Nigeria’s national football team has refused to play their qualifier match in Libya, citing safety concerns after being detained for over 15 hours in an abandoned airport. The NFF plans to return the team home and has filed a complaint with CAF. Victor Ikpeba supports the boycott and calls for sanctions against Libya.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced plans to repatriate its national football team following an incident where players were reportedly subjected to “inhumane treatment” in Libya. The team was detained at an abandoned airport for over 15 hours after their arrival in the country for a scheduled Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Amidst safety concerns, the players have collectively opted to forfeit the match instead of risking a potentially unsafe land journey to Benina, where the game was slated to occur. Captain William Troost-Ekong expressed the team’s unanimous decision not to partake in the match, suggesting that they would “not accept to travel anywhere by road” due to safety worries. He underscored the lack of trust in the hospitality and accommodation they might expect, given the circumstances. The decision has led the NFF to file a formal complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the safety and conditions encountered. Support has surfaced from former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba, who criticized Libya’s hosting of international matches under such perilous conditions. Ikpeba argued for severe sanctions against Libya and voiced concern over the approvals granted for hosting international games in a country he deemed high-risk. He pointed out the alarming experience of being confined with the team as akin to being held hostage.
The Nigeria Football Federation’s actions come against a backdrop of significant concern regarding the safety and treatment of sports teams traveling for international events. Africa, particularly certain regions, has seen heightened scrutiny surrounding security precautions for teams competing in volatile or unstable areas. The incident in Libya raises important questions about the adequacy of safety measures in place for visiting teams, as well as the integrity of the governance structures within CAF that permit certain nations to host such high-profile matches.
The Nigeria national football team has chosen to boycott their match against Libya following alleged mistreatment during their stay. The team’s concerns regarding safety overshadowed their competitive aspirations, leading to a collective decision that reflects a serious obligation to player welfare. As the NFF seeks accountability through formal channels, the incident underscores the pressing need for rigorous safety standards in international sports.
Original Source: www.news24.com
