Sport
Super Eagles Stranded in Libya as Nigeria Pulls Out of AFCON Qualifier
The Nigerian Super Eagles have found themselves stranded for over 17 hours at a Libyan airport, following a flight diversion.
Reports indicate that the players are being held against their will by Libyan authorities, creating tension ahead of their planned Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match.
As a result, Nigeria has decided to withdraw from the crucial fixture.
The situation seems to have escalated due to claims from the Libyan media that their own national team players experienced poor treatment during their visit to Nigeria.
This accusation has added fuel to the growing tension between both football associations, as the allegations of mistreatment could be an attempt by the Libyan side to justify the current incident.
This isn’t the first time Nigerian players have faced such difficulties in Libya.
In 2022, players from Enyimba Football Club were forced to spend 24 hours at a Libyan airport when their CAF Confederation Cup opponents made a sudden venue change without prior notice.
The Enyimba squad endured a long and uncomfortable wait before any resolution was reached, highlighting a broader pattern of logistical and diplomatic challenges faced by Nigerian teams when playing away in the region.
These recent incidents are raising questions about the management of international sports relations and the need for better communication and preparation between countries hosting these high-profile matches.
Nigeria’s decision to pull out of the AFCON qualifier now places additional pressure on African football authorities to address these recurring challenges and ensure the safety and fair treatment of players during international competitions.
Footballer Lamine Yamal speaks on the Ballon d’Or award and shares how he will still be happy if his teammate, Pau Cubarsí, gets the award.
“Last year, for me, Cubarsí was the best young player in the world. Either the Kopa award or the Ballon d’Or should go to him. There’s no difference between us.
“When I won it, I told him that he would be next. If he doesn’t win it for whatever reason, I will give it to him.”
Popular footballer Cristiano Ronaldo speaks on retirement and shares how he actually thought of retiring from international football after the 2026 World Cup.
“I thought about retiring from international football after the World Cup, but I spoke to the president, coach, and I am still here. I am an asset, I can help.”
He adds, “The young kids love me because they see me as an example, and that, for me, is the most important thing. I will continue to do that even when I retire after 10 years.”
Footballer Kylian Mbappé shares that he actually came close to signing with Liverpool.
“I was close to Liverpool. My mum was a big fan of Jurgen Klopp, and the favourite destination for my mum was Liverpool. She wanted me to go there,” Mbappé told The Athletic.
“I didn’t listen because I wanted to play in my city, Paris. I didn’t want to leave my country before I was someone. But yes, my mum was always saying, ‘Liverpool — you’re going to be there, playing at Anfield, it’s going to be insane for you.’ I was like, ‘OK!’
“All the time we were talking. ‘What do you think, Mum?’ She’d say, ‘For me, you have to go to Liverpool.’ I said, ‘OK, OK, OK!’ because Jurgen Klopp was an amazing manager. I met him and had a wonderful relationship with him. I had big respect for him.”
Gallery: Some of the Fits Spotted at Milan Fashion Week
Barack Obama Says Things Could Be Better With Women in Charge
Dove Cameron and Damiano David Tie the Knot in Tuscany
-
Fashion13 hours agoGallery: Some of the Fits Spotted at Milan Fashion Week
-
Politics17 hours agoAnambra Commissioner Law Mefor Speaks on Peter Obi and Soludo
-
Fashion17 hours agoGallery: Beverly Naya in Different Styles & Vibes
-
Entertainment15 hours agoOmowunmi Dada Opens Up About Ending Relationship Over Religious Differences
-
News14 hours agoBarack Obama Says Things Could Be Better With Women in Charge
-
Health17 hours agoThe Rise of Fake Products in Nigeria: How Safe Are We?
-
Entertainment16 hours agoActor Olaide Olabanji Shows Support for Peter Obi For Upcoming Election
-
Sport18 hours agoLamine Yamal Says Pau Cubarsí Deserves Ballon d’Or Recognition