The Super Eagles of Nigeria will likely no longer exchange tackles with the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in Benina on Tuesday; npflupdates.com understands.
The Super Eagles who were supposed to land in Benghazi, upon arrival in Libya were redirected by the airport authorities to land at Al Braq airport. An airport a bit far away from the city of Benina where the boys will play against Libya.
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As if that is not enough, the three-time African champions were made to spend more than 10 hours after passing immigration test.
In a series of tweets from his verified X formerly Twitter handle, Super Eagles Captain William Troost-Ekong revealed the team’s decision to pull out of the match.
According to the former PAOK Thessaloniki defender, it wouldn’t bother the team if organizers award the maximum winning three points to their host.
What Troost-Ekong said about Super Eagles
“At this point we have called for our Nigerian Government to intervene and rescue us. 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,” he stated in a series of tweets.
Further the former Watford FC defender, says it’s not best for the players to travel to Benina by road.
He added; “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.”
Similarly, Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen who wasn’t part of the team has lend his voice to the statement of the Captain.
According to Osimhen, the players are neither criminals not prisoners.
“Our captain has said we won’t play the match and I fully support that, except if the game is taken to a neutral ground. My brothers and coaches must return home safely, we are not criminals or prisoners,” the Galatasary Sk forward was quoted.
Libyan outlet defend maltreatment of Nigeria players
Meanwhile, a Libyan media outlet Libya Observer accused the Nigeria Football Federation NFF, of maltreating tye Libyan players during their visit to Nigeria.
According to Al Faisal, Libya team captain, the NFF made them to travel through rough roads; and non-air conditioned buses when they arrived Port-Harcout last week.
Despite the maltreatment they had offered to the Libyan football team in #Nigeria, the Nigerian football decided to withdraw from the second leg match in Benghazi and fly back home citing bad treatment from the Libyan authorities. pic.twitter.com/PuPR85skcB
— The Libya Observer (@Lyobserver) October 14, 2024
Libya Observer wrote, “Despite the maltreatment they had offered to the Libyan football team in #Nigeria, the Nigerian football decided to withdraw from the second leg match in Benghazi and fly back home citing bad treatment from the Libyan authorities.”
Nigerians across the world are urging authorities of Confederation of African Football CAF, to sanction the North Africans.
