The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has addressed the recent flight diversion of the Nigerian national team, saying “it was not intentional”.
In a statement released on Monday, LFF rejected claims of “foul play or sabotage”.
The federation alleged that their team faced similar travel difficulties during their visit to Nigeria for the first leg of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
“It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification,” the statement reads.
“Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities.
“Football, in its essence, unites nations, and we are committed to upholding the spirit of fairness and mutual respect both on and off the field.”
The Nigerian team has been stranded in Libya. The Super Eagles players have been held at the airport for over 14 hours upon arrival in Libya on Sunday for the second leg of their qualifying series, following their 1-0 victory in Uyo, Akwa Ibom on Friday.
The NFF earlier revealed it was planning to fly the team back home after players resolved not to play the match any longer.
CAF has yet to release an official statement about the situation in Libya.
