CAF Demands Documents From Libya, Nigeria Over AFCON Qualifier Cancellation

Tripoli, Libya THE NEWSHAUS – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has requested both the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to submit documentation regarding the cancellation of the 2025 AFCON qualifying Group D match between the two nations, scheduled for October 15th.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria withdrew from the fixture after their plane was diverted to Labraq Airport in Libya and the players were held hostage for 18 hours, deprived of internet access, food, and water.

According to reports from Libya Al-Ahrar Channel, CAF has given both federations until October 20th to provide the requested documents.

Nasser Al-Suwaie, the Secretary-General and current head of the LFF, confirmed CAF’s request in a statement.

Al-Suwaie further announced that the LFF has assigned a lawyer to gather evidence and support their position.

He expressed suspicion of potential collusion within CAF, but asserted that the Libyan Federation’s stance remains strong.

Al-Suwaie firmly denied any involvement by the LFF in the diversion of the Nigerian team’s plane to Al-Abraq Airport, insisting that the decision was made by the Libyan state and must be respected.

This situation has raised tensions between the two nations and brought the potential for a diplomatic incident.

CAF’s investigation and the subsequent documentation submitted by both federations are expected to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the cancellation and potential sanctions for the involved parties.