The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has formally requested an explanation from the Libya Football Federation (LFF) regarding the events leading to the cancellation of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D qualifier against Nigeria.
The match, originally scheduled for October 15, was called off after the Nigerian team refused to play, citing poor treatment by Libyan authorities.
According to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), the Super Eagles’ flight to Benghazi was diverted to Labraq Airport, where they were reportedly held for 18 hours without access to food or water. Photos circulated showing Nigerian players and officials stranded at the airport, sleeping on seats.
According to Libya Al-Ahrar Channel, the Secretary-General and person in charge of running the body, Nasser Al-Suwaie, confirmed in a special statement that CAF has given the Libyan and Nigerian associations until the 20th of this month to submit the documents related to this file.
In response, the Libya Football Federation has reportedly hired a lawyer to handle the case and denies responsibility for the flight diversion, attributing the decision to Libyan state authorities rather than the football federation.
Both federations are expected to submit their reports by the deadline, after which CAF will proceed with further investigations. Nigeria won the first leg of the qualifier 1-0 in Uyo, keeping them at the top of Group D, while Libya sits at the bottom.
