 

    Read Also: CAF keeps Nigeria, Libya in suspense

    It reads: “The Libya Football Federation is found to have breached Article 31 of the AfricanCup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary
    Code.

    “The match No.87 Libya v. Nigeria of the CAF African Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 (scheduled to be played on 15 October 2024 in Benghazi) is declared lost by forfeit by Libya (by a score of 3-0).”

    Details shortly…

  • CAF keeps Nigeria, Libya in suspense

    CAF keeps Nigeria, Libya in suspense

    The Confederation of African Football is keeping everyone waiting after failing to make its decision on Wednesday on the bungled AFCON qualification Group A match set for October 15 at Benina Martyrs Stadium.

    It appears that the football authority has yet to make a decision, as BeIN Sports reports that the Disciplinary Committee heard explanations from both parties via video conference on Wednesday, with Libya and Nigeria fully represented.

    CAF had previously decided to cancel the Libya-Nigeria match after the Nigerian national team left Libya in protest at the diversion of its flight to Labraq Airport, where they were locked in for 18 hours with neither food nor water.

    Read Also: NFF launches monthly Football Awards today

    Nigeria had called on CAF to intervene to rescue them from detention inside Labraq Airport, according to the Nigerian side’s allegations.

    CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, said that the incident was under investigation as the rules for receiving visiting teams are being reviewed, stressing that CAF will take strict decisions in this crisis and will not tolerate any deviation.

  • Libya FA’s myopia

    Libya FA’s myopia

    The cardinal rule on which international sporting bodies allow countries to host their competitions is the willingness of the government of such hosts to provide security guarantees for everyone associated with the event before, during, and after. Yet, the Libya Football Association‘s chieftains informed the CAF’s panel investigating the show of shame at the Al Abraq Airport in writing that the Libyan government ordered the midair redirection of the Value Jet Aircraft from Benghazi Airport to a disused airport. Isn’t this an own goal in Nigeria’s favour?

    What the investigating panel needs to find out from the Libya FA chiefs and their government is whether any aircraft operator or operators used the Benghazi Airport on the day the Value Jet aircraft conveying the Nigerian contingent was diverted to the rustic Al Abraq Airport.

    Article 16.14 of the Regulations provides that ‘if there is an international airport in the city where the match will be held or near that city by less than 200kms; and if the visiting team wishes to land directly at this airport; the host association must facilitate all formalities for entry.’

    In light of the regulations stipulating that the host association, Libya Football Federation must facilitate all formalities for the entry of the visiting team, the Super Eagles of Nigeria, the inability of the Libyan authorities to ensure a smooth entry process for the Nigerian team represents a significant breach of these obligations.

    Indeed, international sporting bodies frown at overbearing governments largely because of their arbitrariness in handling burning sporting issues. In fact, where irritant governments behave in unsportsmanlike- manner, the international sports federation doesn’t waste time in slamming sanctions, no matter whose ox is gored. In fact the CAF President,  Patrice Motsepe during the body’s General Assembly Tuesday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia inferred that: “Too many stories have been told of national teams or football clubs going to a country, and they spend hours at the airport, being asked about documents that don’t exist.”

    The CAF President stressed the importance of fair play, calling for visiting teams to be treated with respect and dignity.

    “We should have zero tolerance.

    “Appropriate action will be taken.

    “But it’s this lack of sportsmanship that has existed and we haven’t taken effective action, but I just want to repeat, we are proud of those nations that treat visiting national teams and football clubs with the respect and dignity they deserve.

    Read Also: Okosun lauds  NFF for honouring retirees

    “If there are violations of those regulations and those rules, we will take action,” Motsepe concluded.

    Besides, such countries wishing to host international competitions must relax their immigration rules including the issuance of entry visas among other criteria for easy passage of the participants, foreigners who would love to be at such events,  plan their vacation and that of their wives and kids for that period.

    Interestingly, the Libyans’ short-sightedness in this matter looms large not with their threats to drag the impasse to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) in Lausanne as if the body would grant their requests for the game’s three points and other charges levied against Nigeria over their uncouth reception to the Nigerian contingent.

    What the Libyans have forgotten is that the world is a global village in terms of the dissemination of information. Members of CAS don’t live on the moon. They must have been reading what transpired in the show of shame at the Al Abraq Airport, knowing that the losers in the matter would run to them to seek redress by challenging CAF’s decision if it didn’t favour the Libyans.

