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.
SportsNews
NPFL: Ikorodu stun Enyimba, Remo Stars falter again
Ikorodu City moved to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, following a stunning 1–0 win over Enyimba in Aba, Ekwutosblog reports.
Joseph Arumala scored the winning goal for Ikorodu City in the 29th minute.
The Oga Boys top the standings with 44 points from 26 matches.
Holders Remo Stars continued their poor run of form with a 1–1 home draw against Abia Warriors.
Former NPFL top scorer, Chukwuemeka Obioma, gave Abia Warriors the lead in the 54th minute.
Samson Olasupo restored parity for Remo Stars 12 minutes from time.
Rangers climbed to second position after a 2–0 victory over Wikki Tourists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
Wisdom Ebirim and Godwin Obaje were on target for Rangers in the game.
SportsNews
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES SEATTLE SEAHAWKS’ PLAYERS OF NIGERIAN DESCENT ON SUPER BOWL WIN
President Bola Tinubu congratulates players of Nigerian descent who led the Seattle Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday.
The Seattle Seahawks routed the New England Patriots 29–13 to claim their second Lombardi Trophy.
Players of Nigerian descent on the team’s lineup who helped achieve this victory include Jalen Oluwaseun Milroe, quarterback; Nick Emmanwori, a defensive standout; Uchenna Nwosu, a veteran linebacker; Boye Maye, a linebacker; and Olu Oluwatimi, an irrepressible offensive lineman.
The President also congratulates Michael Onwenu, who played for the other side, the New England Patriots, and is regarded as one of the most dominant offensive linemen.
President Tinubu commends all the players for the pride and honour that they have brought to their country of descent, especially Emmanwori, Nwosu, and Maye, who raised Nigeria’s flag after winning the Super Bowl with the Seahawks.
The President states that these players and their accomplishments affirm Nigerians’ global reputation for excellence and talent.
President Tinubu wishes them continued success and more victories in their respective careers.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
SportsNews
‘Powerful left winger’ – Eric Chelle names Super Eagles star he’s happy with
Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle is happy with how Moses Simon played, calling the Paris FC player a strong left winger.
Simon was placed lower than Ademola Lookman in the list of top wingers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and Simon only played in two matches during the tournament in Morocco.
The 30-year-old was included in the starting lineup for the group-stage match against Uganda and the third-place playoff against Egypt, with Chelle deciding to let several important players rest.
In an interview with RMC Sport’s After Foot last Friday, Chelle talked about Simon’s skills and how important he is tactically.
He said, “Moses Simon is a powerful left winger, and that’s the main thing he contributes to the team. He does well in one-on-one and two-on-two situations. In Nigeria, we usually play with a diamond.
“When we play deeper, we use a flat 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1 formation, and he usually helps us keep stability on the wing and add width to our play.
“When you play through the wings, the opposing team’s defense moves toward the center, and then you can spread the play back out to the sides using Simon, Chukwueze, or Ejuke.”
After six years at Nantes, Simon joined the capital club Paris FC last summer and signed a three-year contract.
The winger had a great beginning in the capital, making four goal contributions in his first seven games in Ligue 1.
Chelle thought about Simon’s time at the club and said that the winger started the season very well at Paris FC.
“I watched some Paris FC games at the start of the season. He began well when he got there. When he played in Nantes, the play usually focused on him. The plan was to move the ball to the sides and get Moses Simon into one-on-one situations.
“At a new club, the approach is different, and he needs to move more towards the center before getting the ball. It is a bit complicated. I am happy with what he is doing for the national team,” he said.
Moses Simon was used majorly as a substitute by Eric Chelle at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
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