Osimhen slams 'INHUMANE' treatment of Nigeria team-mates

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 14 Oct 2024 10:28 BST
• 4 min read

Victor Osimhen has called out the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after Nigeria's squad were left stranded at Libya airport ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The on-loan Galatasaray star was not included in Nigeria’s October international squad due to injury, but his team-mates were left stranded in Libya for over 12 hours.

The Super Eagles were due to face Libya in an AFCON qualifier on 15 October, but they have reportedly abandoned the fixture after being stranded at the airport with no food, drink or phone connection.

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Airport gates were also locked, with the Nigeria squad trapped inside Libya airport.

Captain William Troost-Ekong detailed the horrific treatment suffered by the Nigeria squad in a thread on X (formerly known as Twitter), with the Libyan government and CAF facing severe backlash due to the incident.

Osimhen took to Instagram to issue his support for his Nigeria team-mates and urge action to be taken.

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What has Victor Osimhen said?

Osimhen posted on Instagram Stories: “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 my team, and I know they’ll stay strong despite these obstacles.

“I call on CAF and other football bodies to intervene, as my teammates and officials are still stranded at the airport in Libya. This is uncalled for and inhumane.

“We stand together, stronger than ever.”

Osimhen subsequently posted a follow-up message that read: "This attempt by Libyan FA is no longer just a delay, it's an intentional tactic to weaken and ruin the morale.

"The safety and well-being 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 support that, except if the game is 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."

Nigeria are currently top of Group D in AFCON qualifying, having picked up seven points from their opening three matches.

They beat Libya 1-0 at home on Friday night, thanks to an 86th minute winner from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, but Troost-Ekong has stated that Nigeria will not play the reverse fixture following their treatment at Libya airport.