The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to reveal its decision regarding the controversial AFCON qualifying match between Libya and Nigeria on Wednesday. This match, scheduled for October 15 at Benina Martyrs Stadium, was scrapped after the Nigerian team faced serious complications upon their arrival.
The situation escalated following Nigeria’s flight diversion to Al Abraq International Airport, located about three hours away from Benghazi, the intended venue. Upon landing on October 14, the Nigerian squad was held for approximately 17 hours by Libyan authorities, resulting in significant distress and leading to their eventual return home.
This ordeal was described by the Nigerian Football Federation as “traumatic,” and they have lodged a formal complaint with CAF regarding the conditions they endured.
In the wake of this incident, the Libyan Football Federation claimed that the Nigerians did not cooperate during their first leg match in Nigeria, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Nigeria.
A representative from the Libyan Football Federation stated, “We have provided all necessary documentation to CAF and have sought legal counsel to handle this matter.” The federation emphasized its commitment to ensuring that the interests of the national team are preserved.
CAF previously characterized the treatment of the Nigerian team as “extremely dangerous” and has referred the matter to its Disciplinary Committee for further investigation. The committee will assess the documentation submitted by the Libyan Football Federation and the complaints raised by Nigeria.
As the announcement approaches, the focus remains on how CAF will resolve the issues stemming from both the first leg, which Nigeria won 1-0, and the canceled return match.
