Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has announced that he and his Nigerian teammates are effectively held hostage at Al-Abraq Airport in Libya after their flight was diverted. Stranded without food and water for over twelve hours, the team has accused the Libyan government of attempting to sabotage their game. The Nigerian squad has subsequently declared their intention to boycott the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in response to these conditions.
Wilfred Ndidi, a Premier League player for Leicester City, has expressed serious concerns over the treatment of himself and his fellow Nigerian teammates, who find themselves stranded at Al-Abraq Airport in Libya. The Nigerian national team was scheduled to arrive in Benghazi for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match; however, their flight was diverted to an airport that was reportedly closed. As a result, the players have suffered prolonged delays exceeding twelve hours without both food and water. Their predicament has raised suspicions of deliberate sabotage by the Libyan government, following complaints regarding the treatment they received during their previous match in Libya. In a poignant post on Instagram, Ndidi stated, “This is not football. Very embarrassing. Hostage to a national team. Disgrace.” Additionally, Victor Boniface, a forward for Bayer Leverkusen, noted the dire situation on Twitter, highlighting the lack of resources by stating, “Been at the airport for almost 13 hours no food no wifi nowhere to sleep African we can do better.” William Troost-Ekong, a former Watford defender now playing in Saudi Arabia, elaborated on the conditions via a thread on X, detailing the team’s experience. He conveyed that not only were they left without essential provisions, but also locked inside an abandoned terminal with no communication options. Troost-Ekong further lamented the treatment they received, comparing it to prior challenging experiences but labeling the current circumstances as excessively disgraceful. He also pointed out the distressing conduct of the Libyan authorities, who allegedly refused to grant the players permission to access nearby hotels. In a joint decision, the Nigerian squad, calling upon their government for intervention, affirmed their stance to boycott the upcoming match, stating, “We will NOT play this game.”
The situation involving the Nigerian national football team highlights ongoing issues related to international sports competitions, particularly concerning the treatment of visiting teams. Incidents often arise in which teams face various challenges that can impact their performance and welfare. This incident is particularly acute, given the reported hostile treatment and lack of accommodations experienced by the players. The team was on route to an important qualifying match for the Africa Cup of Nations when their flight was diverted, exposing vulnerabilities within football governance, as well as the responsibilities of host nations in ensuring fair treatment for visiting teams.
In conclusion, the ordeal faced by Wilfred Ndidi and his Nigerian teammates at Al-Abraq Airport illustrates significant challenges that can arise within international sports events. The players’ lack of access to basic necessities, coupled with their allegations of deliberate mistreatment by the Libyan government, raises serious ethical concerns regarding the conduct of host nations. The Nigerian team’s decision to boycott the upcoming match serves as a strong statement against the situation, emphasizing the need for better treatment of athletes and adherence to standards of cooperation and respect in international football.
Original Source: www.mirror.co.uk