Nigeria squad land back home as captain aims 'respect' dig after being 'held hostage'

Posted Tuesday, October 15, 2024 by Express.co.uk

Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has revealed that he and his team-mates have landed back home after being 'held hostage' in a Libyan airport. The Super Eagles were set to face Libya in the second leg of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday evening.

Their travel plans were thrown into chaos when the Libyan government allegedly ordered their flight to be diverted to the Al-Abraw Airport, over three hours away from their original destination.

William Troost-Ekong issued an update after the Nigeria squad arrived back home

Players and staff were left stranded for over 12 hours without access to food, water or mobile phone signal. While stuck in the airport, Troost-Ekong took to social media to complain about the situation and said his team would boycott the match.

His team-mate Wilfred Ndidi posted: "This is not football. Very embarrassing. Hostage to a national team. Disgrace."

Troost-Ekong has since issued an update in a video on social media, revealing that Nigeria's squad have flown home. He also aimed a subtle dig at Libya by insisting that football is 'all about respect and that starts by respecting ourselves'.

"Just got back to Nigeria with the team," said Troost-Ekong. "I just want to say thanks for all the support we've been getting. It's been a long 24 hours. We have tried to do our best to keep our spirits high.

"This will be the last thing I'm going to say about it. Football is all about respect and that starts by respecting ourselves. We took a stand. I'm proud of the team's decision [to boycott the match].

"We are waiting to see what will be the follow-up from here. Whatever the consequences are, we will be ready to continue our journey to AFCON in November. Thanks everyone for the support. We really appreciate it."

Troost-Ekong also posted a lengthy statement on Instagram, writing: "Throw at us what you want, it’s in our blood to overcome. I've seen a lot in my 10 years with this group, but nothing like this, an experience that has brought us even closer TOGETHER."

The Nigeria skipper included a short clip of players dancing around in the airport, saying: "The video was last night, six hours after the surprise landing in an abandoned airport with no food, drink or connection to let loved ones know we had arrived.

"Still finding a way to stay together, positive and fuelling our spirit. As things escalated, this time overcoming meant taking a stand for what’s right regardless of the consequences. No team should be mistreated this way.

"Football is about respect, and that starts by respecting ourselves. My last words about this and I look forward to continue our journey to the AFCON 2025 in November on the right way.

"Our goal of doing the best for Nigerian football won’t ever change. Now time to chop swallow and rest!"