Ill-Treatment Of Super Eagles: Libyan Football Federation President Resigns

Ill-treatment of the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles by their Lybian hosts may have cost the country’s Football Federation president, Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani his job.

He turned in the towel during a regular meeting of the Federation’s General Assembly, a report in the Libya Observer said.

His resignation is coming amidst controversies concerning the manner in which the Nigerian team was treated in the country, with many of the players, expressing doubt about the availability for the Tuesday game.

“I do not want to be part of the failure in Libyan sports,” Al-Shalmani was quoted, as saying while ddressing the assembly on Sunday.

“We faced difficulties during the previous period,” he acknowledged, before expressing gratitude to his colleagues.

“I thank all members of the General Assembly, and I forgive everyone from all segments of the sports sector,” he added ,while reflecting on his tenure.

This has cast doubts on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya on Tuesday between the country and Nigeria.

The Nigerian team was allegedly held at an abandoned airport for over 15 hours, and has resolved not to play the match, citing safety concerns.

Nigeria Football Federation director of communications, Ademola Olajire, while confirming that the team would fly back home, on account of the safety concerns, added:

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“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer as NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home,” Olajire stated.

Despite the circumstances leading to his resignation, Al-Shalmani stood firm on his record of service.

“I have a history in the International, Arab and African Federation, and no one can deny that,” he added.

In a statement on Monday via X, the LFF sought to clarify the events, emphasising that the diversion of the Nigerian team’s flight was not intended as a hostile act.

“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation,” the LFF said.

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The resignation comes at a turbulent time for Libyan football.

The Nigerian national team, scheduled to play a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya on Tuesday, faced ‘inhumane treatment’ upon arrival in the country.

The Super Eagles, held at an abandoned airport for over 15 hours, has resolved not to play the match, citing safety concerns.

Nigeria Football Federation director of communications, Ademola Olajire, confirmed that the team would fly back home.

“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer as NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home,” Olajire stated.