Nigeria’s National Team Stranded in Libya
Nigeria’s football team faced “inhumane treatment” in Libya as they were left stranded at an abandoned airport without food or drink for over 17 hours, according to captain William Troost-Ekong. The team was scheduled to play their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in Libya but will now be flown back to Nigeria without playing the game.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) made the decision after the team’s harrowing experience at the airport in Libya. Troost-Ekong shared on social media the team’s ordeal, including being locked in the airport lounge without communication or sustenance. The NFF is arranging for the team’s return before the match against Libya on Tuesday.
Former African footballer Victor Ikpeba, who traveled with the team, supported the decision to boycott the match and called for sanctions against Libya. He emphasized the unsafe conditions the team faced, leading to their refusal to play.
This incident has sparked outrage, with calls for Libya to face consequences for their treatment of the Nigerian team. The NFF has lodged a complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) while highlighting the need for a safer environment for international matches.