The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, faced significant challenges while traveling to Libya for an African Championship qualifying match. Their flight was diverted, leaving them stranded for twelve hours at a remote airport with no communication, food, or basic amenities. Captain William Troost-Ekong characterized the experience as a deliberate psychological tactic, leading to frustration and doubts about the fairness of their treatment.
Injured player Victor Osimhen expressed his disappointment on social media, condemning the situation as an effort to undermine the team’s morale. He urged football authorities to intervene and suggested moving the match to a neutral location if necessary. The Nigerian Football Association supported these concerns, emphasizing the negative impact on the players’ preparedness for the game.
Libyan captain Faisal al-Badri responded by highlighting complaints from their previous visit to Nigeria, where they experienced delays and poor reception despite traveling on a private jet. He called for improved logistics and fair treatment between the two nations.
Despite these off-field issues, Nigerian coach Austin Eguavoen remained focused on preparing his team for the crucial match. He acknowledged the difficulties but stressed their determination to secure maximum points in the championship qualifiers, aiming to maintain their momentum despite the logistical setbacks.