    Expectedly, FIFA council member and former Nigeria Football Federation president, Amaju Pinnick also highlighted the gravity of the situation, emphasising, “This is very serious because anything could have happened to the Super Eagles. CAF is not leaving any stone unturned.”

    In an interview with Arise Television, Pinnick confirmed that the issue was given serious attention during CAF’s executive committee meeting. “CAF is taking this issue very seriously,” he said.

    “Today, tomorrow, we will have the final result.

    “CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, personifies integrity, and Pan-Africanism. We deliberated on it in our executive committee meeting. It was a subject of intense discussion.”

    Pinnick, who represented Nigeria at the probe panel’s sitting, accused the Libyans of unsportsmanship attitudes toward the Nigerians and the Super Eagles. His position was supported by a number of delegates among who are Senegalese Augustin Senghor; Cameroonian Seidou Mbombo Njoya; and Sierra Leonean Isha Johansen. Libya on the other hand was represented by Abdul Hakim Al-Shalmani, a CAF Executive member and former president of the Libya Football Federation.

    Back to the show of shame in Libya at the Al Abraq Airport, the Tunisian air officer who piloted the Value Jet aircraft from Kano described what happened whilst he was airborne as hostage-taking adding that: “The flight plan was to land in Benghazi as our destination and we got the approval from the Libyan authorities to land there, but unfortunately when we were at a close distance, we were told to divert to another airport which was about 300km away from our destination.

    ”It was far and towards the east and not a part of our coordinates. It is something that’s not good because, in aviation, we have our flight plan and calculate the amount of fuel that’ll take us through so we have to avoid issues like this because it could hamper our safety.

    ”When we were about to land in Benghazi, they told us no, citing it was an order from the highest authority in aviation, we cannot hide anything. I asked them at least eight times but they repeated the same thing, saying we cannot land there. Thank God we made it safely and we landed safely. We have all the evidence and they’re well documented,” the Tunisian aeronaut explained.

    The Tunisian aeronaut’s account of what transpired while he was airborne puts the Libyans’ requests into the trash bin considering what could have transpired had the Value Jet Airline’s aircraft been piloted by a pilot unfamiliar with the setting at the Al Abraq Airport, being a pilot who had worked in Libya for two years.

    One is excited with the fact that CAF is taking a holistic look at the antics of the hosts towards their visitors. In fact, CAF’s President Motsepe listed a few of them which he said the body has taken note of.

    “I have heard too many stories of a football club or national team going to a country. You spend hours at the airport, and they ask you about documents,” Motsepe said.

    “Apparently, during COVID, they would look at who the best players are from your team and say those 10 players have COVID-19.

    “You tell them that you have just been tested, and they say no, you have COVID. But it’s this lack of sportsmanship that has existed, and we haven’t taken effective action. If there are violations of those regulations and rules, we will take action,” Motsepe concluded.

  • It was narrow escape in Libya, pilot who flew Eagles reveals

    It was narrow escape in Libya, pilot who flew Eagles reveals

    The pilot of a ValueJet aircraft that flew the stranded Super Eagles players back to Nigeria on Tuesday has revealed how his familiarity with Libya’s airspace and luck saved their lives in the troubled  North African country.

    ‘’I worked there(Libya) for two years… I know the area very well,’’  he said, adding that he complained to Libyan Aviation authorities ‘’at least eight times,’’ that he might run out of fuel.

    The Tunisian-born pilot thanked  God for enabling him to land ‘’visually’’ in the Al-Abraq Airport which lacks ‘’Instrument Landing System (ILS),  air navigation approach, and  VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range).’’

    This scary narrative is contained in a viral video watched by The Nation correspondents yesterday. Sports Journalist Pooja who interviewed the pilot posted  the video on his  X  handle.

    The pilot told Pooja that the flight, originally scheduled to land at Benghazi’s Benina Airport  was forced to immediately divert to  Al Abraq Airport, located approximately Kilometres  miles away.

    He said: “The flight plan was to land at destination Benghazi, Benina, and we got the approval from the Libyan civil aviation authority that we are approved to land in Benghazi. But unfortunately, when we started descent, they asked us to divert to Al Abraq which is almost 300 kilometres..

    Read Also: Before Lagos bans sachet water and other single-use plastics

    “In aviation, we have our flight plan, we calculate the fuel to our destination. So, we have to avoid this kind of thing because it may cause a breach of air safety. When I asked to land in Benghazi according to my flight plan and according to my authorisation, they said no, it’s from the highest authority, you have to land in Al Abraq Al Bayda.

