The Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s decision to cancel the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification match between Libya and Nigeria is a commendable move in the face of unacceptable conduct. The Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, had arrived in Libya for the crucial second-leg match after securing victory in the first leg in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. However, the behavior of Libyan authorities towards the Nigerian delegation raised significant concerns, prompting CAF to step in.
What transpired between the two countries is disheartening and shocking, particularly when viewed through the lens of their long-standing diplomatic relationship. Nigeria and Libya, two giants on the African continent, should represent unity, respect, and sportsmanship. Instead, the Libyan side resorted to underhanded tactics aimed at frustrating and exhausting the Super Eagles in an attempt to secure a favorable outcome in the now-canceled match.
One of the most alarming actions was the diversion of the Nigerian team’s chartered flight. Originally scheduled to land in Tripoli, the plane was redirected to a lesser-known and substandard local airport. This was just the beginning of a string of unfortunate events that followed. The Nigerian contingent, including players and officials, was held hostage for over 18 hours in an attempt to derail their preparation for the upcoming match.
These actions go beyond mere gamesmanship. They are clear attempts to manipulate the outcome of a football match through tactics that have no place in professional sports. Football, more than just a game, is a tool for fostering unity and diplomacy between nations. What Libya did not only undermines this spirit but also brings African football into disrepute.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) acted quickly, lodging complaints to CAF and engaging in high-level diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation. Nigeria’s Minister of Sports and Foreign Affairs reached out to their Libyan counterparts, while former NFF President Amaju Pinnick and other football stakeholders joined in voicing their concerns. It is in the light of these efforts that CAF’s swift intervention and decision to cancel the match is appreciated.
However, while the cancellation is a positive step, it should not be the end of the matter. CAF must go further by awarding the three points to Nigeria as a just consequence of Libya’s actions. Additionally, the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) should be sanctioned to serve as a deterrent to other nations. Football, especially in Africa, cannot afford to have its reputation tarnished by such unsporting behavior.
Suspending Libya from international football competitions for a significant period would send a strong message to others. It would demonstrate that CAF is serious about upholding the principles of fairness, sportsmanship, and respect that are at the core of the game. The international community is watching, and Africa must not let football become a victim of political or selfish interests.
Moreover, individual actors within Libya who orchestrated or facilitated this debacle must be held accountable. CAF should institute a thorough investigation to identify these individuals, and appropriate punishment must follow if they are found guilty. Such actions would serve as a necessary reminder that no one is above the rules, and that all parties involved in African football must adhere to international standards of conduct.
The integrity of football in Africa hinges on the ability of governing bodies like CAF to enforce discipline and fairness. Allowing nations or individuals to manipulate the system for personal gain threatens the very fabric of the game. It is, therefore, imperative that decisive action is taken to prevent this from happening again.
Football is one of the most unifying forces on the continent. It transcends borders, languages, and cultures, bringing people together in ways that few other activities can. For many African nations, it is a source of pride and joy. To see it exploited by unscrupulous actors is a betrayal of the spirit of the sport.
CAF must also use this incident as an opportunity to review its protocols for match logistics and the treatment of visiting teams. The fact that a national team could be subjected to such maltreatment raises serious questions about the oversight of international football in Africa. Stricter measures must be put in place to ensure that all teams, regardless of their status or nationality, are treated with respect and fairness.
If the integrity of the beautiful game is to be maintained, CAF must continue to act decisively. In this case, Libya’s behavior has shown that there are those who are willing to use any means necessary to gain an advantage. By canceling the match, CAF has sent a signal that such behavior will not be tolerated. But more needs to be done.
In conclusion, the events surrounding the match between Nigeria and Libya have exposed the darker side of African football. However, with strong action from CAF, these events can serve as a turning point. By taking decisive measures, CAF can ensure that football remains a force for good on the continent, uniting rather than dividing nations.
To allow this kind of behavior to go unchecked would be to invite more of the same in the future. Football is bigger than any one country, and it is the responsibility of CAF and all African nations to safeguard its integrity. The time to act is now, and the world will be watching.
Deacon Darlington Okpebholo Ray is the Publisher, Editor-in-Chief, Truth Live News Int’l and Former First Vice Chairman of the Edo State Football Association, writes from, London, United Kingdom.