The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, has claimed that the Confederation of African Football, CAF, are “insisting” that Nigeria play Libya on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles players have said they will boycott the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, after they were held hostage at the Al Abraq Airport over 15 hours after arrival in Libya.
But in a post on X, Enoh revealed that he has spoken to CAF president, Patrice Motsepe and the Secretary-General, Mosengo Omba.
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.”
AFCON 2025 qualifier: CAF forcing Super Eagles to play against Libya – Sports Minister