The Libyan Football Federation has issued a statement defending the delays experienced by the Super Eagles, describing them as a “standard procedure” and asserting that they were not a deliberate action against the Nigerian team.
“While we regret any inconvenience caused, it is essential to note that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel.
“These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon.
“We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional,” the statement read.
The Libyan Football Federation further noted that their own team faced similar logistical challenges upon their recent arrival in Nigeria for the Africa Cup of Nations qualification.
“It is important to highlight that just last week, our national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria.
“Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities.
“Football, in its essence, unites nations, and we are committed to upholding the spirit of fairness and mutual respect both on and off the field.”
However, the Director of Communications for the NFF, Adedamola Olajire, disputed claims that the Libyan team was mistreated in Nigeria, explaining that their landing in Port Harcourt instead of the designated Uyo airport was due to unforeseen circumstances.
“We were informed on Monday night by an advance party that the Libyan team would be arriving in Nigeria on Tuesday. So we correctly assumed that the players would land at the Uyo International Airport, and adequate provisions were made for the team in Uyo. Unfortunately, we got a call that they had landed in Port Harcourt due to landing issues, and we were not informed earlier. We offered to fly them back to Uyo or transport them by road, but the captain declined the offer due to extra costs. They rejected the buses we provided and rented their own, and now they’re complaining that they were mistreated,” Olajire explained.
Nigerian fans have criticized the actions of the Libyan authorities, suggesting that the incident may be intentional. This is not the first time such delays have affected the national team; similar issues occurred in 2019 and 2022. Victor Osimhen, a player for the Super Eagles, expressed his empathy in an Instagram post, recalling his own experience during his U-17 days.
“I can imagine how terrible they must feel right now, as I’ve had a similar experience during my U-17 days,” Osimhen wrote.
As social media continues to buzz with criticism and speculation, many await a formal response from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the incident.
