Nigeria captain speaks out after being 'held hostage' as 'scary' plane saga takes twist

Nigeria players saw their flight diverted (Image: X @WTroostEkong)

Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has revealed that his squad are set to return to their homeland after an eventful trip to Libya which saw them stranded at an airport.

The Super Eagles were set to face Libya in the second leg of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday evening, though it is now unlikely that the match will go ahead.

Following their 1-0 win in the first leg, Nigeria travelled to northern Africa for the clash at the Benina Martyrs Stadium. However, their travel plans were thrown into jeopardy when the Libyan Government allegedly ordered the flight to be diverted to the Al-Abraw Airport, over three hours away from their original destination.

Related articles Football club meal branded 'most disgusting in the world' by Tottenham fans Arne Slot 'wants Liverpool to re-sign lazy player' after curing his insomnia

Players were then brought into the airport and left for over 12 hours without any food, water or information on what had happened and the plan going forward.

const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114291&vp_content=plembed3e7arguyxmsj&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v114291');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)};window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114291"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',()=>{setTimeout(()=>{if(typeof flagTcfLoaded!=='undefined'&&flagTcfLoaded===!0){loadOvpScript();ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript();ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)})

Some stars took to social media to complain about how they had been treated, with Troost-Ekong writing that his team would refuse to play after being ‘held hostage’. Premier League stars Calvin Bassey, Wilfred Ndidi and Taiwo Awoniyi were among those in the facilities.

Two hours after his initial outburst, Troost-Ekong revealed that he had learned that there was fuel available at the airport but it was not being released as frustrations continued to grow among the squad.

Don't miss... Pep Guardiola decision on quitting Man City 'imminent' as potential date touted

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!

— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) October 14, 2024

The ex-Tottenham star has now confirmed that the plane is being refuelled and his team will now return to Nigeria, throwing the AFCON plans into jeopardy. He wrote on X: “Power of social media. Apparently our plane is being fuelled 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!”

SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

This is getting scary now
You guys can have the point
We just want to return to our country

— Victor Boniface (@boniface_jrn) October 14, 2024 READ MORE 'Liverpool sent a private jet but I rejected them after going to Klopp's house'

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface provided regular updates on how he and his teammates were being left in the dark throughout the entire situation, admitting that he would rather Nigeria forfeit the match and have clarity on what was going on than remain at the airport.

He wrote: “This is getting scary now You guys can have the point We just want to return to our country.” He had tweeted earlier on Monday morning: “Been at the airport for almost 13 hours no food no wifi nowhere to sleep African we can do better.”



Nigeria captain speaks out after being 'held hostage' as 'scary' plane saga takes twist

Nigeria captain speaks out after being 'held hostage' as 'scary' plane saga takes twist

Nigeria captain speaks out after being 'held hostage' as 'scary' plane saga takes twist

Nigeria captain speaks out after being 'held hostage' as 'scary' plane saga takes twist
Nigeria captain speaks out after being 'held hostage' as 'scary' plane saga takes twist
Ads Links by Easy Branches
Play online games for free at games.easybranches.com
Guest Post Services www.easybranches.com/contribute