Nigeria’s Super Eagles have made the dramatic decision to withdraw from their scheduled Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya. The team endured more than 12 hours stranded at an abandoned airport in Libya, leading to their refusal to play under such conditions. This incident occurred after Libyan authorities unexpectedly diverted their flight while descending into Benghazi, leaving the players in distressing circumstances.
Dire Conditions at Al Abraq Airport
Upon arrival at Al Abraq Airport, the Super Eagles found themselves locked inside with no access to food, drinks, or communication. Captain William Troost-Ekong expressed disbelief at the situation, describing it as a deliberate attempt to intimidate the team before the crucial qualifier. The authorities sealed the gates, forcing the players to endure harsh conditions without proper shelter, which Troost-Ekong labelled unprecedented in his experience.
Shock from Team Leadership
The team’s Tunisian pilot, who successfully diverted to the airport, also found the treatment unacceptable. While the authorities allowed the pilot and crew to rest, they denied the same courtesy to the Nigerian personnel, forcing them to sleep aboard the plane. Troost-Ekong’s call for government intervention underscores the gravity of the situation as players remain trapped in an airport that ill-equipped to accommodate them.
Appeal to the Nigerian Government
Troost-Ekong made it clear that the team would not participate in the match, stating, “We will NOT play this game.” He criticized the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for failing to intervene and stressed that even if Libya received points, Nigeria would not risk further travel under unsafe conditions. The Super Eagles are calling on the Nigerian government to assist them urgently.
Previous Incidents Heighten Tensions
Reports indicate that the ill-treatment of the Super Eagles connects to an incident involving the Libyan players and coaching staff during their recent visit to Nigeria. Allegations surfaced that the Libyan team faced significant delays and frustrations at Lagos Airport last week. Despite these claims, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had dismissed accusations of mistreatment, asserting that the Libyan delegation had caused its own issues.
NFF’s Response to Allegations
In a statement, the NFF’s Assistant Director (Protocol), Mr Emmanuel Ayanbunmi, explained that the Libyan Federation’s last-minute changes to their travel arrangements led to confusion. He outlined how the NFF made substantial efforts to accommodate the visiting team but encountered obstacles due to the Libyan Federation’s lack of communication. This back-and-forth highlights the growing tensions between the two nations in the realm of football.
This article captures the unfolding situation involving Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the complications surrounding their AFCON qualifying match against Libya, showcasing the urgent need for resolution and support from the Nigerian government.
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