Shuaibu Ahmed Gara-Gombe, the former Chairman of the Gombe State Football Association, has called on the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) to reform its regulations pertaining to how teams are received during matches. This call comes in light of the recent events surrounding a 2025 AFCON qualifying match that was supposed to take place in Benina, Libya. Gara-Gombe criticized the hostile reception and poor treatment of the Nigerian Super Eagles, who found their flight diverted nearly 150 miles away from Benghazi to Al-Abraq. Upon arrival, the team faced a 20-hour detention at the airport without basic necessities such as food or water.
The incident has drawn significant attention, particularly given the harsh conditions the Super Eagles were subjected to. In response to the situation, the CAF Disciplinary Committee penalized Libya, imposing a fine of $50,000 and awarding Nigeria three points along with three goals for the match that could not proceed. Gara-Gombe emphasized that such unfortunate scenarios could have been entirely prevented had CAF implemented clearer guidelines that consider the unique aviation and financial regulations within each participating country.
In his interview, Gara-Gombe stressed that CAF needs to establish and enforce standardized procedures regarding the reception of visiting teams. He maintained that the lack of existing standards is alarming, and emphasized that it is critical for CAF to implement measures to ensure teams do not confront undue challenges when playing abroad. He pointed out the necessity of recognizing and incorporating the specificities of each African nation’s regulations into CAF’s broader match protocols, which could significantly improve the experience for visiting teams.
Libya’s response to the verdict has been negative, with officials expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome and alleging that CAF is biased in favor of Nigeria. They have hinted at contesting the decision by appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS). This reaction from the Libyan authorities underscores the contentious atmosphere surrounding the match and adds another layer of complexity to the incident, demonstrating the need for clearly defined and fair regulations governing host nations’ conduct during international matches.
The call for regulatory reform by prominent football stakeholders like Gara-Gombe is crucial for the improvement of logistics associated with international sports. Establishing comprehensive guidelines could ensure the safety and comfort of all teams, minimizing the likelihood of incidents that mar the integrity of the sport. As football continues to grow in popularity across Africa, the importance of having a robust framework for managing such events cannot be overstated.
In summary, the recent turmoil regarding the Super Eagles’ treatment has sparked important conversations about CAF’s existing policies governing international match conduct. Gara-Gombe’s advice to overhaul the rules reflects a broader desire among football stakeholders to enhance the experience for teams competing across the continent. A commitment to establishing clear standards can pave the way for a more equitable and respectful environment in African football, fostering cooperation and goodwill among nations.
