The Libyan Football Federation [LFF] have pointed fingers to Nigeria, blaming them for the postponement of Tuesday’s scheduled Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie.
The Super Eagles players declined to execute the game scheduled to take place in Benghazi, citing mistreatment on arrival in the country.
Players and officials of Nigeria were kept in a locked airport for over 16 hours and almost 250km away from their pre-planned destination after their charter flight was redirected while approaching Benghazi and instead landed in Bayda.
It was also stated that the Nigeria team had no access to food or water or internet connection, as well as contact from Libyan officials and they decided to fly back to Nigeria.
The LFF had insisted on Monday that the occurrence was not a deliberate act, sympathising with Nigeria while also adding their players faced travel difficulties on their way to executing the first fixture.
The Confederation of African Football has said it has referred the situation to its disciplinary board.
The LFF released via a statement that it deplored the actions from the Nigeria Football Federation and that it would take legal measures to protect the interests of the national team.
“The Libyan Football Federation apologises to the Libyan football fans everywhere and the parties concerned with the arrangements of the match due to the state of confusion caused by the Nigerian Football Federation, which led to the failure to hold the match on time,” it added.
The LFF had previously complained about the treatment of their players and officials upon arriving Nigeria for the qualifier in Uyo last week, as their flight landed hours away from their match venue leading to players enduring lengthy travel delays.
Nigeria emerged 1-0 winners from the game as they sit in pole position to qualify for the African showpiece scheduled for Morocco late next year. The first and second placed teams each advance to the Cup of Nations finals.
