The scene takes place in Libya, where an episode worthy of a film took place in the eyes of the world of football. The Nigerian coach and his team found themselves caught in a real odyssey after being diverted, not on land, but in a Libyan airport. While they were expected to play a qualification match for the African Cup of Nations (CAN) 2025 against Libya, the sky has chosen to play a bad trick on them.
According to the Nigerian newspaper “Punch”, the misadventure started when the plane chartered by the Nigerian team was suddenly redirected to Al Abraq airport, instead of their initial destination: Benghazi. Calvary then started.
The team’s players and officials found themselves stuck in this airport, without assistance, without explanation and, above all, without a welcome sign from the Libyan authorities. “No red carpet, not even a small compass,” said a member of the staff.
This misadventure comes on the eve of the return match against Libya, scheduled for tomorrow. During the first meeting, disputed in Nigeria, the Nigerian team had won a 1-0 victory against Libya, a score which today seems to have left a bitter taste for the Libyans.
A Tunisian pilot at the front lodges of Libya-Nigeria discord
William Troost-Ekong, captain of the Nigerian selection, was quick to express his anger on social networks. In an Instagram story full of bitterness, he severely criticized the Libyan authorities for their lack of consideration: “Not only are we blocked at the airport, but the local hotels refused to host us! On the other hand, the Tunisian pilot was entitled to a cozy room. Ah, the Tunisian pilot, the only survivor of this dark mishap.
12+ Hours in an abandoned Airport in lybia after the 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 Lybian Government Rescinded Our approved landing in Benghazi with no Reason.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.
-William Troost-Ekong (mon) (@wtroostekong) October 14, 2024
A possible settlement of accounts after the reception of Libyans in Nigeria
This anecdote, which could have remained a simple adventure, quickly took a more political turn. Libyan media was quick to point out a possible revenge. It would seem that the icy reception reserved for Nigerians in Libya is an answer to that, just as not very warm, that the Libyan team had received during their last trip to Nigeria.
Indeed, last week, the Libyan selection had been abandoned at a Nigerian airport before being transported in modest minibuses in the middle of the night. The expression “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” seems to find a new version here: “Airport for airport, hotel for hotel”.
Thus, beyond the simple football match, it is a diplomatic confrontation, a war of nerves, which is played between Libya and Nigeria. Between cancellations of matches and battles on social networks, it is difficult to know if football will emerge from this quarrel. But one thing is certain, the Tunisian pilot scored his own goal by winning a hotel room! As for Nigerian players, they will have at least learned a lesson: always have a plan B, or better still, a Tunisian pilot on board.
