Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar apologized to Libya’s Foreign Minister Abdelhadi Al-Huwaij for a recent incident involving Nigeria’s withdrawal from an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match against Libya. Tuggar assured that the decision was not intentional. Al-Huwaij committed to ensuring the safety of the Nigerian delegation and emphasized the strong ties between the two nations.
In a recent communication, Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar formally apologized to the Libyan government for an incident involving its national football team. This apology was directed to Minister Abdelhadi Al-Huwaij of the east-based government, following escalating tensions after the Nigerian Football Federation’s controversial decision to withdraw from a planned Africa Cup of Nations qualifier return match. Minister Tuggar conveyed sincere regrets, clarifying that the oversight was not an intentional act by the Nigerian government and emphasized Nigeria’s respect for Libya and its people. In response, Minister Al-Huwaij assured Mr. Tuggar that the safety of the Nigerian delegation had been prioritized, with the Libyan government providing comprehensive logistical and technical support to facilitate their return. He reiterated the historical ties between Libya and Nigeria, affirming a mutual commitment to maintaining amicable relations. Notably, the Libyan Football Federation had previously condemned the Nigerian Football Federation’s actions, asserting its commitment to protecting the interests of their national team regarding the incident.
This incident follows a recent decision by Nigeria’s Football Federation to decline participation in a scheduled qualifier match for the Africa Cup of Nations against Libya. The situation generated a diplomatic strain between the two countries, highlighting the importance of sports in international relations and the need for effective communication to resolve misunderstandings. The telephone conversation between the respective foreign ministers represents an effort to restore amicability and reinforce existing bonds between the nations.
The formal apology from Nigeria underscores the significance of diplomatic engagement in addressing international incidents stemming from sporting events. Both nations have expressed a commitment to preserving their cordial relationship, indicating that despite the challenges posed by the recent football incident, there remains a pathway toward collaboration and respect between Libya and Nigeria.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
