Nigeria Players Boycott Match in Libya as Team Captain Describes “Mind Games”

A tense situation is unfolding in the world of African football as the Nigerian national team has announced a boycott of their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Libya, citing “mind games” by the Libyan authorities.

According to Nigeria’s team captain, William Troost-Ekong, the team’s plane was diverted from its scheduled landing in Benghazi to Al Abraq Airport, where they were left stranded overnight without food, drink, or phone signal. “The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason,” Troost-Ekong said. “They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games.”

The Libyan Football Federation has denied any involvement in the situation, attributing the flight diversion to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges. However, Nigeria’s star striker, Victor Osimhen, disagrees, accusing the Libyan soccer federation of intentionally trying to weaken and ruin the morale of the Nigerian team.

The controversy has sparked a heated response from the Nigerian government, with Sports Minister John Owan Enoh instructing the soccer federation to send a formal complaint to the continent’s soccer body. “This must be on record and thoroughly addressed,” he said in a statement.

The match was originally scheduled for this Tuesday, but with the Nigerian team poised to boycott, it remains unclear whether the game will still proceed. The situation is a major blow to the African football community, with many fans and stakeholders left wondering what the next move will be.

As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear: the stage is set for a high-stakes showdown between two African football powerhouses, with the potential for long-term consequences for the sport as a whole.