AFCON: Libya denies sabotaging Super Eagles clash, says football unites nations, as FG summons envoy
The Libya Football Federation, LFF, has denied its officials and security operatives deliberately set out to frustrate Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of the Nigeria-Libya clash in the qualifier for African Cup of Nations on Tuesday.
The Nigerian senior national team was stranded in the North African country for more than 14 hours even after their flight was diverted to a different airport barely an hour to landing for the return leg after defeating the Libyan team in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday.
On arriving at the Al Abraq International Airport, there were no Libyan Football Federation officials to receive them.
The NFF made arrangements for a road trip to the match’s venue but the airport officials refused to allow the chartered bus to enter the airport, forcing the Super Eagles to decide against going on with the match as scheduled.
However, the LFF in a statement on Monday denied that there was a deliberate attempt to impede the Nigerian side.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
Meanwhile the Nigerian government has summoned Libya’s Chargé d’Affaires amid the ongoing crisis involving the Super Eagles stranded in Libya after their flight was diverted to an airport without aviation fuel to proceed on their journey to Benghazi.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, also diasclosed that efforts are being made to refuel the aircraft and expedite the return of the Suoer Eagles.
“It’s the most unfortunate situation because the Super Eagles flew to Libya to play a match. As you know, the Libyan team was here; they were supposed to land in Uyo; instead, they went and landed in Port Harcourt, where they were not supposed to land. And now our team has gone to Libya, and somehow the plane gets diverted to a different airport. And, unfortunately, at that airport, there is no aviation fuel, because what we have decided is they need to refuel and get out, we will not be able to allow them to continue. No food.
“Now I am also communicating directly with the chairman, and since last night, we’ve been on the phone with the chargé d’affaires because Libya doesn’t have an ambassador here, so we’re in touch with the chargé d’affaires, and I’m heading back to the ministry now, where we have summoned the chargé d’affaires, the Libyan chargé d’affaires.
“This issue has to be resolved as quickly as possible. So we’re on top of the situation,” he said.
