Libyan Football Federation President resigns amid Super Eagles maltreatment *Super Eagles team returns *CAF orders investigation

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By Iheanyi Chukwudi

President of the Libyan Football Federation,

Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani has resigned his position as the country's football boss.

Al-Shalmani’s resignation according to report by The Libya Observer, was announced at a regular meeting of the Federation’s General Assembly on Sunday and might not be unconnected with the alleged maltreatment of the Nigeria Super Eagles in Libya.

This is even as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has pledged to investigate the incident and take appropriate action.

The football Administrator whose resignation was apparently because of his disappointment with the way the Super Eagles were treated at the Libyan airport, said, “I refuse to be complicit in the failures of Libyan sports."

Expressing gratitude to his colleagues, Al-Shalmani, however, extended forgiveness to those within the sports sector.

He said, “I thank all members of the General Assembly, and I forgive everyone across all segments of the sports industry.

His resignation comes amid serious allegations from Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who accused the Libyan football authorities of “inhumane treatment” following their arrival in Libya for the second leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.

The team was left stranded for over 16 hours at Al Abraq International Airport without any assistance from the Libyan Football Federation and had returned to Nigeria, Monday evening.

CAF In a statement said, “We have been in contact with both Libyan and Nigerian authorities after learning that the Nigerian National Football Team (‘Super Eagles’) and their technical staff were stranded in unacceptable conditions for several hours at an airport they were allegedly directed to by Libyan authorities.

“This matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation, and appropriate actions will be taken against those who violated CAF Statutes and Regulations.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian team returned to the country Monday evening after it could not go ahead with the match due to actions of the host, Libya.