Nigeria’s AFCON qualifier against Libya is in jeopardy after the Super Eagles were stranded at an airport and subsequently returned home. Due to safety concerns and lack of support, it seems unlikely the match will take place as scheduled on October 15. Nigeria had previously topped Group D with a win against Libya, but the current circumstances cast doubt over their qualification efforts.
The upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match between Nigeria and Libya is facing significant uncertainty after the Nigerian squad encountered severe travel difficulties. Initially scheduled to arrive in Benghazi prior to the match set for Tuesday, the Super Eagles were unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq airport, approximately 230 kilometers away, where they remained stranded overnight as all efforts to resolve the situation proved unsuccessful. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has publicly expressed its concerns regarding the team’s welfare, citing safety issues and accusing the host country of abandoning their players without necessary provisions such as food and water. Players, including captain William Troost-Ekong and striker Victor Boniface, reported being left without basic necessities for over 12 hours. NFF media manager Promise Efoghe criticized the Libyan Football Association for poor communication, although the latter has denied any wrongdoing. As of late Monday, October 14, Nigeria has returned home to Kano, casting doubt on whether the fixture will proceed as originally scheduled. Troost-Ekong has indicated the team’s intentions not to participate in the match, stating, “Our goal of doing the best for Nigerian football won’t ever change.” Currently, the match is still officially listed on the calendar for October 15 at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benina, with a scheduled kickoff at 9 p.m. local time. However, given the circumstances, a postponement or a forfeit is increasingly likely. Previously, Nigeria secured a 1-0 victory over Libya in the first matchup, positioning them at the top of Group D, and a further triumph would have solidified their path to the AFCON finals.
The Africa Cup of Nations is a prestigious football tournament that features national teams from across the continent. The qualifiers are crucial for teams looking to secure their place in the tournament. Flight-related issues and player safety have become focal points during international fixtures, as seen in this scenario where Nigerian players faced abandonment and lack of support during their travel to Libya for an AFCON qualifier. The Nigerian team had already demonstrated their competitive edge by winning their previous match against Libya, and their current situation poses significant implications for their qualification aspirations for AFCON 2025.
In summary, the match between Nigeria and Libya on October 15 is highly unlikely to take place due to severe travel disruptions and safety concerns that led to Nigeria’s return home. The NFF has voiced its dissatisfaction regarding the handling of the situation by the Libyan authorities, creating uncertainty about future scheduling and points allocation for the group standings.
Original Source: www.sportingnews.com
