The Libyan Football Federal has broken its silence following reports that Super Eagles player are stranded at the Airport.
The players and other officials from Nigeria were said to have been stranded at Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya.
Frustrated with the development, the NFF earlier said Nigeria would boycott the AFCON qualifier match against Libya, DAILY GIST reports.
Fatigued players and officials have remained surprised and confused as the host Libyan Football Federation failed to send any reception team or even vehicles to take the delegation members from the airport to their hotel, said to be 3 hours away in Benghazi.
The NFF made arrangements for separate vehicles for the team but the plan was hindered by the diversion of the aircraft.
NFF confirmed in a statement on Monday morning that the players have decided not to honour the match.
However, the Libyan Football Federation has now issued a statement on the situation.
The statement reads: “The Federation expressed its regret for any inconvenience caused but emphasized that such incidents are part of the standard challenges encountered in international air travel.
Whether due to air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical hurdles, these are routine procedures that can affect any nation.
Importantly, the Federation categorically denied any intentional wrongdoing, rejecting claims that the Libyan authorities or football representatives were involved in any form of foul play.”
The statement highlighted that the spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect is central to their values.
Furthermore, it recalled how Libya faced significant travel challenges just a week earlier upon arrival in Nigeria but refrained from making public accusations.
Libya underscored its tradition of hospitality, welcoming all teams with dignity and respect, and expressed its commitment to fairness on and off the field.
The Federation encouraged understanding and dialogue, hoping the situation could be resolved with goodwill.
In the end, their message was clear: football is a sport that unites nations, and Libyans remain dedicated to fostering unity, sportsmanship, and friendship throughout the continent.
