NFF Release Official Statement, Address Super Eagles’ Hostage Situation in Libya

NFF Release Official Statement, Address Super Eagles’ Hostage Situation in Libya

  • The Nigerian Football Federation have published a statement to address Super Eagles' ordeal in Libya
  • The national team were held hostage at Al Abraq International for 16 hours before they were released
  • They have arrived back in Nigeria after boycotting the match scheduled for tomorrow in Benghazi

The Nigerian Football Federation have published a lengthy statement detailing the national team's ordeal during a 16-hour hostage at the Al Abaq Airport In Libya.

The Super Eagles arrived in Libya yesterday evening to honour their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers second leg match, but things turned otherwise.

Super Eagles players and staffs were held hostage for 16 hours in Libya.
Super Eagles players and staff were held hostage in Libya for 16 hours. Photo from @official_micolo.
Source: Twitter

Libyan authorities played a dark game against Nigeria, unnecessarily keeping them at the airport, having initially dangerously redirected their flight mid-air.

After hours of stay and pressure from officials and fans on social media, the team were finally granted their departure, and they flew back into the country.

Read also

Troost Ekong: Super Eagles captain releases statement after team arrives in Nigeria

NFF publish official statement

The NFF released a statement on their official website, describing the turmoil of the last 24 hours for the team and officials who the North Africans mistreated.

The statement shed light on the trip, from the point of departure in Uyo until the final minutes at Al Abraq International Airport when they finally returned to Nigeria.

It also addressed the widespread rumour that Nigeria mistreated the Libyans when they visited the three-time African champions, a claim which has been denied severally.

The federation noted that an official report was made to CAF through former president Amaju Pinnick. The African football governing body acknowledged this in an official statement and launched an investigation.

Troost-Ekong releases statement

Legit.ng reported that Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong released a statement after the team landed at the Aminu Kano International Airport this evening.

Read also

6 key points from CAF's official statement as the Super Eagles return after ordeal in Libya

Ekong, who has been praised for his leadership qualities by Nigerians, expressed pride in his team and how they stayed together and fought for respect where needed.

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.

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

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