By Micheal Chukwuebuka, Reporting
AUTHORITIES of the Republic of Benin are demanding sanctions against Libya in what they described as an “act of barbarism” by the North African nation against their national team during a crucial 2025 AFCON qualifier in Tripoli.
In a video that had gone viral, Libyan law enforcement agents were seen attacking the Benin Republic national team.
Recall that they held Libya to a scoreless draw to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
Benin captain, Steve Mounie, described the situation as “a war zone.”
Recall that the Super Eagles of Nigeria, last month, were awarded a 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya after the North African country held the team hostage for over 20 hours at an abandoned airport.
Benin Government spokesman, Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji, announced that official protests were immediately made to the relevant authorities:
“From Monday itself, the protests were formulated in accordance with the rules of the art by the Beninese State.
“The Minister of Foreign Affairs acted where he should act. The Minister of Sports and the President of the Beninese Football Federation were instructed to take the necessary actions at the level of the umbrella bodies.
“We will ensure that the interests of our national team are defended.
“Acts of barbarism have no place in football, and Benin demands exemplary sanctions to prevent such excesses.”
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