Revealed: CAF sets deadline for Libya and Nigeria ahead of legal battle over airport saga

Published

9 months ago

October 18, 2024

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.

Transfer: Galatasaray return for Osimhen with fresh proposal as Gyökeres begins strike

Published

7 hours ago

July 11, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Turkish giants, Galatasaray, have returned to Napoli to continue the talks on signing Victor Osimhen.

Fabrizio Romano, the Italian football transfer expert, reports that the Turkish side submitted a new proposal structure to Napoli on Friday.

It includes a €70m fee with bank guarantees for the installments which is now left for the Italian side to decide upon.

Meanwhile, Sporting CP striker, Viktor Gyökeres has continued with his strike in protest against the club.

The player, according to Romano, will not show up in training at Sporting again at any moment this summer.

“His decision is clear as reported during the week, he only wants Arsenal, it’s over with Sporting,” Romano wrote on X.

Gyökeres has also informed Sporting president about that 5 days ago that he wants to join the Premier League club.

In another development, Nottingham Forest have sent a complaint to the Premier League over Morgan Gibbs-White’s move to Tottenham.

Nottingham is working on potential legal action as they believe Spurs made an illegal approach to the player, as Sky Sports reported.

NNL: Coach Aluma commends Warri Wolves players for NPFL promotion

Published

9 hours ago

July 11, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Warri Wolves head coach, Napoleon Aluma, has commended his players for securing promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

Warri Wolves topped Group B of the Nigeria National League, NNL, playoffs, courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Crown FC.

The Seasiders will now return to the NPFL for the first time in four years.

Aluma also praised goalkeeper Joke Efevwerha for maintaining his composure despite a mistake during the match.

“I had so much confidence in my team. Despite the error from my goalkeeper, who has been one of the best throughout the regular season, we stayed focused and got the win,” Aluma said after the game.

Warri Wolves will now face Wikki Tourists to determine the overall winner of the 2024–25 NNL season.

Club World Cup: Why we thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 – PSG manager, Enrique

Published

2 days ago

July 10, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Paris Saint-Germain manager, Luis Enrique has suggested that his team thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 in the Club World Cup semi-final tie on Wednesday because his players played a great great match against the Spainsh LaLiga giants.

According to Erinque, PSG did really good against the Los Blancos, adding that his players kept playing and fighting despite the “stifling heat”.

Four goals from Fabian Ruiz, Ousmane Dembele and Goncalo Ramos gave the Parisians the victory against Xabi Alonso’s side.

“It is a very special moment for us, Parisians, for all the supporters, the entire club,” Erinque told PSG TV.

“I think we did a really good job and played a great match. We are happy, we are in the final and it has been an incredible season. We want to win this [Club World Cup] final.

“Everyone saw the stifling heat, it is incredible to play in that. I think it affected both teams [PSG and Real Madrid], but we kept playing and fighting,” he said.

Enrique’s side will now face Chelsea in Sunday’s final at the MetLife Stadium.