The incident involving the Nigerian national football team, which found itself stranded for 15 hours without food and water at a Libyan airport ahead of an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, has sparked concerns and raised tensions between the two nations.
The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has issued a statement addressing the situation, emphasizing that the diversion of the flight was not an intentional act and urging understanding.
The LFF expressed its “deep concern” over the situation and stated that “such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel.”
They noted that delays or rerouting are “standard procedures at airports worldwide” and that the disruption faced by the Nigerian team was unfortunate but not uncommon.
Moreover, the LFF firmly rejected any accusations of foul play, asserting, “There are no grounds to accuse the Libyan security teams or the Libyan Football Federation of deliberately orchestrating this incident.”
They highlighted their commitment to hospitality, stating, “In Libya, we pride ourselves on our hospitality and our welcoming nature,” and reaffirmed their dedication to treating all visiting teams with respect.
In conclusion, the LFF hopes that this misunderstanding can be resolved, expressing their desire to “promote the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and friendship in the world of football.”
The hope is that both nations can move past this incident, reinforcing their mutual respect and camaraderie within the sport.
