Tag Archives: Libya

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CAF Urges Nigeria to Play AFCON Qualifier in Libya Despite Safety Concerns

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Super Eagles Stranded in Libya Amid Travel Chaos and Security Issues

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has urged Nigeria to proceed with their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya in Benghazi, despite mounting safety concerns and logistical challenges that have left the Super Eagles stranded.

Mid-Air Flight Diversion Leaves Nigerian Team Stranded

The Nigerian national football team was en route to Benghazi for Tuesday’s crucial Group D fixture when their flight was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq Airport, a small regional facility typically used for hajj operations. The diversion disrupted their travel plans, leaving the team without immediate support from local authorities or the Libyan Football Federation.

Adding to the chaos, the Libyan Federation failed to provide transportation to Benghazi, further complicating the Nigerian contingent’s efforts to reach the match venue. Without meaningful assistance, the stranded players only gained access to basic supplies and internet connectivity early Monday morning.

Super Eagles Withdraw Over Security Concerns

In response to the precarious situation, the Super Eagles, led by captain William Troost-Ekong, made the decision to withdraw from the match. Troost-Ekong emphasized that the decision was driven by concerns for the players’ safety.

“The players made this resolution because of the threat to their lives and hostilities of the host country since they landed,” Troost-Ekong said.

Nigeria Rejects CAF’s Plea to Continue Match

Nigeria’s Sports Minister, John Owan Enoh, confirmed on Monday that CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Secretary-General Veron Mosengo-Omba had urged Nigeria to proceed with the match. However, Enoh firmly rejected the request, prioritizing the safety of the team over the competition.

“This morning, I was on a conference call with the CAF President and Secretary-General,” Enoh explained. “While their concern seems to be focused on ensuring Nigeria’s participation in tomorrow’s match, I made it clear that the priority of the Nigerian government is the safety and safe return of the team.”

Enoh also criticized the Libyan Football Federation’s handling of the situation, calling for consequences.

“There must be serious repercussions for the Libyan federation for this unspeakable behavior. It is unacceptable to insist on playing under such conditions.”

Impact on Group D Standings

Despite the turmoil, Nigeria currently tops Group D with seven points from three matches, while Libya sits at the bottom with just one point. Whether the match will be rescheduled or awarded to Nigeria by forfeit remains uncertain.

This incident raises fresh questions about the safety and organization of international fixtures in conflict-prone areas, putting pressure on CAF to reconsider match venues in the future.

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Super Eagles Threaten Boycott After 12-Hour Ordeal at Libyan Airport

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Stranded Without Food or Water, Team Captain Calls for Nigerian Government Intervention

The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has announced plans to boycott their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya after being stranded for over 12 hours at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya. The players endured the ordeal on Sunday night after their flight was unexpectedly diverted from Benghazi, their original destination.

Forced Diversion and Stranded Overnight

The squad, traveling for their Tuesday match, was forced to land at Al Abraq International Airport, which is primarily used for hajj operations. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the plane was diverted at the last minute, just as it was preparing to descend into Benghazi.

According to NFF, the Libyan authorities offered no explanation for the change and did not provide transportation or reception for the players, leaving them stranded overnight.

Super Eagles Captain Speaks Out on Social Media

Team captain William Troost-Ekong, visibly frustrated by the situation, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) early Monday morning to condemn the treatment and announce the players’ intention to forgo the qualifier match.

“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason,” Troost-Ekong wrote.

The former Watford defender criticized the conditions, saying: “They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food, or drink. All to play mind games.” Troost-Ekong also revealed that their Tunisian pilot struggled to secure rest accommodations and was forced to sleep on the plane. “He could sleep there, but NO NIGERIAN crew members allowed,” he added.

The captain further expressed concerns about the team’s safety, stating: “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.”

NFF Releases Statement Amid Ongoing Crisis

In a formal statement, the NFF criticized the Libyan Football Federation’s failure to meet basic hosting obligations. “Fatigued players and officials have remained nonplussed as the host Libyan Football Federation failed to send any reception team or even vehicles to take the delegation members from the airport to their hotel, said to be three hours away in Benghazi.”

The federation added that they had arranged alternative transport, but those plans fell apart following the sudden diversion of the aircraft. The NFF confirmed that players have resolved not to play the match, while officials are now working to arrange a flight back to Nigeria.

AFCON Campaign in Jeopardy

The Super Eagles were coming off a 1-0 victory over Libya in Uyo, with Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scoring the decisive goal late in the game. However, the unexpected airport fiasco and the deteriorating conditions have cast doubt over the second leg of the encounter.

