The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has threatened to sue the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over its decision to withdraw from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match, which had been set for October 15.
In a statement on Tuesday, expressing its “strong disapproval”, the LFF said it would pursue “all necessary legal measures” to seek redress from the perceived wrong.
Daily Patriot reported how the Super Eagles of Nigeria and its technical staff were reportedly stranded in “disturbing conditions” for over 15 hours at Al Abraq International Airport after their plane was prevented from landing in Benghazi by Libyan authorities and instead diverted to an abandoned Al Abraq airport.
The debacle unfolded ahead of the AFCON qualifier, with the Super Eagles stranded without food, basic amenities and necessary assistance from the LFF.
The incident sparked outrage and accusations of “inhumane treatment,” leading to the team’s decision to return to Nigeria without playing the scheduled match.
As a result, the NFF officially withdrew the Super Eagles from Tuesday’s qualifying match against Libya, following a chaotic and frustrating over 15-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport.
In its reaction, the Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) referred the matter to its disciplinary board for a full investigation, promising that appropriate actions will be taken against any parties found in violation of CAF statutes and regulations.
The Libyan statement also highlighted Nigeria’s “lack of cooperation”, citing the Libyan team’s “difficult experience” during the first leg match in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, which the Super Eagles won.
“The Libyan Football Federation strongly condemns the Nigerian Football Federation’s decision to refuse playing the Libya-Nigeria match in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers scheduled for Tuesday, October 15,” the statement reads.
“We will take all necessary legal measure to protect and preserve the interests of its national football team.
“The Libyan Federation attaches some inhumane footage that did not prevent the Libyan mission from playing the Nigeria-Libya match last Friday in Nigeria, out of cooperation with the Confederation of African Football.
“The Libyan Football Federation clarifies that its Nigerian counterpart did not cooperate in preventing it in any way, whether in relation to the first or second leg match, knowing that the events beyond our control do not equal a small part of what the Libyan national team was exposed to in the first leg match
