Julius Okorie
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is set to deliver its verdict on the ill-fated 2nd leg AFCON qualifier between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Mediterranean Nights of Libya.
The continental soccer ruling body had last week given both Libya football federation and their Nigeria Football Federation counterpart October 20 deadline to submit their report over the ordeal to which the Super Eagles were subjected in Libya leading to the suspension of the match originally billed for October 15 at the 10,550-capacity Benina Martyrs Stadium.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe NFF dispatched their report in quick compliance, but it has now been confirmed by Libya’s Al-Ahrar Channel that the directive has been complied with.
Primebusiness.africa understands that CAF will be having action packed deliberation on Wednesday with the Nigeria/Libya brouhaha topping the agenda.
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Recall that the Nigerian team had arrived Libya with the aim of honouring the second leg of the two legged AFCON qualifier after winning the first leg by a lone goal in Uyo, only to have their flight diverted dangerously to Al Abraq Airport, located three hours from the match venue in Benghazi.
It marked the beginning of what turned out to be 14 hours ordeal for the team that was left fatigued, disappointed and demoralised.
CAF described the situation faced by the Nigerian team in Libya as “extremely dangerous” even as the body did not hesitate in referring the matter to its disciplinary board for thorough investigation and necessary action.
Expectations are that CAF decision will not only confirm the neutral venue to play the rested match if need be but also dish out sanctions to serve as s deterrent.
Eagles who have won the Nations Cup three times and are eyeing their fourth title, are just inches away from qualifying for Morocco 2025.
The Austin Eguavoen led side lead Group D with seven points followed closely by Benin Republic while Rwanda are third on the log. Embattled Libya are rooted at the bottom of the ladder with odds tilting towards missing the Morocco party.
The best outing the Libyans have had at the Nations Cup was in 1982 when they hosted the tournament. Only eight countries featured in that edition divided into two groups. Libya , Ghana, Cameroon and Tunisia in Group A, and Algeria, Zambia, Nigeria and Ethiopia in Group B.
Nigeria failed to survive the group state in that tournament while Libya went all the way to the final where they lost to Ghana 7-6 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 after full and extra time.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
