Nigeria to boycott AFCON match in Libya after gamers stranded

Writer: Chany Ninrew | Printed: 4 hours in the past

Troost-Ekong posted photos of the Nigeria gamers asleep on the airport. (Photograph: X)

Nigerian Soccer Federation has introduced that the nationwide soccer group will boycott their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers match in opposition to Libya after being stranded “below inhumane situations” at an airport in Libya for greater than 12 hours.

The Tremendous Eagles jetted to Libya on Sunday forward of their second leg match in Benghazi on Tuesday, however the flight was allegedly diverted to Albraq about two hours away from the supposed vacation spot.

Nigeria gamers together with Fulham star Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey together with Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi, have fumed about their situations and posted their fury after being stranded for greater than 12 hours.

In accordance with talkSPORT, the Libyan authorities haven’t offered any transportation and the airport gate was even reportedly locked.

The Nigerian Federation then introduced that they won’t participate within the match, including that the gamers have been nonetheless stranded on the airport 12 hours after they landed.

“The chartered ValueJet plane was, unusually and in a harmful method, diverted to the small airport away from Benghazi simply because the pilot was finishing his strategy to the Benghazi Airport,” the assertion additional stated.

“Fatigued gamers and officers have remained nonplussed because the host Libyan Soccer Federation did not ship any reception group and even automobiles to take the delegation members from the airport to their resort, stated to be 3 hours away in Benghazi.”

The NFF stated it made preparations for separate automobiles for the group however that the plan was unhinged by the diversion of the plane.

“Gamers have resolved to not play the match any longer as NFF officers are planning to fly the group again house.”

Tremendous Eagles star Victor Boniface posted on X: “Been on the airport for nearly 13 hours no meals, no wifi, nowhere to sleep. African we will do higher.”

Vivid Osayi-Samuel added: “I’ve been caught in a random Libyan airport for 15 hourse with no assure well being and security. We will do higher.”

Former Watford participant William Troost-Ekong stated: “12+ hours in an deserted airport in Lybia after our airplane was diverted while descending. Lybian authorities rescinded our authorized touchdown in Benghazi with no cause. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us with out cellphone connection, meals or drink. All to play thoughts video games.

“I’ve skilled stuff earlier than taking part in away in Africa however that is disgraceful behaviour. Even the Tunisian Pilot who fortunately managed to navigate the final minute change to an airport not match for our airplane to land had by no means seen one thing like this earlier than.

“Upon arrival he tried to discover a close by airport to relaxation together with his crew to be denied at each resort once more below Authorities instruction.”

“At this level, we now have known as for our Nigerian Authorities to intervene and rescue us. Because the captain along with the group we now have determined that we’ll NOT play this sport. CAF ought to have a look at the report and what’s occurring right here. Even when they determine to permit.

“This type of behaviour, allow them to have the factors. We won’t settle for to journey wherever by street right here even with safety it’s not protected. We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they’re our friends in Nigeria. Errors occur however these items on goal don’t have anything to do with int. soccer.”

The Libyans allegedly acquired “poor therapy” after they travelled to Nigeria for the primary leg, and the therapy of Nigerian gamers is believed to be a reciprocation.

Nigeria are main Group D with seven factors in three matches after beating Libya 1-0 on Friday whereas the Libyans are backside of the group with one level.