    “I asked them several times, at least eight times. And I warned them that I would probably be in trouble for fuel. They said it is from highest authority, you cannot land in Benghazi, you have to divert immediately to Al Abraq. Thank God, we made it safely.

    “Al Abraq is like a domestic airport, not well-equipped. There is no Instrument Landing System (ILS), no air navigation approach, and no VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range). We had to land visually, which is dangerous under such circumstances, especially at night and with marginal weather conditions,” he said, emphasising that there was no option for a second attempt at landing, making it a “first and last chance situation.

    “I worked there for two years with a Tunisian company, so I know the area very well, and it was not an easy matter at all. When a pilot hears me, he will understand that it was not an easy thing to land by night with marginal weather, without ILS, no air navigation approach, no VHR.” 

    During their plenaries in Abuja yesterday, the Senate and House of Representatives flayed the Libya Government and called for a probe of the incident. 

     The Eagles chartered plane which departed the country on Sunday for Benghazi was diverted shortly before arrival by the Libyan authorities. 

    The players, the coaches and officials, including Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim   Gusau and Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, were left stranded without food for over 16 hours.

     Efforts to get them out of the airport were met with hostility by Libyan officials.

    While stranded in Libya, the Nigerian government initiated diplomatic efforts to address the situation.

    A displeased President Bola Ahmed  Tinubu called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF)  to investigate the incident and take action against those responsible for violating the organisation’s statutes and regulations.

    Nigeria defeated Libya 1-0  in the first leg in Uyo, giving the Eagles seven points from four matches in the qualifiers.

    N’Assembly seeks probe of incident

    The National Assembly condemned the ill-treatment of the players and their handlers. It called on the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs to probe the incident.

    In the Senate, the resolution was a sequel to a Point of Order raised by Senator Sumaila Kawu while in the House, it was after the adoption of a motion by Kabiru Amodu. 

    The Senate, however,  commended the “Federal Ministry of Sports and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) for facilitating the safe return of our  players, as they are no longer in the right frame of mind to go ahead with the scheduled match.”

      Deputy Senate  President   Jibrin Barau, who presided,    said what happened to the Super Eagles in Libya was not in tandem with the spirit of sports.

    “We think this is a mistake that the Libyan authorities should be given a chance to correct and apologise to the Nigerian government.

    “Nigeria is a big country in Africa. We always lead in terms of diplomacy, friendship, and everything. So, we call on the ambassador and whoever is concerned and the authorities to come out and apologise for what they have done to our national team,’’ Barau said.

    Senate  President   Godswill Akpabio had in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity,   Eseme Eyiboh, described what happened to the players as  ‘’unfortunate’’  and a stark reminder of the disregard for human dignity and the lack of respect for international norms.”

     After the consideration of   Amodu’s motion, House of Representatives   Speaker    Tajudeen Abbas appreciated the patriotism of the players.

    He mandated the Committees on Sports and Foreign Affairs to investigate the incident.

    Libya threatens legal action

    The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has vowed to sue Nigeria withdrawing  from the AFCON qualifying match. 

     In a statement shared by The Libya Observer, the LFF accused the NFF  of not cooperating in the organisation of the match.

    The statement reads partly, “The Libyan Football Federation clarifies that its Nigerian counterpart did not cooperate with it in any way, whether regarding the first or second leg match, noting that the events beyond our control do not equal a small part of what the Libyan national team was exposed to in the first leg match.” 

    The statement offered an apology to Libyan football fans for the confusion and delays in the match arrangement, attributing it to the NFF’s actions.

  • Akpabio, Barau condemn maltreatment of Super Eagles in Libya

    Akpabio, Barau condemn maltreatment of Super Eagles in Libya

    …call for probe, stiffer penalties

    The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and his deputy, Barau Jibrin, on Tuesday, condemned in strong terms the ill-treatment of members of the nation’s senior team, the Super Eagles, and its delegation to a return leg of the 2025 African Cup of Nation (AFCON) qualifier in Libya.

    Akpabio, in a statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, decried the antics and shameful behaviour of the Libyan officials and authorities.

    He said: “This unfortunate incident is a stark reminder of the disregard for human dignity and the lack of respect for international norms”.

    The Senate President declared that the reported mistreatment of our players is not only unacceptable but also a breach of the principles of fair play and sportsmanship that underpin international football competitions.

