The Libyan FA faces backlash over accusations of abandoning the Super Eagles at a Benghazi airport, leading to calls for CAF sanctions. The Nigerian team has now departed Libya after pressure from external bodies.
In a dramatic turn of events, the Libyan Football Association (FA) has come under fire following allegations that the Nigeran Super Eagles were abandoned at Al Abraq International Airport, Benghazi, for over 15 hours without food, water, or internet access. This came after the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) accused Libya of holding the team hostage, a claim the Libyan FA has vehemently denied.
Following mounting pressure from external bodies, the Libyan authorities have finally cleared the airspace and refueled the Super Eagles’ chartered jet, allowing the team to begin their journey back to Nigeria.
In a press release, the Libyan FA explained that the delay was due to routine air traffic protocols, not foul play. “We regret any inconvenience caused, but such incidents are not uncommon due to logistical challenges. There are no grounds to accuse Libyan security teams or the FA of deliberately orchestrating this incident,” the statement read.
However, Nigerians are not convinced and have called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to sanction Libya for the ordeal. The NFF had earlier stated that the team was abandoned at the airport in harsh conditions after their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match in Libya.
Super Eagles on Their Way Back to Nigeria
After being stranded for over 15 hours, Nigerian sports journalist Adepoju Tobi Samuel, popularly known as OgaNlaMedia, confirmed that the Super Eagles are now en route to Nigeria. “After pressure from several quarters, the Libyan government has agreed to issue clearance for ValueJet Airline to fly and sell aviation fuel to the airline,” Samuel reported on social media.
Despite initial confusion over a Libyan proposal to land in Benghazi before proceeding to Nigeria, the NFF insisted that the clearance from Al Abraq Airport must be for a direct flight to Nigeria.
Libya Defends Its Actions
The Libyan FA has rejected accusations of foul play, stating that they too faced difficulties during their own Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Nigeria without making any public accusations. “Football unites nations, and we are committed to fairness and mutual respect both on and off the field,” the FA said in its statement.
However, the incident has sparked outrage in Nigeria, with calls growing louder for CAF to impose sanctions on Libya for what many are calling a deliberate act of sabotage.
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