The Libyan Football Federation is currently facing a difficult situation as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has demanded an explanation regarding the cancellation of the AFCON 2024 qualifying match between Libya and Nigeria. This match, part of the Group D qualifiers, was called off after Nigeria refused to play due to an alleged incident at Labraq Airport in Libya.
According to reports, the Nigerian team’s flight was redirected to Labraq Airport, where they were held for over 18 hours. During this time, they were reportedly denied food and water, leaving the players stranded and in distress. As a result of these events, Nigeria refused to proceed with the match, leading to its cancellation.
Libya Al-Ahrar, a local news channel, reported that CAF has now given both the Libyan and Nigerian football associations a deadline to submit all relevant documents regarding the incident. The deadline for submitting the documents has been set for October 20, 2024.
Nasser Al-Suwaie, Secretary-General of the Libyan Football Federation, confirmed this development. He stated, “CAF has given the Libyan and Nigerian associations until the 20th of this month to submit the documents related to this file.”
Al-Suwaie added that the Libyan Federation is actively working on their response and has hired a specialized lawyer to handle the matter. He also hinted at possible collusion by certain individuals within CAF but emphasized that Libya’s position is firm.
In defense of the Libyan Football Federation, Al-Suwaie clarified that the Federation had no control over the Nigerian team’s diversion to Labraq Airport. He explained that the decision to change the flight’s course was made by the Libyan state authorities and had nothing to do with the football body. He insisted, “The sovereignty of the Libyan state must be respected by everyone.”
Following the ordeal, the Nigerian Super Eagles team returned to Nigeria with disturbing accounts of their experience at the airport. Team manager, Patrick Pascal, described how the players had to take turns sleeping on the bare floor. Pascal also claimed that the airport’s facilities, especially the toilets, were deliberately made unsanitary by Libyan officials ahead of their arrival.
