The Nigerian national football team has found itself in a precarious situation ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, scheduled for Tuesday night. The squad, including players like Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, has been stranded at Al Abraq airport in Libya for over 16 hours.
The team’s flight was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq airport, approximately three hours away from their intended destination by road. Reports from Nigerian sources suggest that the players have been left without adequate food, water, or sleeping arrangements.
Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface took to social media to document the ordeal, stating that the team had nowhere to sleep and refused to board an outdated bus offered as alternative transportation.
Victor Osimhen, who is not part of the current squad, expressed his concern from home, describing the situation as potentially evolving into a “hostage situation.” In a series of Instagram stories, Osimhen said:
“I am disappointed by the unfair treatment my brothers and coaches are facing at the Libya airport last night. Actions like this go against the spirit of sportsmanship. My support is with the team and I know they’ll stay strong despite the obstacles.”
He further called for intervention from CAF and other football bodies, emphasizing the inhumane nature of the situation. Osimhen fully supported the team captain’s decision not to play the match unless it is moved to a neutral venue.
“The safety and wellbeing of my teammates and all the team staff are the most important things right now,” Osimhen added. “My brothers and coaches must return home safely, we are not criminals or prisoners.”
