Picture credit score: Tremendous Eagle/Instagram
The Nigeria Soccer Federation (NFF) has formally confirmed its withdrawal from the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, scheduled for Tuesday, after the Tremendous Eagles had been stranded at Abraak Worldwide Airport in Libya on account of a 12-hour delay.
The workforce had been cleared to land in Benghazi however was unexpectedly redirected and confronted locked gates and no entry to meals, water or communications. This has prompted the NFF to prioritize participant welfare and security.
A video launched by the workforce’s media division confirmed gamers stranded in an airport ready space with their baggage, highlighting the indifference of Libyan airport officers.
workforce chief William Troost-Ekon A message posted on X (previously Twitter) stated, “Our aircraft was diverted on descent and spent over 12 hours at an deserted airport in Libya. The Libyan authorities revoked our approval to land in Benghazi for no cause.” They locked the airport gates and left us with out telephone connections, meals or drinks, all to play thoughts video games. He additionally shared photographs of the trapped workforce members.
Many Nigerians took to social media to specific issues in regards to the welfare of the workforce, calling on related authorities to step in and make sure the security of the gamers.
After session with the workforce medical doctors and training employees, the NFF determined to withdraw from the qualifiers on account of issues in regards to the well being and security of the gamers. William Troost-Ekong revealed that the choice was made collectively by the gamers and officers, who felt that it was finest to not proceed below the circumstances.
After session with the workforce medical doctors and training employees, the NFF determined to withdraw from the qualifiers on account of issues in regards to the well being and security of the gamers. The NFF additional said that the gamers collectively determined to not take part within the competitors.
nigerian sports activities minister John Enoch condemned the therapy of the workforce and confirmed the matter had been reported to the related authorities.
“In the meanwhile, our principal concern is the security of the members of the nationwide workforce. Because of the occasions of the previous few hours, their security can’t be assured and the workforce insists that they can not proceed, not solely due to the trauma and the psychological torture that comes with it , additionally due to issues for his or her security. As sports activities minister, I’ve instructed the NFF president to lodge a proper criticism with CAF, with out prejudice to any motion already taken,” he stated.
The Tremendous Eagles had been scheduled to face Libya’s Mediterraneo Knights on the Martyrs Stadium in Benina, however an surprising detour and abuse introduced their journey to an abrupt finish. At present, the Nationwide Soccer Affiliation has organized for the workforce to return to Nigeria to finish their journey to Libya.
