Libya Threatens Legal Action After Super Eagles Boycott
The Libyan Football Federation has threatened legal action following Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ boycott of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match in Benghazi.
Osun Defender previously reported that the Nigerian team refused to play due to poor treatment from Libyan authorities upon arrival, including being stranded at the airport for over 20 hours without food or water.
“The Libyan Federation denounces the actions taken by the Nigerian Football Federation by refusing to participate in the Libyan-Nigerian cup qualification match scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, and affirms that it will take all legal measures to safeguard the interests of Libya’s first team,” the Libyan Football Federation stated in a statement.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced that the match would no longer take place and referred the matter to competent CAF bodies.
READ: CAF Probes Super Eagles Ill-Treatment In Libya, Threatens Sanctions
Libya apologized to its fans but condemned Nigeria’s actions.
In the statement, Libya’s Football Federation added: “The Libyan Federation attaches some inhumane footage that did not prevent the Libyan missions from participating in the Nigeria-Libya game last Friday on Nigerian soil, motivated by cooperation with the African Football Federation. The Libyan Football Federation apologizes to Libyan audiences everywhere and to the parties involved in the match because of the confusion caused by the Nigerian Football Federation for not having the game on time.”
Prior to the boycott, Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a 1-0 win against Libya in the first leg of the qualifiers, maintaining their top position in Group D.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.