Al-Saadi Gaddafi not with Niger delegation

Jan 27, 2012, 19:44 GMT

Libreville, Gabon - The Nigerien delegation at the Africa Cup of Nations on Friday quashed rumors that the son of slain Libyan leader Moamer Gaddafi was in Gabon with the team.

Al-Saadi Gaddafi fled to Niger shortly before rebels captured and killed his father and took control of the country, and has since been placed on the wanted list by Interpol.

But there were rumours at the Nations Cup that Al-Saadi Gaddafi, who is know to be a football fanatic and is a former captain of the Libyan national team and a president of its football federation, was with the Niger delegation at the tournament.

Al-Saadi Gaddafi also had a brief and unsuccessful stint in Italy's Serie A. In three seasons with three different clubs, he played just two league games.

Niger team manager Wafy Yacine said the rumours were simply not true. 'He is not with the team and he has nothing to do with football in our country. We are here only to play football.'

First-time participants Niger earlier Friday lost their second game at the showpiece of African football 2-1 against Tunisia and have all but been eliminated from the competition.