Osimehen stands by Nigerian team players stranded at Libya's airport

Victor Osimehen, Nigeria's and Galatasaray's forward, has responded to the predicament of the national team, stranded in an airport in Libya.

Earlier, members of the Nigerian team complained about being kept in an abandoned Libyan airport without food and water for over twelve hours.

"I am disappointed with the treatment my brothers and coaches experienced yesterday at Libya's airport. Such actions contradict the spirit of sportsmanship. I stand with my team and know they will remain robust despite these difficulties," Osimehen expressed.

"I am calling on CAF and other football organisations to intervene as my teammates and officials are still stranded at Libya's airport. This is inappropriate and inhumane.

This action by the Libyan Football Association - it's more than just a delay, it's an intentional tactic to weaken and destroy the team's morale; it's beginning to resemble a hostage situation. The safety and well-being of my team members and all staff is of paramount importance right now.

Our captain has declared we will not play the match, and I fully support this unless the game is relocated to a neutral venue. My brothers and coaches should return home alive and well, we are not criminals or detainees.

I again call on the CAF, the Nigerian government, and other authorities to act swiftly and secure their safe return," Osimehen posted on social media.

The African Nations Cup qualification match between Libya and Nigeria is slated for Tuesday, 15th October. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, upon arrival in Libya, the aircraft carrying the Nigerians was urgently redirected to another airport over 200km from the city where the match is scheduled.

Nigeria's national team captain, William Troost-Ekong, reported that the team has been locked in, leaving players and coaching staff without phone connection, water and food.