In a shocking turn of events, Nigeria Super Eagles stars, including Wilfred Ndidi, William Troost-Ekong, and Victor Boniface, have reported being held in dire conditions at Al-Abraq airport in Libya.
The team, stranded for over 12 hours without food or water, is scheduled to play a crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier against Libya on Tuesday, but the match is now in serious doubt due to the treatment they are facing.
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Stranded at the Airport: Super Eagles Cry Out for Help
The Super Eagles’ troubles began when their plane was diverted while descending towards Benghazi, forcing them to land at Al-Abraq airport, located four hours away from the intended destination.
Upon arrival, Nigerian players reported being “held hostage” at the airport, with no access to basic necessities such as food, water, or communication.
Team captain William Troost-Ekong took to social media to vent his frustrations, sharing the team’s ordeal with the public. “12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi for no reason. They locked the airport gates and left us without a phone connection, food, or drink. All to play mind games.”
Troost-Ekong emphasized that such actions have no place in international football and called on CAF (Confederation of African Football) to intervene. He also stated that the team has contacted the Nigerian government for assistance. “As the captain, together with the team, we have decided that we will NOT play this game. CAF should look at the report and what is happening here,” he added.
Players and Coaches Unite in Condemnation
Wilfred Ndidi, another key player for the Super Eagles, echoed Troost-Ekong’s sentiments on Instagram, labeling the situation “embarrassing” and calling it a disgrace. Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface also expressed his disappointment, describing the inhumane conditions they have been subjected to.
“Been at the airport for almost 13 hours, no food, no wifi, nowhere to sleep. Africa, we can do better,” Boniface shared with his followers, capturing the frustration and exhaustion felt by the entire squad.
Although Victor Osimhen is not with the team for this fixture, the Napoli star did not hold back in condemning the treatment of his teammates. “Actions like this go against the spirit of sportsmanship,” he wrote on Instagram. “My support is with my team, and I know they’ll stay strong despite these obstacles.”
— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) October 14, 2024
This incident comes on the heels of Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Libya last Friday, a match marred by complaints of poor treatment from the Nigerian side. The current situation at the airport, however, has escalated to new levels, with the Nigerian team refusing to travel by road or continue with the match under such unsafe conditions.
The timing of the incident raises serious concerns about the conduct of the Libyan football authorities. With the Super Eagles now unsure if the match will even take place, it is clear that these events go beyond the realm of normal footballing mind games and enter into a dangerous territory of unsportsmanlike conduct.
What This Means for the AFCON Qualifier
As the Nigerian team remains stranded, the fate of the AFCON 2025 qualifier is uncertain. Both teams were set to clash in Benghazi on Tuesday, with Nigeria aiming to continue their winning form. However, Troost-Ekong has already declared that the team will not play under such conditions, calling for CAF’s immediate intervention.
This unfortunate situation sheds light on broader issues within African football, where logistical and administrative challenges often detract from the focus on the game itself. Nigerian players and coaches have united in their stance, refusing to play under what they describe as inhumane and unacceptable conditions.
The Response from CAF and Nigerian Authorities
As the world watches, all eyes are now on CAF and Nigerian authorities to take swift action. The Nigerian government has been contacted, and CAF is expected to step in and resolve the situation before it escalates any further.
For fans of the Super Eagles, this incident is not just a setback in their AFCON qualifying campaign but a blow to the integrity of the sport. Football should be a fair contest, and incidents like this tarnish the reputation of the game in Africa.
