Nigeria’s upcoming AFCON qualifier in Libya is under jeopardy after the team was stranded overnight and subsequently decided not to travel due to safety concerns. The match, scheduled for October 15, is unlikely to proceed as planned. The circumstances challenge both teams and the integrity of the qualifying process for the tournament.
The impending Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Nigeria and Libya is now in serious doubt due to significant logistical and safety issues encountered by the Nigerian squad. The Super Eagles faced an unexpected ordeal when their flight to Benghazi was diverted to Al Abraq airport, approximately 230 kilometers away. They were stranded for an extended period without adequate provisions, leading to heightened concerns regarding their safety. Nigeria’s national football governing body, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), subsequently declared that the team would not travel to Benghazi, citing abandonment and lack of communication from their Libyan counterparts as major factors. The team’s captain, William Troost-Ekong, has publicly indicated their intention to withdraw from the match, emphasizing their focus on future AFCON endeavors. Currently, the match is still scheduled to take place on October 15 at Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benina, but circumstances suggest it is highly unlikely to proceed as planned. Last week, Nigeria secured a 1-0 victory against Libya in a previous fixture, positioning them advantageously within Group D of the qualifying rounds for the AFCON championship. The outcome of this current situation raises questions about potential rescheduling or a possible forfeiture that may award the match points to Libya.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a prestigious continental football tournament in Africa, and the qualification phase involves intense competition among national teams. This particular episode involving Nigeria’s Super Eagles has drawn attention due to its implications for the team’s chances of qualifying for the tournament. The logistical failures and subsequent abandonment of the players bring to light the challenges faced by teams during international fixtures, particularly in regions experiencing unrest or insecurity. The NFF’s response to the situation highlights broader issues of athlete safety and organizational support in ensuring fair play in international sports.
As it stands, the future of the Libya vs. Nigeria AFCON qualifier remains uncertain pending the resolution of logistical and safety issues that have arisen. Nigeria’s withdrawal from the scheduled match places them in a precarious position within Group D, having previously topped the standings after defeating Libya in their prior encounter. Stakeholders will need to closely monitor developments regarding any official decisions on postponement or forfeiture.
Original Source: www.sportingnews.com
