[By Abigail Philip David]
The Libyan Football Federation is reportedly in a state of panic after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) requested documents related to the controversial cancellation of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying Group D match between Libya and Nigeria. The match was called off after the Nigerian team’s plane was diverted to Labraq Airport, where they were allegedly held for 18 hours without food or water.
Libya Al-Ahrar Channel reported that Nasser Al-Suwaie, the Secretary-General of the Libyan Football Federation, confirmed that CAF has given both the Libyan and Nigerian football associations until October 20 to submit their documents on the issue.
Al-Suwaie stated that the Libyan FA has hired a lawyer to handle the case, asserting that while there may be internal collusion within CAF, the Libyan Federation is confident in its strong position. He emphasized that the decision to divert the Nigerian team’s plane to Labraq Airport was made by the Libyan government, not the football federation, and that the sovereignty of the Libyan state must be respected.
Upon their return to Nigeria, the Super Eagles shared troubling accounts of their experience, with team manager Patrick Pascal describing how players were forced to sleep on the floor of the airport. Pascal also claimed that the airport’s toilet facilities had been deliberately sabotaged by Libyan officials in anticipation of their arrival.
CAF’s investigation into the incident continues, with both sides preparing to present their evidence.
