Minister confirms CAF wanted Nigeria to play match

The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has confirmed that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is pressuring Nigeria to play the African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Libya on Tuesday, despite the poor treatment the Super Eagles received.

The Eagles pulled out of the game after being held at the Al Abraq Airport in Libya for over 15 hours upon their arrival.

Enoh stated on his X account that he had spoken with CAF president, Patrice Motsepe, and Secretary-General Mosengo Omba, who were insisting that the Eagles should proceed with the match, but he declined.

He tweeted: “This morning, I was on a conference call with CAF President and CAF Secretary General.

“While the CAF President’s concern seems to be what to do to get the national team to participate in tomorrow’s match.

“I have instead informed CAF that the concern of the Government and people of Nigeria is first, the safety of the team and their safe return, urging that CAF should focus on working with us to achieve this.

“There must be a serious adverse consequence to the Libyan football federation for this unspeakable behaviour.

“This can not be through insisting that Nigeria still takes part in this match given the very obvious situation.”