CAF Chief Motsepe Addresses Nigeria-Libya Airport Controversy

October 22, (THEWILL) – The president of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, has opened up on the investigation into the incident involving Nigeria’s national team being stranded at an airport in Libya during October 2024’s international break.

The Super Eagles experienced significant difficulties when their flight was diverted to Al Abraq airport, approximately 150 miles from the intended destination of Benghazi, where they were scheduled to compete in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match. The Nigerian delegation remained at the facility for more than 15 hours until the government intervened to facilitate their return to Abuja.

Following this occurrence, diplomatic channels were activated as the Nigerian government summoned Libya’s Charge d’Affairs to explain the situation. The incident raised concerns given the historically stable relations between both nations and their disparate standings in African football.

Speaking at the 46th Ordinary General Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Motsepe addressed the broader issue of visiting teams facing challenges in host nations. “Your national team, let me emphasise, forget about the Nigeria and Libya situation, because that process has been properly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken,” Motsepe stated during the conference.

The CAF President reinforced the importance of respectful treatment towards visiting teams, noting that numerous reports exist of national teams and clubs experiencing extended delays at airports with excessive documentation requirements. He confirmed that violations of established regulations would result in decisive measures being implemented.