Is the CAF really taking responsibility?

[nelson4lov]

As much as I'd like to back Nigeria, it's important to note that Libya made a fair point too although the way they went about it in a bid to get their revenge really sucks.  I will be looking forward to the results that would ne yielded by CAF. They knew about issues like these were looming for a long time now and they are only taking action because it had gotten global medium coverage that they can no longer ignore it.

The game has been unlisted btw.

[Sexylizzy2813]

As much as I'd like to back Nigeria, it's important to note that Libya made a fair point too although the way they went about it in a bid to get their revenge really sucks.  I will be looking forward to the results that would ne yielded by CAF. They knew about issues like these were looming for a long time now and they are only taking action because it had gotten global medium coverage that they can no longer ignore it.

The game has been unlisted btw.

Honestly if these issue hasn't gotten this far I some how believe that CAF would have acted differently on this matter. But I still feel they should play this game on a neutral ground since traveling to Libya is not too healthy base on what happened. If CAF are going to say something about this issue I think they shouldn't leave the game. IMO I don't think this is how to go about dishing out your anger or revenge on the Eagles and now it seems like Nigeria did nothing from the start.

[MrEazyLife]

We have had issues of countries not appreciating the reception they received in certain countries, this is not a situation that is peculiar to African football. CAF is responsible for keeping countries in check and in accordance with laid down guidelines, they do not host delegates or plan their travel itinerary.

With the information that has filtered to the internet what we know now is;
• The Nigerian team felt mistreated by their host,
• They have also refused to participate in the match that was scheduled to hold today,
• Libya similarly complained of how they were hosted in the reverse fixture last week,
• Very likely both countries will be lodging compliants to CAF with the evidence they can provide.

We have to just wait for the outcome of investigations and the scheduled match as players have to return to their clubs very soon. A postponed international match cannot be easily rescheduled.

To think this is a retaliation from the Libyan football club to how they felt were treated unfairly upon their arrival in Nigeria. Then they should be punished for it. From the few sources I read from. They didn’t follow instructions and this lead to what they went through in Nigeria. It was told they the Libyan team informed the NNF just an hour to their departure heading to Nigeria. The NNF not minding the limited time they had to put things in place for their arrival. Gave the Libyan instructions to follow which they didn’t follow that instructions. Were asked to land at Uyo airport but they landed in another location which saw things going contrary to what was planned.
As a guest how can you go against my orders.
If they felt the NNF neglected them, the best to do is report to the CAF rather than taking laws in to their hands by retaliating . they should be punished for that actions. How about Nigeria football team went against they planned on their arrival thereby making things complicated for them. Hope they see the wrong in their retaliation.

Anyways the CAF should me sure they treat this matter fairly when they’re done with their investigation and comes to conclusion.

[peter0425]

No one knows what happened yet. According to what I read on the news, the Super Leagues of Nigeria left Libya airport after they have been there for over 14 hours. Libya Football Federation alleged sabotage and threatened legal action against Nigeria according to what I saw on the news. Which means something happened at Libya airport between Nigerian football players and Libyans at the airport. Very bad that we do not know exactly what happened. The match has been cancelled or maybe postponed.

Apparently their plane landed on the wrong location and they were stranded in the airport for 14 hours. In which what made them decide to just come back home and not participate in the game. Libya is said to take all legal actions against the boycott of the Nigerian team by not playing in said match.

Both sides have something to say and I think both sides have some good points. We would have to see what the broader authorities make of the situation.

[MrEazyLife]

I'm not sure what to say but it seems like Nigeria players weren't welcomed properly at Libya airport and that's why they returned back. It's really strange that Super Eagles of Nigeria weren't able to play vs Libya game. And, it seems like CAF isn't taking proper action against those Libyan authorities who misused their powers.

They the Libyan team we said to retaliate to what they said was unfair treatment for them when they arrived in Nigeria. Knowing the didn’t follow instructions which result to what they went thought in Nigeria.
I think the CAF should be held accountable for all of this. They won’t say there aren’t aware of what happened to the Libyans in Nigeria. They should have addressed the issue and make sure everything was handled appropriately.
But they chose to act ignorant about it, now it has now gone globally and what could have been avoided. Anyways if one has to think about it. It’s a good thing it now went global so people can know if the CAF are really taking responsibility to every issues appropriately.

