Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has decried the treatment of Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team, who were stranded at Al Abaq Airport in Libya for more than 12 hours.
The team was supposed to land in Benghazi for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, but they were transferred to Al Abaq and have been held without explanation.
Troost-Ekong branded the scenario as “disgraceful,” accusing Libyan authorities of conducting “mind games.”
He reported that the team is being held in an abandoned airfield without access to food, water, or phone service.
“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi without reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without a phone connection, food, or drink. All to play mind games.
“I’ve experienced issues before while playing away in Africa, but this is disgraceful behaviour,” he wrote.
Troost-Ekong also recounted the problems faced by the Tunisian pilot, who managed the sudden change of location but was later denied accommodation for his crew on government orders.
While the captain could relax at the airport, the Nigerian crew members were not permitted to stay, forcing them to sleep on the plane.
“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 anything like this before,” he wrote.
“Upon arrival, he tried to find a nearby hotel to rest with his crew but was denied at every hotel, again under government instruction. He could sleep there, but no Nigerian crew members were allowed. They have now returned to sleep on the plane, which is parked up,” Troost-Ekong added.
The captain added that the team had decided not to proceed with the scheduled match, citing safety concerns.
“We will NOT play this game,” he stated, urging the Nigerian government to intervene and rescue the stranded team.
Troost-Ekong also recounted the problems faced by the Tunisian pilot, who managed the sudden change of location but was later denied accommodation for his crew on government orders.
While the captain could relax at the airport, the Nigerian crew members were not permitted to stay, forcing them to sleep on the plane.
“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 anything like this before,” he wrote.
“Upon arrival, he tried to find a nearby hotel to rest with his crew but was denied at every hotel, again under government instruction. He could sleep there, but no Nigerian crew members were allowed. They have now returned to sleep on the plane, which is parked up,” Troost-Ekong added.
The captain also stated that the team had decided not to proceed with the scheduled match, citing safety concerns.
“We will NOT play this game,” he declared, urging the Nigerian government to intervene and rescue the stranded team.
He questioned the safety of road travel in Libya and highlighted concerns about the quality of housing and food provided if the fixture was continued.
He stated, “We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen, but these deliberate actions have nothing to do with international football.”
The Super Eagles had flown to Libya for the second leg of their AFCON qualification match against the Mediterranean Knights, having won the first leg 1-0 in Uyo on Friday.
The Confederation of African Football has yet to respond to the growing issue.
The Super Eagles‘ media team revealed on Sunday night that players and officials were taken hostage by Libyan authorities upon their arrival at Al Abaq Airport.
