2025 AFCON qualifiers: Libya in turmoil as federation president resigns ahead of Super Eagles showdown

The President of the Libyan Football Federation, Abdul Hakim Al-Shalmani, has submitted his resignation, Soccernet.ng reports.

This plungs the nation’s football leadership into turmoil just days before a crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier second-leg clash against Nigeria.

According to dzairsport, the announcement of Abdul Hakim’s resignation came during a General Assembly meeting held at the Mahari Hotel in Tripoli on Sunday.

Al-Shalmani, widely regarded as the worst president in the history of the federation, stepped down after Libya’s 1-0 loss to Nigeria in the first leg, which added to the pressure on his already embattled leadership.

Sources indicate that his resignation was a preemptive measure to avoid a vote of no confidence, as numerous clubs had expressed their refusal to participate in the new season of the Libyan Premier League until his resignation was finalized.

Assuming the presidency in December 2018, Al-Shalmani faced intense criticism from clubs, the sports media, and the public for failing to set clear goals and develop long-term plans for the growth of Libyan football.

Observers noted that he did not meet the expectations of the Libyan sports community, which has been clamouring for stronger leadership.

The General Assembly had previously withdrawn confidence from Al-Shalmani’s predecessor, the late Jamal Al-Jaafari, in December 2018, by a two-thirds majority, showcasing the power dynamics within Libyan football administration.

While Al-Shalmani’s resignation may have been a proactive step to avoid forced removal, many analysts believe it came too late to salvage his legacy.

With Libya currently sitting at the bottom of their qualifying group, the resignation adds to the uncertainty as the national team prepares for the decisive second-leg clash against Nigeria.