CAF Executive Committee member Abdul Hakim Al-Shalmani has expressed significant disappointment regarding Libya’s lack of support during the recent hearing concerning the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Libya and Nigeria.
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Al-Shalmani criticized Libyan authorities for their inadequate defense and representation, especially when contrasted with Nigeria’s robust delegation.
According to Al-Shalmani’s comments published by Libya Akhbar, over 20 Nigerian representatives, including the Minister of Sports and several members of parliament, attended the hearing to bolster Nigeria’s case.
In stark contrast, Al-Shalmani found himself alone in advocating for Libya, which he termed a missed opportunity for national unity.
“While I was representing Libya alone, this issue was supposed to be an opportunity to unite ranks and support the homeland,” Al-Shalmani lamented.
“It is unreasonable for me to address the responsible authorities individually without having an official position that would enable me to do so. This is an issue that affects Libya’s dignity and sporting reputation and requires everyone’s intervention.”
In the meantime, Amaju Pinnick, the former president of the Nigeria Football Federation, confirmed that CAF is expected to announce its verdict on the incident soon.
He emphasized that the CAF Executive Committee regarded the matter with high importance during their latest meeting.
“CAF is taking this issue very seriously,” Pinnick stated in an interview with Arise Television. “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.”
The case stems from an incident on October 15, 2024, when Nigeria’s Super Eagles were detained at Al Abraq Airport for over 15 hours before their scheduled AFCON qualifier against Libya.
Consequently, Nigeria’s team chose not to play and returned home.