“I represented Libya alone” – Al-Shalmani laments lack of support as Nigeria dominate AFCONQ dispute hearing

CAF Executive Committee member Abdul Hakim Al-Shalmani has voiced deep frustration over Libya’s lack of support during the recent hearing on the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Libya and Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.

Al-Shalmani criticised Libyan authorities for failing to provide a solid defence and adequate representation, contrasting sharply with Nigeria’s substantial delegation.

In comments published by Libya Akhbar, Al-Shalmani revealed that over 20 Nigerian representatives, including the Minister of Sports and some members of parliament, attended the hearing to support the country’s case.

By contrast, he noted that he was alone in standing for Libya, a situation he described as a disappointing missed opportunity for national unity.

“While I was representing Libya alone, this issue was supposed to be an opportunity to unite ranks and support the homeland,” Al-Shalmani lamented.

“It is unreasonable for me to address the responsible authorities individually without having an official position that would enable me to do so. This is an issue that affects Libya’s dignity and sporting reputation and requires everyone’s intervention.”

Meanwhile, Amaju Pinnick, former Nigeria Football Federation president, confirmed that CAF is expected to issue its verdict on the incident imminently.

Pinnick explained that the CAF Executive Committee treated the matter with high priority during their latest meeting.

“CAF is taking this issue very seriously,” Pinnick stated in an interview with Arise Television.

“Today, tomorrow we will have the final result. CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, personifies integrity and Pan-Africanism. We deliberated on it in our executive committee meeting. It was a subject of intense discussion.”

The case stems from an incident in which Nigeria’s Super Eagles were detained at Al Abraq Airport for over 15 hours prior to their scheduled AFCON qualifier against Libya on October 15, 2024. As a result, Nigeria’s team declined to play and returned home.