• Super Eagles to Boycott Match as Captain Narrates Ordeal

• Safiu Kehinde

In the wake of the disturbing report of Nigerian National team getting locked up in an abandoned airport in Libya, the Federal Government has made move towards monitoring the situation and eventual return to the country.

The minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has reached out to the Nigerian Mission in Libya and the authorities of the North African country over the situation.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Olusegun Dabiri-Erewa, on his official X handle on Monday.

According to Olusegun, the minister, through the head of the Nigerian Community in Benghazi, Morris Eromosele, has provided the stranded team with supplies and internet access.

They, however, wait for the approval of the Libyan authorities to evacuate the Super Eagles from the airport.

“Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister @YusufTuggar is in touch with the Nigerian Mission in Libya through the CDA Amb Stephen Anthony Awuru who has also been in touch with the NFF and Libyan authorities since last night, but Libyan authorities were yet to authorize them to travel to Bayda City where the airport is located.

“However, the CDA instructed the head of the Nigerian Community in Benghazi Mr Morris Eromosele who arrived there this morning with supplies and internet access.

“The Minister continues to monitor the unfortunate event through the CDA and awaits a report for further action.” Olusegun wrote.

NPO earlier report the disturbing the situation of the Super Eagles who had travelled to Libya for the return leg of the ongoing 2024 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The team’s captain, William Troost-Ekong, had in a post on his X handle on Monday, narrated the ordeal of the team as he expressed his disappointment.

“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Lybia after our plane was diverted whilst descending.

“Lybian government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games.

“I’ve experienced stuff before playing away in Africa but this is disgraceful behaviour. Even the Tunisian Pilot who thankfully managed to navigate the last minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land had never seen something like this before.

“Upon arrival he tried to find a nearby airport to rest with his crew to be denied at every hotel again under Government instruction.

“He could sleep there but NO NIGERIAN crew members allowed. They have returned to now sleep on the plane which is parked up.

“At this point 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. We will not accept to travel anywhere by road here even with security it’s not safe. We can only imagine what the hotel or food would be like given to us IF we continued.

“We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen but these things on purpose have nothing to do with int. football.” Troost-Ekong wrote.