Fatshimetrie, 15 October 2024 – An alarming situation recently shook the African football world, when the delegation of the Nigerian national team was worryingly detained at an airport in Libya. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has opened an investigation into the incident, which has highlighted the seriousness of the conditions that national teams can face when travelling for international matches.
When the Nigerian team returned to Libya to play a qualifying match for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Libyan authorities invited the delegation to land at an airport where they were detained for more than 12 hours, in conditions deemed worrying. This detention sparked outrage in the sporting community, highlighting the challenges that national teams can face on the international stage.
Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong expressed his dismay at the situation, describing the behaviour of the Libyan authorities as shameful and unacceptable. He highlighted the team’s dedication and desire to play in fair and respectful conditions. Despite the pilot’s efforts to find an alternative solution to this inexplicable hijacking, the match had to be postponed to a later date.
The swift and firm response of CAF, which has opened an investigation into the incident, underlines the importance of ensuring the safety and respect of national teams when travelling for official competitions. Appropriate action will be taken against those found to have violated the regulations in force, demonstrating the determination of the governing body of African football to protect the integrity and dignity of teams involved in its competitions.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by national teams when travelling abroad to represent their countries. He also underlines the importance of close cooperation between local authorities and football governing bodies to ensure safe and respectful travel conditions for all participants.
In conclusion, this episode underlines the need for football bodies to remain vigilant and act swiftly in case national teams are put at risk. The protection of players and sports personnel must be a top priority, thus ensuring fair and safe competitions for all stakeholders in African football.