It has been 12 hours since the Super Eagles arrived in Libya, but the players and team officials have been held inside Al Abraq Airport under inhumane conditions, and reportedly on the orders of the Libyan Government.
The hostage situation could spark a diplomatic row between the Countries, as the players have also resolved to boycott Tuesday’s game.
Super Eagles were diverted to Al Abaq albeit their Flight was supposed to land in Benghazi.
In a thread on his X account, Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong described the team’s ordeal since arriving the North African country.
He also revealed that crew members of the chartered flight to Libya were denied accomodation in hotels within the city, if their nationality is Nigerian.
Ekong condemned the intentional acts of Libya’s football and Public Authorities for the intentional sabotage.
On Sunday, departing Uyo, the Super Eagles were due to arrive Benghazi where they’ll play their second leg, Africa Cup of Nations match against Libya.
However, an initial report from the Super Eagles media team, later corroborated by the NFF confirmed alleged sabotage, accusing Libyan law enforcement of holding the Nigerian contingent “hostage”.
“Libyan authorities hold Super Eagles, officials hostage at the Al Abaq airport in Al Abaq,” the statement read in part.
“About an hour to landing, the Nigerian aircraft approaching its destination, Benghazi was diverted to another city more than two hour drive from the original destination.”[sic]
A video of the players and team officials, who appear stranded inside the airport accompanied the report.
Officials of the Libyan law enforcement were seen chatting away as they formed a human barricade by the gate.
Meanwhile, the Libya Football Federation had made almost similar claims of intentional disruption against the Nigeria Football Federation.
Training Session Done: Libya NT players wrap up their training on Wednesday ahead of the AFCON 2025 Qualifier against Nigeria. Photo | Brila
The claims include poor preparation for the arrival of their National team for the first leg, allegations which the NFF unequivocally denied.
An official complaints has been written and delivered to CAF over the Al Abraq hostage situation, and it could cause the game to be postponed.
