Count Me Out Of Anything To Do With Libya Again, Says Super Eagles Star After Hours-Long Airport Delay
Players of the Nigerian National Football Team, Super Eagles have continued to express frustration in Libya.
In a series of tweets, Super Eagles player, Bruno Onyemaechi, said: “Me and Libya, I done washed my hands commot. Nothing concern me and una again. Thank God, going back home.”
Similarly, another player who is currently trading his service in France, Moses Simon tweeted, “Me, I want to go home ooo. I no play again ooo. Abeg.
Their tweets reflect the ill-treatment the players and their coaches faced since they landed in the North African country on Sunday.
Ibom Focus had reported how the team were stranded for over 13 hours in Libya after the host country’s government disrupted their travel plans.
The players and the coaches are on their way back to Nigeria after boarding their Valuejet chartered plane on Monday afternoon.
The assistant captain of the team, William Troost-Ekong made this known in his recent X post. He said the players and the officials had started making the necessary preparations to leave the North African country.
He said: “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!”
Reacting to these developments, the Libyan Football Federation said it did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities despite the difficulties their team encountered in Nigeria last week.
It stated this on Monday while explaining the circumstances surrounding the Nigerian Super Eagles’ hours-delay at Al Abraq International Airport, noting that the diversion of the team’s flight was not intended as a hostile act.
It said, “We are deeply concerned about the recent reports surrounding the diversion of the Nigerian national team’s flight ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya.
“While we regret any inconvenience caused, it is essential to note that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel.”
It said, “We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional.
“There are no grounds to accuse the Libyan security teams or the Libyan Football Federation of deliberately orchestrating this incident. Such actions are inconsistent with our values and principles.
“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation.
“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. Football, in its essence, unites nations, and we are committed to upholding the spirit of fairness and mutual respect both on and off the field.”
