How Libyan authorities held Nigeria's national football team hostage for 15 hours

Last Updated Oct 18, 2024

In what could only be described as a disquieting and terrifying experience, Nigeria's national football team, the Super Eagles, were left stranded in an abandoned Libyan airport for almost 24 hours, days before their vital AFCON qualification game against Libya. 

Given the treatment, which obviously disrespects the values of respect, safety, and decency that should control such events, this incident has generated salient questions regarding the integrity and justice of international football events in Africa. 

There has also been conjecture regarding whether this disaster sprang from deliberate mind games meant to demoralize the Nigerian team or from merely extreme incompetence and contempt.

What happened to the Nigerian national football team in Libya?

The narrative of the harrowing experience of the Nigerian national football team in Libya combines diplomatic pressure, football politics, and a concerning neglect of the criteria that ought to direct international sports events. 

Departure from Uyo and arrival in Kano

On the afternoon of Sunday, October 13, 2024, a ValueJet chartered aircraft took off from Uyo's Victor Attah International Airport, making its first planned stop in Kano for immigration processes and refuelling before setting off a three-hour and thirty-five-minute flight to Benghazi, Libya. 

There, the Super Eagles of Nigeria were billed to challenge the Libyan national team in an African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying game. Though Uyo and Kano were carefully addressing all formalities and the aircraft captain was ensuring the necessary landing documentation for Benghazi, the team was about to come across an unexpected and sad turn of events that would seriously throw off their plans. 

Rerouting to Labraq Airport

The captain got an unexpected order from the control tower as the plane headed toward Benghazi: landing was off the table. Rather, he was told to veer to Al-Abraq International Airport, a far-off site with little amenities. 

Complicating matters, this secondary airport lacked the required navigational instruments for nighttime landings—a crucial information the captain told the controllers. 

He also expressed worries about the aircraft's limited fuel supply, but these were dismissed under the hazy reference to "higher authorities." The Nigerian team thus became stranded following the mandated rerouting without any means of escape. 

It soon became evident as the jet touched down in Labraq at about 7:50 PM Libyan time that the airport lacked the capacity to handle such a large delegation.

At Labraq, it was shocking to find absent basic infrastructure common to an international airport, such as passport scanners and other essential tools. This shortage compelled Libyan officials to scan the passports of players, officials, and the accompanying delegation—including not only the Super Eagles team but also the NFF President, several dignitaries, media representatives, and several stakeholders—using cell phones.

Alleged retaliation: The tension between Nigeria and Libya

The underlying reason for the team's delayed arrival in Libya started to surfaced as the hours passed, and the communication between the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and their Libyan counterparts seemed to collapse totally. There were rumours that the delay was purposefully created by the Libyan government as payback for an incident that happened during the trip of the Libyan team to Nigeria. 

The NFF had vehemently refuted the allegation that logistical problems faced by Libya during their stay in Nigeria were intentional, contending that the North African team made a bad decision by choosing road travel instead of following advice on night travel. 

After an already taxing trip, the Nigerian players were deprived of enough food, water, and a safe place to relax in Libya. 

The matter got more serious when it became clear the Libyan authorities were not quick to fix the problem, with the Nigerian delegation left to deal with the worsening Labraq airport conditions. 

With no clear indication of when or if they would be allowed to proceed to their intended destination, they grew progressively tired and demoralised as the evening wore on.

Boycott: Team refuses to play under unsafe condition

The players—many of whom were clearly dehydrated and undernourished—expressed the seriousness of the matter as midnight drew near. Originally a logistical concern, what started out as such had become a serious crisis made worse by threats directed against the Nigerian team active on social media. 

This led team captain William Troost-Ekong to have a quick meeting with General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi and NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau. 

He presented the players' unanimous decision: they could not, in good conscience, go forward with the game. 

Their mental and physical tiredness had turned their attention from the game to their safety, giving their safe return to Nigeria top priority over the possibility of playing under such dangerous conditions.

Social media outcry: Players’ reactions and public awareness

The first-hand reports from the athletes posted on social media provide a very intimate and upsetting look into the events that happened in Libya. 

Among the most prominent voices was team captain William Troost-Ekong, who voiced his incredulity and irritation over the circumstances on X (formerly Twitter). 

Lacking food, water, and efficient communication, he described the horrific experience the team was caught in—what he referred to as "abandoned airport"—for more than twelve hours.

Troost-Ekong expressed his shock in his postings over the disrespect aimed at the Nigerian delegation. He described their imprisonment at the airport, cut off from phone contacts and outside help—a tactic he saw as a calculated attempt to disrupt the team before their forthcoming AFCON game. 

He also revealed shockingly that Libyan authorities mistreated even their Tunisian pilot, who landed the plane at the makeshift airport despite last-minute adjustments. 

Although the pilot was told he could relax in a nearby hotel, the Nigerian crew members were not allowed to accompany him, so they stayed on the plane overnight. From simple logistical problems, this situation obviously grew more hostile. 

Victor Osimhen’s support, delayed refueling and departure

Nigeria's first choice striker, Victor Osimhen, sidelined by injury, also raised awareness on Instagram, calling the Libyan FA's actions an "intentional tactic" meant to discredit the Nigerian team. 