Let’s wait and see what their response will be

No one knows what happened yet. According to what I read on the news, the Super Leagues of Nigeria left Libya airport after they have been there for over 14 hours. Libya Football Federation alleged sabotage and threatened legal action against Nigeria according to what I saw on the news. Which means something happened at Libya airport between Nigerian football players and Libyans at the airport. Very bad that we do not know exactly what happened. The match has been cancelled or maybe postponed.

Apparently their plane landed on the wrong location and they were stranded in the airport for 14 hours. In which what made them decide to just come back home and not participate in the game. Libya is said to take all legal actions against the boycott of the Nigerian team by not playing in said match.

Both sides have something to say and I think both sides have some good points. We would have to see what the broader authorities make of the situation.

They the authorities should have taken action on what happened to the Libyan in Nigeria and make sure such doesn’t occur again. Their ignorance has lead to same thing repeated itself again.
Now they’ll be forced to act so this doesn’t happen again to other countries participating in the AFCON

[Perfectbaby]

No one knows what happened yet. According to what I read on the news, the Super Leagues of Nigeria left Libya airport after they have been there for over 14 hours. Libya Football Federation alleged sabotage and threatened legal action against Nigeria according to what I saw on the news. Which means something happened at Libya airport between Nigerian football players and Libyans at the airport. Very bad that we do not know exactly what happened. The match has been cancelled or maybe postponed.

I believe within few days all details will be spread online and people would know, usually most of these Africans countries are not hospitable and could be the cause of serious disagreement between the two countries and as I know Nigerian especially their players are easily triggered with slight misunderstanding, which could stir him to leave the airport.

[Barikui1]

I’m creating this trend to discuss the importance of the AFCON and the countries involved. Considering what is really going on with Nigeria and Libya. It’s obvious the CAF aren’t taking accurate measures towards the welfare of this countries and it’s players. Considering how football unites different categories of people and the fun is enjoyable . Without taking full responsibilities and measures could see countries clashing with each other as a result of ignorance of the CAF.

Let’s discuss the issues at hand and also outline the solutions to each problems.
Before this turns from being fun to bringing conflict.
Let’s keep the fun going

What happened to the Nigerian national team is very sad and regrettable, because we African, I believe that we knows better and we can equally do better, according to what I heard the Libyans government was trying to sabotage the Nigerian national team so that they wouldn't be in a good position to get the desired result, they just want to weaken or disorganize the Nigerian team by the bad reception of not providing foot or water and hotel where they will stay, instead they were locked up in an abandoned airport, it's a good thing that the game was cancelled by the Nigerian team, because number one, it's not a do or die affair, secondly when they came to Nigerian they were treated much more better, so I see no reason to continue that game with such a treatment by the Libyans.

Then as for caf, on a sincere note, I think they failed on their duty because this wouldn't be possible if they were on top of the whole situation, though as it stands, we don't know what they intend doing, but this should never repeat itself again, because I believe that African football has past this stage.

[Kelward]

We should not call CAF into question just yet. They cannot preempt the actions countries will take what they can do is do thorough investigations and punish anyone who is found to be at fault to serve as a deterrent to other countries who may consider acting in a similar way.

With the available situation, it certainly looks like Libya is at fault for trying to sabotage the Nigerian team and their claim of similar mistreatment does not hold water as that is a situation you report formally to the governing body and not plan a revenge scheme.

Bookies have taken the game off and the Nigerian players have returned to their country so the game is off for now.

- Jay -

We can not question CAF for not taking a prompt decision on the matter yet, they need to carry out a thorough investigation before taking any decision on the matter. This is a matter that has gone beyond the two teams, it now concerns the integrity of the two countries on how they treat their visitors. I hope that CAF's decision will be fair and they will sanction either of the counties that is found to be at fault.

