AFCON: Libya Jittery As CAF Demands Response To Nigeria’s Protest

The Libyan Football Federation is in a state of panic following a directive from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to submit documents concerning the cancellation of the AFCON qualifying Group D match against Nigeria.

This comes after Nigeria’s Super Eagles refused to play the match due to being diverted to Labraq Airport and held for 18 hours without food or water.

In a special statement to Libya Al-Ahrar Channel, Nasser Al-Suwaie, Secretary-General of the Libyan Football Federation, confirmed that both the Libyan and Nigerian football associations have until October 20 to provide documentation related to the incident.

Al-Suwaie expressed concerns over potential collusion among certain parties within CAF but maintained that the position of the Libyan Federation remains robust.

He clarified that the Libyan Federation did not change the plane’s landing course to Al-Abraq Airport. Instead, he stated that the diversion was a decision made by the Libyan state, underscoring the need to respect the sovereignty of Libya.

The Super Eagles returned to Nigeria on Monday with harrowing accounts of their experience.

Team manager Patrick Pascal recounted the discomfort of the players, who had to take turns sleeping on the bare airport floor.

He further disclosed that the airport toilets had been deliberately soiled by Libyan officials in anticipation of the team’s arrival, compounding their distress.