Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has condemned the ongoing situation in Libya, where the Nigerian team has reportedly been held at the airport for more than 12 hours under difficult conditions. 

After their narrow 1-0 victory over Libya on Friday in Uyo, the Super Eagles were set to face the North African side again in a return fixture on Tuesday, October 11.

However, events took a dramatic turn when the team arrived in Libya.

The Craft carrying Nigeria’s contingent to Libya on Sunday evening, was unexpectedly diverted from the intended airport, reportedly on the orders of the Libyan goverment.

Upon arrival, they were denied exit by the Al Abraq Airport authorities and have since remained stranded.

According to Ekong, the Super Eagles were not permitted to leave the airport or enter any nearby hotels, with these instructions reportedly coming from the Libyan government.

As frustration mounted, the defender who plays for Al-Kholood expressed the team’s collective anger, declaring that they would refuse to play the match.

Players waited for hours at the Al Abaq Airport, Al Abaq, after Aeroplane carrying Nigerian team was diverted from Benghazi.

Troost-Ekong’s Statement

“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted mid-descent. The Libyan government revoked our approved landing in Benghazi without explanation. They’ve locked the airport gates, leaving us without phone service, food, or water—playing mind games.

“I’ve experienced stuff before playing away in Africa but this is disgraceful behaviour. Even the Tunisian Pilot who thankfully managed to navigate the last minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land had never seen something like this before.

“Upon arrival he tried to find a nearby airport to rest with his crew to be denied at every hotel again under Government instruction. He could sleep there but NO NIGERIAN crew members allowed. They have returned to now sleep on the plane which is parked up.”

“At this point we have called for our Nigerian Government to intervene and rescue us. 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.

“Even if they decide to allow this kind of behaviour, let them have the points. We will not accept to travel anywhere by road here even with security it’s not safe. We can only imagine what the hotel or food would be like given to us IF we continued.

“We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen but these things on purpose have nothing to do with int. football.”

CAF’s Silence and the Way Forward

Patrice Motsepe (C), the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). (Photo by SIA KAMBOU/AFP via Getty Images)

The Confederation of African Football has yet to release an official statement on the matter. It remains unclear whether sanctions will be imposed on Libya for their handling of the situation or on Nigeria for refusing to play the match.

The incident raises serious questions about player safety and fair play within African football.

This is the highest form of disgrace in African football. It should be unheard of in this day and age.S

uper Eagles remain stranded, awaiting further developments, with hopes that diplomatic intervention can resolve the crisis swiftly.