Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya is now in jeopardy as the Super Eagles faced significant delays and lack of provisions while stranded at Al Abraq Airport. Following this ordeal, the NFF declared that the team would not pursue the match in Benghazi due to safety concerns. As of now, they have returned home, casting uncertainty over the fixture originally scheduled for October 15.
The ongoing situation regarding Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Libya has caused significant uncertainty. The Super Eagles team was stranded for over 12 hours at Al Abraq Airport, roughly 230 kilometers from their intended destination of Benghazi, prior to their scheduled match. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has made it clear that they will not proceed with the match due to safety concerns and alleged neglect during their ordeal. The team, which included prominent players such as Captain William Troost-Ekong and striker Victor Boniface, reported being left without essential provisions and effective communication, leading to grave dissatisfaction with the circumstances surrounding their visit. Consequently, as of late October 14, after opting not to continue to Benghazi, the Nigerian squad returned home. Troost-Ekong’s remarks on social media implied a definitive stance against participating in the match, expressing hope to redirect efforts towards future competitions. Meanwhile, it remains uncertain whether the match will be rescheduled or officially forfeited, with the fixture initially set for October 15 at Martyrs of Benina Stadium, intending to kick off at 9 PM local time (3 PM ET). Despite winning the previous encounter against Libya, this development casts doubt on Nigeria’s AFCON qualifying campaign for the current season.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers are crucial competitions for national teams, determining qualification for the larger AFCON finals. The Super Eagles of Nigeria, who have a rich history in African football, are currently competing in the qualifiers where a strong performance is necessary to secure their spot in AFCON 2025. The Nigerian Football Federation’s response to safety issues during their travel emphasizes the significant challenges teams face in unstable regions, particularly in Libya, where political and social conditions can affect sporting events. Players’ well-being and the integrity of matches are paramount concerns for football governing bodies.
In summary, the match between Libya and Nigeria is unlikely to proceed as planned due to serious safety concerns and inadequate support experienced by the Nigerian team during their travel. The potential for a rescheduled match or an official forfeit remains to be clarified. As the Super Eagles focus on future AFCON aspirations, this incident highlights the broader implications of safety in international sports.
Original Source: www.sportingnews.com
