The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has called on Nigeria to proceed with their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya in Benghazi, despite safety concerns after the Super Eagles were left stranded following a mid-air diversion to Al Abraq airport.
Libya failed to provide immediate support or transport, leaving the Nigerian team without assistance. In response, the Super Eagles, led by captain William Troost-Ekong, decided to withdraw from the match, citing threats to their safety.
Nigeria’s Sports Minister, John Owan Enoh, confirmed that CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba urged Nigeria to participate in the match. However, Enoh rejected the request, stressing the Nigerian government’s priority of the team’s safety.
“This morning I was on a conference call with the CAF President and CAF Secretary General,” Senator Enoh said. “While the CAF President’s concern seems to be what to do to get the national team to participate in tomorrow’s match, I have instead informed CAF that the concern of the Government and people of Nigeria is first, the safety of the team and their safe return, urging that CAF should focus on working with us to achieve this.”
He further emphasized that the Libyan Football Federation must face serious consequences for their actions. “There must be a serious adverse consequence to the Libyan Football Federation for this unspeakable behavior. This cannot be through insisting that Nigeria still takes part in this match given the very obvious situation.”
Nigeria currently tops Group D with seven points after three games, while Libya sits at the bottom with one point.
