Libya national football team arrived Nigeria yesterday for Saturday’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Super Eagles. The game is scheduled to kick off 4pm Nigerian time, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
According to a report by OwnGoal Nigeria, the Libyan delegation alleged rejected the accommodation provided by their host the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). They reportedly turned down the accommodation that was provided to them by NFF officials.
The Libyans arrived with a 50-man delegation but declined the hotel Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, which was reserved for them.
They arrived for training at the venue of today’s game and spent an hour working out on the pitch before engaging in drills and tactical training ahead of the match.
However, it was revealed that their decision to reject the accommodation provided by NFF is in line with their fear that Nigeria could use fetish means to bewitch them before the game, according to a source.
The Libyan team also changed their arrival date to Friday instead of Thursday using their national carrier to land in Uyo rather than Lagos as earlier planned.
Adel Amrouche, the immediate past coach of Libya aimed a dig at Nigeria immediately after their 0-0 draw against South Africa by saying the Nigerians use black magic (voodoo) in games. He later apologised for his statement saying he was quoted out of context.
Libya tops the group with four points, same with South Africa but have superior goal difference. Although they have not played here before, they enjoy a dreaded reputation among Uyo football fans. The Libyan national team have not lost a match yet in the series and went to South Africa and pulled a goalless draw against Nigeria’s conquerors away.
