Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, found themselves at the center of an international controversy following a harrowing experience at a Libyan airport. Captain William Troost-Ekong took to social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter), to reveal the shocking treatment his team received after their plane was diverted unexpectedly while en route to Benghazi for an AFCON 2025 qualifier.
What should have been a routine journey turned into a nightmare when the Super Eagles, fresh from a victorious match against Libya in Uyo, Nigeria, were suddenly redirected to Al Abraq Airport without warning or explanation. Troost-Ekong described the airport as “abandoned,” with no food, water, or even phone service—leaving the players stranded and confused.
The captain’s photos, showing exhausted players sleeping on airport chairs, quickly went viral, with fans and football lovers around the world rallying behind the Super Eagles. The incident, which unfolded in mid-October 2024, exposed the team to what many are calling deliberate psychological warfare. Troost-Ekong hinted that the Libyan authorities’ actions were a tactic to destabilize the team ahead of their return leg match.
“The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason,” Troost-Ekong posted. “Now, we’re locked in this airport, and they’re trying to play mind games with us.”
The situation worsened when local hotels refused to accommodate the Nigerian team, allegedly acting under government orders. The Super Eagles, faced with no proper place to rest or recover, made the bold decision to call off the match and requested immediate intervention from the Nigerian government.
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As news of the ordeal spread, social media erupted with the hashtag #SoarSuperEagles trending globally, as fans demanded action from both CAF (Confederation of African Football) and international sports bodies. The incident has raised serious concerns about the treatment of visiting teams, especially in politically unstable regions.
Troost-Ekong’s leadership throughout the ordeal has been widely praised, with his decision to publicly highlight the team’s plight drawing attention to issues of fair play and sportsmanship in international football. The captain’s posts not only exposed the appalling conditions but also rallied global support for the Super Eagles, who refused to be intimidated into playing under such distressing circumstances.
This shocking incident has become a symbol of the broader challenges facing international athletes and the urgent need for diplomatic intervention when sportsmanship is threatened. As the world watches, calls are growing for CAF and FIFA to take action and ensure that teams are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
