The Nigerian football team boycotted their AFCON qualifier in Libya after enduring over 17 hours at an abandoned airport without food or water. Captain William Troost-Ekong confirmed the team’s decision not to travel for the match due to safety concerns. The NFF is arranging their return and has lodged a formal complaint with CAF over the treatment of the team.
The Nigerian national football team has elected to boycott their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in Libya due to severe mistreatment upon their arrival. Team captain William Troost-Ekong reported that the players were stranded at an abandoned airport in Libya for over 17 hours without access to food or water. As a result of these circumstances, the team will return to Nigeria before the scheduled match against Libya. Troost-Ekong stated that the players felt unsafe and resolved not to undertake the three-hour bus journey to the match venue, citing safety concerns. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is currently arranging their return home while lodging a formal complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding their treatment in Libya. This situation follows Nigeria’s previous victory over Libya in a recent match, placing the team currently at the top of their qualifying group.
The conflict stems from Nigeria’s experience in Libya, where they faced inhumane conditions during their travel to fulfill a scheduled football match. Football diplomacy often relies on the respect and cooperation of host nations to provide a safe environment for visiting teams. The gravity of the situation was emphasized through the players’ prolonged wait at the airport without basic necessities and communication, depicting a lack of organization and concern from Libyan officials. Former football players and analysts have voiced their outrage over the perceived safety risks of hosting international matches in Libya, prompting discussions on possible sanctions against the country.
In summary, the Nigerian football team’s decision to boycott the match in Libya stems from the treatment they endured upon arrival, prompting serious concerns regarding the safety and welfare of players in high-risk environments. The NFF’s response, alongside complaints to CAF, reflects the gravity of the situation and calls attention to the need for stringent measures to ensure player safety during international competitions.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
