The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has issued a strong statement in response to the Nigerian national football team's decision to boycott the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier scheduled for Tuesday. The Super Eagles, Nigeria's national team, announced their withdrawal following what they described as "inhumane treatment" during their arrival in Libya.
The Nigerian players and officials were stranded for over 20 hours at Al Abraq Airport after their chartered flight was unexpectedly diverted from its intended destination of Benghazi. During this time, they reported having no access to food, water, or proper communication with Libyan authorities. Team captain William Troost-Ekong expressed serious concerns about the safety of the team and stated unequivocally that they would not undertake a three-hour bus journey to the match venue under such conditions.
In a statement released today, the LFF condemned Nigeria's decision to withdraw from the match and emphasized that there were no grounds for such actions. The federation expressed its "utmost respect" for Nigeria and urged understanding regarding the logistical challenges faced by both teams. "We firmly reject any claims suggesting foul play or sabotage," the statement read. "The incident was not intentional and we are committed to upholding the integrity of football in Libya."
The LFF also highlighted that their players had faced similar travel difficulties during their recent visit to Nigeria, suggesting that both teams have encountered challenges that should be addressed collaboratively rather than through accusations.
As training continues for the Libyan squad in preparation for the match, the LFF is exploring all necessary legal avenues to protect its interests following Nigeria's withdrawal. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is currently investigating the situation, which could lead to sanctions against Libya or a rescheduling of the match.
Victor Ikpeba, a former African football star who accompanied the Nigerian team, has voiced his support for their decision to boycott the match due to safety concerns. He called for stringent measures against Libya if CAF determines that regulations were violated.
The LFF remains hopeful for a resolution that allows both teams to compete fairly and safely in future matches.