Sports
Super Eagles Stranded In Libya: Captain Slams Inhumane Treatment Ahead Of AFCON Qualifier
The captain of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, William Ekong, has voiced his frustration over the treatment his team has endured while stranded at Abraq International Airport in Libya.
In a series of posts on social media, Ekong shared harrowing images of players sleeping on the airport floor and described the dire conditions they are facing.
Read Also: Fuel Hike: FG Is Doing A lot But Nigerians Are Not Looking, Says Minister
However, their situation took a turn for the worse when the Libyan government unexpectedly rescinded approval for their plane to land in Benghazi, forcing a last-minute diversion.
Ekong reported that the team has been confined to the airport for over 12 hours, without access to basic necessities such as food, water, or even phone service.
The captain emphasized that while the team has encountered challenges during away games in Africa before, the current predicament is “disgraceful behavior” that is unacceptable.
He wrote, “12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi without reason.
“They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without a phone connection, food, or drink. All to play mind games. I’ve experienced issues before while playing away in Africa, but this is disgraceful behavior.”
Recall that the Super Eagles arrived in Libya on Sunday, ready to compete in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights.
However, they found themselves stranded at Abraq International Airport less than 48 hours before the crucial match scheduled for Tuesday.
The Nigerian team departed Uyo on Sunday morning, but their troubles began later that evening when sports journalist Tobi Adepoju reported that the host nation had made a last-minute diversion of their chartered flight.
Despite securing clearance for the plane to land in Benghazi, just a short distance from Benina Stadium, the aircraft was unexpectedly redirected to the more distant Abraq International Airport.
“The agreement and approval the NFF obtained was for the chartered flight to land in Benghazi, but the plane was unexpectedly diverted to Abraq,” Adepoju wrote.
To make matters worse, while the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had arranged transportation in Benghazi, no buses were provided by the Libyan Football Association to transport the team from Abraq to their destination.
Consequently, the Super Eagles have been unable to leave the airport, with locked gates preventing their exit.
Videos showing the team seated in the waiting area of Abraq Airport have gone viral on social media, alongside footage from NFF TV depicting officials attempting to communicate with airport authorities regarding the locked gates.
As it stands, Nigeria leads Group D with seven points, having previously defeated the Mediterranean Knights 1-0 in Uyo during the reverse fixture last Saturday.
The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has taken a defiant stance ahead of the crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Nigeria, stating that there will be “no room for excuses” as their players prepare for the clash.
The statement comes amid controversy surrounding Nigeria’s decision to pull out of the match following an extended delay at Al Abaq Airport.
Read More: EFCC Allegedly Disrupts Live Broadcast, Abducts Presenters At Urban Radio Enugu
In a post on its official X account on Tuesday, the LFF shared images of the Libyan national team’s training session at the Martyrs of Benina International Stadium in Benghazi.
The federation emphasized its commitment to playing the match as scheduled, with a caption that read, “Some may be used to putting up obstacles before the match, but here in the heart of Benghazi, specifically on the grounds of the Martyrs of Benina Stadium, there is no room for excuses after the starting whistle.”
The fixture has been thrown into uncertainty after Nigeria’s Super Eagles and officials were stranded at the airport for over 16 hours following an unexpected flight diversion on Sunday.
This disruption led the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to announce their withdrawal from the Group D qualifier, originally slated for today.
The LFF has condemned Nigeria’s withdrawal and accused the NFF of failing to cooperate in organizing both the initial and return legs of the qualifying tie.
The Libyan federation further criticized Nigeria’s decision, contrasting it with their own experience during the first leg, where the Libyan team faced what they described as “inhumane conditions” in Nigeria but still fulfilled the fixture.
The LFF’s message comes as both federations remain at odds over the situation, raising the possibility of legal action, with Libya vowing to take all necessary steps to protect its national team’s interests in the AFCON qualifiers.
The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has voiced its disapproval regarding the Super Eagles of Nigeria’s decision to withdraw from an upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, stating plans to take legal action against the Nigerian team.
The controversy arose when the Super Eagles arrived at Abraq International Airport, where they encountered significant travel disruptions less than 48 hours before their scheduled match against Libya’s Mediterranean Knights.
Read Also: Nigeria Needs 10-15 Years Of Economic Reforms For Global Growth – World Bank
Recall that the Nigerian contingent, which departed from Uyo on Sunday morning, was left stranded at the airport, raising serious safety concerns.
In light of these issues, the Nigerian players chose not to participate in the match, resulting in strong criticism from the LFF.
See statement below:
The Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team, have safely returned to Malam Aminu Kano International Airport following a difficult ordeal in Libya.
Biztellers reports that the team was left stranded at Abraq International Airport, less than 48 hours before their crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights, scheduled for Tuesday.
Read More: Trump Pushes For Cognitive Test On Harris, As Health Transparency Debate Rages
The Nigerian contingent had departed from Uyo on Sunday morning, anticipating a smooth journey to Libya for the upcoming match.
However, upon arrival at Abraq International Airport, the team faced unexpected complications that left them stranded and unable to proceed as planned.
More to follow…………
Lola Idije Denies Biodun Okeowo Snatched Her Daughter’s Boyfriend
Uncertainty Clouds IPMAN-Dangote Refinery Meeting On Fuel Pricing
Bianca’s Mother Responds To Allegations Kanye West Wanted To Sleep With Her
Lawsuit Claims Kanye West Wanted To Sleep With Wife’s Mother
Skales Regrets Not Having Baby Mamas
BREAKING: Obi Laments Collapse Of National Grid
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Adeosun: We are investing in infrastructure to grow the private sector
