Super Eagles of Nigeria captain, William Troost-Ekong, has threatened that the team will refuse to play their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya after being subjected to hostile treatment upon arrival in the country.
The Nigerian team, initially scheduled to land in Benghazi, was left stranded at the airport after their flight was diverted to another city, forcing the players and staff to endure a two-hour road journey. Upon arrival at Al Abaq Airport, the team was held for over 12 hours, unable to leave the arrival hall.
Taking to social media to express his frustration, Troost-Ekong revealed that the airport gates were locked, leaving the players and officials without access to food, drink, or phone connections.
“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 The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.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. All to play mind games,” Ekong wrote.
The Super Eagles captain described the treatment as disgraceful and unprecedented, stating that even the Tunisian pilot, who had to navigate the last-minute diversion, was shocked by the situation. He added that the pilot and his crew were denied hotel accommodation, leaving them to sleep on the plane.
Ekong further revealed that the Nigerian government had been contacted for assistance, and as captain, he and the team had decided they would not play the match under such conditions.
“We’ve called on 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,” Ekong stated.
He emphasized the team’s safety concerns, adding that they were unwilling to risk traveling by road or trusting any arrangements for accommodation or food under such hostile circumstances.
“We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen, but these actions are intentional and have nothing to do with international football,” Ekong concluded.
