The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has announced they will not participate in Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya after being stranded at a Libyan airport for over 12 hours without basic necessities like food or water.
The team had flown to Libya on Sunday night for the match scheduled to take place in Benghazi. However, their flight was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq Airport, which is over 200km away from Benghazi, leaving the team stranded with no arrangements made for their transport or sustenance.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) issued a statement confirming the team’s predicament, stating that both players and staff had been stuck at the airport throughout Sunday night without any assistance from the Libyan authorities.
William Troost-Ekong, a Nigerian defender, expressed frustration in a social media post, condemning the treatment they received. “12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted. No food, drink, or phone connection. We will not play this game,” he said.
Troost-Ekong added that the team feared for their safety and were unwilling to make the three-hour road journey to their hotel in Benghazi, given Libya’s unstable security situation.
In response, Nigerian journalist Cecilia Omorogbe reported widespread outrage in Nigeria, with many backing the players’ decision not to play under such conditions. She emphasized the dangers of traveling in Libya by road, especially given the ongoing conflict in the country.
The Super Eagles are now planning their return home, awaiting intervention from Nigerian authorities. Despite the Libyan Football Federation’s efforts to keep the match on schedule, the Nigerian team remains firm in their boycott.