    Akpabio called for a thorough investigation of the incident by the federal government to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the incident and to take necessary remedial actions.

    He said: “As the President of the Senate, I stand in solidarity with the Super Eagles, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the entire Nigerian football community in condemning this unjust treatment.

    “The Nigerian Senate will continue to monitor this situation closely and ensure that the rights and dignity of our citizens are protected.

    “We will not tolerate any form of mistreatment or disrespect towards our nationals, regardless of the circumstances.

    Read Also: Libyan highest authorities forced Super Eagles flight diversion – Pilot

    “We demand a thorough investigation from the Disciplinary Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and appropriate sanctions to be meted out against those involved.

    “It is also imperative that the Libyan authorities take immediate action to investigate this incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable to prevent future occurrences.

    “We call on the international football community to condemn this unacceptable behaviour and support our demand for justice.

    In his remarks during a motion for personal explanation moved by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Sulaiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila (Kano South), on the ill-treatment of the Super Eagles in Libya, during plenary, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, also condemned the incident.

    Senator Barau who presided over the plenary said what happened to the Super Eagles in Libya was not in tandem with the spirit of sports.

    Barau said: “The essence of sports is to promote unity and competition and enhance brotherhood among the countries on the continent. The way our players were treated is terrible and condemnable.

    “Fortunately, you (Kawu) have come through a personal explanation, and this is what we intended it to do because we don’t want a diplomatic row; we think this is a mistake that the Libyan should be given a chance to correct and apologise to the Nigerian government.

    “Nigeria is a big country in Africa. We always lead in terms of diplomacy, friendship, and everything. Based on that spirit, I am sure you decided that this matter should be treated this way so we can give their leaders a chance to apologise to our national team.

    “So, we call on the ambassador and whoever is concerned and the authorities to come out and apologise for what they have done to our national team.

    “So, I thank the Chairman of the Sports Committee. You have done very well, and it is good that you have brought forth this matter. You have shown that you are up and doing in terms of your duties.”

  • Nigeria seeks action over ill-treatment of Super Eagles in Libya

    Nigeria seeks action over ill-treatment of Super Eagles in Libya

    • Tinubu deplores ordeal of national team

    What would have been the Cup of Nations qualifying match today between Libya and Nigeria turned to a fiasco.

    The Super Eagles who were ill-treated, were promptly withdrawn from the match.

    They returned home yesterday after an ordeal described as “unsportsmanlike and inhumane” by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who called for a prompt action.

    The Eagles chartered plane which departed the country on Sunday for Benghazi was diverted shortly before arrival by the Libyan authorities to Al-Abraq Airport.

    The players, the coaches, officials including Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Musa Gusau and Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu were left stranded without food for many hours.

    Attempts to make effort to get the Nigerian delegation out of the airport were met with hostility by Libyan officials.

    While stranded in Libya, the Nigerian government initiated diplomatic efforts to address the situation.

    Clubs of star-studded Super Eagles were in touch with their players and were already making arrangement to airlift them out of Libya.

    This too, met with a rebuff from the Libyan Aviation authorities.

    Nigeria defeated Libya 1-0 on Saturday in Uyo, given the Eagles seven points from four matches in the qualifiers.

    President Bola Tinubu   called on CAF  to conduct a thorough investigation and take action against those responsible for violating the organization’s statutes and regulations.

    Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga in a statement said: “President Bola Tinubu, deeply moved by the inhuman treatment endured by the Super Eagles of Nigeria at a Libyan airport, warmly welcomes their safe return to Nigeria.

     “The harrowing experience of the national football team at the hands of their hosts and the Libyan authorities prompted the Nigerian Football Federation to withdraw the Super Eagles from the scheduled match on Tuesday.

     “President Tinubu expects the Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to conduct a thorough investigation and recommend appropriate action against those who wilfully violated the organisation’s Statutes and Regulations.

     “The President commends the proactive coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development in addressing the unfortunate episode and ensuring the safe return of our players.

     “President Tinubu applauds the players for keeping their spirit alive despite the excruciating ordeal in Libya.

     “The Nigerian leader recognises football’s unifying power in bringing nations and people together and views the treatment of our citizens as unsportsmanlike and inhumane, a stark contrast to the spirit of the game he deeply appreciates.

     “He fervently calls on all lovers of the round-leather game and administrators to unite and work collaboratively to prevent and overcome such incidents in the future”.

    The NFF reported the incident to CAF whose secretariat responded by referring the matter to the Disciplinary and Organising Committee.

