Eagles were held hostage, insists Eguavoen

Super Eagles interim coach Austin Eguavoen has opened up on the ugly incident that saw players and officials of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team held hostage by Libyan authorities at the Al Abraq Airport in Al Abraq, Libya, on Sunday through Monday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The team had flown into Libya on Sunday afternoon for the second leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying Group D fixture against the Mediterranean Knights, only to be subjected to inhumane treatment upon arrival.

Libya were scheduled to host the three-time African champions at the 10,000-capacity Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benina, located just 10 kilometres from Benghazi, but their plane was diverted to the Al Abraq Airport, which is over 200 km and three and a half hours drive from the planned campsite.

The Al Abraq International Airport, typically used for hajj operations, lacked basic amenities, leaving players and officials tired and frustrated. Neither a receptive team nor vehicles were provided by the Libyan Football Federation, forcing the Nigeria Football Federation to make an alternate transportation arrangement.

The Nigerian contingent was caged at the airport for over 20 hours without food or water and completely shut out of the world.

Speaking to reporters after the team’s return to Nigeria, Eguavoen recounted the novel and bizarre experience. “Thanks to the Libyans for letting us go, but it was a horrible 18-20 hours of experience, and we don’t want to go through that again,” the coach said.

“We were held hostage; we could not have played this match under these conditions.

“We know how football can unite the entire world, but for them to act like this, I cannot comprehend seriously. It was strange.

“CAF is human; they would do their investigations and come up with solutions.”

The game scheduled to be held on Tuesday was abandoned owing to the poor treatment of the Eagles players and their officials, most of whom suffered from ill health as affirmed by the team’s doctor.

The Confederation of African Football said it had launched an investigation into the matter and will make a pronouncement upon conclusion.

The incident, one of the most talked about issues over the last 24 hours, has sparked widespread condemnation from fellow footballers, international media, clubs, and human rights organisations.