The poor treatment of the Super Eagles contingent following their arrival in Libya on Sunday afternoon for the African Cup of Nations qualifiers has garnered widespread attention across the football spectrum.

The team has returned home to Nigeria after being stranded at Al Abraq Airport for over 16 hours after touching down in Libya for the game. This was due to an unexpected flight diversion from the original landing destination in Benghazi.

The Libyan federation refused to send any delegation to meet the team or arrange for a shuttle to convey the players to their hotel, which was about a three-hour drive from the airport.

The ordeal has left a bitter taste in the mouths of the players, who were stranded in the middle of nowhere and denied food, water, and accommodation.

Let's look at how some of the Super Eagles players reacted to the traumatic experience on social media, as highlighted by PUNCH.

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, taking to his X handle, wrote:

“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food, or drink. All to play mind games. I’ve experienced stuff before playing away in Africa, but this is disgraceful behaviour. Even the Tunisian pilot, who thankfully managed to navigate the last-minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land, had never seen something like this before. Upon arrival, he tried to find a nearby airport to rest with his crew, but he was denied at every hotel again under government instruction. He could sleep there, but NO Nigerian crew members were allowed. They have returned to now sleep on the plane, which is parked up. At this point, we have called for our Nigerian government to intervene and rescue us. As the captain, together with the team, we have decided that we will not play this game. CAF should look at the report and what is happening here. Even if they decide to allow this kind of behaviour, let them have the points. We will not accept to travel anywhere by road here, even with security; it’s not safe. We can only imagine what the hotel or food would be like given to us IF we continued. We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen, but these things on purpose have nothing to do with international football.”

Nantes winger Moses Simon also wrote on X:

“Super Eagles weathering the situation in Libya as we are held hostage.”

Fenerbahce defender Bright Osayi-Samuel added:

“I’ve been stuck in a random Libyan airport for 15 hours with no guarantee of health and safety… We can do better.”

Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali shared:

“Over 14 hours spent at an abandoned Libyan airport. No food, no water, no internet access—this is absolutely crazy! #CAF_Online, please do the needful.”

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface also added:

“Been at the airport for almost 13 hours, no food, no Wi-Fi, nowhere to sleep. Africa, we can do better. This is getting scary now. You guys can have the point; we just want to return to our country.”

Although not with the team due to injury, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen took to his Instagram story to express his disappointment:

“I am disappointed by the unfair treatment my brothers and coaches faced at the Libyan airport last 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 wrote.

Leon Balogun, who has also been out of the team for some time, showed solidarity with the team:

“I call on CAF and other football bodies to intervene, as my teammates and officials are still stranded at the airport in Libya. This is uncalled for and inhumane. We stand together, stronger than ever. Surely you’re going to investigate thoroughly and take action, right? Whoever is responsible for these needs to be held accountable. This is unacceptable!!”