The Super Eagles of Nigeria has cried out to the federal government to help them as they remain stranded in Libya, News About Nigeria reports.
The Captain of the team, William Troost-Ekong, made this call in a statement via his verified handle on X on Monday.
He noted that over 12 hours after the Nigerian senior men’s football team arrived in Libya to play the return leg of their match, which will qualify them for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, they have remained stranded at the airport.
He stated that they have been without food, shelter, or internet connection, all in a bid to play mind games and destabilise them before the match.
Troost-Ekong expressed frustration over the situation, noting that even the Nigerian pilot’s crew faced similar treatment.
He pointed out that, while the Tunisian pilot was permitted to stay at a hotel, the Nigerian crew was denied this option due to what the staff referred to as directives from higher authorities.
He called on the government to intervene and rescue the team.
Troost-Ekong further urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to look into the issue and carry out the necessary actions, maintaining that the team will not be playing the match.
He wrote, “12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play 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.”