Although looking at the scenerio from my own point of view I believe that the Libyan authority treated the super eagles of Nigeria, very poorly. It's alleged that the treatment is a revenge for how their players were treated when they came to play in Nigeria. But they're giving airport protocols as excuse for the poor treatment. I however support the decision of the super eagles to boycott the match because the unnecessary delay and poor reception would've affected them mentally during the match.

[Yatsan]

I’m creating this trend to discuss the importance of the AFCON and the countries involved. Considering what is really going on with Nigeria and Libya. It’s obvious the CAF aren’t taking accurate measures towards the welfare of this countries and it’s players. Considering how football unites different categories of people and the fun is enjoyable . Without taking full responsibilities and measures could see countries clashing with each other as a result of ignorance of the CAF.

Let’s discuss the issues at hand and also outline the solutions to each problems.
Before this turns from being fun to bringing conflict.
Let’s keep the fun going

Football has a special power of bringing people together across national and cultural divides. And we've seen that at AFCON many times before. But if the concerns of countries such as Nigeria and Libya are not adequately addressed by CAF, it risks turning what should be a celebration of sport into a problem.

CAF must strengthen the player welfare system. Ensure adequate infrastructure and address the unique concerns faced by each country. Perhaps a serious dialogue with the national soccer team and tight-knit community would help resolve the conflict. and help prevent problems from escalating. One solution might be for CAF to have a task force that visits each participating country to assess opportunities and support development. and ensure fairness to all players involved. This way, we can keep the spirit of AFCON alive and avoid potential conflicts between countries.

No one knows what happened yet. According to what I read on the news, the Super Leagues of Nigeria left Libya airport after they have been there for over 14 hours. Libya Football Federation alleged sabotage and threatened legal action against Nigeria according to what I saw on the news. Which means something happened at Libya airport between Nigerian football players and Libyans at the airport. Very bad that we do not know exactly what happened. The match has been cancelled or maybe postponed.

I believe within few days all details will be spread online and people would know, usually most of these Africans countries are not hospitable and could be the cause of serious disagreement between the two countries and as I know Nigerian especially their players are easily triggered with slight misunderstanding, which could stir him to leave the airport.

Indeed, you have commented regarding how easy it is for disagreements to blossom into misperceptions. That's especially true in high-profile events like international sports. While there are African countries who will face challenges with structures and welcome, it should still be an equal playing field from both parties. If the host country and guest nation can work together to overcome some of their innumerable issues, the perception of those issues may just waiver away.

I think CAF must take a very pro-active approach in building relations between host countries and visiting teams, such as proper planning for the airport, transport arrangement in clear detail and some sort of cultural training on all players and coaching staff. Lastly, the success of AFCON rests on getting all men on to leave no stone unturned towards making the experience as smooth as possible. Respecting all the people involved.

What happened to the Nigerian national team is very sad and regrettable, because we African, I believe that we knows better and we can equally do better, according to what I heard the Libyans government was trying to sabotage the Nigerian national team so that they wouldn't be in a good position to get the desired result, they just want to weaken or disorganize the Nigerian team by the bad reception of not providing foot or water and hotel where they will stay, instead they were locked up in an abandoned airport, it's a good thing that the game was cancelled by the Nigerian team, because number one, it's not a do or die affair, secondly when they came to Nigerian they were treated much more better, so I see no reason to continue that game with such a treatment by the Libyans.

Then as for caf, on a sincere note, I think they failed on their duty because this wouldn't be possible if they were on top of the whole situation, though as it stands, we don't know what they intend doing, but this should never repeat itself again, because I believe that African football has past this stage.

It is very disappointing to hear of the treatment the Nigeria national team has received. No team should have to face such conditions. Especially in the World Cup where the aim is to promote unity and good sportsmanship. It feels like a failure for African football. It has come this far in terms of professionalism and international respect.

CAF certainly has a responsibility to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future. They must prioritize the welfare and fairness of all teams, no matter where football is played. This situation highlights the need for stricter regulations. and closely monitoring the host country To ensure that the host country is provided with the necessary facilities and accommodations, if CAF can put in place a clear mechanism for hosting the host country. It will make a huge difference to the reputation and fairness of competitions like AFCON.

