Nigeria has made the decision to boycott the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has cited concerns over the safety and security of their players as the main reason for the boycott.
The decision comes after recent reports of violence and instability in Libya, where the match was scheduled to take place. The NFF has expressed concerns about the safety of their players and staff traveling to the conflict-ridden country.
In a statement released by the NFF, they stated, “We cannot in good conscience send our players and staff into a situation where their safety and security cannot be guaranteed. The safety of our players and staff is our top priority, and we cannot risk their well-being in a volatile and dangerous environment.”
The decision to boycott the qualifier has been met with mixed reactions from fans and football enthusiasts in Nigeria. Some have applauded the NFF for prioritizing the safety of their players, while others have criticized the decision, arguing that the team should still compete in the qualifier.
Despite the backlash, the NFF has stood firm in their decision to boycott the match. They have stated that they are in talks with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Libyan Football Federation to potentially reschedule the match in a safer location.
The NFF’s decision to boycott the AFCON qualifier against Libya highlights the importance of prioritizing the safety and security of players in the world of sports. While some may be disappointed by the decision, it is ultimately the responsibility of the federation to ensure the well-being of their players and staff.