Nigeria’s decision to withdraw from the second-leg Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya has stirred controversy and sparked discussions across the Continent.
The situation has stirred reactions as it’s unusual for such an incident to occur at the highest level of the continent’s football competition.
The Nigerian team was scheduled to play Libya on October 15, in the second leg of the qualifiers – they won 1-0 in Uyo.
However, upon their arrival in Libya, things took an unexpected turn.
As the team’s flight was diverted mid-air; initially cleared to land in Benghazi, the team was rerouted to Al-Abraq Airport, where they were left stranded for over 18 hours without basic necessities such as food, water or accommodation.
Ola Aina share this picture of a teammate during their 15-hour ordeal at the Al Abraq Airport. Photo | X
In light of these dire circumstances, Nigerian players and officials made the decision to return home rather than participate in the match.
This move has prompted the Confederation of African Football to step in, announcing an investigation into the situation.
Speaking with Brila.net, Abdulkareem Mohammed Taleh, a sports journalist from Ubari Sport in Libya, expressed confusion over Nigeria’s choice to withdraw.
“Social media is a powerful medium. The Nigerian team felt that they were under the control of a group. And by this I mean the group at the Al-Abraq airport, which is about 200 kilometers away from Benghazi.
“This was not true, because Al-Abraq airport, informed that there are technical problems that prevented the players from completing the entry process, a standard procedure.”
Taleh added that the sudden decision by Nigeria to return home surprised everyone in Libya.
“Then everyone was surprised that Nigeria decided not to play the match and they returned to Nigeria. They garnered sympathy online, as if they were in trouble, which is not true.
“Everyone here in Libya doesn’t know why Nigeria decided not to play the match and they returned home.
“Our team was put through similar conditions but honored the game in honor in spite of all that happened to them. ”
“We in Libya look forward to the decision of the Confederation of African Football to be fair and just.”
He concluded by urging mutual respect between the two nations.
“We hope that the Nigerian authorities next time respect our team, respect the people of Libya because there is a good relationship between Nigerian people and the Libyan people.”