[Hewlet]

   

What the captains of both team has to say above

As a Nigerian that recides in Rivers State and have visited akwa ibom state countless times, I can relate well with whatever deficulty the Lybia team alleged to have faced  due to thier landing in port Harcourt, rivers state and then taking a bus to Uyo in akwa ibom state where the game was fixed. We all know that the condition of the road isn't good and that it might have given them discomfort in a bit. Also, anyone that has used that rout before will attest to the fact that there are a lot of security check point on the road and those guys are clearly doing there jobs and don't care if you're on your national duty or not. Stop and search is a normal thing in Nigeria and maybe with regards to that, it's understandable to accept some part of the statement that's coming from the angle of the Lybia captain. The angle he's wrong is that he's trying to paint the narrative as though it's an intentional act. When they got to Uyo, days to the game, logistics where made totally available and they where lodged in a one of the best hotel in Uyo while provision was made for thier security to and from thier training ground. Apart from the initial deficulty they faced, nothing went wrong again till thier exit.

On the part of the deficulty the super eagles faced, it's totally on a different level and one can see clearly that they are just being emotional and reacting to whatever they feel was done to them in Nigeria. Diverting them to another airport is not something that's strange but leaving them in an airport for the numbers of hours without a valid explanation without food and water is totally on another level. Take politics aside, these are international players you're talking about and you're confining them in an airport and had to let them sleep on the floor for a whole night? What's the Nigerian ambassador to Libya doing? What's the Libya sports body doing at that time to ensure that if for a reason the Nigerian team is trying to tannish thier image that such a plan doesn't work? I don't even expect much from the decision of the CAF because at this point, it's going to be politics and only politics. Don't expect any reasonable decisions from them.

[Majestic-milf]

We should not call CAF into question just yet. They cannot preempt the actions countries will take what they can do is do thorough investigations and punish anyone who is found to be at fault to serve as a deterrent to other countries who may consider acting in a similar way.

With the available situation, it certainly looks like Libya is at fault for trying to sabotage the Nigerian team and their claim of similar mistreatment does not hold water as that is a situation you report formally to the governing body and not plan a revenge scheme.

Bookies have taken the game off and the Nigerian players have returned to their country so the game is off for now.

- Jay -

That's true. Instead of calling out CAF, why not bring out the countries responsible for this and instead mete out punishment because from the way it's going nothing is clear yet, we don't really know who's really at fault most other than the fact that the Libyan government chose to maltreat the Super Eagles and still tried to play the victim, threatening legal action if Nigeria tried to back out of playing the return leg.
 I'm sure things like this usually happens between some of these African countries so I feel the best thing to do is fine them and let everyone move on. Although it kinda irks me that these things are allowed to happen in the first place. It's so petty and childish if you look at it.

[Oluwa-btc]

No one knows what happened yet. According to what I read on the news, the Super Leagues of Nigeria left Libya airport after they have been there for over 14 hours. Libya Football Federation alleged sabotage and threatened legal action against Nigeria according to what I saw on the news. Which means something happened at Libya airport between Nigerian football players and Libyans at the airports.

From minor issues to bigger problems I don't see why this should be brought to this level, if there's any disagreement with the both countries it should be sorted out and not using that to disrupt any processes involved within the both countries. And felt so bad seeing that the Libya treated the super eagles in that manner which is not right. I think there should be an immediate effect to resolve this issues before it gets out of hand, cause if they should do this to Nigerians how about them coming for returning match and the super eagles do same.

[MrEazyLife]

   

What the captains of both team has to say above

As a Nigerian that recides in Rivers State and have visited akwa ibom state countless times, I can relate well with whatever deficulty the Lybia team alleged to have faced  due to thier landing in port Harcourt, rivers state and then taking a bus to Uyo in akwa ibom state where the game was fixed. We all know that the condition of the road isn't good and that it might have given them discomfort in a bit. Also, anyone that has used that rout before will attest to the fact that there are a lot of security check point on the road and those guys are clearly doing there jobs and don't care if you're on your national duty or not. Stop and search is a normal thing in Nigeria and maybe with regards to that, it's understandable to accept some part of the statement that's coming from the angle of the Lybia captain. The angle he's wrong is that he's trying to paint the narrative as though it's an intentional act. When they got to Uyo, days to the game, logistics where made totally available and they where lodged in a one of the best hotel in Uyo while provision was made for thier security to and from thier training ground. Apart from the initial deficulty they faced, nothing went wrong again till thier exit.

