The president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, addressed the incident that occurred during the fourth round of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers between Libya and Nigeria.
This incident, described as the “hostage-taking” of the Super Eagles, garnered attention after the Nigerian team was stranded at Al Abraq Airport for over 12 hours without food or a place to sleep, on the eve of the return leg, which was ultimately canceled. Their plane had been rerouted from Benghazi, where the match was supposed to take place.
During CAF’s 46th General Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Motsepe expressed his frustration with such recurring situations in African football, which he believes are contrary to the spirit of fair play. “I’ve heard too many stories of national teams or clubs arriving in a country and being stuck at the airport for hours, asked for non-existent documents. During the pandemic, even top players were isolated under the pretext of having COVID, despite already being tested. This is a way to weaken the opponent, and for me, it’s completely unsportsmanlike,” Motsepe criticized.
Patrice Motsepe then announced significant upcoming measures, while praising nations that respect fair play principles: “We are proud of the nations that treat national teams and visiting clubs with the dignity and respect they deserve. We are currently reviewing these laws, and we will take action.”
He also reminded everyone that an investigation has been launched against those who violated CAF’s Statutes and Regulations in this matter. Libya could face severe sanctions.
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