Libya gripped by fear of key pilot testimony as CAF prepares verdict over Nigeria’s airport ordeal

Libya face mounting anxiety as the Confederation of African Football’s Disciplinary Board prepares to release its findings on the disrupted Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.

The controversy stems from the unexpected diversion of a ValueJet aircraft carrying the Nigerian team, resulting in an ordeal that saw the delegation stranded for over 20 hours.

During the lengthy detention, the Nigerian team was reportedly held without food or water and forced to endure a night sleeping on chairs and the bare floor.

The Libyan authorities initially attributed the delay to “passport system issues” at the airport.

The case took a dramatic turn following video testimony from Tunisian pilot Captain Abdellatif Merchergui, who commanded the flight.

Merchergui claimed that, despite having official clearance to land in Benghazi, he was instructed by Libyan authorities to divert to an airport 300 kilometers away.

According to Libya Akhbar, the pilot’s testimony could tilt the case in favour of Nigeria, with CAF’s verdict expected in the coming hours.

In a video statement, the pilot explained,

“The flight plan was to land at Benghazi as our destination and we got approval from the Libyan authorities to land there, but unfortunately when we were close we were told to divert…

“In aviation, we have a flight plan and we calculate how much fuel will take us through, so we have to avoid such problems because they may hinder our safety.”

Tunisian pilot Captain Abdellatif Merchergui

The pilot further emphasized,

“In aviation, we cannot hide anything. I asked the civil aviation in Libya at least eight times, but they repeated the same thing, saying that we could not land there. Thank God we arrived and landed safely. We have all the evidence, and it is well documented.”

Libyan Football Association officials have provided CAF with navigation records and technical documents explaining the reasons for redirecting the flight from Labraq Airport instead of the designated Benina Airport in Benghazi.

However, Libya’s CAF Executive Committee member, Abdul Hakim Al-Shalmani, has publicly denounced Merchergui’s statements, describing them as “false and slanderous,” and claiming the pilot’s testimony favoured Nigeria.

He went further to announce potential legal action against Merchergui, accusing him of breaching diplomatic protocol between Libya and Tunisia.

CAF’s ruling on the incident is eagerly awaited, as Libya could face potential forfeiture of the match depending on the outcome of the investigation.