Harrassed and tired Super Eagles players yesterday arrived at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport after they were held hostage for over 15 hours by the Libyan authorities, sparking global outrage.
The team was billed to engage their Libya n counterpart in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Benina which has now been aborted, as the Confederation of Africa n Football, CAF, would be consulting its CAF Statutes and Regulations to know who violated their rules.
The Nigerian team, which included renowned players, who play for respected clubs around the world, expressed their anger and disgust by posting their videos and comments on social media condemning the primitive attitude of the Libyans.Wilfred:"This is not football. Very embarrassing. Hostage to a national team. Disgrace." Bayer Leverkusen striker, Victor Boniface, added:"Been at the airport for almost 13 hours, no food, no wifi, nowhere to sleep. Africa we can do better.
Libya had complained of their"poor treatment" in Friday's match where Fissayo Dele-Bashiru grabbed the only goal. That led to the woeful conditions for the Nigerian players, who were pictured sleeping on the seats in the terminal with their suitcases. "At this point, we have called on our Nigerian government to intervene and rescue us." Troost-Ekong continued:"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.
"Our luggage were searched inside the plane for an hour, and we were also delayed in transportation from one city to another for three hours, even though we travelled on a private plane, and there was an airport close to the city we wanted to play in. "If they travelled on buses that were not air-conditioned, that had nothing to do with the NFF as they hired their own buses. We provided security for them, with men and vehicles in front and behind their buses."CAF said in a statement, yesterday, that it was in contact with authorities in both nations, with"appropriate action" to be taken against anyone who violated its rules.
"These situations are standard at airports worldwide, and while unfortunate, they are not uncommon. We hold our Nigerian counterparts in the highest regard and want to clarify that the diversion of their flight was not intentional. The minister described the development in Libya as an unfortunate situation, adding that Nigerian officials from the Mission in the country had been sent to interface with the Super Eagles delegation. He said:"Well, it's the most unfortunate situation because the Super Eagles flew to Libya to play a match. As you know, the Libyan team was here .
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