Nigeria‘s clash with Libya has descended into chaos after their players were left stranded at an airport in the country with no food or drink just over 24 hours before the match.
The two teams faced off in Nigeria in an African Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday, with the Super Eagles winning 1-0 courtesy of Fissayo Dele-Bashiru’s late strike.
However, Libya said they faced ‘poor treatment’ surrounding that game and ahead of the return leg, Nigeria’s stars have now been left fuming, with Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi claiming they were being held ‘hostage’.
Reports in Africa claimed that Nigeria’s chartered flight – which was headed to the city of Benghazi – was diverted to Al-Abraq Airport while it was in the air.
Al-Abraq Airport is still about four hours away from Benghazi and the Nigeria squad was left stranded for hours, with several players making staggering claims of mistreatment.
Nigeria’s squad have been left stranded in an airport ahead of their away clash with Libya
William Troost-Ekong, Nigeria’s captain, posted on X: ’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‘Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.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.’
Ndidi shared his full thoughts on his Instagram story as he said: ‘This is not football. Very embarrassing. Hostage to a national team. Disgrace.’
Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface added: ‘Been at the airport for almost 13 hours no food no wifi no where to sleep. Africa we can do better.’
Meanwhile, Nigeria talisman Victor Osimhen – who is not currently with the squad – also expressed his anger at the situation his team-mates found themselves in.
‘I am disappointed by the unfair treatment my brothers and coaches are facing at the Libya airport last night,’ he wrote on Instagram.
‘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 (Confederation of African Football) 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.’
Libya’s allegations that they faced ‘poor treatment’ during the reverse fixture last week were roundly rejected by the Nigeria Football Federation.
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