Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong says the team are set to depart Libya for Nigeria after they were left stranded in the North African country.
Troost-Ekong disclosed this in a post on X on Monday.
The Super Eagles captain wrote: “Power of social media. Apparently, our plane is being fueled as we speak and we should be leaving to Nigeria shortly. Thanks for everyone’s support! 🇳🇬
“I REITERATE: We would NEVER treat a guest nation for a game in this way. Mistakes happen, delays happen. But never on purpose!”
Troost-Ekong had earlier lamented the ill-treatment of the Super Eagles by Libyan authorities at the Al Abaq Airport.
The defender stated on X: “Can I shock you?! the pilot has just told us there has been fuel at this airport for the plane all this time. They could have released it but haven’t given us permission since. Can you imagine?! So how long are they planning to hold us hostage here!!! Still just waiting.
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“After our first tweets magically a team bus arrived and a driver who has been standing inside the airport filming us and laughing with some of the other staff since last night said the bus was ready 12 hours after we landed. Now we have been waiting for fuel since morning…
“At this point I’m even tired of laughing instead of crying.”
The incident was also described as scary by Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, further stated that the Libyan authorities were yet to grant the Nigerian government access to where Super Eagles were being held.
Tuggar, in a statement shared on his X account on Monday, however, assured that the federal government will continue to monitor the situation while awaiting a comprehensive report for further action.
The Super Eagles have since Sunday been held hostage by Libyan authorities at the Al Abaq Airport.
The team were billed to play Libya in the return leg of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Tuesday.
Nigeria defeated Libya 1-0 in the first leg in Akwa Ibom last Friday to maintain leadership of Group D.
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