Libyan Official Calls for Strict Ban After Super Eagles’ Airport Ordeal Ahead of CAF Verdict

Libyan Official Calls for Strict Ban After Super Eagles’ Airport Ordeal Ahead of CAF Verdict

  • The Super Eagles of Nigeria endured a difficult 16 hours under hostage situations at Al Abraq International Airport
  • This incident led to the postponement of their AFCON 2025 qualifier match after CAF launched an investigation
  • A Libyan football official has called for strict internal sanctions for those involved in the mistreatment of the Eagles

A Libyan football official has called for strict sanctions against those involved in holding the Super Eagles hostage ahead of the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) verdict this week.

The Nigerian national team were left stranded at Al Abraq International Airport after their flight, which was due to land in Benghazi, was dangerously rerouted.

Super Eagles players and staff stranded at Al Abraq International Airport.
Super Eagles players and staff stranded at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya. Photo from @official_micolo.
Source: Twitter

They were left at the airport without basic amenities for about 16 hours, which led to the postponement of the match after CAF launched an official investigation.

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Report: CAF sanction for Libya after Super Eagles' airport saga surfaces

Libyan official calls for strict sanctions

According to Al Ahrar TV, CAF issued an ultimatum of yesterday, Sunday, October 20, 2024, to the Libyan and Nigerian Football Federations to submit official evidence.

A Libyan football director, Al-Siddiq Abu Hadima, has urged for tough internal sanctions against those responsible for the mistreatment of the Nigerians, especially if they are unable to provide evidence.

“This negligence - if it happened - constitutes a betrayal of trust and a lack of awareness of the gravity of responsibility,” he told Al Wasat via The Guardian NG.
“Then they must be prosecuted and permanently dismissed.”

The former president of Al Dhahra views it differently from his compatriots, who have pleaded for mercy from CAF, claiming that the federation is not complicit and that higher authority is responsible for the plane diversion.

Read also

CAF sounds Libya vs Nigeria ultimatum ahead of legal battle after airport saga

CAF's verdict is expected to arrive this week when the organisation meets for its annual meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with some reports in the media suggesting Libya will take the fall.

6 points from NFF statement on Libya saga

YEN.com.gh reported that the Super Eagles of Nigeria were held hostage at the airport by Libyan authorities, having initially dangerously redirected their flight to an airport 150 miles away from the planned destination.

An ex-Libya star subtly indicted his country suggesting the North Africans acted in retaliation for their experience in Nigeria during their visit for the first leg.

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Richard Nutakor avatar

Richard Nutakor (Sports Editor) Richard Nutakor is a digital media enthusiast with over 8 years of working experience in media and digital marketing. He's worked with notable media brands in Ghana like Media General, owners of TV3 Ghana, 3FM, Onua FM & Connect FM. He's also worked with Global Media Alliance as a Digital Account Manager. He obtained a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Ghana in 2016 and a Masters in Brands and Communication Management from the University of Professional Studies, Accra. Email: richard.kekeli@sportsbrief.com

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