The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has criticised the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) decision to boycott their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match, which had been set for October 15.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the LFF expressed its intention to pursue “all necessary legal measures” to safeguard the interests of Libya’s national team.
The statement further accused Nigeria of a “lack of cooperation,” referencing Libya’s challenging experience during the first leg match held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, where Nigeria secured victory.
“The Libyan Football Federation strongly condemns the Nigerian Football Federation’s decision to refuse playing the Libya-Nigeria match in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers scheduled for Tuesday, October 15,” the statement reads.
“We will take all necessary legal measure to protect and preserve the interests of its national football team.”
The LFF included footage from the first leg, noting that despite difficult conditions, the Libyan team still played their match against Nigeria out of respect for the Confederation of African Football.
“The Libyan Federation attaches some inhumane footage that did not prevent the Libyan mission from playing the Nigeria-Libya match last Friday in Nigeria, out of cooperation with the Confederation of African Football.”
The LFF also pointed out that Nigeria did not assist in resolving issues related to either leg of the match.
“The Libyan Football Federation clarifies that its Nigerian counterpart did not cooperate in preventing it in any way, whether in relation to the first or second leg match, knowing that the events beyond our control do not equal a small part of what the Libyan national team was exposed to in the first leg match.”
The federation apologised to its supporters and stakeholders for the disruption caused by “NFF’s actions,” which led to the match being delayed.
Meanwhile, Libyan national team players took part in a training session on Monday in preparation for the anticipated clash with the Super Eagles.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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