Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo, has openly criticized the Confederation of African Football for allowing Libya to host the second leg of their AFCON qualifier on home soil, despite the country’s unstable security situation.
Omeruo expressed his displeasure during an interview with Arise Television, reacting to the poor treatment the Super Eagles received during the scheduled fixture.
Libya had been set to host the three-time African champions at the 10,000-capacity Martyrs of Benina Stadium, located in Benina, just 10 kilometers from Benghazi.
However, the Nigerian team’s flight was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq Airport, more than 200 kilometers away from their intended destination.
This resulted in a grueling three-and-a-half-hour journey, leaving the Super Eagles stranded for over 20 hours without food or water, cut off from communication.
Following this ordeal, the team opted to boycott the second leg of the AFCON qualifiers and returned to Nigeria.
CAF subsequently announced the cancellation of the match.
Reflecting on the situation, Omeruo drew parallels to a similar experience he had while playing for Nigeria’s U-20 team.
He said, “It was crazy because I actually had a similar situation when we were playing under-20. We didn’t know there was going to be a worse situation, and we went there to play. At the end, we got out and saw on TV there was a riot in Benghazi.”
He continued, “That brought back memories. But for me, I think it was terrible. I didn’t know Libya was going to play their game there because I know the country has not been in peace until now. So, I think it is a wrong decision by CAF to let them play their game in Libya, and the other players not going ahead was in contrast with Victor.”
Omeruo expressed relief that the Super Eagles returned safely, emphasizing the dangers they faced, “The crazy part was even diverting the flight. It’s so dangerous. I’m just happy that they are back.”
Addressing the importance of player welfare, Omeruo highlighted how such disruptions are common in African football but are more commonly experienced by junior teams.
“I think it is very important because a lot of players are not used to this kind of upset, especially during the under-20. It’s something that is common in Africa when you go to play a game in other countries—you always face these things,” he said.
He further elaborated on his own experience, noting, “In under-20, we went to Guinea, and no one came to pick us from the airport. We couldn’t access the stadium to train. So, it’s a technique used by African countries. I haven’t really seen it happening with the senior national team. This should be 2024.”
Omeruo also called for better preparation ahead of such international games, urging the Nigeria Football Federation to send delegates in advance to ensure all arrangements are in place.
“It’s important for us Nigerians to at least send delegates to travel before the game because I know it used to be like that. Maybe now, because we fly private jets, everyone wants to be on the flight. I think it’s important to send someone ahead of the game to make preparations for the team and ensure everything is in place. With that, the players will feel safe, and everything will be more organized.”
He concluded by pointing out that advanced planning could have averted the entire situation, “If someone had been in Libya and got the information, they wouldn’t have allowed the flight to land there. This would have solved the situation before the players even boarded the flight.”
