Libya’s national football team, known as the Mediterranean Knights, reportedly encountered logistical challenges upon arrival in Kigali, Rwanda, ahead of their crucial AFCON 2025 qualifying match.
The clash, scheduled for 5 PM today, has been clouded by fresh grievances regarding the team’s treatment, according to Libyan media sources.
Reports indicate that Libya’s delegation faced complications with basic amenities at their hotel, where they occupy the 8th and 9th floors.
The hotel reportedly experienced electricity issues, leaving the elevators out of order and creating significant inconvenience for the players and staff.
Libya’s arrangements in Rwanda were reportedly coordinated by a private company without involvement from the Rwanda Football Federation.
This incident recalls a recent controversy involving Libya and Nigeria, where the Nigerian Super Eagles were delayed for nearly 20 hours upon arrival at Al Abraq Airport in Libya.
That qualifier was eventually abandoned, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarding Nigeria a 3-0 forfeit victory and fining the Libya Football Federation (LFF) $50,000 for regulatory breaches.
Libya claiming ill-treatment from Rwanda is starting to look more like a drama in the football community, however, everyone awaits a confirmation from the football federation as regards this, or a response from CAF.
Following CAF’s ruling, Libya currently sits at the bottom of Group D with one point, trailing Rwanda in third, Benin Republic in second, and leaders Nigeria, who hold 10 points.
Shina Oludare is a distinguished sports journalist and managing editor, renowned for his comprehensive coverage of African football. His dedication to elevating African sports on the global stage has earned him widespread respect, along with numerous accolades for his contributions. A graduate of the LaLiga Business School in Madrid, Oludare’s passion for sports and his influential work in African football journalism have established him as a leading figure in the industry.
