• Nigeria’s Super Eagles were stranded for a period of 20 hours upon arrival at Al Abraq Airport in Libya for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.
• The inhumane treatment meted out to the Nigerian team contingent has sparked serious discussions, with the Confederation of African Football condemning the act.
• We shine the spotlight on possible sanctions that could be imposed on Libya for the mistreatment of the Nigerian team.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles were subjected to what can be described as inhumane treatment upon arrival at Al Abraq Airport for their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya.

Upon landing at the largely deserted airport, the Nigerian team found themselves unattended, without access to food or essential supplies for almost 20 hours.

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This shameful act by Libya sparked widespread outrage from individuals and key stakeholders, prompting the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to issue a statement condemning the Libyan Football Federation.

CAF’s condemnation of Libya’s unsporting behavior has sparked discussions about potential repercussions or sanctions they could face.

In light of these events, we focus on what CAF regulations say regarding the mistreatment of visiting teams by host countries.

CAF rules on poor treatment of opposing teams

According to article 16 of the CAF regulations governing CAN qualification:

“The host team will provide the visiting team with access to a training ground for the duration of their stay, at the convenience of the team.”

This regulation was clearly violated by Libya.

Article 29 of the CAF regulations further highlights Libya’s failings:

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“The organizing association which does not provide the visiting team and designated match officials with all the facilities stipulated in these regulations will reimburse all related expenses, without prejudice to any sanctions which may be imposed by the organizing committee. “

Article 31 describes rhospitality requirements, detailing minimum standards for hosting teams, which Libya also failed to meet.

Although specific sanctions against Libya and its federation are not explicitly listed in the CAF regulations, Article 117 states that any issue not addressed in the current regulations will be decided by the CAF committee. organization.

Thus, it is expected that CAF will convene a commission to determine appropriate sanctions based on the seriousness of Libya’s unsporting acts during the investigation of this matter.

Commenting on the unfortunate incident, Nigerian football expert, Chinedu Emmanuel, in an interview with Legitime.ngstressed the need for CAF to use this situation as a deterrent, not only for Libya but for all footballing nations who resort to desperate tactics to gain an unfair advantage in club or international football.

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“It is now up to CAF to make the right decision, which means imposing a significant fine on Libya for what they have done. This would serve as an important lesson for other nations, particularly those in North Africa that repeatedly engage in these tactics.

Nigerian teams, like Rivers United and Enyimba FC, have faced similar situations in the past…I think it is time for CAF to act boldly.

The CAF has not done enough to combat or prevent these kinds of unethical acts. It is always the North African teams who are at the origin of these problems.

CAF must set an example for Libya and send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.

It remains to be seen how this unpleasant situation surrounding the match between Nigeria and Libya will evolve.

Sanctions Nigeria could face after Libya saga

Legitime.ng in another report, the Super Eagles could be sanctioned after losing their qualifying match against Libya.

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The Nigerian team chose to withdraw from the match following the events at Al Abaq airport. Article 62 of the CAF AFCON regulations outlines possible sanctions the Super Eagles could face.

The article also provides for appeal possibilities and exceptions, a rule which may apply in the case of Nigeria.

Source: Legit.ng