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According to reigning CAF Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Libya are in a hostage situation.
Super Eagles of Nigeria star striker Victor Osimhen has spoken out on the treatment of his teammates.
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07:25 - 14.10.2024
Super Eagles: Victor Boniface laments 13-hour airport delay without food in Libya
Super Eagles of Nigeria striker Victor Boniface has lamented a 13-hour airport delay in Libya without food ahead of their AFCON 2025 qualifier.
The Nigerian Super Eagles encountered an unwelcoming environment as they arrived for their match against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya.
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08:05 - 14.10.2024
Ekong threatens Super Eagles won't play Libya: Nigerian captain explains how authorities maltreated them
According to Super Eagles of Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong, they will not play the AFCON 2025 against the Mediterranean Knights following how Libyan officials treated them.
Team captain William Troost-Ekong has stated that the team intends to boycott the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
A number of the national team's players have taken to social media to voice their dissatisfaction with the treatment they have received in the North African nation.
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Bayer Leverkusen target man Victor Boniface has also stated that they have been denied basic amenities for several hours.
The players have been detained by Libyan officials as the aircraft that was meant to transport the Nigerian team to Benghazi was rerouted to a different location.
The players and their agents were kept inside Al Abaq Airport's arrival hall for several hours and were not allowed to leave.
Osimhen on Super Eagles in Libya
Osimhen has taken to social media to show support for his teammates.
In a statement on his official Instagram account, he branded their stay as a hostage situation.
He said, “I am disappointed by the unfair treatment my brothers and coaches are facing at the Libya airport last night.
"Actions like this go against the spirit of sportsmanship. My support is with my team, and I know they'll stay strong despite these obstacles.
"I call on CAF and other football bodies to intervene, as my teammates and officials are still stranded at the airport in Libya. This is uncalled for and inhumane. We stand together, stronger than ever
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“This attempt by Libyan FA is no longer just a delay, it's an intentional tactic to weaken and ruin the morale of the players, andit's beginning to look more like a hostage situation.
"The safety and well-being of my teammates and all the team staffs are the most important things right now.
"Our captain has said we won't play the match and I fully support that, except if the game is taken to a neutral ground. My brothers and coaches must return home safely, we are not criminals or prisoners.
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"I can imagine how terrible they must feel right now, as l've had a similar experience during my Under-17 days.
"This is totally unfair and heartbreaking. Again, I call on CAF, The Nigerian Government and other relevant authorities to act swiftly and ensure their safe return.”
The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) will now have a decision to make on the matchday four fixture between Nigeria and Libya.
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