Nigerian Football Team Stranded in Libya, Consider Boycotting Match
Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi has disclosed that he and his Nigerian teammates are stranded at Al-Abraq airport in Libya after their flight was diverted. The players have been without food or water for over 12 hours, leading them to consider boycotting their match against Libya due to what they perceive as sabotage by the Libyan authorities. Emphasizing the distressing nature of their situation, Ndidi decried their treatment on social media, while other team members echoed similar sentiments.
Leicester City’s midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has reported a troubling situation involving the Nigerian national football team after their flight was diverted to a closed airport in Libya, effectively leaving them stranded. The Super Eagles were initially scheduled to land in Benghazi for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match against Libya; however, due to unexpected circumstances, their flight was redirected to Al-Abraq airport instead, which is a significant distance from their intended destination. As the players waited at the abandoned terminal, they faced severe inconveniences, having been deprived of food and water for over twelve hours. Several team members expressed concerns that the Libyan government might be attempting to sabotage their participation in the fixture, especially following recent complaints of “hostile treatment” during a prior match. In light of these challenges, the Nigerian team announced their intention to boycott the upcoming match, feeling trapped at the Al-Abraq airport with no feasible options to secure alternative arrangements. Ndidi conveyed his frustration through his Instagram account, stating, “This is not football. Very embarrassing. Hostage to a national team. Disgrace.” Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen shared on social media, “Been at the airport for almost 13 hours no food no wifi nowhere to sleep African we can do better.” William Troost-Ekong, a former Watford player and current Saudi Arabian league participant, recounted the ordeal in detail on X: “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 The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.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.” Troost-Ekong further described the challenge faced by the flight crew, highlighting the lack of available accommodations for them and the restrictive measures placed upon the Nigerian team. He emphasized the need for intervention from the Nigerian government and outrightly stated the team’s decision against participating in the upcoming match if conditions did not improve.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by African teams when participating in international fixtures, particularly relating to travel and accommodation. Such situations have previously affected various teams, bringing up concerns regarding the treatment of players and the implications of political tensions on sporting events. The players’ rights, safety, and dignity should be paramount, and this incident has raised serious questions about the logistical support provided by host nations. In this case, the diverted flights and lack of proper facilities at the airport have resulted in a significant disruption that not only puts the team’s preparedness at risk but also their well-being.
In summary, the Nigerian national football team is currently embroiled in a serious predicament after being effectively trapped at Al-Abraq airport in Libya. Facing a lack of essential resources and support, the players have voiced their frustrations and announced a potential boycott of their upcoming match. As the situation unfolds, it is imperative for governing bodies, such as the Confederation of African Football (CAF), to address these pressing issues and ensure fair and dignified treatment for all teams participating in international competitions.
Original Source: www.mirror.co.uk
