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!"
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. UCL situation now Manchester City's defense (22th) PSG 4-2 Man City (25th) El Cashico tonight PSG COME BACK TO SNATCH THREE VITAL POINTS VS. MAN CITY "Be careful, he is a hero" 53'—PSG 0-2 Man City FT—PSG 4-2 Man City Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, Bleacher...
The Red Devils are on the lookout for a new frontman, either this winter or in the off-season.They may be able to secure the Nigerian's signature through another transfer deal.Per Sky Sports, United's Alejandro Garnacho has reached an agreement to join Napoli.He wants to sign for the Italian club this winter, and the deal may yet include an Osimhen discount.According to Il Mattino, Napoli want to ...
Arsenal interested in Newcastle star Gordon in potential winter moveThe winger was wanted by Liverpool in the summer and pursued the move himself.However, the Magpies held firm and decided that he was not for sale at any price.Per The Athletic, Arsenal are merely keeping themselves informed about Gordon's situation.If Newcastle have any PSR issues in the future, they may pounce with a big offer.Bu...
Marcus Rashford's representatives have held face-to-face talks with Barcelona about the possibility of a move before the transfer deadline, sources have told ESPN.Rashford is available this month after being frozen out at Old Trafford by head coach Ruben Amorim.Sources said that United are willing to listen to loan offers, although they will demand that any interested club must pay at least a port...
But the Red Devils will need to flog at least one of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho or Kobbie Mainoo to fund a striker swoop this month.Selling any of these three homegrown products would hugely benefit United from a PSR perspective.Rashford's £315,000 a week salary makes a move challenging, although he has received interest from Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona.Chelsea and Napoli are kee...
Kolo Muani set to complete Juventus loanRandal Kolo Muani is reportedly set to complete a Juventus loan move after Paris Saint-Germain parted ways with Juan Bernat.Postecoglou admits Spurs may end transfer window without further additionsTottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has acknowledged the possibility that the club may not bring in any new players before the transfer window closes. Speaking ahe...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. EPL Week 22 Ronaldo on this day Chelsea eyeing possible Garnacho move IT'S ALWAYS HIM! Which club should El Capitano - @sergioramos JOIN? It was special 2'—Benfica 1-0 Barcelona 13'—Benfica 1-1 Barcelona 22'—Benfica 2-1 Barcelona 30'—Benfica 3-1 Barcelona 64'—Benfica 3-2 Barcelona 68'—Benfica 4-2 Barcelona 78'—Benfica...
Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for Jack Grealish.Jack Grealish has been linked with a surprise move to Manchester UnitedManchester United are reportedly weighing up a surprise move for Jack Grealish, who faces an uncertain future at Manchester City.The former Aston Villa forward has struggled for game time over the last few months and has only scored one goal for City in h...
KYLE WALKER is to join AC Milan after agreeing a 12-month loan deal, SunSport can reveal.The Manchester City skipper, 34, is expected in Italy in the coming days before being unveiled to the Rossoneri.Kyle Walker has agreed a move to AC MilanHe was poised to join their fierce city rivals, Inter, after telling City of his desire to quit the Etihad but talks broke down over his wages.AC Milan have n...
Lecce's president revealed he met with Manchester United representatives regarding Patrick Dorgu but warned to keep their hands off the player.Man Utd officials met with Lecce for Dorgu Serie A side reportedly want €40m Club president insists player is not for saleWHAT HAPPENED?United are actively exploring options to strengthen their left wing-back position, a role head coach Ruben Amorim s...
- 1 Benjamin Sesko has already said yes to Arsenal
- 2 Joao Felix eyed by ‘very interested club’
- 3 Liverpool flop and ex-Page 3 girl were 'freaked out'
- 4 Shaun Murphy copies Lionel Messi as he sleeps with Masters trophy
- 5 Teen arrested after shock abuse against Kai Havertz's wife Sophia
- 6 Daily Laugh - Chelsea 's back !!
- 7 Man Utd 'consider Jack Grealish transfer'
- 8 Mourinho makes drastic career change and launches 'The Special One' wine
- 9 Ex-Bundesliga star's WAG has intimate tattoo of footballer husband
- 10 City, Frankfurt reach deal for Marmoush