Nigeria Withdraws from Libya Match Amid Allegations of Inhumane Treatment
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that the national football team will withdraw from an upcoming match against Libya due to allegations of 'inhumane treatment' experienced by the players upon their arrival in Libya. The Super Eagles were left stranded at Labraq airport for over 15 hours after their chartered flight, which was supposed to land in Benghazi, was diverted. NFF's communications director, Ademola Olajiri, confirmed that arrangements are being made for the players to return home and that a formal complaint has been lodged with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Players' Safety Concerns Lead to Boycott
Captain William Troost-Ekong expressed the team's unanimous decision to boycott the match, citing safety concerns regarding the three-hour bus journey to Benina, where the match was scheduled to take place. He emphasized that the players would not risk their safety for the match, stating, “We will not accept to travel by land anywhere even with security support because it is not safe.” The players were reportedly held in an environment that was not only uncomfortable but also infested with mosquitoes, raising serious concerns about their well-being.
Calls for Sanctions Against Libya
Former Nigerian striker Victor Ikpeba, who was part of the delegation, has called for severe sanctions against Libya, urging the African Union to take action. He stated, “If the African Union knows its business, it should exclude Libya from international football.” Nigeria currently leads Group D in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, having secured seven points from three matches, while Libya is at the bottom with just one point.
- The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, including from Nigeria's Minister of Sports, John Enoh, who labeled the treatment of the players as 'abhorrent.' He highlighted the lack of basic care for the delegation upon their arrival, noting that they were forced to stay in an abandoned airport without food or accommodation. The Nigerian embassy's inability to intervene due to the need for permission from the Libyan government has further complicated the situation. This incident raises questions about the safety and security protocols in place for international matches, particularly in regions with known instability. The NFF's decision to prioritize the safety of its players reflects a growing trend among sports organizations to take a stand against unsafe conditions, even at the risk of forfeiting points in competitive matches.
