Troost-Ekong berates ill-treatment, hostage situation as Super Eagles boycott Libya game

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Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has bewailed the unpleasant and “inhumane” treatment he and other members of the national team have experienced since arriving Libya for an AFCON 2025 qualifying game on Sunday and will now boycott the game scheduled for Tuesday.

The plane which transported the Super Eagles was diverted to another airport and the Nigerian players have been denied access to vehicular or flight movements out of the airport.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) initially received approval for the Super Eagles’ flight to land in Benghazi, close to Benina.

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However, mid-flight, the plane was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq Airport, reportedly by higher Libyan authorities.

While the NFF had arranged transportation in Benghazi, no buses were provided at Al Abraq by the Libyan FA.

Ekong’s statement on X (formerly Twitter)

“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.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.

“I’ve experienced stuff before playing away in Africa but this is disgraceful behaviour. Even the Tunisian Pilot who thankfully managed to navigate the last minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land had never seen something like this before.

“Upon arrival he tried to find a nearby airport to rest with his crew to be denied at every hotel again under Government instruction. He could sleep there but NO NIGERIAN crew members allowed. They have returned to now sleep on the plane which is parked up.

“At this point we have called for our Nigerian Government to intervene and rescue us. As the captain together with the team we have decided that we will NOT play this game. CAF should look at the report and what is happening here. 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. We can only imagine what the hotel or food would be like given to us IF we continued.

Concluding, Ekong stated: “We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen but these things on purpose have nothing to do with int. football.”

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