This is not their first time: Injured Osimhen slams Libyan authorities for holding Super Eagles hostage

Abdullateef Fowewe

Super Eagle star, Victor Osimhen has decried the treatment meted out by Libyan authorities to Super Eagles players and coaches.

At the time of filling this report, Super Eagles players and their officials are still holed up at the Al Abaq Airport several hours after landing in Libya.

Osimhen wrote on Instagram, “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, together than ever.”

However, Osimhen sympathised with the Super Eagles crew noting that he could imagine how they were feeling at the moment as he had also been in such a situation during his under-17 days.

“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 well-being of my teammates and all the team staff 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.”

A report has been circulated that, something similar happened to Nigeria’s Enyimba and Rivers United when they had away games to play against Libyan teams in 2023.