Julius Okorie
In an effort to conclude its investigation and recommend punishment accordingly, following Super Eagles unpleasant experience in Libya, CAF Disciplinary Board has given both the Libya Football Federation (LFF) and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) till Sunday October 20th to submit their report.
The Eagles were billed to take on Libya in Game four tie of the AFCON qualifier in Benina on October 15, but the mission turned out to be a near horror film situation that almost caused the Nigerian national team their lives after antagonistic Libyan authorities diverted the chartered flight originally billed to land in Benghazi to ill-equipped Abraq Airport.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIt took the grace of God and the expertise of the pilot to ensure safe landing at the airport where the Eagles were further abandoned for over 14 hours with no food and no water.
The world was shocked to see the fatigued players sleeping uncomfortably at the airport.
The team had to return home when it became apparent that the Libyan authorities were enjoying the drama at the expense of the team’s suffering.
CAF immediately referred the case to its disciplinary board for further investigation even as the match was delisted and put on hold till after investigation.
According to the directive, both federations are to submit their report with relevant documents including blow by blow account of decisions taken by the federation, time of taking the said action level of information passed and reactions to messages and mails if any in the course of the brouhaha.
READ ALSO: AFCON Qualifier: Libyan Authorities Give Eagles Hell Ahead Tuesday Return Leg In Benina
There are strong indications that the offence weighs higher on the Libyan side forcing the LFF to reportedly hired a specialised lawyer to handle the case.
It is believed that the federation denies responsibility for diverting the Nigerian team’s flight, stating that the decision to reroute the plane was made by Libyan state authorities and not the football federation.
The Super Eagles secured a 1-0 win in the first leg of the qualifier in Uyo, which keeps them at the top of Group D, with seven points while Libya remains at the bottom with a point.
The next set of qualifiers will hold early November and there are strong indications that the Continental soccer ruling body will conclude on the pending case before then.
It is not just about taking decision on the scuttled match but there are likely to be sanctions and fines to serve as deterrent.
Primebusiness.africa however gathered that the NFF eager to see to swift determination of the case has since dispatched its report before anyone could say Jack Robinson.
A source in the Glass House in a position to know, confirmed the development saying “We have passed that stage all that is being awaited right now is CAF decision”
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.
