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AFCON 2025: CAF Gives Libya, Nigeria October 20 Deadline to Submit Documents

The Confederation of African Football, CAF has given a deadline to the Libyan Football Federation, LFF and the Nigerian Football Federation to submit documents relating to the cancellation of the 2025 AFCON qualifying Group D fixture between the countries.
Recall that the Super Eagles was forced to pulled out of the game after their plane was diverted to Labraq Airport and the players held hostage for 18 hours without Internet, food and water.
According to Libya Al-Ahrar Channel, the Secretary-General and person in charge of running the body, Nasser Al-Suwaie, confirmed in a statement confirmed that CAF has given the Libyan and Nigerian associations until October 20 to submit the documents.
Al-Suwaie confirmed that LFF has assigned a lawyer to provide evidence, adding that there may be collusion from some parties within the CAF, but the position of the Libyan Federation is strong.
He insisted that the Libyan Federation had nothing to do with changing the course of the plane’s landing to Al-Abraq Airport.
According to Al-Suwaie, it was a decision taken by the Libyan state, and that the sovereignty of the Libyan state must be respected by everyone.
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EPL: Sir Alex Ferguson Opens Up, Reveals Why He Retired As Manchester United Manager

Legendary former Manchester United coach, Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he retired from the club to spend more time with his wife Cathy, after the death of her sister.

Ferguson stepped down after 27 years of management at Old Trafford in 2013.

During his time in charge, the Scot won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues and many other trophies.

Ferguson’s exit came 13 years after he first announced he would leave, only to make a u-turn.

While it was assumed he was leaving football because he was 71, Ferguson said on McCoist’s podcast, Ally’s Social Club: “Cathy’s sister had died in the previous October and she was lost.

“She was definitely lost so at Christmas I said to her ‘Look, I’m going to retire at the end of the season’.

“I knew by her reaction that she was delighted because she was on her own. She had given her life to me, everything to me.

“[She was] looking after me because of my job… bringing the kids up. When I said I was going to retire, she was delighted and I knew that. I could tell by her body language.”

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Neymar Didn’t Listen To My Advice – Luis Suarez Opens Up

Luis Suarez, a former Barcelona attacker, has revealed that Brazilian icon and former teammate, Neymar ignored his advice to move to the Premier League instead of joining Paris Saint-Germain.

Neymar joined PSG in the summer of 2017 in a deal worth a reported €222 million, which up till now is a transfer record for any player.

The Brazilian subsequently left the French Ligue1 outfit last summer and joined Saudi Pro League side, Al-Hilal.

Neymar combined with Suarez and Lionel Messi to form a dangerous attacking line at Camp Nou, known as the dreaded MSN.

The triumvirate terrorised defences in Spain and the whole of Europe.

The South American trio played three seasons together (2014-15 to 2016-17) and won the continental treble in their first campaign.

Six more titles – including one La Liga – would follow in the next two seasons before Neymar moved to PSG.

Suarez said that Neymar’s move to France came as a surprise to him.

He told Placar TV (via Sportbible), “[We said] ‘Ney. If you want to win it all stay with us [at Barcelona]’. We said ‘Ney, at least go to England, Manchester City. Their football is better, but in France. …

“I think if Neymar had stayed at Barcelona, he would have won the Ballon d’Or, for sure.”

Neymar scored 118 goals and made 77 assists in 173 games across competitions in his injury-plagued six-season stint at PSG.

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Ballon d’Or 2024: Lionel Messi Names Shock Candidate That Deserves To Win Award

Lionel Messi, the world-famous Argentina captain, has said his team-mate Lautaro Martinez deserves this year’s Ballon d’Or more than any other player.

Martinez is among the 30 nominees for the prize alongside Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Rodri and Dani Carvajal.

With the ceremony only 12 days away, Messi has shared his thoughts on who will replace him as the winner.

The Inter Miami superstar, who claimed a record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or last year, won’t be defending his title this year.

Instead, Messi has backed Martinez, who finished 21st and 20th in the Ballon d’Or rankings in 2021 and 2023.

The 27-year-old scored 27 times and provided seven assists in 44 games across all competitions last season, which included 24 goals and six assists in the Serie A as Inter Milan won the Scudetto.

He also scored one and turned provider into another in Nerazzuri’s successful Supercoppa Italiana run.

“He had a spectacular year, he scored in the final, he was the top scorer in the Copa America.