    Erstwhile Vice President of CAF Board of Appeal, Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam, said  the NFF  had done the right  thing  by pulling  out  the Super Eagles from the match.

    He added that  the NFF  should be   ready  to  defend its action  in order to avoid  any sanction  for the unwarranted  maltreatment  at  the Al-Albraq  International Airport.

    The Federal Government initially summoned the Libyan chargé d’affaires Ambassador Ayad Mesbah al-Tayari for clarifications.

    This idea was dropped, it was gathered, because of the uncertain political situation in Libya where there are two governments – one in Tripoli and the other in Benghazi.

    Read Also: Tinubu demands justice for Super Eagles’ mistreatment in Libya

    The intervention of Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar secure the release of the team from the Al-Abraq  International Airport.

    Spokesperson of the ministry, Amb. Eche Abu-Obe, said a call from Tuggar to his Libyan counterpart ended the hours of delay at the airport.

    Abu-Obe, in a statement said Tuggar spoke to Libyan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Eastern Government, Dr. Abdulhadi Lahweej and both of them were able to resolve the crisis amicably.

    He said: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs received with dismay the news of the unfortunate detention of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) officials and the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Al Abraq International Airport several hours after arriving ahead of Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya.

    “This spawned a series of actions, culminating in steps taken to assuage the officials and reassure the players of their safety. Subsequently, the contingent departed for Nigeria.

    “In ending the phone conversation, Amb. Tuggar commended the authorities’ actions in resolving the incident, and both Ministers appreciated the amicable resolution of the unfortunate situation in the spirit of African brotherhood.”

    Blow by blow of the airport drama

    NFF’s Director of Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire, gave the details of what transpired at the airport.

    He said: “No official of the Libyan Football Federation was at the airport to receive the delegation, as is the best practice globally. Airport officials could not answer the simple question on where the buses that would take the delegation members back to Benghazi (where the NFF had booked hotel rooms).

     “When delegation members including the NFF President, Comrade Shaibu and Dr Sanusi attempted to venture outside the airport to ascertain if there were vehicles waiting for the team, they were stopped in the most uncouth of manners by airport security personnel”.

    At this point, it was there for all to see  that there  was more to  this than meets the eye  with the  Super Eagles  ensconced  at the Al-Abraq international airport and with words rife that the Libyan authorities  had   rejected  the application of  the Embassy of Nigeria in Tripoli to welcome the Nigeria delegation on arrival in Benghazi.

    “We anticipated some shocks here given the false account of what happened in Nigeria as narrated by their team captain,” a bewildered NFF President  was quoted as saying. “But we did not expect these shenanigan.

    “What I am seeing is despicable and has no place in the game of football which is meant to foster excellent relationships among nations and bring people from diverse cultures, religious persuasions and economic and political interests together in an ambience of peace and joy,” he added.

    Flight diversion not intentional

    The Libya Football Federation (LFF) denied involvement in the ordeal of the Nigerian delegation.

    It said on its  official X handle: “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

     “While we regret any inconvenience caused, it is essential to note that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel.

     “These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon. We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional.”

  • BREAKING: Super Eagles land in Kano after Libya ordeal, set for Abuja, Lagos flights

    BREAKING: Super Eagles land in Kano after Libya ordeal, set for Abuja, Lagos flights

    The Super Eagles have landed safely in Kano, completed immigration formalities, and are set for onward flights to Abuja and Lagos.

    This was disclosed by the Super Eagles Captain, William Troost-Ekong on his X page, he said: “Back home safe & sound. Proud of this team, NAIJA SPIRIT can’t be broken.

    “Throw at us what you want, it’s in our blood to overcome. I’ve seen a lot in my 10 years with this group, but nothing like this, an experience that has brought us even closer together.”

    Read Also: Super Eagles: Libyan Chargé d’Affaires summoned over hostage situation

    Adepoju Tobi Samuel, popularly known as OgaNla media also confirmed on his X page saying,

    “BREAKING!!! The Super Eagles are back in Nigeria. We checked and stamped out our passports from Kano. The Nigerian contingent has landed in Kano from Libya.”

  • PHOTOS: Super Eagles players sleep in Libyan airport after abandonment

    PHOTOS: Super Eagles players sleep in Libyan airport after abandonment

    Super Eagles players sleep in Libyan airport after abandonment

    Read Also: Etim Esin wants resolute Super Eagles  away  to  Libya