The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has urged Nigeria to proceed with their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya in Benghazi, despite escalating safety concerns following a series of incidents that left the Super Eagles stranded, according to Soccernet.ng.
The Nigerian national football team was en route to Libya for Tuesday’s crucial fixture when their flight was diverted mid-air to Al Abraq, a small airport primarily used for Hajj operations. This diversion stranded the Super Eagles without immediate support from Libyan authorities.
To worsen the situation, the Libyan Football Federation failed to arrange transportation to Benghazi, compounding the team’s difficulties. The Nigerian players received minimal assistance, only gaining internet access and essential supplies by early Monday morning.
In light of what they termed “threats to life and hostilities,” the Super Eagles, led by captain William Troost-Ekong, opted to withdraw from the match. “The players made this decision due to the threats to their lives and the hostility from the host country since their arrival,” Troost-Ekong stated.
On Monday, Nigeria’s Sports Minister John Owan Enoh confirmed that CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba had urged Nigeria to continue with the match. However, Enoh rejected this request.
“This morning, I participated in a conference call with the CAF President and Secretary General,” Senator Enoh explained. “While the CAF President’s focus was on how to ensure the national team’s participation in tomorrow’s match, I emphasized that the primary concern of the government and the people of Nigeria is the safety of the team and their secure return. I urged CAF to work with us to address this issue.
“There must be serious repercussions for the Libyan Football Federation regarding this unacceptable behavior. Insisting that Nigeria participate in this match under the current circumstances is unacceptable.”
Currently, Nigeria tops Group D with seven points from three matches, while Libya sits at the bottom with just one point.