The Libyan Football Federation threatens legal action against Nigeria after the Super Eagles withdrew from an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier due to safety concerns. Players were stranded for over 13 hours at Al Abaq Airport, raising significant logistical and diplomatic issues between the two nations' football associations.
The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has threatened legal action against Nigeria following the Super Eagles' withdrawal from the scheduled Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. Nigeria cited safety concerns after being stranded at Al Abaq Airport for over 13 hours due to an unexpected flight diversion. This incident drew public attention when images of the players resting on benches circulated online, prompting outrage from Nigerian officials.
The Super Eagles were left without access to food, water, or necessities during their extended wait at the airport. In a statement released on October 14, the LFF criticized the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) for failing to coordinate the match effectively, accusing them of causing the confusion that led to Nigeria's withdrawal. The LFF emphasized that it would take all necessary legal measures to protect the interests of its national team.
In its statement, the LFF referenced prior experiences of the Libyan team during their first-leg match in Nigeria, suggesting that the NFF's actions were unjustifiable. The LFF apologized to Libyan football fans for the chaos surrounding the match arrangements and expressed disappointment over the NFF's lack of cooperation.
As tensions rise, the future of the match remains uncertain, leaving fans on both sides concerned about the repercussions of this unfolding saga. The situation highlights the challenges in international football, where logistical issues can lead to significant disputes.