Libya Issues Warning: Pilot Faces Legal Threat For Backing Super Eagles In Controversial AFCON Flight

Libya Issues Warning: Pilot Faces Legal Threat For Backing Super Eagles In Controversial AFCON Flight

Libya’s CAF Executive Committee member, Abdul Hakim Al-Shalmani, expressed frustration over the testimony given by Captain Abdellatif Merchergui, the Tunisian pilot who flew Nigeria’s delegation to a disputed Africa Cup of Nations qualifier earlier in October.….CONTINUE READING 

According to the Super Eagles’ flight was diverted from Benghazi Airport to Al Abraq Airport, causing a 15-hour delay that left players and officials without food, water, or internet access. Merchergui, Acting Head of Flight Operations at ValueJet, testified in Nigeria’s favor, recounting the difficulties faced by the team.

Al-Shalmani, despite his lack of aviation expertise, denounced Merchergui’s statements as “false and slanderous,” arguing they were biased towards Nigeria and disrespected Libyan-Tunisian relations. He plans to file a complaint, accusing the pilot of violating standards of integrity and honesty.

Libyan news outlet Libya Akhbar reported that Al-Shalmani accused Nigeria of exploiting its star players to sway international support. He asserted, “Nigeria’s portrayal of themselves as victims is a deliberate distortion, as the pilot’s account was entirely false.”