Super Eagles Captain, William Troost-Ekong, has said, Nigeria “will not play this game” against Libya following “disgraceful behaviour” from Libyan Government.
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| Super Eagles of Nigeria |
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are scheduled to field against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya on Tuesday 15 October, 2024 in the Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier in Benghazi, however, Troost-Ekong said: “as the captain together with the team we have decided that we will NOT play this game”.
In the first leg of the tie, Nigeria defeated Libya by a lone goal at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, with substitute, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, netting the only goal for the hosts.
According to Troost-Ekong: “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 Lybian government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.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.
“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
“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.
“We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen but these things on purpose have nothing to do with int. football.”
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 Lybian government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.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
