The Libyan Soccer Federation (LFF) has criticised its Nigerian counterpart after its nationwide aspect returned to West Africa earlier than their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifier in Benghazi.
The Tremendous Eagles squad decided to boycott the match, scheduled to be performed at 19:00 GMT on Tuesday, after being stranded at Al Abraq airport when their aircraft was diverted there on Sunday.
After being stored on the terminal constructing, in a location about 230km (143 miles) away from their supposed vacation spot, the Nigerian delegation flew again dwelling and arrived in Kano on Monday afternoon.
Libya skilled and appeared set to show up on the Martyrs Stadium in Benina in an try and fulfil the fixture however the Confederation of African Soccer (Caf) has confirmed the qualifier won’t happen.
An announcement from the LFF stated it “condemns” the steps taken by the Nigerian Soccer Federation (NFF) in refusing to play the sport, and stated it might take “all obligatory authorized measures” to protect the pursuits of the Mediterranean Knights.
Tremendous Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong defended the squad’s resolution to boycott the match on social media.
“Soccer is about respect, and that begins by respecting ourselves,” he stated in a submit on X.
“Our purpose of doing the perfect for Nigerian soccer received’t ever change. I look ahead to proceed our journey to Afcon 2025 subsequent month in the fitting manner.”
A Caf disciplinary board is investigating the circumstances after Nigeria have been “stranded in disturbing circumstances”.
There are a number of doable outcomes, with the potential for Libya to be awarded a 3-0 victory or Caf ordering the match to be performed at a later date.
Appeals to the Court docket of Arbitration for Sport are additionally doable, and Nigeria are set to lodge an official criticism with Caf.
The LFF had earlier complained concerning the remedy of their gamers and officers on arrival in Nigeria for a qualifier in Uyo final week, which noticed their flight land hours away from the match venue and the gamers endure lengthy journey delays.
Nigeria won that match 1-0 to maneuver on to seven factors on the prime of Group D, with Libya backside on one level and on the point of elimination.