Former Nigerian World Cup star Victor Ikpeba has defended the Super Eagles’ decision to boycott their recent 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON qualifier after being held hostage for 20 hours at a Libyan airport. The team was scheduled to play in Benina, Libya, but after the ordeal, the players and officials decided it was unsafe to proceed with the match.
The Confederation of African Football CAF is expected to announce a verdict soon, following an investigation by the Disciplinary Board. Opinions on the outcome vary, with some experts expecting Libya to forfeit the game and face fines for breaching fair play regulations. Others suggest the match could be replayed at a neutral venue, with heavy sanctions imposed on Libya to set a precedent.
Editorial
The Super Eagles’ decision to prioritize safety over competition by boycotting the AFCON qualifier was the right move, and Victor Ikpeba’s stance reinforces the importance of player welfare in football. The situation in Libya was undeniably risky, and it’s commendable that the team put their well being first, even at the cost of three points.
Ikpeba expressed his support for the boycott, emphasizing that player safety should always come first. Shame to those who think we should have gone ahead and played this match despite the circumstances because the lives of our players do matter, Ikpeba stated, adding, No three points are worth our lives.
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We believe that this situation underscores the need for stronger regulations around safety in international football. No team should be placed in a position where their security is compromised. The outcome of CAF’s investigation will be crucial, not just for this specific incident, but also in setting a standard for future situations.
Did You Know?
- The Super Eagles were held at a Libyan airport for 20 hours, leading to the boycott of their 2025 AFCON qualifier.
- Victor Ikpeba fully supported the decision to boycott, emphasizing that no three points are worth our lives.
- CAF’s Disciplinary Board is expected to announce their verdict soon, with possible sanctions for Libya or a replay at a neutral venue.
- Former FIFA executive member Amos Adamu expects Libya to forfeit the match due to a breach of fair play regulations.
- This incident highlights ongoing concerns over safety and security in international football matches held in unstable regions.