On the part of the deficulty the super eagles faced, it's totally on a different level and one can see clearly that they are just being emotional and reacting to whatever they feel was done to them in Nigeria. Diverting them to another airport is not something that's strange but leaving them in an airport for the numbers of hours without a valid explanation without food and water is totally on another level. Take politics aside, these are international players you're talking about and you're confining them in an airport and had to let them sleep on the floor for a whole night? What's the Nigerian ambassador to Libya doing? What's the Libya sports body doing at that time to ensure that if for a reason the Nigerian team is trying to tannish thier image that such a plan doesn't work? I don't even expect much from the decision of the CAF because at this point, it's going to be politics and only politics. Don't expect any reasonable decisions from them.

Thank you for sharing this information. While we all wait for the CAF to finally decide on what to do after their investigation. They should be fair and not involve politic when it comes to football.

[stompix]

These wars are just pathetic, every single team trying to get revenge on the other or trying to get them demoralized and tired before the game, this whole airport lockdown must stop and punish every single one of them with a decade ban on every single competition so they will know better than acting like stupid kids
How many of those have been already? Libya and South Africa teams are stranded in Nigeria, now the Nigerian team is blocked in Libya, and Morroco will not Algeria because of a flag on their shirts, and some still dream of a shared World Cup bid.

[Aanuoluwatofunmi]

These wars are just pathetic, every single team trying to get revenge on the other or trying to get them demoralized and tired before the game, this whole airport lockdown must stop and punish every single one of them with a decade ban on every single competition so they will know better than acting like stupid kids
How many of those have been already? Libya and South Africa teams are stranded in Nigeria, now the Nigerian team is blocked in Libya, and Morroco will not Algeria because of a flag on their shirts, and some still dream of a shared World Cup bid.

Better, if the CAF are not taking a drastic decision on this, things may escalate beyond this and get worse more, before we know it, we are going to be having records on its kind and matches will be postpone for useless reasons they would have tighten more their security and discipline tier players by issuing a ban on them, the earlier the better that they bring an end to sub flimsy excuses that may cause racism in sports starting from here henceforth.

[Davidvictorson]

Excuse me for laughing, but I am African and I have lived here in Africa since I was born and something I have learned living here in Africa is that most African governments are corrupt and this corruption is in football and sports in general. In this case of Nigeria, CAF will not find anything to blame Libya because all evidence will be destroyed, the management of the Libyan airport will be able to say that it was an incident that was not intentional and there will be no way for CAF to say otherwise. Also, the Libyan government can instruct all Libyans who had contact with the Nigerian delegation to say that the Nigerian delegation was treated well in Libya and of course CAF will believe them and all they will do is reschedule the game to another place and no one will be punished.

I like how you said it because it is the whole truth. Most of the users who are engaging this thread are Africans and we know that CAF ain't doing nothing. Anyone who knows Libya since after the fall of Gaddafi would know that the country has become a shadow of its former self. Had Gaddafi been alive these nonsense would never have happened. He was a man who wanted to see a United Africa and not an African where visiting footballers are treated like piece shit and then the government tries to hide it. Please no one should get me wrong, I am not trying to stir up a political conversation, I am just saying that this evil the Libyan's did will go unpunished because they in the past they did it to the Cameroonian team, they also did it to a local Nigerian club team.

