The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has firmly rejected allegations surrounding the mistreatment of the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, upon their arrival in Libya for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier.
The incident, which unfolded on Sunday, October 13, raised tensions between both football bodies, with Nigeria’s team reportedly stranded for hours after their flight was diverted.
The Super Eagles were en route to Benghazi for their crucial matchday four encounter when their plane was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abaq Airport.
Upon landing, the team and its officials were allegedly left waiting for over 13 hours without proper accommodation, as hotel rooms for the stranded delegation could not be secured.
This treatment has sparked outrage among Nigerian fans and officials, prompting concerns about the host nation's conduct.
However, the Libyan Football Federation swiftly responded to the allegations in an official statement, aiming to dispel rumours of any deliberate foul play.
Libya FA: ‘No foul play' in Super Eagles flight diversion
In their official statement released via their X (formerly Twitter) page, the LFF emphasised that the flight’s diversion was due to routine air traffic control protocols and logistical challenges, common occurrences in international air travel.
They maintained that no ill intent was behind the incident and expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to the Super Eagles.
The LFF also highlighted that Libya faced similar logistical difficulties when their national team travelled to Nigeria the previous week for the same competition.
Despite these challenges, they noted that they refrained from making public accusations or questioning the integrity of Nigerian authorities, reinforcing their commitment to fair play and sportsmanship.
“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation,” the statement read, adding that such actions are inconsistent with their values.
As tensions rise between both nations ahead of the AFCON qualifier, Libya reaffirmed its respect for their Nigerian counterparts, stressing that they strive to maintain unity, fairness, and hospitality in football.
“We hope that this misunderstanding can be resolved with understanding and goodwill. Our doors are open to our Nigerian brothers and all African teams, and we continue to promote the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and friendship in the world of football,” the FA statement concluded.
