Ibrahim Gusau, the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has expressed a strong commitment to defending the honor of Nigeria and the well-being of its national football players. This statement comes in response to the distressing treatment of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team during their recent trip to Libya for a crucial fixture in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying rounds. Upon their arrival, the players encountered significant obstacles, including being stranded at the airport as Libyan authorities displayed a concerning lack of empathy. The situation escalated when they were left without proper support or communication, deeply affecting the players and team officials.
The Nigeria team anticipated playing at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium, situated near Benghazi, but their journey quickly turned problematic when their flight was redirected to the Al Abraq International Airport, over 200 kilometers away from their intended destination. The unexpected detour to a site typically used for Hajj operations meant that the Nigerian contingent was met with inadequate facilities and an absence of essential services. Basic amenities essential for their comfort were sorely lacking, leading to increasing frustrations among the players and officials, who were left to navigate the challenges without any assistance from the Libyan Football Federation.
Stranded at Al Abraq Airport for more than 20 hours, the Nigerian team found themselves deprived of fundamental necessities such as food, water, and internet access, which compounded their distress. This traumatic experience not only took a toll on the players’ physical health but also their mental state, creating an environment that made it impossible for them to prepare adequately for the match. Gusau described the ordeal, highlighting the severe implications of such mistreatment and expressing disbelief that players could be subjected to such conditions in an international sporting context.
Moreover, the lack of basic communication and logistical support further exacerbated the players’ grievances. While delays and inconveniences are not unheard of in international travel, Gusau criticized the Libyan authorities for crossing a line with their treatment of the Nigerian contingent. The situation not only disrupted the team’s travel plans but also severely impacted their readiness for the upcoming match. Faced with such struggles, the team captain and his peers reached a unanimous decision to withdraw from the game, citing their inability to perform under such duress.
In the aftermath of this ordeal, Gusau emphasized the need for accountability and better treatment of players in international competitions. His comments reflect a deeper concern about the standards of player welfare and the responsibilities of football federations to ensure dignified treatment for all athletes. He stressed the importance of addressing these issues at both national and international levels to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, recognizing that safeguarding the dignity of Nigerian football extends beyond just the games played on the field.
Ultimately, this situation serves as a broader reminder of the challenges faced by athletes on international fronts, particularly in contexts where political and logistical shortcomings intersect with the spirit of sportsmanship. Gusau’s vow to prioritize the dignity and welfare of players resonates strongly in light of the distressing experiences the team endured. It underscores a call for enhanced cooperation and respect among football federations, ensuring that athletes can compete with the dignity and support they rightfully deserve.
