Osimhen calls it a ‘hostage situation’ as Nigeria left stranded in Libya | OneFootball

Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and the rest of Nigeria squad have been left stranded at an airport in Libya ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier scheduled for Tuesday night, which Victor Osimhen has said is ‘beginning to look like a hostage situation’.

Nigeria played Libya at home in AFCON qualifying on Friday night and are due to play the same opponents in their country on Tuesday.

However, as documented by Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface on social media, the Super Eagles squad have been stuck in the Al Abraq airport in Libya for over 16 hours.

Reports suggest that the Nigeria team’s flight had been diverted, landing at Al Abraq airport, which is about three hours away from their final destination by car.

Some reports from Nigerian outlets claim that the players have been left without food or drink, while Boniface claims that they had nowhere to sleep. He also claims that an outdated bus was sent for the players as an alternative mode of transport, which the players refused to board.

Osimhen calls it a ‘hostage situation’ as Nigeria players stranded in Libya

Victor Osimhen, who was not included in the most recent Nigeria squad, commented on the issue from home.

“I am disappointed by the unfair treatment my brothers and coaches are facing at the Libya airport last night. Actions like this go against the spirit of sportsmanship. My support is with the team and I know they’ll stay strong despite the obstacles.

“I call on CAF and other football bodies to intervene, as my teammates are still stranded at the airport in Libya. This is uncalled for and inhumane. We stand together, stronger than ever,” Osimhen wrote on an Instagram story published on Monday morning.

He continued: “This attempt by Libyan FA is no longer just a delay. It’s an intentional tactic to weaken and ruin the morale of the players, and it’s beginning to look more like a hostage situation.

“The safety and wellbeing of my teammates and all the team staffs are the most important things right now. Our captain has said we won’t play the match and I fully sport that, except if the game is to taken to a neutral ground.

“My brothers and coaches must return home safely, we are not criminals or prisoners.

“I can imagine how terrible they must feel right now, as I’ve had a similar experience during my Under-17 days. This is totally unfair and heartbreaking. Again, I call on CAF, the Nigerian Government and other relevant authorities to act swiftly and ensure their safe return.”