Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani, President of the Libyan Football Federation, announced his resignation during a regular meeting of the Federation’s General Assembly.
According to *The Libya Observer*, an English and Arabic online newspaper based in Tripoli, the decision was made on Sunday and reported on Monday via its website.
Tension is rising over the treatment of the Nigerian national team ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
“I do not want to be part of the failure in Libyan sports,” Al-Shalmani stated.
During his address to the assembly, Al-Shalmani reflected on the challenges of his tenure.
“We faced difficulties during the previous period,” he admitted, while also expressing gratitude to his colleagues. “I thank all members of the General Assembly, and I forgive everyone from all segments of the sports sector,” he added.
Despite the circumstances, Al-Shalmani remained proud of his legacy.
“I have a history in the International, Arab, and African Federation, and no one can deny that,” he remarked.
The resignation comes at a challenging time for Libyan football. Nigeria’s national team, scheduled for a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya on Tuesday, reported ‘inhumane treatment’ upon their arrival in the country.
The Super Eagles, held at an abandoned airport for over 15 hours, decided not to play, citing safety concerns.
The Nigeria Football Federation’s director of communications, Ademola Olajire, confirmed that the team would return home.
“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer, and NFF officials are making arrangements to fly the team back home,” Olajire said.
The Libyan Football Federation responded to the situation, explaining the delay at Al Abraq International Airport was due to routine air traffic and logistical challenges, not foul play.
In a statement released Monday via X, the LFF clarified the events, stressing that the Nigerian team’s flight diversion was not intended as a hostile act.
“We firmly reject any claims suggesting foul play or sabotage in this situation,” the LFF stated.
In the latest development, the Super Eagles and their officials have reportedly begun their departure from Libya.
This was revealed by sports enthusiast Pooja Media via his X handle on Monday.
He posted, “Super Eagles players and officials are boarding to fly out of Libya to Nigeria. Thank God.”
A player, Bruno Onyemaechi, confirmed this with a post, “Me and Libya, I don wash my hands commot. Nothing concerns me and una again. Thank God I’m going back.”
