Osimhen Admits Similar Experience to Libya Saga, Shares Condition for Super Eagles to Replay Match

Osimhen Admits Similar Experience to Libya Saga, Shares Condition for Super Eagles to Replay Match

  • Victor Osimhen has slammed the Libyan Football Federation after they held Super Eagles hostage
  • The reigning African Footballer of the Year claimed it was intentional, and he had a similar experience
  • Osimhen, who missed the international break due to injury, has shared the conditions for the replay

Victor Osimhen has hit out at Libya for mistreating the Super Eagles and shared the only condition for which the match should be replayed.

The Super Eagles players were held hostage at the Al Abraq International Airport for over 16 hours by Libyan authorities before they were allowed to fly back to Nigeria.

Victor Osimhen playing for Nigeria at AFCON 2023.
Victor Osimhen representing Nigeria at AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast. Photo by Visionhaus.
Source: Getty Images

As noted by Punch NG, the team's flight was dangerously redirected mid-air away from landing in Benghazi. They were passed to Al Abaq, where further drama ensued.

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CAF finally releases statement after Super Eagles' ordeal in Libya airport, discloses what next

The team were denied access to accommodation, travel logistics, and even food during an inhumane treatment that lasted over 16 hours before they left the country.

Osimhen hits out at Libyan FA

Reigning African Footballer of the Year Osimhen is displeased with the Libyan authorities and has slammed them for holding his teammates hostage.

The Galatasaray forward claimed it was an intentional plot by the North African country's FA to demoralise the players so as to gain an advantage on the pitch for the second leg of the AFCON 2025 qualifier.

“This attempt by Libyan FA is no longer just a delay, it's an intentional tactic to weaken and ruin the morale of the players, and it's beginning to look more like a hostage situation,” he wrote on his Instagram story.

Read also

Adebayor, Aubameyang make strong statements over Super Eagles' ordeal at Libyan airport

“The safety and well-being of my teammates and all the team staff are the most important things right now. Our captain has said we won't play the match and I fully support that, except if the game is taken to a neutral ground. My brothers and coaches must return home safely, we are not criminals or prisoners.
“I can imagine how terrible they must feel right now, as I've had a similar experience during my Under-17 days. This is totally unfair and heartbreaking. Again, I call on CAF, The Nigerian Government, and other relevant authorities to act swiftly and ensure their safe return.”

The Super Eagles won the first leg 1-0 in Osimhen's absence courtesy of Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru's late goal in the 87th minute of the encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium Uyo.

Sevilla sends message to Super Eagles

Legit.ng reported that Sevilla sent a message to Super Eagles during their hostage situation at the hands of Libyan authorities at the Al Abaq International Airport.

Read also

William Troost-Ekong provides new update on Super Eagles saga amid Libya airport controversy

The Spanish club showed solidarity with their two players Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidera Ejuke, with the rest of the national team in the North African country.

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Elijah Odetokun avatar

Elijah Odetokun (Sports Editor) Elijah Odetokun is a Nigerian sports editor at Legit NG. He has four years of working experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria (August 2020 - September 2020), OmaSports (December 2020 - June 2021), El Futbolero (July 2021; September 2021- November 2021), and Sports Brief (November 2022 - July 2024). He is a press conference and interview specialist and has attended trainings held by Reuters, AIPS, and FIJ. He holds a Bachelor of Agriculture (2021) from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Reach me via elijah.odetokun@sportsbrief.com