Due to safety concerns in the area, Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo has condemned the Confederation of African Football for making the “wrong decision” in permitting Libya to conduct their AFCON qualifiers on home soil.

Speaking on Monday on Arise TV, Omeruo described a comparable incident he had when playing for Nigeria’s U-20 squad, emphasising the risks.

It was bizarre since I had experienced something similar when we were playing in an under-20 team and we had flown there to play despite not knowing there would be a conflict. When it was all over, we left, and that’s when we watched on TV that there were riots in Benghazi, he added.

Thinking back on the present state of affairs, he expressed shock that CAF let games to continue in Libya.

In my opinion, it was awful. Since I am aware that Libya has not yet achieved peace, I had no idea that they needed to play their games there. Therefore, I believe that CAF made a mistake by permitting them to play their home games in Libya,” Omeruo said.

The defender also reported talking with teammates Victor and Awazim, stating how they also had similar worries about the state of affairs.

“The crazy one was even diverting the flight,” he said, highlighting the dangers. It’s really risky. It’s really risky, so I’m relieved that they have returned and are truly safe.

Omeruo emphasised the need of putting player wellbeing first, particularly in times like unpredictable. He emphasised the significance of making advance preparations, pointing out that players are frequently unprepared for such situations, especially during young competitions.

“As Nigerians, I believe it is crucial that we at least have a delegate travel before the game. The players will feel safer and everything will be better structured as a result, he continued.

He said that one way to lessen the situation may have been to send a representative before the team.

“If someone had been in Libya, they would have known about it in advance. Before the players take the plane to fly, they might attempt to resolve this issue, Omeruo continued.

Less than 48 hours before their planned Tuesday AFCON qualifier versus Libya, the Super Eagles of Nigeria were abandoned at Abraq International Airport in Libya.

The aeroplane was rerouted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a tiny airfield usually used for hajj operations, leaving the Nigerian delegation en way to Benghazi for the pivotal match stuck for more than sixteen hours.