Nigeria’s senior national team captain, William Troost-Ekong, has stated that the Super Eagles will boycott the second leg of the Libyan games due to inhuman treatment from the Libyan authorities.
According to Peesecondnews, the team abruptly changed their original landing plan in Benghazi, depriving players and officials of basic amenities.
Ekong took to X on Monday to condemn the treatment, describing it as “disgraceful behavior” and “mind games” by Libyan authorities.
He highlighted the lack of phone connection, food, and drink, and the locking of airport gates.
The Super Eagles captain revealed that the team has decided not to play the scheduled 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, citing concerns over safety and dignity. Ekong also called on the Nigerian government to intervene and rescue the team.
Ekong’s tweets emphasized the unacceptable nature of the Libyan authorities’ actions, stating, “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 international football.”
Ekong said: “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 The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi without reason.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 have 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,” he wrote.
“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 anything like this before.
“We will NOT play this game,” he declared, urging the Nigerian government to intervene and rescue the stranded team.
The incident has cast a shadow over the qualifying match, with the team’s safety and well-being taking precedence.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been urged to take note of the situation and address the issue.
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