Turkish journalist Muhammet Duman has suggested that CAF would likely reschedule the botched 2025 AFCON qualifier between Libya and Nigeria.

The Super Eagles registered a 1-0 win over the Mediterranean Knights in Uyo on October 11, and the reverse fixture was billed for Beninah six days later.

Minutes before landing in Benghazi, the Nigerian national football team’s flight was diverted to Al-Abraq, where the team was stranded for several hours.

Super Eagles stranded in Libya

Nigerian players took to social media to raise the alarm, claiming they were left unattended in what many described as a hostage situation.

After waiting for more than 16 hours at the airport, the Nigerian team returned to their country, prompting CAF to launch an immediate investigation, Sports Ration reports.

The continental football body has set Wednesday, October 23 for the final verdict, but Hurriyet Newspaper Spor Arena writer Muhammed Duman says he does not expect any punishment for Libya.

He told Ekwutosblog :

“If we look at the CAF president’s approach in the first hours of the incident, I’m not very hopeful about tomorrow’s decision.

“I don’t think CAF will give any punishment to Libya. CAF will probably want this match to be replayed in another country.

“So, I don’t think there will be a 3-point penalty for this match. CAF may want this match to be played in another country under better conditions and atmosphere.”

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Duman added that CAF must make a strong statement by taking decisive action that would deter other teams from such an act.

He added:

“Which person can wait at the airport for 19 hours? I believe that CAF should look at these problems correctly.

“CAF must make the right decision to preserve the fair-play spirit of football. CAF has to act more sensitively to prevent such incidents from happening again. The body needs to make the best decision; otherwise, the chaos in African football will continue.

“In my opinion, a peaceful approach should be taken between both teams, but Libya should be seriously warned.”

CAF Sets Date for Final Ruling

Ekwutosblog earlier reported that the airport fiasco involving Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Libya has continued to spark widespread discussions.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is set to announce its judgment on the airport incident involving Libya and Nigeria Members of the Nigerian team contingent were left stranded at Al Abraq Airport for a period spanning about 20 hours The African football governing body has disclosed the date it will hand down its judgment for the unsavoury incident.