The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released an official statement following the recent ordeal involving the Nigerian Super Eagles at the Al Abaq Airport in Libya, which led to the postponement of their scheduled second-leg clash in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
The Nigerian team, who were set to face Libya after a 1-0 victory in Uyo during the first leg, were stranded for over 16 hours after their flight was diverted to Al Abaq. The players were left unattended at the airport, resulting in frustration and health concerns ahead of the crucial match.
As a result, the Super Eagles made a U-turn and returned to Nigeria, raising serious questions about the logistics and organization of the game. The situation has sparked reactions from African football legends, including Emmanuel Adebayor and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, who expressed their disappointment at the handling of the Nigerian contingent.
CAF, in its statement, condemned the situation and revealed that an investigation into the incident is currently underway. The disciplinary board is tasked with determining whether any regulations were violated, and sanctions are expected based on their findings.
Key Points From CAF’s Statement:
1. CAF’s involvement: The governing body is actively engaged in resolving the situation.
2. Communication with authorities: CAF confirmed it has been in direct contact with both Libyan and Nigerian authorities regarding the incident.
3. Super Eagles stranded: CAF expressed concern over the treatment of the Super Eagles players during their time at the airport.
4. Flight diversion: It was acknowledged that the Nigerian team’s flight was diverted to Al Abaq, contributing to the disruption.
5. Disciplinary investigation: The CAF disciplinary board is investigating the issue to ensure accountability.
6. Potential sanctions: CAF hinted that appropriate actions will be taken in line with its statutes and regulations once the investigation concludes.
Libya vs Nigeria Second Leg Postponed: what next?
With the game now postponed, CAF is expected to announce a new date for the second-leg encounter, while fans and stakeholders await the outcome of the investigation.