SportsNews
Revealed: CAF sets deadline for Libya and Nigeria ahead of legal battle over airport saga
- The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has set an ultimatum for Libya and Nigeria to submit documents
- The Nigerian Football Federation lodged an official complaint after Libyan authorities held its players hostage
- Libya denied any wrongdoings but subtly hinted that it acted in retaliation after an issue with its team in Nigeria
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly set an ultimatum for Nigeria and Libya to submit documents amid an ongoing legal battle over their postponed match.
The 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifiers doubleheader second leg scheduled for the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benghazi was postponed after an incident between the two countries.
Libyan authorities held the Super Eagles hostage for about 16 hours at Al Abraq International Airport after dangerously rerouting their flight, which was supposed to land in Benghazi.
Captain William Troost-Ekong led his team in forfeiting the match and returning to Nigeria after their ordeal, after which the NFF lodged an official complaint to CAF.
CAF sets ultimatum for Libya vs Nigeria
In an official statement, CAF acknowledged the incident and postponed the match after directing the matter to its disciplinary board for investigation and further action.
According to Al Ahrar TV, the African football governing body has issued an ultimatum for Sunday, October 20, 2024, to both nations to submit all documents to probe their cases.
This is two days before the body’s governing council is expected to meet in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, where a verdict is likely expected.
Nigeria remains at the top of Group D with seven points despite playing a game less than Benin Republic and Rwanda, with six and five points, respectively.
Libya are bottom of the group with a point, even though the group remains open and all four countries can still qualify for the tournament in Morocco.
AU intervened in Libya vs Nigeria saga
Ekwutosblog reported that the African Union mediated between Libya and Nigeria to help facilitate the freedom of the Super Eagles players who were held hostage in Al Abraq.
The incident attracted global attention when Nigerian captain Troost Ekong raised the alarm on social media about the team’s ordeal in the North African country.
Super Eagles playmaker, Alex Iwobi, has admitted they are waiting to see if the team would still play at the 2026 World Cup.
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, is optimistic of a potential lifeline from FIFA, after it submitted a petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Iwobi was asked by SuperSport if he would rather lift the AFCON 2025 trophy or qualify for the World Cup?
The 29-year-old, who played at the 2018 of the World Cup, replied: “I mean we’re still waiting, well hopefully we can go to the World Cup, but I feel it’s a tough one.
“It’s a tough one because winning AFCON is like… It’s a great legacy, it’s a great thing to have like in your career, a memorable moment.
“But then at the same time, because I’ve been to the World Cup already, a lot of the players haven’t been. They would like to say ‘I want to go to the World Cup,’ so I can’t be selfish and say win the AFCON and for my teammates to not go to the World Cup. So it’s a tough one. I don’t know. I don’t know.”
Politics
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDOLES WITH SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE OF THE SUPER EAGLES ON THE PASSING OF HIS MOTHER
President Bola Tinubu sends his condolences
to Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze on the passing of his mother.
The President also extends his sympathies to the family and friends of Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, who passed away on Thursday.
President Tinubu mourns with the Chukwueze family and encourages them to find solace in the memory and legacy of their late matriarch.
“The passing of Mrs Chukwueze, the mother of one of our bright football stars, just a few days after the passing of Super Eagles’ captain Wilfred Ndidi’s father, is deeply saddening.
I mourn with them, and I am with them in prayers during this difficult time,” the President says.
President Tinubu prays that God Almighty will grant the departed eternal rest.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
Arsenal’s starting XI to face Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday evening has been unveiled.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta opted to start Gabriel Jesus ahead of Viktor Gyokeres to lead the Gunners’ attack against the Red Devils.
This comes after Jesus scored a brace against Inter Milan in the Champions League in midweek.
The Brazilian will be assisted by Bukayo Saka and Leandro on the wings.
In midfield, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard return to join Martin Zubimendi.
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