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.

Read also

Libya chief appeals to CAF for leniency, explains reasons for diverting Super Eagles flight

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

NFF confirms major update on impending CAF sanction after Libya 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.

Ex-Libyan star slams Nigeria

Legit.ng reported that a Libyan footballer accused Nigerian players of using their popularity to influence the media after their airport hostage ordeal at Al Abraq.

The Besiktas star subtly indicted his country with his statement 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:
Elijah Odetokun avatar

Elijah Odetokun (Sports Editor) Elijah Odetokun is a Nigerian sports editor at Legit NG. He has four years of working experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria (August 2020 - September 2020), OmaSports (December 2020 - June 2021), El Futbolero (July 2021; September 2021- November 2021), and Sports Brief (November 2022 - July 2024). He is a press conference and interview specialist and has attended trainings held by Reuters, AIPS, and FIJ. He holds a Bachelor of Agriculture (2021) from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Reach me via elijah.odetokun@sportsbrief.com

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