Libyan Authorities Hold Super Eagles Hostage For 13 Hours: Nigerian Football Team Endures Harrowing Ordeal | The Legend News 

In a shocking and disturbing incident, the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, was held hostage by Libyan authorities for over 13 hours at an airport. The team, en route to Benghazi for a crucial international match, was diverted to an unfamiliar location without warning or explanation.

The unexpected diversion occurred about an hour before the team’s scheduled landing in Benghazi. The Nigerian aircraft was redirected to another city, more than a two-hour drive from Benghazi, leaving the team and officials stranded.

Eyewitness accounts reveal that the Super Eagles, including Captain William Troost-Ekong and other players, were subjected to delays, ill-treatment, and a lack of assistance from Libyan authorities. For over 10 hours, the team was held in limbo without access to basic amenities or a clear explanation for their predicament.

“We were completely at the mercy of the authorities,” Ekong recounted. “There was no communication, no one told us why we were being detained. We were tired, frustrated, and just wanted to get to Benghazi.”

Sources close to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) disclosed that efforts were made to contact relevant Libyan authorities and diplomatic channels to resolve the situation, but progress was slow.

The reasons behind the flight diversion and prolonged detention remain unclear, sparking concerns about Libya’s treatment of visiting teams and the country’s security and diplomatic protocols for international sports events.

This incident comes at a critical time for Nigerian football, undermining the spirit of sportsmanship and fair competition.

Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) officials have demanded an explanation and apology from Libyan authorities.

This incident have raised questions about Libya’s ability to host international sports events and may impact future competitions.

Fortunately, after hours of uncertainty, the Super Eagles were eventually allowed to continue their journey to Benghazi, albeit shaken by the ordeal. As of now, the NFF is expected to lodge a formal complaint to both Libyan authorities and international football governing bodies regarding the ill-treatment of their national team.

The Nigerian public has expressed outrage on social media, with many calling for immediate action to ensure such incidents do not occur again in the future. Football fans have also voiced concerns over the safety of players traveling to certain regions for international duties, emphasizing the need for better security guarantees.

Despite the unpleasant experience, the Super Eagles are determined to focus on the upcoming match, with Ekong urging his teammates to channel their frustration into a strong performance on the pitch. “This has been a difficult situation for all of us, but we are professionals. We have a game to play, and we’ll be ready,” Ekong concluded.

This incident casts a shadow over Libya’s capacity to host international sporting events, and it remains to be seen how both countries’ diplomatic relations will unfold following this embarrassing episode.

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