The Libyan Football Federation has responded to claims made by the Nigerian Football Federation, denying accusations that the Super Eagles and their officials were held hostage after arriving in Libya.
This statement comes after reports surfaced that the Super Eagles were stranded for 15 hours at Al Abraq Airport due to an unexpected diversion of their flight. The Nigerian team, traveling on a chartered ValueJet aircraft, departed on October 13 but was diverted just an hour before landing. The flight landed at Al Abraq Airport, located more than two hours away from the intended venue, and the team was reportedly left unattended for hours before captain William Troost-Ekong raised concerns.
In response, the Libyan Football Federation clarified that the flight diversion was unintentional and a result of standard air traffic control protocols. They also referenced the challenges their own team faced during their trip to Nigeria for the first leg of the AFCON qualifiers, stating that they did not publicly accuse or question Nigerian authorities over the difficulties encountered.
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“We are deeply concerned about recent reports regarding the Nigerian national team’s flight diversion ahead of the AFCON qualifier in Libya. While we regret any inconvenience caused, it’s important to recognize that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical issues affecting international travel,” the statement read.
The Libyan Football Federation emphasized that delays or rerouting are not uncommon, and they respect their Nigerian counterparts, assuring them that the flight diversion was not deliberate. The Federation firmly rejected any claims of foul play or sabotage, stressing that they prioritize the safety and dignity of all visiting teams.
“Last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the AFCON qualifiers. Despite this, we did not make public accusations or question the integrity of Nigerian authorities. Football unites nations, and we remain committed to fairness and mutual respect on and off the field,” they added.
Libya underscored their tradition of hospitality, stating that they always aim to treat all visiting teams with respect and dignity. They expressed hope for a resolution to the misunderstanding, reiterating their commitment to unity, sportsmanship, and friendship in football.