CAF released a statement on its official website on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, which is the same day the Libya vs Nigeria match was initially scheduled for. According to reports from the communique released, the match has been postponed until further notice while they continue their investigation.
What did CAF say about Libya vs Nigeria game?
“The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Qualifier fixture between Libya and Nigeria will not take place as scheduled tonight.The matter will be referred to the competent CAF bodies.”
Recall that the Super Eagles of Nigeria decided to forfeit the match against the North Africans after they were delayed at the airport upon arrival from Nigeria. According to reports from the players, they were not in the right frame of mind and were not physically ready to play.
The captain of the team, William Troost-Ekong had initially released a statement on his official social media account stating that football is all about respect for one’s opponent but that must start with themselves.
He said,
12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Lybia after our plane was diverted whilst descending. Lybian government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games. I’ve experienced stuff before playing away in Africa but this is disgraceful behaviour. Even the Tunisian Pilot who thankfully managed to navigate the last minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land had never seen something like this before.”
He added,
“Upon arrival he tried to find a nearby airport to rest with his crew to be denied at every hotel again under Government instruction. He could sleep there but NO NIGERIAN crew members allowed. They have returned to now sleep on the plane which is parked up. At this point we have called for our Nigerian Government to intervene and rescue us. As the captain together with the team we have decided that we will NOT play this game. CAF should look at the report and what is happening here. Even if they decide to allow.”
this kind of behaviour, let them have the points. We will not accept to travel anywhere by road here even with security it’s not safe. We can only imagine what the hotel or food would be like given to us IF we continued. We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen but these things on purpose have nothing to do with int. football. We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen but these things on purpose have nothing to do with int. football.”
However, both teams will wait for CAF’s final verdict to decide if the points will be warded to Libya or Nigeria or if the game will be rescheduled.
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