Nigeria Issues Formal Apology to Libya Over Football Incident

Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar apologized to Libya regarding Nigeria’s Football Federation’s refusal to participate in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match. The call emphasized respect for Libya and reassured the maintenance of strong bilateral relations. Libya expressed commitment to the care of the Nigerian delegation in response to the incident.

In a recent diplomatic dialogue, Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar extended a formal apology to Libya concerning an incident that involved the Libyan national football team. This gesture was made during a phone call with Abdelhadi Al-Huwaij, the Foreign Minister of the Libya’s east-based government, in light of growing tensions stemming from Nigeria’s Football Federation’s decision to withdraw from a scheduled Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match. Minister Tuggar conveyed Nigeria’s regret, emphasizing that the incident was not a deliberate action by the Nigerian government, but rather an oversight. In response, Minister Al-Huwaij assured Mr. Tuggar that Libya had taken the necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the Nigerian delegation, providing them with comprehensive logistical and technical support for their journey home. He further underscored the deep-rooted and amicable relations between Nigeria and Libya, expressing both nations’ commitment to maintaining friendly ties. The Libyan Football Federation had previously expressed its disapproval regarding the Nigerian Federation’s refusal to participate in the return leg of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, signaling their intention to protect the interests of the Libyan national team amidst this incident.

The incident in question arose from Nigeria’s Football Federation’s decision not to participate in a scheduled match in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Libya. This decision created diplomatic friction, prompting the need for a formal apology from Nigeria’s Foreign Minister. Diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Libya have historically been cordial, characterized by mutual respect and cooperation. The recent tensions highlighted the significance of sports in international relations and the potential for misunderstandings to strain diplomatic ties.

In summary, the recent incident involving the Nigerian Football Federation’s withdrawal from a football match has been addressed through an official apology from Nigeria to Libya, reflecting the importance of diplomatic communication and the necessity of maintaining positive international relations. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to fostering friendly ties, despite the challenges posed by the situation. This development serves as a reminder of the intricate links between sports and diplomacy.

Original Source: libyaobserver.ly