Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo has faulted Confédération Africaine de Football’s decision to have allowed Libya host Nigeria on home soil in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Recall that the Super Eagles boycotted the game after the Libyan authorities held the players, staff and coaching crew hostage for more than 16 hours after they arrived Al Abraq airport.
Reacting to the dvelopment, Omeruo in an interview on Arise TV stated that it was a dangerous decision for CAF to have given Libya the greenlight to host their games at home.
He advised the Nigerian Football Federation to always visit a venue where the Super Eagles will be hosted before allowing the team to travel.
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“For me, I think it was terrible. I didn’t even know Libya had to play their games there because I know the country is not at peace until now. So I think it was a wrong decision by CAF to let them play their home games in Libya,” Omeruo stated.
“The crazy one was even diverting the flight. It’s so dangerous. It’s so dangerous and I’m just happy they are back and they are safe for real.”
“I think it’s very important for us as Nigerians to at least have a delegate travel before the game… With that, the players will feel safe and everything will be more organised,” he added.
“If someone was there in Libya, they would have gotten the information beforehand… They could try to fight this situation before the players actually board the flight to travel,” Omeruo added.
Earlier, the Super Eagles of Nigeria were left stranded at Abraq International Airport in Libya, less than forty-eight hours before an AFCON qualifier against Libya, scheduled for last Tuesday.
The Nigerian delegation en route to Benghazi for the crucial match was left stranded for over 16 hours after their flight was diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a small airport typically reserved for hajj operations.
1 Comment
Totally agree with Omeruo on this.
Libya just ended a bitter Civil War about 4 years ago, and is still a dangerous place to be, with lurking terrorists, unexploded land mines, etc.
It’s crazy to have Libya host a game at home, because you can’t predict how the home crowd will act. Violence to them comes easy, like drinking water.
CAF should have known better. NFF too should have lodged a complaint months ago. NFF bears the responsibility for the safety and security of our team.