CAF Probes Super Eagles Poor Treatment At Benghazi, Libya FA President Resigns

The Confederation of African Football has opened an investigation into the Super Eagles poor treatment in Libya on Monday, and has promised to sanction whoever is found guilty.

The Nigeria delegation was held hostage after their flight was diverted from Benghazi to Al Abraq, leaving the team stranded for over 15 hours.

Subsequently, the Nigeria Football Federation announced that the team would not honor the game on Tuesday and ordered the delegation to return home.

CAF has now expressed concern over the situation and has now promised to ensure thorough investigation, while also confirming that the matter has been transferred to CAF’s Disciplinary Board.

The apex football body in Africa confirmed in a statement on their website on Monday.

The statement read: “CAF views the disturbing and unacceptable experiences of the Nigerian National Football Team (‘Super Eagles’) at an Airport in Libya in a very serious light.

“The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it was informed that the Nigerian National Football Team (‘Super Eagles’) and their technical team were stranded in distressing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land at by the Libyan authorities.

“The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation, and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations.”

Meanwhile, The President of the Libyan Football Federation, Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani has announced his resignation during a regular meeting of the Federation’s General Assembly following the fallout from the controversial incident.

According to the Libya Observer, Al-Shalmani resigned on Sunday during the heat of the matter in a report on their website.

The report reads, “I do not want to be part of the failure in Libyan sports,” Al-Shalmani was quoted.

“We faced difficulties during the previous period,” he acknowledged, before expressing gratitude to his colleagues.

“I thank all members of the General Assembly, and I forgive everyone from all segments of the sports sector.

“I have a history in the International, Arab and African Federation, and no one can deny that.”

The Super Eagles defeated Libya 1-0 courtesy of a late goal by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru at the Godswil Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday.