Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, don dey blast Libyan authorities over the way dem treat the Nigerian football team after dem land for Libya. The team dey stranded for over 12 hours at Al Abraq Airport, and dem no get food, drink, or phone connection.
Troost-Ekong talk say the team plane originally suppose land for Benghazi, but Libyan government change am last minute to Al Abraq Airport. He describe the situation as ‘disgraceful’ and accuse Libyan authorities of playing ‘mind games’. He write on social media say, “12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. Libya government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.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.”
The team face serious challenges, including no access to nearby hotels. Even the Tunisian pilot wey navigate the last-minute change to the airport no fit get accommodation for him crew under government orders. The pilot manage sleep at the airport, but Nigerian crew members no fit stay, so dem sleep on the plane.
Troost-Ekong and the team decide say dem no go play the match again under these conditions. Dem call on the Nigerian government to intervene and rescue dem. He stress say traveling by road in Libya no safe, and dem no trust the quality of accommodation and food dem go get if dem continue with the fixture.
Victor Boniface, another player for the Super Eagles, also talk about the ordeal on social media. He write say, “Been at the airport for almost 13 hours, no food, no Wi-Fi, nowhere to sleep. Africa, we can do better.”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) still no respond to the incident, and it dey unclear what actions dem go take against Libya or if Nigeria go face repercussions for choosing not to participate in the match.
