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Nigeria vs Libya: Captain William Troost-Ekong sends a clear message to CAF
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has issued a strong message to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the team’s ongoing situation ahead of their AFCON 2025 qualifier against Libya.
The match, scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, 2024, has been clouded by controversy due to the Nigerian national team’s treatment in Libya.
Troost-Ekong expressed that the Super Eagles will not be participating in the match, citing multiple incidents designed to hinder the team’s preparation.
These incidents include the prolonged entrapment at the airport, and a lack of food, water, and basic amenities provided by Libyan authorities. The captain emphasized that these actions have left the team incapable of competing in the crucial fixture.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has officially appealed to CAF through the appropriate channels, highlighting the unacceptable treatment the team has endured. Troost-Ekong’s statement underscores the Nigerian team’s refusal to play under such conditions, calling on CAF to address the matter and ensure fair play in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
His statement on social media read, “12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Lybia after our plane was diverted whilst descending. Lybian government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.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.”
He went on to add, “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.”
12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Lybia after our plane was diverted whilst descending. Lybian government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.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.
— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) October 14, 2024