Nations qualification

Nigeria Africa Cup: After scary news of the Nigerian football team being held ‘hostage’ at the abandoned Al-Abraq Airport in Libya after the flight carrying the team ahead of the Libya vs Nigeria Africa Cup of Nations Qualification match, which is now canceled, was diverted. Nigeria’s captain, William Troost Ekong thanked ‘the power of social media’ as their plane was being refueled ahead of their journey back to their country.

"Power of social media. Apparently our plane is being fueled as we speak and we should be leaving to Nigeria shortly. Thanks for everyone’s support! I REITERATE: We would NEVER treat a guest nation for a game in this way. Mistakes happen, delays happen. But never on purpose!," read the post on X.

The two teams had clashed in Nigeria on Friday with the hosts prevailing 1-0. According to a report by daily mail, Libya’s national team was unhappy with the way their team was treated by the Nigerian Football Federation with the captain of the side Faisal Al-Badri claiming the team faced troubles and had a far from seamless entry to the country which is expected to be the reason behind the hostage situation.