Victor Osimhen has bashed Libyan authorities for their inability to render proper hospitality to the Super Eagles players and officials ahead of the second leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers double-header, Afrosport reports.
The 25-year-old Galatasaray forward, who is currently not with the team due to injury, took to his social media on Monday, to express his disappointment at the treatment of his Nigerian teammates, who have been left stranded in an airport in Libya since Sunday evening.
He wrote on Instagram: “I am disappointed by the unfair treatment my brothers and coaches have been facing at the Libya airport since Sunday 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”.
The reigning African Footballer of the Year sent a heartfelt message to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as well as other related bodies to intervene in the matter and ensured the issue is quickly resolved.
“I call on CAF and other football bodies to intervene, as my teammates and [Nigerian] officials are still stranded at the airport in Libya. This is uncalled for and inhumane. We stand together, together than ever,” he continued.
“This attempt by Libyan FA is no longer just a delay, its an intentional tactic to weaken and ruin the morale of the players and it’s beginning to look more like an hostage situation.”
Osimhen added that he is a bit bothered about the safety of his colleagues and team staff and echoed the voice of team captain William Troost-Ekong, who earlier in the day, stated that players have decided to not play the match.
“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 in 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.”
The three-time AFCON champions arrived in Libya on Sunday ahead of their clash against the Mediterranean Knights, which is scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benina, which is about 19km away from Benghazi.
