More gripping details have emerged from the hellish time the Super Eagles are being put through by Libyan authorities ahead of tomorrow’s 2025 AFCON qualifier.
Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface posted today on X that the team have been at a local airport in Libya without food, sleep and internet connection for the past 13 hours.
“Been at the airport for almost 13 hours no food no wifi no where to sleep African we can do better @caf,” Victor Boniface cried out early this morning.
Super Eagles captain William Ekong said the team have been kept at an abandoned airport and that they will not travel by road as it is not safe.
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 Lybian government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.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
A journalist, Tobi Adepoju, who is traveling with the Super Eagles confirmed the torrid time they are facing in Libya.
He also took X to give a graphic account of the horror.
“5.10am in Libya.
“The Nigerian contingent are still stranded and locked at the Al-Abraq airport.
“10+ hours at the airport stranded and held hostage.
“This is crazy.”
Some of the players gave vowed not to play the match, while many Nigerian commentators have said the team should boycott this match in protest.
The Super Eagles chartered flight from Uyo was diverted from Benghazy an hour to when it was to land.
The team are still at the Al-Abraq Airport, which is a city at least three hours by road from Benina near Benghazy, where tomorrow’s match will be played.
Last month, Rwanda also complained of the ill treatment they received from the same Libya before their AFCON qualifier against the home team.
