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In a significant development following the recent turmoil surrounding the Super Eagles’ treatment in Libya, Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani, the President of the Libyan Football Federation, has announced his resignation. His decision comes on the heels of mounting criticism regarding the management of the national team, particularly after their disappointing performance against Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Reasons for Resignation
Al-Shalmani cited a desire to distance himself from what he described as “the failure in Libyan sports” during a meeting with the Federation’s General Assembly. He expressed gratitude to all members and acknowledged the challenges faced by Libyan football in recent times. His resignation follows a series of poor results, including a recent loss to Nigeria, which left Libya at the bottom of Group B in the AFCON qualifying series.
Background on the Super Eagles’ Ordeal
The Super Eagles experienced significant difficulties upon their arrival in Libya, where they were stranded for over 12 hours at Al Abraq International Airport without food, water, or transportation. Captain William Troost-Ekong described the conditions as intolerable, stating that they felt “held hostage” under unsafe circumstances. The Nigerian government has since summoned Libya’s Chargé d’Affaires to address these concerns.
Looking Ahead
As Libya searches for new leadership within its football federation, all eyes will be on how this change impacts their national team and future engagements with Nigeria. Meanwhile, the Super Eagles remain focused on their AFCON qualifying campaign, hoping to put this tumultuous chapter behind them as they prepare for upcoming matches.
