Football enthusiasts across the country are gripped by anxiety and suspense as the Confederation of African Football announces its decision on the botched 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group D tie between Nigeria and Libya on Wednesday (today), The Punch reports.
The Nigeria Football Federation had lodged a complaint with CAF after the Libyan authorities subjected the Super Eagles to inhuman treatment upon arriving in the country for the second leg against the Mediterranean Knights on Sunday.
In a video posted by the Eagles media team, the players and officials were left stranded with their luggage at the airport, with the Libyan airport officials indifferent to their plight and conversing in Arabic.
Libya were scheduled to host the three-time African champions at the 10,000-capacity Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benina, located just 10 kilometres from Benghazi, but their plane was diverted to the Al Abraq Airport, which is over 200 km and three and a half hours drive from the planned camp site.
The Al Abraq International Airport, typically used for hajj operations, lacked basic amenities, leaving players and officials tired and frustrated. Neither a receptive team nor vehicles were provided by the Libyan Football Federation, forcing the Nigeria Football Federation to make an alternate transportation arrangement.
The Nigerian contingent was caged at the airport for over 20 hours without food or water and completely shut out of the world, compelling the West African giants to boycott the game.
In response to Nigeria’s protest, the Libyan Federation said that the Nigerians did not cooperate with them in any way, whether in the first or second leg, indicating that their experience is a child’s play compared to theirs while in Nigeria for the first leg.
CAF president, Patrice Motsepe, during a press conference on Tuesday after the 46th Ordinary General Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, said a proper investigation was ongoing, leaving all fingers crossed ahead of Wednesday’s decision.
Ahead of today’s judgement, some football enthusiasts have expressed worries and concern following Motsepe’s comment that the football governing body will go hard on offenders over poor treatment of visiting teams.
Popular sports broadcaster Ken Ochonogor said, “We have a good case, but as you well know, it all boils down to politics. I read somewhere that Morocco and a few other North African countries have thrown their weight behind Libya. Let’s see how it goes.”
Yinka Tinuade added, “Still so miffed Libya diverted the aircraft to an airport outside its flight plan, emergency and all. That’s downright sinister behavior. The pilot’s account is enough to nail Libya.
Akin Ecstasy tweeted, “He said a lot if you listen to him sell. They have already concluded investigations and are about to punish whoever is involved. I think Libya would be fined and heavily punished.”
“Why should he even mention it in the first place when there is an ongoing investigation?” Motunde Akinmusi opined.
Emmanuel Ndiokwere said, “Often times, these leaders go around critical issues like this with so much verbosity. I don’t see how Libya wouldn’t be heavily penalised by CAF for their undisguised hostility and disrespect for the Nigerian national team.”
Tochi Pius was of the belief that both teams should be sanctioned.
“His statement indicates both teams would be fined. If you listen without sentiment, the delay in the airport claimed by Libya happened first. That doesn’t show sportsmanship and then paying them back. Clearly, both teams will be fined, and that will be a fair punishment,” he said.
Worried about the decision, Batunns said, “This final CAF decision will not favour Nigeria.”
Raji Ibrahim, in his opinion, found Libya guilty.
“He said a lot really and showed that Libya is guilty as charged. He just doesn’t want to reveal his outcome of the committee findings beforehand.”
Jeremiah Akinola added, “He is playing safe not to offend both nations. There is a feeling that Libya won’t be sanctioned, as they might appeal to the Nigeria FA to let it slide and settle out of CAF premises.”
Lawal Olatunji added, “It is really funny how people think it is only Libya that will be sanctioned; what about Nigeria?“
