The Nigerian senior national team has refused to play their scheduled AFCON qualifier against Libya, citing unfair treatment by the Libyan government.
This comes after they were reportedly abandoned at the airport upon arrival in Libya after their plane was initially diverted from Benghazi to Al Abraq.
The players reportedly spent hours at the airport, slept there without any assistance from the airport officials.
Following the situation, the Super Eagles’ skipper, William Troost-Ekong, took to social media to express his frustration.
He also confirmed the team’s decision to boycott the match.
“More than 12 hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending,” he wrote.
“Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.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.
Added Ekong: “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 Nigeria crew members were 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.”
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