Premier League star claims he’s being held HOSTAGE in Libya as Nigeria squad are left stranded at airport with ‘no foods and drinks’ amid row over ‘poor remedy’ throughout reverse fixture

Nigeria’s conflict with Libya has descended into chaos after their gamers have been left stranded at an airport within the nation with no meals or drink.

The 2 groups confronted off in Nigeria in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday, with the Tremendous Eagles successful 1-0 courtesy of Fissayo Dele-Bashiru’s late strike.

Nevertheless, Libya mentioned they confronted ‘poor remedy’ surrounding that sport and forward of the return match on Tuesday, Nigeria’s stars have now been left fuming.

Leicester Metropolis star Wilfred Ndidi even claimed the gamers have been being held ‘hostage’, whereas Nigeria’s squad additionally hinted they won’t play the sport in protest.

Stories in Africa claimed that Nigeria’s chartered flight – which was headed to town of Benghazi – was diverted to Al-Abraq Airport by the Libyan authorities whereas it was within the air, with the squad subsequently prevented from leaving the airport.

Al-Abraq Airport remains to be about 4 hours away from Benghazi and Nigeria’s squad have been left stranded for hours, with a number of gamers making staggering claims of mistreatment. 

William Troost-Ekong, Nigeria’s captain, posted on X: ’12+ hours in an deserted airport in Libya after our airplane was diverted while descending. 

‘Libyan authorities rescinded our permitted touchdown in Benghazi with no purpose. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us with out cellphone connection, meals or drink. All to play thoughts video games.’

Ndidi shared his full ideas on his Instagram story as he mentioned: ‘This isn’t soccer. Very embarrassing. Hostage to a nationwide staff. Shame.’ 

Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface added: ‘Been on the airport for nearly 13 hours no meals no wifi no the place to sleep. Africa we are able to do higher.’

In the meantime, Nigeria talisman Victor Osimhen – who will not be at present with the squad – additionally expressed his anger on the state of affairs his team-mates discovered themselves in.

‘I’m disenchanted by the unfair remedy my brothers and coaches are dealing with on the Libya airport final evening,’ he wrote on Instagram.

‘Actions like this go in opposition to the spirit of sportsmanship. My assist is with my staff, and I do know they’re going to keep robust regardless of these obstacles.

‘I name on CAF (Confederation of African Soccer) to intervene, as my teammates and officers are nonetheless stranded on the airport in Libya. 

‘That is uncalled for and inhumane. We stand collectively, stronger than ever.’ 

Later, Troost-Ekong once more took to social media and revealed his aspect had determined to not play the sport in protest at their remedy.

‘I’ve skilled stuff earlier than enjoying away in Africa however that is disgraceful behaviour. Even the Tunisian Pilot who fortunately managed to navigate the final minute change to an airport not match for our airplane to land had by no means seen one thing like this earlier than. 

‘Upon arrival he tried to discover a close by airport to relaxation along with his crew to be denied at each lodge once more underneath Authorities instruction. He might sleep there however NO NIGERIAN crew members allowed. They’ve returned to now sleep on the airplane which is parked up. 

‘At this level we’ve known as for our Nigerian Authorities to intervene and rescue us. Because the captain along with the staff we’ve determined that we are going to NOT play this sport. CAF ought to take a look at the report and what’s taking place right here.’

Troost-Ekong continued: ‘Even when they resolve to permit this sort of behaviour, allow them to have the factors. We won’t settle for to journey wherever by highway right here even with safety it’s not secure. We are able to solely think about what the lodge or meals could be like given to us IF we continued.

‘We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they’re our friends in Nigeria. Errors occur however these items on goal don’t have anything to do with int. soccer.’ 

Libya’s allegations that they confronted ‘poor remedy’ in the course of the reverse fixture final week have been roundly rejected by the Nigeria Soccer Federation (NFF).

Libya captain Faisal Al-Badri had claimed the NFF had obstructed the potential for a seamless entry into the nation.

‘We left the lodge at six within the morning, and the airplane took off at 9,’ he had mentioned.

‘The flight took 4 hours, and thus we arrived in Nigeria at one within the afternoon, Libyan time.

‘Our baggage was searched contained in the airplane for an hour, and we have been additionally delayed in transportation from one metropolis to a different for 3 hours, although we travelled on a personal airplane, and there was an airport near town we needed to play in.

‘We later contacted the corporate answerable for transporting and securing the mission, however they knowledgeable us that there was no police patrol on the time, which elevated the chance.

‘After a very long time, three non-air-conditioned minibuses and a police automotive arrived, along with two vehicles from the Libyan embassy.’

However the NFF’s Assistant Director, Emmanuel Ayanbunmi had refuted this and hit again on the Libyan Federation final week, claiming he was solely given three hours discover of Libya’s arrival at what was a distinct airport than initially deliberate. 

‘I spoke to the Basic Secretary of LFF, at size, on Monday, October 7 and he by no means hinted that his staff could be arriving on Tuesday (the next day),’ he mentioned.

‘He solely mentioned he would get again to me however he by no means did. On Monday night, somebody despatched as an advance get together by the LFF known as me and mentioned his staff could be arriving on Tuesday by midday. We made all preparations to obtain the staff in Uyo on arrival.

‘It was solely an hour after the staff was airborne that he informed me the delegation could be touchdown in Port Harcourt. 

‘That disrupted so many issues, however we nonetheless raced on hurdles to get approval from federal authorities to permit their airplane to fly them to Uyo as soon as they concluded immigration formalities in Port Harcourt. 

‘Apparently, that might have meant extra price to the LFF from the constitution firm, they usually didn’t need that, in order that they most well-liked to journey from Port Harcourt to Uyo by highway.’

Ayanbunmi additionally claimed that Libya ignored the NFF’s deliberate transportation preparations for his or her opposition and as a substitute employed buses on their very own.

He added: ‘In the event that they travelled on buses that weren’t air-conditioned, that had nothing to do with the NFF as they employed their very own buses. 

‘We supplied safety for them, with males and automobiles in entrance and behind their buses, so we’re unmoved about their complaints and threats.’

Nigeria’s victory over Libya on Friday was essential for his or her hopes of qualifying for AFCON 2025, with the Tremendous Eagles high of their group and 6 factors away from their opponents. 

Nevertheless, it’s now unclear whether or not Tuesday’s match will go forward amid the remedy of Nigeria’s gamers and Troost-Ekong’s claims.