In a recent statement, Super Eagles and Crawley Town defender Benjamin Tanimu expressed his resolve to focus on the game despite the challenges faced by the Nigerian team in Libya. Reports from Soccernet.ng detail that the 22-year-old central defender, who was on the bench during Nigeria’s narrow 1-0 victory over Libya last Friday—secured by a late goal from Lazio’s Fisayo Ayodele-Bashiru—remains confident.
Tanimu, who recently transferred from Tanzanian club Ihefu Sports to Crawley Town, has yet to make his debut for the English side as he continues to work on his fitness. Following the victory at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the Super Eagles traveled to Benghazi for an away match, only to face unexpected challenges upon arrival. They were rerouted to an airport outside their intended landing zone and have since experienced significant delays, reportedly being held for over twelve hours without food, internet access, or rest.
Taking to social media, Tanimu shared videos highlighting the team’s difficult situation in Libya, captioning it, “Libya, Una well done o, but we go still collect our point no matter wetin Una go do,” which translates to, “Well done, Libya. No matter what you do, we’ll get our points regardless.”
However, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has indicated that the team may reconsider playing the match due to the unacceptable treatment they have endured. The Nigerian Football Federation is currently making arrangements for the team to return home amid these troubling circumstances.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the Super Eagles navigate these challenges.