The NFF appealed to the Nigerian government for immediate intervention, urging the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to investigate the matter and take appropriate action. Troost-Ekong underscored the importance of fair play, saying, “We respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen, but these things on purpose have nothing to do with international football.”

What Comes Next?

With players refusing to participate under unsafe conditions, Nigeria’s path to the 2025 AFCON could be affected. CAF has yet to respond to the incident, and the future of the match remains uncertain. If the Super Eagles make good on their boycott, Libya could be awarded the points, complicating Nigeria’s qualification campaign.

The standoff raises larger questions about player welfare and travel conditions in African football, putting pressure on CAF to address the issue swiftly and ensure fair treatment for all teams.

NEWS, SPORT

Libya Announces 28-Man Squad for Crucial AFCON Qualifiers Against Nigeria

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Al-Hadiri’s selection blends experience and emerging talents in bid to revive Libya’s AFCON hopes.

Libya’s national football team head coach, Nasser Al-Hadiri, has unveiled a 28-man squad for the pivotal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying double-header against the Super Eagles of Nigeria. With Libya currently at the bottom of Group D, these two matches are essential for the Mediterranean Knights to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Strategic Selection

Al-Hadiri’s squad is a balanced mix of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming players, underlining his tactical approach to these crucial fixtures. Among the notable inclusions are Al-Ittihad’s dynamic midfielder Abdul-Miser Abu Shaiba, Al-Nasr’s playmaker Mohammed Al-Tabbal, and Barcelona B team prospect Ahmed Al-Masmari, whose international experience could prove vital against the formidable Nigerian team.

The squad reflects Al-Hadiri’s intent to inject fresh energy into the team while leaning on the experience of stalwarts like Faisal Al-Badri and Nour Al-Din Al-Qalib. These matches could be a turning point for Libya as they look to make a strong comeback after a disappointing start to their qualifying campaign.

The Double-Header Fixtures

The first leg of the qualifier will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, on Friday, October 11, with the return fixture scheduled four days later in Benina, Libya. Sitting at the bottom of Group D with just one point from two matches, Libya must secure positive results in both games to revive their chances of making it to the 2025 AFCON in Ivory Coast.

Full Libya Squad for Nigeria Double-Header:

– Goalkeepers:

Murad Al-Wahishi (Al-Ahly Benghazi)

Abdul Jawad Rizq (Al-Nasr)

Mohammed Ayyad (Abu Salim)

– Defenders:

Ahmed Ayyad (Al-Tahadi)

Ali Youssef (Al-Afriqi Al-Tunisi)

Ahmed Saleh (Al-Akhdar)

Ahmed Al-Tarbi (Al-Ahly Tripoli)

Magdy Mustafa Artiba (Al-Akhdar)

Sobhi Al-Mabrouk Al-Dawi (Al-Ittihad)

Mahdi Al-Kut (Al-Akhdar)

Mohammed Al-Shtiwi (Al-Hilal)

– Midfielders:

Sand Bin Ali (Al-Nasr)

Al-Bahlol Abu Sahmain (Al-Ahly Benghazi)

Badr Hassan (Al-Nasr)

Suhaib Bin Suleiman (Al-Ahly Benghazi)

Faisal Al-Badri (Al-Hilal)

Muhannad Mustafa Al-Mabrouk (Al-Madina)

Osama Al-Sharimi (Al-Suwaihli)

Omar Al-Khoja (Al-Suwaihli)

Nour Al-Din Al-Qalib (Al-Ahly Tripoli)

– Forwards:

Ahmed Saad (Al-Hilal)

Mohammed Al-Tabbal (Al-Nasr)

Fadel Salama (Al-Ahly Benghazi)

Ahmed Al-Masmari (Barcelona B, Spain)

Ezz El-Din Al-Mariami (Al Hilal)

Moaz Issa (Al-Ittihad)

Abdul-Miser Abu Shaiba (Al-Ittihad)

Libya’s AFCON Challenge

With a single point from their first two games, Libya’s road to the AFCON tournament looks steep, but not impossible. Victory over Nigeria, who are one of the group favorites, could dramatically alter the group’s dynamics and put Libya back in contention for a spot in the tournament. Coach Al-Hadiri and his squad are expected to approach the matches with intensity and determination, knowing that these games may define their path toward qualification.

The Super Eagles, with their own talented squad, present a tough challenge, but Libya will be banking on their tactical preparation and team spirit to secure the necessary results.