Libyan official in CAF raises alarm ahead of judgment on botched AFCON qualifier vs Nigeria

Published

1 year ago

October 26, 2024

A Libyan official has lamented over 20 Nigerians at the CAF hearing. Photo: Ahmed HASAN. Source: UGC

Libya vs Nigeria saga continues as both countries await CAF’s verdict on the botched 2025 AFCON qualifier
CAF Executive committee member Abdul Hakim Al-Shalmani has lamented that Libya did not present strong evidence during the hearing
According to him, more than 20 people represented Nigeria in the case as he lamented that he was alone for his country

Ahead of CAF’s verdict over the botched 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Libya and Nigeria, an official from the North African country has raised the alarm.

Libyan member in the CAF Executive Committee, Abdul Hakim Al-Shalmani, lamented that his countrymen did not present strong evidence at the CAF hearing on the controversy-ridden match.

Al-Shalmani disclosed that over 20 people represented Nigeria in the case, with the Sports Minister and members of the parliament present at the hearing.

He decried Libyan officials’ lack of proper representation as he found himself alone standing for his country in this case, Sports Village Square reports.

The administrator believes it is a national situation and that more individuals should be there to represent them.

Al-Shamani said:

“While I was representing Libya alone, this issue was supposed to be an opportunity to unite ranks and support the homeland.

“It is unreasonable for me to address the responsible authorities individually without having an official position that would enable me to do so.

“This is an issue that affects Libya’s dignity and sporting reputation and requires everyone’s intervention.”

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When will CAF decide Libya vs Nigeria’s fate?

Meanwhile, former president of the Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick disclosed that CAF will decide the Libya vs. Nigeria case by Friday.

The FIFA Council member told Arise TV that CAF takes the matter very seriously and a decision will be made.

Turkish journalist speaks on potential verdict

Ekwutosblog earlier reported that Turkish journalist Muhammet Duman suggested that CAF would likely reschedule the botched 2025 AFCON qualifier between Libya and Nigeria.

After waiting for more than 16 hours at the airport, the Nigerian team returned to their country, prompting CAF to launch an immediate investigation, Sports Ration reports.

The continental football body has set Wednesday, October 23 for the final verdict, but Hurriyet Newspaper Spor Arena writer Muhammed Duman says he does not expect any punishment for Libya.

EPL: Full list of players leaving for 2025 AFCON

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

At least 25 players in the Premier League are set to travel for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Nigeria, Ivory Coast, DR Congo lead the way in terms of players based in the English topflight, with four selected from each club for the AFCON.

FIFA has directed clubs to release the eligible players from Monday, December 15.

Full list of players confirmed

Sunderland (5):
Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco), Reinildo (Mozambique), Bertrand Traoré (Burkina Faso), Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo), Noah Sadiki (DR Congo).

Manchester United (3):
Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco).

Fulham (3):
Alex Iwobi (Nigeria), Calvin Bassey (Nigeria), Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria).

Burnley (3):
Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo), Lyle Foster (South Africa), Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia).

Nottingham Forest (2):
Ibrahim Sangaré (Ivory Coast), Willy Boly (Ivory Coast).

Brentford (2):
Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso), Frank Onyeka (Nigeria).

Manchester City (1):
Omar Marmoush (Egypt),

West Ham United (1):
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo)

Wolves (2):
Tawanda Chirewa (Zimbabwe), Emmanuel Agbadou (Ivory Coast).

Brighton & Hove Albion (1):
Carlos Baleba (Cameroon).

Crystal Palace (2):
Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal), Cheick Doucouré (Mali)

Liverpool (1):
Mohammed Salah (Egypt)

NNL bars fans from Ranchers Bees vs Adamawa United

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The Nigeria National League, NNL, has announced that matchday six fixture between Ranchers Bees and Adamawa United will be played behind closed doors.

The announcement was made in a statement by the league body.

Only the State Football Association representatives, staff of both teams, kit managers and medical personnel will be allowed into the stadium.

Others are the match officials, security personnel and camera men.

The reason for the decision to play the game without club supporters wasn’t stated by the league body.

The encounter will take place at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna on Saturday (today).

Nigeria vs Egypt Friendly Gets New Date

Published

7 days ago

December 8, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have taken a fresh hit, with Egypt confirming that the highly anticipated friendly between both nations has been shifted from 14 to 16 December.

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) announced the adjustment late Friday, noting that FIFA’s updated international release directive, which allows clubs keep African players until 15 December, made the original date unworkable.

EFA Vice President Khaled El-Darandaly explained that the new rule left both Egypt and Nigeria without full squads for the initial date.

Key Pharaohs players, including Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, are now expected to arrive only after the new release window.

Egypt had already named its 28-man provisional squad and opened camp in Cairo, with head coach Hossam Hassan accelerating final preparations for a Group B campaign that includes South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe.

Nigeria’s disruption is more extensive. The Super Eagles were originally scheduled to open camp on 10 December and progress through a streamlined friendly schedule before departing for Morocco. That entire framework has now been dismantled.

Under the revised timeline, camp will open on 14 December, leaving Eric Chelle with barely a week to prepare before AFCON kicks off.

The venue for the friendly is also now uncertain, with Cairo no longer feasible and both federations considering shifting the match to Morocco.

Nigeria’s build-up has been further destabilised by injuries to Ola Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi, Benjamin Fredrick and Felix Agu.

The shock retirement of captain William Troost-Ekong, winner of the 2023 AFCON Player of the Tournament award, creates an additional leadership vacuum in defence.

Chelle, who released a 55-man provisional list, must now trim his squad to 28 within a compressed window. Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania as they chase a fourth continental title.