Libya and Nigeria Exchange Accusations Following Super Eagles’ Airport Ordeal
Libya has released a video showing its national football team’s challenging road journey from Port Harcourt to Uyo ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, as tensions between the two countries escalate following Nigeria’s withdrawal from the second leg of the tie.
The Super Eagles defeated Libya 1-0 in Uyo on October 12, but their scheduled second-leg trip to Tripoli was abruptly canceled after their flight was diverted to Al Abaq Airport. The Nigerian team was left stranded for over 15 hours, with no assistance provided, prompting the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to bring the team back home.
In a statement, Libyan authorities expressed regret for the Super Eagles’ ordeal but countered with a video that detailed their own difficult journey in Nigeria. The footage showed Libyan players navigating bad roads, passing through multiple checkpoints, and traveling in darkness on their way to Uyo. The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) claimed that their team endured similar hardships during their trip.
A video that detailed their own difficult journey in Nigeria
Libya Threatens Legal Action Over Media Coverage
The LFF also criticized the NFF, accusing it of failing to collaborate in organizing both legs of the fixture. In a strongly-worded statement posted on social media, the Libyan federation expressed dissatisfaction with how the situation had been portrayed in the media and hinted at potential legal action to defend its reputation.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched an investigation into the incident, and a formal decision on the matter is expected soon. The ongoing diplomatic and football tensions between the two nations are likely to impact future fixtures and cooperation within African football.
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