In a recent phone call with the east-based government Foreign Minister Abdelhadi Al-Huwaij, Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar extended an official apology to the Libyan government and its people for a recent incident involving the Libyan national football team.
The apology followed growing tensions after a controversial decision by Nigeria’s Football Federation to refuse participation in a scheduled Africa Cup of Nations qualifier return match.
According to a statement by the eastern-based Foreign Ministry, Minister Tuggar expressed deep regret, clarifying that the incident was neither intentional nor a deliberate act by the Nigerian government. He emphasized Nigeria’s respect for Libya and its people, assuring that the matter was an unfortunate oversight.
In response, Al-Huwaij reassured his Nigerian counterpart that Libya had ensured the well-being of the Nigerian delegation, providing full logistical and technical support to facilitate their safe return home. He also highlighted the longstanding and strong ties between the two nations, underscoring their commitment to maintaining friendly relations.
The Libyan Football Federation had earlier condemned the actions of the Nigerian Football Federation, accusing it of refusing to participate in the return leg of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Libya’s football authorities vowed to take all necessary steps to safeguard the interests of their national team in response to the incident.
