Sports entrepreneur and former Gombe United Football Club Chairman, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, has defended his comments on the botched Libya versus Super Eagles 2nd leg AFCON qualifier match in Benghazi, stressing that CAF competitions are guided by rules, not sentiment.
Gara-Gombe expressed regret at the level of ignorance exhibited by Nigeria’s football authorities, emphasizing that those criticizing him are unaware of CAF rules. He insisted that he owes no one an apology for exercising his right to free speech.
Gara-Gombe emphasized that Libya is not at war, and football games are played at stadiums, not airports.
He questioned why the Super Eagles returned to Nigeria without playing the match, citing CAF rules that supersede sentimental decisions.
He highlighted Nigeria’s ignorance of CAF rules, particularly regarding airport protocols and match procedures.
Gara-Gombe noted that Libya’s hostile actions were a retaliatory measure due to Nigeria’s alleged mistreatment of Libyan players during their visit.
Gara-Gombe warned that CAF will not award Nigeria three points and three goals based on sentimental appeals but will instead follow standard rules.
He urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to educate themselves on CAF rules and protocols to avoid similar controversies in the future.
Gara-Gombe emphasized that CAF competitions are guided by rules, not sentiment, and that Nigeria’s football authorities must adapt to this reality.
The Libya vs Nigeria match controversy has sparked heated debates, with Gara-Gombe’s comments highlighting the need for Nigeria’s football authorities to familiarize themselves with CAF rules.
As the matter heads to arbitration, Gara-Gombe’s insistence on adhering to CAF rules may prove pivotal in determining the outcome.
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