Players and staff of both Rivers United and Plateau United have been assured of best reception in Benghazi by officials from the Embassy of Libya in Nigeria.
Abdul-Moeine Gargoum, Counsellor at the Embassy and Ali Shrai, third secretary were at the NFF Secretariat, Abuja on Tuesday and met with General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi at the behest of the Libyan Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Ayad Al-Tayari.
Plateau United will take on Al Akhdar FC at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja while Rivers United square up to Al Nasr FC at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt in the CAF Confederation Cup playoffs, with the winners guaranteed spots in the money-spinning group stage of the competition.
“We are at ease that Nigeria and Libya are good African brothers with excellent relations and all we have come to discuss is about seamless arrangements for our teams coming here and for the Nigerian teams going to Libya. I have the assurance of the two Libyan clubs that they will accord Rivers United and Plateau United the best reception possible, and I have no doubt that our clubs will be treated in a similar manner here in Nigeria,” Gargoum said.
Responding, Dr Sanusi reiterated that football is a game of peace and love, meant to foster brotherhood, camaraderie, understanding and good neighbourliness, and designed to bring nations, territories and jurisdictions closer to enable cordiality and warm relations.
“I am pleased to receive you on behalf of the Board and Management of the NFF. Nigeria and Libya are indeed brothers and I remember how much we fostered our brotherhood during the U23 AFCON qualifiers we played in 2019. Football is a beautiful game and is a game of love, peace and joy beyond the entertainment value.
“The NFF will work assiduously with the two clubs involved – Plateau United and Rivers United – and ensure that the delegations from Libya are made to have good memories of their stay in Nigeria.”
