The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has denied the allegation of foul play or sabotage against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
The LFF denied the allegation in a statement on Monday after the Super Eagles who are scheduled to face Libya in a 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Tuesday have been left stranded at the Al Abak Airport since Sunday.
“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.”
The LFF said there are no grounds to accuse it or the Libyan security teams of deliberately orchestrating the incident because such actions are inconsistent with their 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,” the LFF added.
“Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities.”
It said football in its essence unites nations and it is committed to upholding the spirit of fairness and mutual respect both on and off the field.
The LFF said in Libya, they pride themselves on their hospitality and their welcoming nature.
It explained that Libyans have always prioritized treating all visiting teams including their African brothers and other international delegations with the respect and dignity they deserve.
The Libyan football governing body said hosting these events is a great honor for them and they strive to ensure that all teams feel safe and respected as their guests.
It said this commitment to equality and hospitality is a core aspect of the culture and tradition of the North African country.
The LFF said it hopes 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,” it concluded.
The Federal Government (FG) had, meanwhile, condemned the treatment of Super Eagles players in Libya as nothing but despicable.
The FG on Monday through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) issued a statement to hit out at Libya.
“The Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has condemned the treatment meted out to the Super Eagles team by Libyan authorities ahead of its second leg match slated for Tuesday in the country,” the statement read.
Dabiri-Erewa noted that traveling by road in Libya is most dangerous and totally not advisable because of the current situation in the country.
The team which left Nigeria on Sunday to Libya for their return match had their flight diverted to an innocuous airport far away from the venue of the match.
The implication of the diversion will now be another three hours of road travel to the main venue of the match, not minding the risk of road travel in Libya, considering the situation of the war-torn country.
Dabiri-Erewa said the safety of Nigerian players is paramount to the country and was optimistic that the Ministry of Sports and the NFF will advise appropriately.
She also called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves.
Already, the players, the pilots and others on board the flight had been stranded and subjected to inhuman treatment at the airport for over 13 hours without water, food, rest and other means of communication.
“The team was delayed at an airport in Libya for more than 13 hours without any tangible reason,” Dabiri-Erewa lamented on behalf of the FG.
The Super Eagles flight was redirected air borne on Sunday and they were required to travel by road to their destination.
However, there was no provision made for them by the Libyan authorities and all efforts to make alternative provisions by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) were frustrated.
“Dabiri-Erewa has appealed to the Super Eagles to remain calm while the NFF decides the next line of action,” the statement signed by the spokesman of NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun read.
