Former Super Eagles and Stoke City striker, Osaze Odemwingie, has strongly criticized Libya for endangering the Nigerian football team in what he sees as a revenge tactic.
Also Read: CAF Withdraws Nigeria vs Libya AFCON Qualifier After Super Eagles’ Airport Ordeal
According to reports from Soccernet.ng, the Super Eagles were en route to Benghazi but were redirected to Al Abraq International Airport—300 kilometers from their original destination. Upon landing, they were detained without food or internet for over 13 hours.
Libya’s FA issued a statement claiming their team endured similar conditions when visiting Port Harcourt, Nigeria, for the first leg. However, Odemwingie, in an interview with Brila, expressed that such retaliation was unwarranted and could have been handled through official channels rather than endangering players’ lives.
“It’s disappointing and extreme. If they had issues, they should have filed an official complaint. This whole situation became toxic, and it’s likely even Libyan players aren’t happy,” the former footballer remarked.
The tense situation eventually led Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong to announce that the team decided to withdraw from the match against Libya.
