Confederation of African Football launches probe into Super Eagles’ Libya airport ordeal

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially referred the disturbing incident involving the Nigerian national football team, Super Eagles, who were stranded at a Libyan airport under poor conditions to Disciplinary Board for investigation and appropriate action.

Penpushing reports that the Super Eagles squad were subjected to 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya, where the team has been stranded since their arrival on Sunday afternoon, and in response the Nigeria Football Federation, on Monday, decided to pull the Super Eagles out of Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.

The Nigerian delegation was en route to Benghazi for the crucial qualifier when their chartered aircraft was dangerously diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a small airport typically reserved for hajj operations, this sudden diversion left Nigerian players and officials stranded without any assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide transportation.

Penpushing further reports that responding to the disturbing incident Confederation of African Football (CAF) in an official statement issued on Monday said it has been in contact with both Libyan and Nigerian authorities to address the issue.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), the football governing body has now referred the matter to its Disciplinary Board for a thorough investigation in the statement highlighted the Super Eagles and their technical team were allegedly instructed to land at a different airport by Libyan authorities, leading to the unfortunate events.

“The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations, the African soccer ruling body stated.

Penpushing also reports that Minister of Sports John Enoh, however, confirmed the soccer ruling body’s pressure to proceed with the match but declared that he declined and told the Africa soccer authorities that what was paramount was the safety of the team and their safe return

‘This morning, I was on a conference call with CAF President and CAF Secretary General. 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’, Enoh said

Penpushing reports that Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, condemned Libya’s treatment of the Super Eagles, describing it as the most unfortunate situation, pointing out that the team was diverted to a different airport, left without food or aviation fuel, and forced to refuel and leave immediately.

The Nigerian government, as at the time of filing this report has since summoned Libya’s chargé d’affaires to resolve the issue promptly, just as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has also pulled out of the match, citing concerns over the team’s safety.

Penpushing further reports that following the ugly development number of soccer fans have called on Confederation of African Football (CAF), to firmly demonstrate its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of African football teams.

Meanwhile, the investigation will likely examine Libya’s actions and determine whether they violated Confederation of African Football (CAF), regulations and if found culpable, possible sanctions against Libya could include fines, match forfeits, or even tournament disqualification.

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