The Super Eagles players, coaching crew and officials of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, are on their way back to Nigeria after over 17 hours of being held hostage in Al -Abraq International airport in Libya.
The Super Eagles team captain, William Troost- Ekong wrote on his X handle: “Power of social media. Apparently our plane is being fueled as we speak and we should be leaving to Nigeria shortly. Thanks for everyone’s support.
“I REITERATE: We would NEVER treat a guest nation for a game in this way. Mistakes happen, delays happen. But never on purpose!”
Captain Troost- Ekong had in earlier tweets said: “Can I shock you?! the pilot has just told us there has been fuel at this airport for the plane all this time. They could have released it but haven’t given us permission since. Can you imagine?! So how long are they planning to hold us hostage here!!! Still just waiting.
“After our first tweets magically a team bus arrived and a driver who has been standing inside the airport filming us and laughing with some of the other staff since last night said the bus was ready 12 hours after we landed. Now we have been waiting for fuel since morning…”
READ ALSO:Super Eagles withdraw from AFCON qualifier against Libya
Credible News recalls that NFF, had announced the withdrawal of the Super Eagles from their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, qualifier against Libya, citing a severe ordeal faced by the team at Al Abraq International Airport.
The Nigerian delegation, which arrived in Libya on Sunday for Tuesday’s crucial fixture, was stranded at the small, remote airport for over 12 hours. Their chartered flight, initially en route to Benghazi, was abruptly diverted to Al Abraq—a location typically reserved for hajj flights—without prior warning.
The NFF, in a statement released on Monday, decried the distressing situation. NFF disclosed that the Libyan Football Federation failed to provide any form of assistance, leaving the team stuck at the airport with no transportation to their hotel, which is located three hours away.
Credible News.ng
