Nigeria's National Team Faces Crisis in Libya
The Nigerian national football team is currently embroiled in a serious crisis during their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, as they have been subjected to what players describe as inhumane treatment in Libya. The situation escalated when team captain William Troost-Ekong reported that the squad was stranded for over 15 hours in an abandoned airport after their flight was diverted. The players have voiced their refusal to participate in the upcoming match against Libya, citing safety concerns and a lack of basic necessities such as food and communication.
Troost-Ekong took to social media to express the dire conditions they faced, stating, “We have been waiting for more than 12 hours in an abandoned airport... They closed the airport doors and left us without food, drink, or communications. They are playing mind games against us.” The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has since supported the players' decision, planning to return them home amid growing concerns about their safety.
Official Response and Calls for Action
In response to the players' ordeal, Nigeria's Minister of Sports, John Enoh, condemned the treatment they received, describing the conditions as unacceptable. He emphasized the need for immediate intervention to ensure the players' safety. Meanwhile, the Libyan Football Federation expressed regret over the incident, attributing the flight diversion to routine air traffic control protocols and denying any malicious intent.
Former Nigerian football stars have joined the outcry, with Victor Ikpeba calling for harsh sanctions against Libya, suggesting that the country should be banned from hosting international matches. The situation has drawn significant media attention, raising questions about the safety of athletes competing in regions with ongoing security concerns.
