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.
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However, their situation took a turn for the worse when the Libyan government unexpectedly rescinded approval for their plane to land in Benghazi, forcing a last-minute diversion.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 The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi without reason.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.
Paul Pogba’s second spell at Juventus has officially ended after the club announced on Friday that they had mutually agreed to terminate his contract, effective November 30, 2024.
The decision comes after a series of setbacks, including a doping suspension that was recently reduced.
Pogba, 31, had been handed a four-year suspension by the Italian anti-doping authority (NADO) after testing positive for testosterone in August 2023, following Juventus’ opening Serie A match of the season.
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However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced his ban to 18 months last month, accepting his claim that the failed test was caused by an incorrectly prescribed supplement.
CAS also stated that Pogba was not without fault, as a professional footballer, he should have been more careful in managing his supplements.
Despite the reduced ban, Juventus confirmed that they would part ways with the French midfielder, whose return to Turin in 2022 from Manchester United had been plagued by injuries and off-field issues.
In a statement, the club announced that Pogba’s contract, originally set to expire in 2026, would be terminated early.
In an emotional message to fans on social media, Pogba thanked Juventus, saying, “You gave me a lot, more than what I could ever say, and I’ll always keep with me the love you showed me. You’ll always be in my heart. Good luck.”
Pogba’s time at Juventus was short-lived. After rejoining the club in 2022, he made only 10 appearances due to injury and his doping ban.
He also missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to a knee issue.
Additionally, Pogba was the victim of an extortion scheme involving his brother, Mathias, and five others, all of whom are set to stand trial.
Juventus have since revamped their squad, investing over €120 million in midfielders Teun Koopmeiners, Douglas Luiz, and Khephren Thuram.
The club is currently sixth in Serie A, two points behind leaders Napoli.
Stanley Nwabali, goalkeeper for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has been plunged into mourning following the death of his father.
The footballer broke the news on his Instagram page on Friday, sharing a brief yet emotional tribute.
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“Rest in peace, dad,” Nwabali wrote in the post, accompanied by a tearful emoji.
While the cause of death was not disclosed, the announcement has sparked an outpouring of condolences from fans, teammates, and members of the football community.
More to follow……….
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially booked their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
This achievement follows Libya’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali, a result that has effectively ended Rwanda’s chances of progressing to the tournament.
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With Rwanda stuck at five points from five matches, even a victory in their upcoming game against Nigeria in Uyo won’t be enough to overtake the Super Eagles in the Group D standings.
Nigeria currently sits atop the group with 10 points, followed by Benin with six, Rwanda with five, and Libya at the bottom with four.
Nigeria’s qualification marks a significant milestone as they aim for their fourth AFCON title, last winning the prestigious tournament in 2013.
The Super Eagles, led by head coach Jose Peseiro, have shown consistent form throughout the qualifiers and will be looking to maintain their momentum heading into the tournament.
Meanwhile, Benin remains in contention for the group’s second qualification spot.
They face a crucial match against Nigeria tonight, needing a positive result to stay in the running.
The race for qualification will conclude on Monday, with Libya hosting Benin in the final Group D game.
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