'Left us without food or drink' - Troost-Ekong admits possibility of Super Eagles boycotting Afconq v Libya

The Super Eagles players have decided to withdraw from the reverse fixture of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.

The team was scheduled to play against the Mediterranean Knights on Tuesday, October 15, following their 1-0 win in Uyo.

However, the players has decided to pull out of the game due to the inhuman treatment received upon their arrival in Libya.

The Nigerian team left the country on Sunday, October 13, for the return leg in Benghazi.

Shortly before landing in Benghazi, the Super Eagles' aircraft was redirected to a different city, located more than two hours away from their intended destination.

In a video shared by the Super Eagles media team and made available to allnigeriasoccer.com, upon arrival, the team found themselves stranded at the airport while team officials held discussions with Libyan police and officials.

In a post on X on Monday morning, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong strongly criticized the behaviour of the Libyan authorities.

He labeled the team's treatment as "disgraceful" and accused the hosts of playing 'mind games'.

Troost-Ekong disclosed that the team is currently stranded in an abandoned airport without access to food, drink, or phone connections.

"12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Lybia after our plane was diverted whilst descending," he revealed.  

"Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.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."

He disclosed that the players have made the decision to not continue with the game and are urging CAF to investigate the report.

"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."

Additionally, he mentioned that the team has made a collective decision not to proceed with their journey via road due to security concerns.

"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," he concluded.

It remains to be seen what actions CAF will take in response to this incident.

Adeyemi Adewale

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