The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that the Super Eagles players are no longer interested in playing the Nations Cup qualifiers against Libya on Tuesday after the team’s travelling party was held hostage at the Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya.
The chartered aircraft was diverted to the small airport away from Benghazi just as the pilot was completing his approach to the Al Abraq Airport. We understand the Al Abraq International Airport is only used for hajj operations.
Fatigued players and officials have remained surprised and confused as the host Libyan Football Federation failed to send any reception team or even vehicles to take the delegation members from the airport to their hotel, said to be 3 hours away in Benghazi.
The NFF made arrangements for separate vehicles for the team but the plan was hindered by the diversion of the aircraft.
NFF confirmed in a statement on Monday morning that the players have decided not to honour the match.
“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer as NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home.
“The NFF was ready to book hotel rooms for players and officials close to the said airport, but we were told by all hotels that they have been instructed not to welcome Nigerians. Our aircraft crew went searching for hotel rooms, but were told the same thing.
“The captain was offered a hotel room because he’s a North African but he turned it down and opted to return with the rest of the crew to the airport and sleep in the aircraft.”
Super Eagles Captain, William Troost-Ekong has slammed Libya for their disgraceful treatment.
He took to his X account to berate the Libyan officials for their mind games.
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 The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi without reason.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 behaviour.”
