The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, is back home after a tense 24-hour ordeal in Libya. The journey, which followed their narrow win in Uyo, quickly spiraled into chaos when their chartered flight was suddenly diverted to Abraq Airport on Sunday, October 13, causing significant delays and tension among the team.
This isn’t the first time the Super Eagles have faced logistical issues in Libya. In 2018, the team was detained for hours due to paperwork complications, leaving players like Oghenekaro Etebo, Odion Ighalo, Leon Balogun, and Wilfred Ndidi frustrated. Now, years later, history seems to have repeated itself, prompting fresh outcry from current team members as they documented their harrowing experience on social media.
Striker Victor Boniface tweeted, “This is getting scary now. You guys can have the point. We just want to return to our country.” Meanwhile, William Troost-Ekong, a prominent figure in the squad, shared more details: “They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food, or drink. All to play mind games.” Tanimu Benjamin added a defiant message, expressing that despite the difficulties, the team remained determined: “Libya, una well done. But we go still collect our point, no matter wetin una go do.”
Supporters and former players, such as Jay-Jay Okocha, expressed their dismay online, with posts like “Libya, this is a shame! Let our players go!” echoing across social platforms. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) addressed the situation, saying, “We are working tirelessly with FIFA and Libyan authorities to resolve the situation and ensure the players’ safe return.”
Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray, voiced his disappointment at the team’s treatment. “I am disappointed by the unfair treatment my brothers and coaches are facing… Actions like this go against the spirit of sportsmanship,” he stated, calling on CAF and other football organizations to intervene. Osimhen also highlighted how the Libyan Football Association’s failure to provide transportation left the Super Eagles stranded, adding, “The safety and well-being of my teammates and staff are the most important things… I support our captain’s stance; we won’t play unless the game is moved to a neutral ground.”
Ahmed Musa, another veteran of the Super Eagles, demanded action, urging CAF to investigate and address the situation.
Finally, after a lengthy delay and negotiations with Libyan authorities, the Super Eagles were cleared to fly and landed safely in Kano. Upon arrival, William Troost-Ekong shared a heartfelt post: “BACK HOME 🇳🇬 SAFE & SOUND. Proud of this team, NAIJA SPIRIT can’t be broken. Throw at us what you want; it’s in our blood to overcome. I’ve seen a lot in my 10 years with this group, but nothing like this. An experience that has brought us even closer TOGETHER.”
Despite the challenges, the Super Eagles have shown that their resilience and unity remain unshaken, embodying the enduring Naija spirit in the face of adversity.