Nigeria senior National team players were trapped in a Libyan airport for more than 13 hours branding it ‘like a hostage situation’.
The Super Eagles had been due to play Libya in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifer on Tuesday night, but have been left fuming by the conditions they have been left in.
Players, including Fulham stars Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey along with Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi, landed at Al Albraq airport, which is about two hours from their intended destination of Benghazi.
Reports claimed the Libyan authorities failed to have not provide any transportation and the airport gate was even reportedly locked.
As a result of this, the Nigeran Football Federation released a statement saying they were boycotting the match.
The statement said: “Super Eagles still at Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya!
“The delegation of Nigeria to Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya still remained at the Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya.
“The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, 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.
“Fatigued players and officials have remained nonplussed 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 unhinged by the diversion of the aircraft.
“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer as NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home.”
Stranded Nigeria players: Source X
The situation has been slammed by a number of the players, with Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi saying: “This is not football. Very embarrassing. Hostage to a national team. Disgrace.”
Writing on Instagram, Victor Osimhen said: “This attempt by the Libyan FA is no longer just a delay, it’s an intentional tactic to weaken and ruin the morale of the players, and it’s beginning to look more like a hostage situation.
“The safety and well being of my teammates and all the team staffs are the most important things right now.
“Our captain has said we won’t play the match and I fully support that, except if the game is taken to a neutral ground.
“My brothers and coaches must return home safely, we are not criminals or prisoners.
“I can imagine how terrible they must feel right now, as I’ve had a similar experience during my Under-17 days. This is totally unfair and heartbreaking.
“Again, I call on CAF, the Nigerian government and other relevant authorities to act swiftly and ensure their safe return.”
Super Eagles star Victor Boniface posted on X: “Been at the airport for almost 13 hours no food, no wifi, nowhere to sleep. African we can do better.”
He later added: “Help me call my grandmother, say her grandson dey ok. Nah this is sick.”
Bright Osayi-Samuel added: “I’ve been stuck in a random Libyan airport for 15 hours with no guaranteed health and safety. We can do better.”
