Nigerian team boycotts AFCON match, returns home after 'disgraceful' treatment in Lybia
Nigeria’s national team has returned home after boycotting their scheduled African Cup of Nations Qualifier match against Libya.
This follows detention at a Libyan airport on October 14.
The Super Eagles listed to play Libya on October 15, had their flight originally heading for Benghazi diverted to a smaller airport in Al Abraq, located about two hours away from the Benghazi airport.
A statement from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) indicated that the players were left stranded at the Al Abraq International Airport for about 12 hours after their arrival.
The airport gates were locked with no transportation provided for the team to move to their hotel rooms. There was also no access to food, drink or internet connection during the period, the NFF further noted.
“The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and dangerously, diverted to the small airport away from Benghazi just as the pilot was completing his approach to the Benghazi Airport. We understand the Al Abraq International Airport is only used for hajj operations,” NFF director of communications, Ademola Olajire stated.
In the latest development, the NFF has indicated that the team has arrived home.
“The SuperEagles are back home!” a post on X said.
Describing the situation as ‘disgraceful’ team captain, William Troost-Ekong who shared his experience on X said it was like nothing he had ever experienced in his entire football career.
“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.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,” he said.
He accused Libyan authorities of being behind the situation
“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.”
Players resolved not to play the match any longer. They also refused to travel by bus to Benghazi citing security reasons.
A formal report has since been made with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The game against Libya would have determined Nigeria’s place in the AFCON Qualifiers finals.
Meanwhile, Libyan players claimed that they were treated badly in Nigeria ahead of the Super Eagles’s 1-0 win over the weekend, a claim which was denied by the Nigeran Football Federation (NFF).
