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Libya vs Nigeria: Libyan FA release a statement on Super Eagles situation
The Libyan Football Association (FA) has released an official statement addressing the situation involving the Super Eagles of Nigeria, who were stranded at the airport for nearly 20 hours ahead of their AFCON 2025 qualifier against Libya.
The Super Eagles’ flight, initially scheduled to land in Benghazi, was diverted to another airport located approximately 240 kilometers away from their intended destination.
In their statement, the Libyan FA denied all allegations circulating on social media, where many Nigerians have accused Libyan authorities of intentionally causing delays to disadvantage the Nigerian team.
The Libyan FA clarified that the incident was not a deliberate act aimed at adding stress or hindering the Nigerian squad ahead of the match.
They emphasized that the diversion of the plane was due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control, and they expressed regret over the inconvenience caused.
The FA also reiterated their commitment to ensuring fair play and professionalism in organizing the AFCON qualifiers, distancing themselves from any wrongdoing or ill-intentioned actions.
They called for understanding from both the Nigerian team and fans while emphasizing that they are working to resolve the situation promptly.
“We are deeply concerned about the recent reports surrounding the diversion of the Nigerian national team’s flight ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya. While we regret any inconvenience caused, it is essential to note that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel. These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon.
We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional. There are no grounds to accuse the Libyan security teams or the Libyan Football Federation of deliberately orchestrating this incident. Such actions are inconsistent with our values and principles.
We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation. It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification.
Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities. Football, in its essence, unites nations, and we are committed to upholding the spirit of fairness and mutual respect both on and off the field.
In Libya, we pride ourselves on our hospitality and our welcoming nature. We have always prioritized treating all visiting teams, including our African brothers and other international delegations, with the respect and dignity they deserve. Hosting these events is a great honor for us, and we strive to ensure that all teams feel safe and respected as our guests. This commitment to equality and hospitality is a core aspect of our culture and tradition.
We hope that this misunderstanding can be resolved with understanding and goodwill. Our doors are open to our Nigerian brothers and all African teams, and we continue to promote the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and friendship in the world of football.”
The Super Eagles will not play the game on Tuesday as initially planned, according to a statement earlier issued by the Nigeria Football Federation.