By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Super Eagles Captain, William Troost-Ekong has vowed not to continue with AFCON qualifiers after his team was abandoned in Libya.
Recall the national team is scheduled to play the Mediterranean Knights of Libya on Tuesday at the Benina Stadium in Benghazi, about two hours drive from Abraq Airport.
As of the time of filing this report, the Super Eagles players, coaching crew, and officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) were still locked and stranded at the Abraq Airport in Libya.
“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 Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.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.
“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 international football,” Troost-Ekong stated.
The Super Eagles currently leads the 2025 AFCON qualifier Group D with 7 points, followed by Benin with 6 points and Rwanda in third place with 2 points. The 2025 AFCON is scheduled to be held in Morocco.