Based on his personal experiences of comparable mistreatment during his young career, Osimhen voiced concern about the growing situation and compared it to a hostage crisis. 

Citing a lack of confidence in fair treatment under the present circumstances, he underlined that the safety and well-being of his colleagues were of great importance and expressed his whole support for their decision to refuse to participate unless the game was moved to a neutral ground. 

Another player, Bright-Osayi-Samuel, expressed his annoyance over the protracted wait, tweeting about their 15-hour airport experience without any guarantee of safety, health, or even food to get them through the night. 

He wrote that such treatment has no place in international football, underscoring that although mistakes and delays are inevitable, the behaviour of the Libyan government seemed to be deliberate and hostile. 

Despite significant pressure from both the team and the Nigerian government, Libyan officials persisted in postponing hospitalities even after the players used social media to draw attention to their circumstances—only offering a team bus and refuelling the aircraft.  

As events developed, Troost-Ekong's next entries expressed growing incredulity. Surprisingly, as revealed by the captain, the fuel the team had been waiting for was right there all along. But the Libyan authorities had purposefully denied permission to refuel the aircraft, leaving the Nigerian team stranded just to control psychological and physical pressure. 

Public pressure forced action

In his last post before the team left, Ekong underlined the ridiculousness of the circumstances and paid a nod of thanks to social media for its “power” in persuading the Libyan authorities to let the team go. 

Fuel was at last released following an agonising 15-hour wait, allowing the aircraft to take off at 3:05 PM toward Kano. The team arrived safe, clearly traumatised by the horrific event. 

In the aftermath, there is pressure on CAF and FIFA to punish Libya for its handling of the matter with sanctions or other punitive actions suggested to stop such events in the future.

Nigeria's possible response to the Super Eagles' ordeal in Libya

Nigeria's government can respond to the Super Eagles' embarrassing treatment in Libya by diplomatic, financial, or political action, but this issue of treating national representatives so flagrantly disrespectfully is a thin line between international relations and sportsmanship.

Filing a formal diplomatic protest

The Nigerian government could formally protest the incident against the Libyan authorities as a quick and conventional line of action, demanding an official explanation of what happened, an apology, and assurances that this type of event won't recur. 

Although this kind of diplomatic interaction is common, it sends a strong message in international relations that this is a significant breach of protocol and that the Libyans should be held responsible for the treatment of their national football team, a symbol of national pride and identity.

Escalating diplomatic actions: Recalling the Nigerian ambassador

Still, should Libya fail to provide a convincing justification or if the Nigerian government finds the Libyan reaction inadequate, it may act by dismissing its ambassador from Tripoli. 

Since the removal of an ambassador is a strong statement that shows Nigeria's unwillingness to interact with Libya at the highest diplomatic level until the matter is settled to Nigeria's satisfaction, this would be a strong diplomatic gesture implying a degradation in bilateral relations. 

This action would attract attention among the African diplomatic community and signal to international agencies such as the UN and the African Union that Nigeria expects its allies to criticize Libya's treatment of the behavior of the Super Eagles.

Economic sanctions and trade restrictions

Beyond diplomatic acts, Nigeria might consider imposing trade restrictions or economic sanctions on Libya. These policies may aim at significant sectors of the Libyan economy, particularly those depending on Nigerian support or cooperation. 

For instance, financial aid could be denied, oil exports could be restricted or suspended, or the assets of Libyan officials and companies engaged in mistreatment of the Nigerian team might be frozen. 

This would have political as well as financial effects, demonstrating to Libya that it is ready to use its economic might to demand respect and dignity for its nationals and athletes overseas.

Sports diplomacy: boycotts and match cancellations

Sports diplomacy is still another way Nigeria might react. Either in response to safety issues or as a direct reaction to the treatment of its national team, the nation could adopt a strong position against any upcoming sporting events hosted by Libya. 

This would have several consequences: it would stop Libya from organizing big events and would convey a message to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and other international sports organizations that Nigeria expects higher standards of behavior and security for its athletes competing overseas. 

Should Nigeria lead by example in this regard, other African countries may follow suit, isolating Libya and escalating government pressure.

Leveraging influence within CAF and sporting bodies

Furthermore, Nigeria has the chance to demand sanctions against Libya using its influence within CAF and other sports groups. It might suggest fines like suspending Libya's hosting rights for future AFCON qualifying events or other major football gatherings. 

Using its status as the top football powerhouse in Africa, Nigeria could mobilize support from other members to ensure Libya pays for its deeds.

This might result in fines, point losses in qualifying games, or perhaps a temporary ban from international competition. 

It would strongly convey that mistreating athletes—especially in such an open and disrespectful manner—would not be accepted.

Balance reaction with diplomacy

It should be underlined that any reprisal by Nigeria has to be meticulously planned to prevent aggravating conflicts and launching a more general war. 

Any response should allow for future cooperation and reconciliation between the two nations while yet addressing the particular complaints over the mistreatment of the Super Eagles. 

Nigeria could thus consider diplomatic mediation to resolve the conflict, whereby neutral third parties such as the UN or the African Union mediate negotiations and ensure Libya acts to prevent such future events like this. 

Eventually, Nigeria's response will determine the punishment meted out to Libya if found culpable.