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African Football Chiefs Investigate Nigeria-Libya Fallout

A plane carrying the Nigeria football squad and its technical advisers had been cleared to land at Benghazi airport but the pilot was told to land at Al Abraq Airport in Bayda.

While in Al Abraq Airport in Bayda, the Nigerian players remained the departures lounge for more than 16 hours.

“They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games. As the captain, together with the team, we have decided that we will not play this game,” the Nigerian team captain posted on X.

Pictures posted online by the Nigeria players showed some of them lying on airport seats, their luggage beside them and with no other passengers in sight.

African football chiefs launched an inquiry on Tuesday to assertain why the Nigeria team was forced to land at an airstrip hundreds of kilometres away from the venue of their Africa Cup of Nations clash against Libya.

“The matter has been referred to the Confederation of African Football’s disciplinary board for investigation,” said a spokesperson for the confederation which organises the Africa Cup of Nations.

However, before the clash in Uyo, southern Nigeria, the Libyan team accused Nigerian customs officials of excessive scrutiny.

Skipper Faisal Al-Badri said the players were delayed for several hours during luggage checks. Nigerian authorities have denied accusations of maltreatment.

The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) said in a statement, “the Libyan Football Federation condemns the measures taken by the Nigerian Football Federation by refusing to play the Libya-Nigeria match in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers. It will take all legal measures to preserve the interests of the Libyan national football team.”

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