“He deserves the Ballon d’Or more than anyone else,” Messi said via Goal.

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Lionel Messi Admits He Is Close To Retirement After Scoring Hat Trick In Argentina Win

The legendary Argentine footballer, Lionel Messi delivered a stellar performance, scoring a hat trick as Argentina secured a commanding 6-0 victory over Bolivia in the South American World Cup qualifiers.

The 37-year-old who had three goals and two assists for his side on Tuesday night said he just wanted to enjoy every moment while recognising the end of his career is close.

After the slaughtering of Bolivia, the fans at the Monumental de Nuñez Stadium were enjoying themselves as they chanted Messi’s name, making him emotional.

“It is very nice to play here feeling the affection of the Argentina fans,” the 2022 World Cup winner said.

“It makes me emotional to listen to how they shout my name.

“We all enjoy this connection with the fans and we love playing at home.”

When asked about a possible appearance at the 2026 World Cup in North America, he was discreet with his answer but just wants to enjoy his last days in football.

“I didn’t set any date or deadline about my future,”

“I’m just enjoying all this. I am more emotional than ever and taking all the love from the people because I know these can be my last games.”

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner finished the Tuesday game with his 10th hat trick equaling the record of his rival, Cristiano Ronaldo for the most hattrick at the international level.

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Tuchel Officially Unveiled As New England Manager

Thomas Tuchel has been officially appointed as England’s new manager.
The English FA made the announcement on Wednesday, with the German set to start on January 1, 2025.
“The FA has announced that UEFA Champions League winner Thomas Tuchel is the new England senior men’s head coach and will be assisted by internationally renowned English coach Anthony Barry,” the English Football Association said.
Details later…
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AFCONQ: CAF Postpones Libya vs Nigeria

The Confederation of African Football, CAF has announced the postponement of Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON qualifier between Libya and Nigeria.
The announcement was made on Tuesday.
The game was slated to be played this evening in Libya.
In an official statement, CAF indicated that the fixture would not proceed as planned.
The football body did not, however, provide specific reasons for the postponement.
CAFF will now take the matter to the appropriate bodies for further consideration.
The statement added, “The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Qualifier fixture between Libya and Nigeria will not take place as scheduled tonight,” the short statement reads.
“The matter will be referred to the competent CAF bodies.”
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Super Eagles Arrive Nigeria After Ordeal In Libya

The Nigerian Super Eagles have arrived at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano State, after their harrowing ordeal in Libya ahead of the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifier.

The players and Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, officials were stranded for over 13 hours at Al Abraq airport in Libya ahead of the game which was supposed to take place on Tuesday, October 15, in Benghazi.

They arrived in Libya on Sunday but their flight was diverted to an airport which is two hours from their destination. They were also not allowed to leave the airport and they had no access to necessities like food, water, or a place to rest.

Photos of the team sleeping on benches went viral, prompting condemnation from Nigerian authorities and football fans.

Following the ordeal, they vowed not to play in Libya and they later revealed that their plane was being fueled so they could return to Nigeria.

They have now arrived in Nigeria.

Super Eagles Captain,  William Troost-Ekong and goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali took to their Instagram pages to confirm their arrival.

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CAF Issues Statement On Treatment Of Super Eagles In Libya

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a statement concerning the ill-treatment of Nigerians in Libya.
CAF frowned at the development and has now referred the case to its disciplinary board.
See statement below:
 
“The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it had been informed that the Nigerian National Football Team (‘’Super Eagles’’) and their technical team were stranded in disturbing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land by the Libyan authorities.
 
The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations.”
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AFCON: Eguavoen Recounts ‘Traumatic Experience’ at Libya Airport

Super Eagles caretaker coach, Augustine Eguavoen has described his team’s ordeal in Libya as traumatic.
According to him, they went through a “horrible ordeal” in Libya.
The Nigerian contingent were held hostage at an abandoned airport, more than two hours drive from the venue of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Mediterranean Knights.
The team was denied access to water and food.
The Super Eagles later pulled out of the game and returned to Nigeria on Monday evening.
“Thanks to the Libyans for letting us go, but it was a horrible 18-20 hours of experience and we don’t want to go through that again,” said Eguavoen on arrival in Nigeria Monday.
 
“We were held hostage, we could not have played this match under these circumstances.
 
“We know how football can unite the entire world, but in this regard, for them to act like this, I cannot comprehend seriously.”

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