The Libya Football Federation (LFF) has issued a stern warning to Nigeria, threatening legal action after the Super Eagles withdrew from their scheduled 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matchday four clash against the Mediterranean Knights, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.
The dispute escalated after Nigeria's national team raised safety concerns upon arriving in Libya.
The Super Eagles were stranded at Al Abaq Airport for several hours after landing in Libya for the much-anticipated AFCON qualifier. Frustrated by the situation, the Nigerian players later pulled out of the match, citing safety and logistical concerns as their primary reasons for the withdrawal.
In response, the Libya Football Federation expressed their disappointment, accusing the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of failing to cooperate and adhere to the agreed match arrangements. The LFF has warned that they are prepared to take legal steps against Nigeria, claiming the Super Eagles' decision not only disrupted the competition but also caused significant financial and organizational damages.
The situation has caused tension between the two football bodies, and both CAF (Confederation of African Football) and FIFA may be called upon to mediate the issue and decide on potential consequences or rescheduling of the fixture.
Statement from Libya reads:
- The Libya Football Federation (LFF) condemns the NFF action not to play the game tomorrow.
- Legal Actions to be taken to preserve the right of the Libyan National Team
- ?The LFF denounces the inappropriate behavior of the delegation which almost prevented the Libyan delegation from playing the game last Friday, which is a violation to CAF rule.
- ?The LFF emphasized that the NFF did not cooperate regarding the match in Nigeria as they did not receive equal treatment meted to other countries, and as stipulated in regulations - resulting to them not having a fair and equal opportunity.
- The LFF apologizes to Libyan fans and followers and affirms that the NFF will bear full responsibility for failure to hold the match as scheduled.
It is yet to say what the decision of the Confederation of African Football will do in respect to the situation the Super Eagles faced in Libya.
Oluwayemi Omolagba