[CryptoHeadlineNews]

   

What the captains of both team has to say above

As a Nigerian that recides in Rivers State and have visited akwa ibom state countless times, I can relate well with whatever deficulty the Lybia team alleged to have faced  due to thier landing in port Harcourt, rivers state and then taking a bus to Uyo in akwa ibom state where the game was fixed. We all know that the condition of the road isn't good and that it might have given them discomfort in a bit. Also, anyone that has used that rout before will attest to the fact that there are a lot of security check point on the road and those guys are clearly doing there jobs and don't care if you're on your national duty or not. Stop and search is a normal thing in Nigeria and maybe with regards to that, it's understandable to accept some part of the statement that's coming from the angle of the Lybia captain. The angle he's wrong is that he's trying to paint the narrative as though it's an intentional act. When they got to Uyo, days to the game, logistics where made totally available and they where lodged in a one of the best hotel in Uyo while provision was made for thier security to and from thier training ground. Apart from the initial deficulty they faced, nothing went wrong again till thier exit.

On the part of the deficulty the super eagles faced, it's totally on a different level and one can see clearly that they are just being emotional and reacting to whatever they feel was done to them in Nigeria. Diverting them to another airport is not something that's strange but leaving them in an airport for the numbers of hours without a valid explanation without food and water is totally on another level. Take politics aside, these are international players you're talking about and you're confining them in an airport and had to let them sleep on the floor for a whole night? What's the Nigerian ambassador to Libya doing? What's the Libya sports body doing at that time to ensure that if for a reason the Nigerian team is trying to tannish thier image that such a plan doesn't work? I don't even expect much from the decision of the CAF because at this point, it's going to be politics and only politics. Don't expect any reasonable decisions from them.

Thank you for sharing this information. While we all wait for the CAF to finally decide on what to do after their investigation. They should be fair and not involve politic when it comes to football.

That's true, because involving politics in such critical situation such as this might only prompt other nations to do something worse than this, of which we expect nothing more than a fair judgement and justice to whatever was done to the Super Eagles of Nigeria while at Libya. Because though it's truth that the route from Port Harcourt to Always is stressful due to the bad road, it's rumoured that the Libyans teams were the people who chose Port Harcourt for landing due to the fact they never wanted to pay excess cost, even when the Nigerian Football Federation suggested it. Hence, I strongly urges Confederation Of African Football "CAF" to be unbiased in this, to avoid international dislike.

[Kavelj22]

It is difficult to hold CAF alone responsible for the poor standard of football in Africa. While CAF plays an important role in developing the game, many other factors contribute to this problem. These include political instability in some countries, lack of infrastructure, lack of investment in youth academies, and weak administrative organization in some clubs. Although CAF offers some programs to develop the game, it needs to do more to improve the level of its tournaments, support African clubs and players, and increase financial and logistical support to develop the game on the continent.

[MrEazyLife]

It is difficult to hold CAF alone responsible for the poor standard of football in Africa. While CAF plays an important role in developing the game, many other factors contribute to this problem. These include political instability in some countries, lack of infrastructure, lack of investment in youth academies, and weak administrative organization in some clubs. Although CAF offers some programs to develop the game, it needs to do more to improve the level of its tournaments, support African clubs and players, and increase financial and logistical support to develop the game on the continent.

It’s never difficult for the CAF to make decisions my friend. What might be feared is seeing them being in politics in to their decision which is not acceptable. As this can ruin the beauty of football and the unity of the people involved.

[Tungbulu]

You should not jump to conclusions about CAF; the shortcoming in the welfare of the visiting players is a breach in the regulations that they have, the regulations guiding football. They will carry out investigations, and then I am sure they will give some kind of punishment if it is found that the actions of the host country were intentional.

This ain't about Jumping into conclusions, let's call a spade a spade, this whole controversy is in no way an accident or an unintended act by the Libyans, on the contrary, it's an intentional act, this was personal and a direct retaliation for what Conspired between the both parties during the Libyan Football Federation last visit to Nigeria, which we already know was a fault from their own end. The competition was meant to take place in Uyo Nigeria, and the Nigerian Football Federation were expecting to receive them in Uyo, only for them to receive a call 2 hours before arrival that they'll be landing in Port Harcourt and not Uyo, I mean who does that?

I think the CAF already knows this fact and that's why they should really address the situation because it was just too much.