Football fans across the nation are engulfed in anxiety as they await the Confederation of African Football’s ruling on the disrupted 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifier between Nigeria and Libya.
The verdict, expected today (Wednesday), comes after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) filed a complaint against the Libyan authorities for the ill-treatment of the Super Eagles upon their arrival for the second leg against Libya on Sunday, according to The Punch.
The NFF’s grievance stems from a video shared by the Eagles’ media team, which shows players and officials stranded at the airport alongside their luggage, with Libyan airport staff seemingly unconcerned, speaking in Arabic.
Originally, Libya was set to host the Super Eagles at the 10,000-seater Martyrs of Benina Stadium, situated just 10 kilometers from Benghazi. However, the Nigerian team’s flight was rerouted to Al Abraq Airport, which lies over 200 kilometers away and requires a three-and-a-half-hour drive to reach the camp.
Al Abraq International Airport, typically reserved for Hajj operations, was ill-equipped to handle the Nigerian contingent, who were left without basic amenities.
Additionally, the Libyan Football Federation did not provide any transportation or welcoming team, leaving the NFF to arrange alternative travel. For over 20 hours, the Nigerian team was stranded without food or water, ultimately leading them to boycott the match.
In response to Nigeria’s protest, the Libyan Football Federation countered by claiming the Nigerians failed to cooperate during both the first and second leg, suggesting that the Nigerian team’s complaints were minor compared to their own experience during their stay in Nigeria for the first match.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe, during a press conference following the 46th Ordinary General Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, acknowledged that an investigation was ongoing, heightening anticipation for Wednesday’s decision. His remarks have fueled concerns among football fans, as Motsepe hinted that CAF would take stern action against offenders for mistreating visiting teams.
Sports broadcaster Ken Ochonogor commented, “We have a strong case, but as always, politics plays a role. I read that Morocco and other North African nations are backing Libya. Let’s see how things unfold.”
On social media platform X, Kayoed Ogun shared his concerns, stating, “I don’t have a good feeling about this. His comments suggest that Nigeria might also face sanctions for how we treated the Libyan team, even though they were at fault.”
Yinka Tinuade expressed outrage over Libya’s decision to divert the Nigerian aircraft to an unplanned airport, calling it “downright malicious.” She added, “The pilot’s report should be enough to hold Libya accountable.”
Akin Ecstasy tweeted, “If you pay close attention, he hinted that the investigation is complete and punishments are imminent. I believe Libya will face fines and severe consequences.”
Motunde Akinmusi questioned Motsepe’s remarks, asking, “Why even mention this while the investigation is still ongoing?”
Emmanuel Ndiokwere criticized the verbosity often employed by leaders in such situations and stated, “It’s hard to see how Libya won’t face significant penalties from CAF for their overtly hostile treatment of the Nigerian team.”
Meanwhile, Tochi Pius suggested that both nations might face sanctions, saying, “His statement hints at fines for both teams. Libya caused the delay at the airport first, and retaliating like this doesn’t reflect good sportsmanship. Fines for both sides would be fair.”
As anticipation mounts, Batunns expressed doubt that Nigeria would benefit from the final CAF decision, while Raji Ibrahim was confident Libya was at fault, noting, “Motsepe hinted at Libya’s guilt without directly revealing the committee’s findings.”
Jeremiah Akinola believed Motsepe was trying not to antagonize either country,
suggesting Libya might avoid sanctions if the Nigerian FA agrees to settle matters outside of CAF.
Lawal Olatunji found it amusing that many assume only Libya will face punishment, questioning, “What about Nigeria’s actions?”
