Troost-Ekong Slams Libyan Authorities After ‘Disgraceful’ Airport Ordeal

The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, faced a harrowing experience upon their arrival in Libya for a crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier. The team, led by captain Troost-Ekong, was stranded for over 12 hours at Al Abraq International Airport, a smaller airport typically used for Hajj operations, after their chartered ValueJet flight was diverted from Benghazi Airport at the last minute.

Troost-Ekong expressed his frustration and disappointment on social media, criticizing the Libyan authorities for the ‘disgraceful’ treatment the team received. He highlighted the lack of basic amenities such as food, Wi-Fi, and sleeping arrangements, which left the players and officials in a dire situation.

Nigerian forward Victor Boniface also voiced his discontent, stating on X that the team had been at the airport for almost 13 hours with no food, no Wi-Fi, and nowhere to sleep. He lamented the state of affairs, saying, “Africa, we can do better”.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) issued a statement condemning the actions of the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide any reception or transport for the team despite prior arrangements. The NFF noted that the diversion of the aircraft disrupted all planned logistics, leaving the team fatigued and stranded.

In response to the ordeal, the NFF has decided to withdraw the Super Eagles from the AFCON 2025 qualifier against Libya. The players had resolved not to play the match due to the unacceptable treatment they received, and NFF officials are making arrangements to fly the team back home).