Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Omeruo criticises CAF for allowing Libya host AFCON qualifiers

POSTED ON October 21, 2024 •   SPORTS      BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara
Super Eagles player, Kenneth Omeruo

Super Eagles player, Kenneth Omeruo, has criticised the decision by the Confederation of African Football to allow Libya to host their AFCON qualifiers on home soil, calling it a “wrong decision” due to safety concerns in the region.

 

Speaking on Arise TV on Monday, Omeruo recounted a similar experience during his time with Nigeria’s U-20 team, highlighting the dangers involved.

“It was crazy because actually I had a similar situation… when we were playing in under 20 and we didn’t know there was going to be a war situation and we flew there to play. By the end, we got out and then we saw on TV that there were actually riots happening in Benghazi,” he said.

Reflecting on the current situation, he expressed disbelief that CAF allowed games to proceed in Libya.

“For me, I think it was terrible. I didn’t even know Libya had to play their games there because I know the country is not at peace until now. So I think it was a wrong decision by CAF to let them play their home games in Libya,” Omeruo stated.

The defender also mentioned conversations with fellow players like Victor and Awazim, noting their shared concerns about the situation.

He emphasised the risks, saying, “The crazy one was even diverting the flight. It’s so dangerous. It’s so dangerous and I’m just happy they are back and they are safe for real.”

Omeruo underscored the need for prioritising player welfare, especially in uncertain situations like this. He pointed out that players are often unprepared for such scenarios, particularly during youth tournaments, and stressed the importance of advance preparations.

“I think it’s very important for us as Nigerians to at least have a delegate travel before the game… With that, the players will feel safe and everything will be more organised,” he added.

He also suggested that sending a representative ahead of the team could have helped mitigate the situation.

“If someone was there in Libya, they would have gotten the information beforehand… They could try to fight this situation before the players actually board the flight to travel,” Omeruo added.

Earlier, the Super Eagles of Nigeria were left stranded at Abraq International Airport in Libya, less than forty-eight hours before an AFCON qualifier against Libya, scheduled for last Tuesday.

The Nigerian delegation en route to Benghazi for the crucial match was left stranded for over 16 hours after their flight was diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a small airport typically reserved for hajj operations.

READ ALSO
Lens Signs World Cup Champion from Udinese
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 8, 2025 0

French World Cup champion Florian Thauvin made his return to Ligue 1 on Friday as Lens announced the...

READ ALSO
Chelsea Midfielder Moves to Everton for £24m ahead of EPL kickoff
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 6, 2025 0

Everton, the Merseyside club, has finalized the acquisition of English midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-H...

READ ALSO
Aston Villa Thrashes AS Roma 4-0 in Pre-Season Showcase
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 6, 2025 0

Aston Villa delivered an impressive performance in their pre-season match on Wednesday, overwhelming...

READ ALSO
Sesko's Transfer Sparks Competition Between United and Newcastle
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 5, 2025 0

Both Manchester United and Newcastle United have submitted competing offers for sought-after RB Leip...

READ ALSO
Barcelona Dominates Daegu FC with 5-0 Victory in Asia Tour Finale
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 4, 2025 0

Barcelona concluded their tour of Asia with a resounding victory, outclassing South Korean club Daeg...

READ ALSO
Tottenham Hotspur Faces Captaincy Void as Son Heung-min Announces Exit
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 2, 2025 0

Tottenham Hotspur, the reigning champions of the UEFA Europa League, will be missing their South Kor...

READ ALSO
Team Nigeria Shines at Inaugural African School Games as Osaretin Grace Clinches Gold in Cycling
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 2, 2025 0

Team Nigeria continues to assert its dominance on the continental stage, delivering a sterling perfo...

READ ALSO
Osimhen Joins Galatasaray in Record €75 Million Transfer from Napoli
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 1, 2025 0

The Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, has officially made a permanent move to Galatasaray, the champ...

OUR CHANNELS:

Raye Faces Disciplinary Action, Not Political Punishment- NYSC Clarifies
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 11, 2025 0

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has rejected allegations that Corps Member Ushie Rita Uguama...


E-Hailing Operators Face Mandatory Vehicle Audits Amid Safety Concerns
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 11, 2025 0

The Lagos State Government has mandated a thorough inspection of all vehicles used by licensed e-hai...


FRSC Intensifies Crackdown on Motorcyclists Riding Without Helmets on Highways
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 11, 2025 0

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ondo State has emphasized its determination to apprehend any...


Over 600 Pilgrims Hospitalized in Iraq after Chlorine Leak
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 10, 2025 0

More than 600 pilgrims in Iraq were temporarily hospitalized due to respiratory issues after inhalin...


Youth Flee as EFCC Conducts Dramatic Raid at Obasanjo Hotel
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 10, 2025 0

Agents from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly raided the Green Legacy H...


Abia Football Fest To Hunt Future Champions
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 11, 2025 0

All is set for the inaugural edition of the Abia State Football Fest (ASF), a grassroots talent-hunt...


2027: Ambode Denies Move to ADC, Declares Support For Tinubu, APC
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 11, 2025 0

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the former Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Saturd...


Tinubu Conferred Chieftaincy Title In Lagos
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 11, 2025 0

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated the Federal Government’s co...


Police Releases Sowore from Custody 48 hours after Arrest
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 11, 2025 0

The Nigerian Police has released human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the Africa...


Combating Corruption in Nigeria is Simpler than Perceived- Peter Obi
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 10, 2025 0

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, argues that combating corruption in Nigeria...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu