Nigeria players ‘held hostage’ in airport and left with no food and water ahead of Libya clash

Hosts accused of sabotage in response to reportedly receiving poor treatment when the teams met in Uyo last week

Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi claims he and his Nigeria team-mates are being “held hostage” at a Libyan airport after a tempestuous African Cup of Nations qualifier turned into a diplomatic incident.
Libya complained they received poor treatment when the teams met in Nigeria last Friday, where the home team won 1-0. Now Libya is being accused of retaliating by deliberately sabotaging Nigeria’s travel arrangements ahead of the scheduled return match on Tuesday evening.
Nigeria said their chartered flight was supposed to land in Benghazi but was instead diverted by the Libyan government to Al Abraq Airport. Upon landing, the players said they were prevented from leaving the airport, which is four hours away from their original destination, and have been denied food and somewhere to sleep.
The Nigeria players took to social media to express their disgust and said they will refuse to play in Tuesday’s fixture in protest.
“This is not football. Very embarrassing. Hostage to a national team. Disgrace,” Ndidi said.
Striker Victor Osimhen, who is not part of the squad, called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take robust action against Libya for their “inhumane” conduct.
“I am disappointed by the unfair treatment my brothers and coaches are facing at the Libya airport,” Osimhen said on Instagram.
“Actions like this go against the spirit of sportsmanship. My support is with my team, and I know they’ll stay strong despite these obstacles.
“I call on CAF to intervene, as my team-mates and officials are still stranded at the airport in Libya.
“This is uncalled for and inhumane. We stand together, stronger than ever.”
Captain William Troost-Ekong called on his country’s politicians to help the footballers before announcing the team would finally be leaving the airport after having their plane refuelled.
“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 then later posted on X: “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!”
Libya registered their own complaints before the first meeting of the nations in Uyo last week, although the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) denied ill-treatment.
Libya captain Faisal Al-Badri said the team was subjected to numerous delays upon arriving in Nigeria and were denied adequate security.
In response, the NFF argued that the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) had not adequately liaised regarding their changing travel arrangements and arrival time.
“I spoke to the General Secretary of LFF, at length, on Monday, October 7 and he never hinted that his team would be arriving on Tuesday [the following day],” said the NFF’s assistant director Emmanuel Ayanbunmi.
The LFF denied Nigeria’s claims of foul play and cited routine air traffic and logistical challenges for the reasons behind the delay.
“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation,” the LFF said.
“It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification.
“Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities.
“We have always prioritised treating all visiting teams, including our African brothers and other international delegations, with the respect and dignity they deserve.
“Hosting these events is a great honour for us, and we strive to ensure that all teams feel safe and respected as our guests.
“Our doors are open to our Nigerian brothers and all African teams, and we continue to promote the spirit of unity, sportsmanship and friendship in the world of football.”
Meanwhile, the NFF has filed a formal complaint to the CAF over the incident.