14/10/2024
'You can have the points, we're not playing,' Super Eagles tell Libya, CAF after being abandoned at airport
Nigeria's Super Eagles were stranded at Libya's Al Abaq Airport for over 13 hours due to an unexpected flight diversion. The team was originally scheduled to land in Benghazi but was diverted to Al Abaq Airport, two hours away from their hotel and match venue.
Despite prior approval from Libyan authorities for the Benghazi landing, the sudden change caused logistical chaos.
Super Eagles defender Tanimu Benjamin expressed frustration: "4 hours after arrival, still at the airport. Also still have 2 hours drive to the hotel."
Victor Boniface added: "Been at the airport for almost 13 hours, no food, no wifi, no where to sleep. African football, we can do better! "
Nigeria leads 1-0 from the first leg and is set to face Libya on Tuesday in the second leg of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
In a new update, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong lamented the treatment, saying:
"12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Lybia after our plane was diverted whilst descending. Lybian government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason. Theyโve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games.
โIโve experienced stuff before playing away in Africa but this is disgraceful behaviour. 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 something like this before.
โUpon 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.
โAt this point we have called for our Nigerian Government to intervene and rescue us. As the captain together with the team we have decided that we will NOT play this game. CAF should look at the report and what is happening here. Even if they decide to allow.
โThis kind of behaviour, let them have the points. We will not accept to travel anywhere by road here even with security itโs not safe. We can only imagine what the hotel or food would be like given to us IF we continued."
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