Nigeria’s Super Eagles Boycott AFCON Qualifier Due to Airport Ordeal

Nigeria’s national football team, known as the Super Eagles, has decided to boycott their AFCON qualifying match against Libya due to being stranded at Al Abraq Airport. Team captain William Troost-Ekong criticized the Libyan government for redirecting their flight and called the treatment a form of psychological manipulation. The players expressed their discomfort and distress through social media. This incident underscores ongoing tensions in African football regarding fair treatment and sportsmanship.

Nigeria’s national football team has announced a boycott of their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya after experiencing an overnight ordeal at Al Abraq Airport. The Super Eagles team captain, William Troost-Ekong, characterized the situation as a psychological tactic employed by the Libyan authorities. The planned arrival at Benghazi Airport was unexpectedly redirected to Al Abraq, which is approximately 220 kilometers (136 miles) away. The reason for this diversion has not been clarified, and efforts to obtain comments from the Libyan government by The Associated Press were unsuccessful. In a statement on social media, Troost-Ekong expressed dissatisfaction regarding the sudden change, stating, “The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason. They have locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games.” Online images shared by the team depicted players attempting to rest on airport seating alongside their luggage, with very few signs of other passengers. By the following morning, many players were seen asleep due to the extenuating circumstances. Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s star forward who was unable to participate due to a muscle injury, accused the Libyan soccer federation of deliberately attempting to undermine the Nigerian team’s morale in an Instagram post. He remarked, “It is beginning to look more like a hostage situation. My brothers and coaches must return home safely. We are not criminals or prisoners.” The Nigeria squad features prominent players such as Ademola Lookman, who recently achieved a hat trick in the Europa League final, and Victor Boniface, a striker for Bayer Leverkusen. Other notable team members include Premier League athletes Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Wilfred Ndidi, who contributed to Nigeria’s 1-0 victory against Libya in the first leg on Friday. The Libyan team previously accused their opponents of maltreatment leading up to the first match, allegations that the Nigerian Football Federation has denied. Libya’s captain, Faisal Al-Badri, reported experiencing a delay in travel due to extensive searches of their bags. In response to the situation, Nigeria’s sports minister, John Owan Enoh, has instructed the national soccer federation to file a formal complaint with the governing body of African football, emphasizing the importance of documentation and thorough investigation of the incidents.

Recently, tensions have escalated in African football, particularly regarding the treatment of visiting teams and logistical challenges faced during matches. The incidents at Al Abraq Airport illustrate ongoing issues related to international sportsmanship, including allegations of psychological warfare and mistreatment typical before high-stakes matches. These events draw attention to the necessity for fair treatment in competitive settings and the potential impact of such circumstances on team morale and performance.

The situation involving Nigeria’s football team serves as a pertinent reminder of the challenges faced by national teams in international sports competitions, particularly in Africa. The incident at Al Abraq Airport reflects broader issues of sportsmanship, respect, and fair play, highlighting the significant impact such experiences can have on athletes. As Nigeria’s sports minister advocates for formal channels to address these grievances, it remains essential for teams to ensure their rights and welfare are prioritized in competitive sports.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com