Nigerian National Football Team Claims Hostage Situation in Libya

Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi and the Nigerian national football team claim they are being held hostage in Libya after their flight was diverted to a closed airport. They report being without food or water for over 12 hours and have decided to boycott the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match. Players express frustration with the Libyan government’s actions, viewing them as a deliberate attempt to sabotage their participation.

Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi has expressed grave concerns regarding the treatment of the Nigerian national football team in Libya, where they claim to be effectively held hostage following a flight diversion to a non-operational airport. The Super Eagles were scheduled to travel to Benghazi for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier but were forced to land at Al-Abraq Airport, approximately four hours from their intended destination. Players report that they have been without food or water for over 12 hours and allege that the Libyan government is deliberately hindering their participation in the match due to prior complaints of “hostile treatment” during the previous fixture. In light of these circumstances, the Nigerian soccer team has announced their decision to boycott the match, having been confined to the Al-Abraq Airport terminal with no opportunity to seek alternate arrangements. Midfielder Wilfred Ndidi took to Instagram to voice his frustration, stating, “This is not football. Very embarrassing. Hostage to a national team. Disgrace.” Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface echoed similar sentiments on social media, urging the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to address the dire situation. William Troost-Ekong, a former Watford player now competing in Saudi Arabia, detailed their predicament on X, describing their experience in the abandoned Libyan airport and criticizing the governmental actions impacting their travel and wellbeing. He emphasized the necessity for intervention from the Nigerian government. The captain and team members collectively decided to refrain from playing under such conditions, declaring their unwillingness to jeopardize their safety by traveling further under these distressing circumstances. They firmly stated, “Even if they decide to allow this kind of behaviour, let them have the points. We will not accept to travel anywhere by road here even with security it’s not safe.”

The article addresses a significant crisis involving the Nigerian national football team, particularly concerning their travel mishap in Libya. The Super Eagles were en route to participate in an important Africa Cup of Nations qualifier when their flight was diverted to Al-Abraq Airport, which was closed and ill-equipped for their needs. This incident raised concerns about the treatment of visiting teams in African nations and highlighted potential political tensions affecting the sport. The athletes expressed not only their physical discomfort due to lack of basic amenities but also their frustration regarding the apparent political machinations at play, which they perceive as a deliberate attempt to disrupt their ability to compete fairly. Such occurrences raise questions about international football regulations and the responsibilities of host nations in ensuring a safe and respectful environment for players and officials.

In summary, the situation involving the Nigerian national football team in Libya sheds light on ongoing issues regarding the treatment of visiting squads in international competitions. The athletes’ ordeal, characterized by extended confinement without basic necessities, has prompted a strong reaction from the players and calls for intervention from Nigerian authorities. The team has collectively chosen to boycott the upcoming match, stressing their commitment to safety and respect for the sport. As the incident draws attention, it is imperative for governing bodies like CAF to address these concerns to preserve the integrity of international football.

Original Source: www.mirror.co.uk