Nigeria was scheduled to play Libya on Tuesday night, so they flew there on Sunday night. The Super Eagles’ flight was rerouted to Al Abraq Airport, which is three hours away from Benghazi, leaving the Nigerian team detained for more than twelve hours without food or water.
“The airport gates have been locked, and we are now without food, drink, or a phone connection. To play mind games, everyone.
“I’ve gone through things before while playing overseas in Africa, but this is shameful conduct. This was unprecedented, even for the Tunisian pilot who, fortunately, was able to make the last-minute switch to an airport unsuitable for our plane’s landing.
“After arriving, he attempted to locate a nearby airport to rest with his crew, but he was turned away from every hotel once more on government orders. No Nigerian crew members were permitted to sleep there, but he was. After returning, they are currently sleeping on the parked plane.
“We have now demanded that the Nigerian government step in and save us. Together with the squad, I, as captain, have chosen not to play this game. CAF ought to review the report and the current situation.
“Give them the points even if they choose to tolerate such behaviour. Even with security, we will not allow anyone to travel by road here. If we persisted, we can only speculate as to what the hotel and meals might be like.
“When our opponents are our guests in Nigeria, we treat them with the same respect that we show ourselves. Errors occur, but deliberate misconduct has nothing to do with [international] football.’There is outrage in Nigeria’
Nigerian journalist Cecilia Omorogbe speaking to Sky Sports News from Lagos:
“The Libyan Football Federation and Government tweeted that it is common for flights to be rerouted so they arrive in a different city. For this game to continue, they are exerting every effort.
“However, the Nigerian team is negotiating hard to allow the players to return home. They do not want players to play the game and win and return home. They are unsure of their departure time and have been waiting at the airport for over fifteen hours.
“In Nigeria, we offer up prayers for the players’ safety. They have been left alone at the airport with no delegation to pick them up and transport them to their destination, which is a three-hour drive away, but this is not a kidnapping or hostage situation.
Additionally, we are aware that travelling throughout the city by bus or by road is not very safe in Libya due to the ongoing conflict. Nigerians are furious, and we are all very depressed.
The players are being told not to play the game by the majority of Nigerians who are standing behind them. They’re not in the right mindset. The players must be safeguarded and given guarantees that they will be treated fairly and safely. It doesn’t appear that way based on what has transpired over the past fifteen hours.
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