Probably sensing an adverse ruling by CAF in the matter involving the Super Eagles, Libya have launched a full offensive against Nigeria.
Abdul Hakim Al-Shalmani, who recently resigned as president of the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) and sits on the CAF executive committee, has complained that he was outnumbered by Nigerians during the disciplinary hearing of the case.
He told the Libyan Akhbar he was disappointed that he did not get full support to present the country’s position, while Nigeria enjoyed the support of several top government officials.
Al-Shalmani also threatened to sue the Tunisian pilot Abdellatif Merchergui, a principal witness for Nigeria, for “false and slanderous” testimony.
In addition, the Libyan CAF executive committee member said Nigeria used the reputation of their European stars to sway global support in their favour.
“What the Nigerians are trying to portray as injustice on our part is in fact an attempt to cover up the truth as the testimony presented was completely false,” he further told Libyan Akhbar
CAF verdict on the matter is being awaited.
To be frank, threatening to sue the pilot of the plane is no doubt an attempt to cover up the truth that was glaring for everyone to see when the atrocities perpetrated by Libyan authorities to Super Eagles and Nigeria as a country. Their actions are highly despicable and reprehensive. According to the pilot there would not have been second chance for the plane if he had not worked in the airport for about two years before the incident. The pilot also stated that the airport they were directed to was not even among the alternative airport to use if their original destination was not conducive for landing. And supposing bad thing happened (God forbid bad thing) what would be the excuse of the Libyan authorities. Everything that happened at Al Abraq Airport was pre-planned by Libyan authorities and laying any accusing fingers to anyone is disservice to humanity.
This matter is very serious. The lives of the Nigerian entourage were put in danger by the War minded Libtyans. Shame on them. They should stay out of African and World sports until they get civilized again
The only thing that can put an end to this barbaric attitude is the right purnishment to whoever violate the CAF policy and rules guarding the competition to avoid such occurrence in future.
The issue should not be taking with levity. Both countries Libya and Nigeria players lives are very important to their family and entire world.
Life has no duplicate.