… says ‘I don’t want to be part of failure in Libyan sports’
. FG summons Libyan diplomat, CAF launches probe
. We were locked up in Al Abraq Airport for 13 hours after landing in Libya – Edo deputy Gov Shaibu
. Libya denies sabotage, cites logistics for Super Eagles’ airport delay
Samuel Adesola, Abuja
President of the Libyan Football Federation, Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani, announced his resignation during a regular meeting of the Federation’s General Assembly.
This is just as Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu urged CAF to sanction Libya over the inhuman treatment meted to the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles in the North African country.
According to The Libya Observer, an English and Arabic online newspaper based in Tripoli, Libya, in a post on Monday via its website, the decision was made on Sunday.
Meanwhile, there is growing tension surrounding the treatment of the Nigerian national team ahead of a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
“I do not want to be part of the failure in Libyan sports,” Al-Shalmani was quoted.
Addressing the assembly on Sunday, Al-Shalmani reflected on the challenges faced during his tenure.
“We faced difficulties during the previous period,” he acknowledged, before expressing gratitude to his colleagues.
“I thank all members of the General Assembly, and I forgive everyone from all segments of the sports sector,” he added.
Despite the circumstances leading to his resignation, Al-Shalmani stood firm on his record of service.
“I have a history in the International, Arab and African Federation, and no one can deny that,” he added.
The resignation comes at a turbulent time for Libyan football.
The Nigerian national team, scheduled to play a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya on Tuesday, faced ‘inhumane treatment’ upon arrival in the country.
The team, held at an abandoned airport for over 15 hours, has resolved not to play the match, citing safety concerns.
Nigeria Football Federation director of communications, Ademola Olajire, confirmed that the team would fly back home.
“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer as NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home,” Olajire stated.
However, the Libyan Football Federation addressed the circumstances behind the extended delay at Al Abraq International Airport and attributed the situation to routine air traffic and logistical challenges rather than deliberate foul play.
In a statement on Monday via X, the LFF sought to clarify the events, emphasising that the diversion of the Nigerian team’s flight was not intended as a hostile act.
“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation,” the LFF said.
Meanwhile, in the most recent development, Super Eagles players and officials have been reportedly set to depart from Libya.
This was disclosed by a sports enthusiast, identified as Pooja Media, via his X handle on Monday.
He wrote, “Super Eagles players and all officials are boarding to fly out of Libya to Nigeria. Thank God.”
Confirming this, a player, Bruno Onyemaechi, wrote, “Me and Libya, I don wash my hands commot. Nothing concerns me and una again. Thank God I’m going back.”
President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, applauded the safe return of Super Eagles to the country after their ordeal in Libya ahead of the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifier.
Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement that President Tinubu expressed sympathy with the team over the inhuman treatment endured by the Super Eagles players and officials in Libya.
Tinubu, who also called on CAF to sanction Libya over the inhuman treatment of the Nigerian national team, commended the players for keeping their spirits alive despite the excruciating ordeal in Libya.
According to the statement, “President Tinubu expects the Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football to conduct a thorough investigation and recommend appropriate action against those who wilfully violated the organisation’s Statutes and Regulations.
“President Tinubu also commended the proactive coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development in addressing the unfortunate episode and ensuring the safe return of our players.
“The Nigerian leader recognises football’s unifying power in bringing nations and people together and views the treatment of our citizens as unsportsmanlike and inhumane, a stark contrast to the spirit of the game he deeply appreciates.
“He fervently calls on all lovers of the round-leather game and administrators to unite and work collaboratively to prevent and overcome such incidents in the future.”
Recall that the Super Eagles team faced a distressing ordeal upon their arrival in the North African country for the return leg of the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifiers following their defeat of the Mediterranean Knights of Libya 1-0 in Akwa Ibom last Friday.
Their flight, initially bound for Benghazi, was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq International Airport, a remote location typically used for religious pilgrimages.
After they landed, the players and staff were left stranded for over 13 hours at the airport without food, water and transportation.
Responding to the ordeal, the Super Eagles decided to boycott the AFCON qualifier, with the Nigeria Football Federation supporting their decision.
The harrowing experience of the national football team at the hands of their hosts and the Libyan authorities prompted the NFF to withdraw the Super Eagles from the scheduled match on Tuesday.
The Nigerian national football team returned to Nigeria, landing in Kano on a chartered ValueJet aircraft on Monday evening.
