October 14, (THEWILL) – Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani, President of the Libyan Football Federation (LFF), announced his resignation during a General Assembly meeting on Sunday. The decision comes at a time of turmoil for Libyan football, with the Nigerian national team facing significant challenges ahead of a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Al-Shalmani cited his unwillingness to be associated with the current state of Libyan sports as the primary reason for his departure. During his farewell address, he acknowledged the difficulties faced during his tenure and expressed gratitude to his colleagues. Despite the circumstances, Al-Shalmani stood firm on his record of service, emphasising his history with international, Arab, and African football organisations.
The resignation coincides with a diplomatic incident involving the Nigerian national team. The Super Eagles, scheduled to play a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya on Tuesday, reportedly experienced poor treatment upon arrival. The team was held at an abandoned airport for over 15 hours, leading to their decision not to play the match due to safety concerns.
The LFF responded to the situation, attributing the delay at Al Abraq International Airport to routine air traffic and logistical challenges. In a statement released on Monday, the federation rejected claims of deliberate sabotage or foul play. However, the Nigerian Football Federation confirmed that players have resolved not to participate in the match, with officials making arrangements to bring the team home.
This series of events has drawn the attention of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which has reportedly begun an investigation into the Super Eagles’ experience at the Libyan airport. Currently, the focus remains on the implications for both Libyan and Nigerian football, as well as the broader impact on African football relations.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
