Nigeria’s caretaker coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has strongly condemned the treatment of his team by Libyan authorities.
The Super Eagles endured a harrowing experience in Libya, where they were held hostage at an abandoned airport.
The team was scheduled to play a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Mediterranean Knights.
However, their ordeal began when they were denied access to basic necessities like food and water.
The abandoned airport, located over two hours from the game venue, served as an impromptu detention center for the Nigerian contingent.
Read Also: CAF to investigate, take Action Over Super Eagles’ Libya Ordeal
This unacceptable treatment left Eguavoen and his team frustrated and relieved to return to Nigeria.
The Super Eagles ultimately pulled out of the match, citing the unbearable circumstances.
Upon their return, Eguavoen expressed gratitude to the Libyan authorities for releasing them.
However, he did not mince words when describing the experience as he termed it a horrible 18-20 hours.
Eguavoen said he struggled to comprehend the motives behind Libya’s actions.
He said: “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,” said Eguavoen on arrival in Nigeria Monday.
“We were held hostage, we could not have played this match under these circumstances.
“We know how football can unite the entire world, but in this regard, for them to act like this, I cannot comprehend seriously.”
Eguavoen’s words echoed the sentiments of the entire Nigerian football community, which demands better treatment for its players and officials.
