Nigeria Osaze Odemwingie Denounces Libya’s Reckless Response to Super Eagles Arrival

Former Super Eagles striker Osaze Odemwingie condemned Libya’s response to the team's arrival, which included being rerouted and stranded for hours. He criticized the Libyan Football Association for not filing an official complaint and highlighted the need for football officials to resolve conflicts diplomatically.

Former Super Eagles striker Osaze Odemwingie has criticized the Libyan football authorities for what he deems a reckless response to their match against Nigeria. The Nigerian team recently faced significant challenges upon arriving in Libya, where they were rerouted from Benghazi Benina Airport to Al Abraq International Airport, located 300 kilometers away. After landing, the players endured over thirteen hours without food or internet access, a situation that led to frustrations within the squad.

In response to these events, the Libya Football Association claimed that they experienced similar treatment during their visit to Nigeria. Odemwingie, now a professional golfer, suggested that Libya should have formally complained instead of resorting to drastic measures that endangered the players’ safety. He stated, "It's a shame to see things like this happen. It's scary because diverting a plane to another airport is a whole different level."

Odemwingie emphasized that if the Libyan team had genuine grievances, they should have pursued diplomatic channels for resolution. He criticized the involvement of non-football officials, arguing that true football people would have prevented such unnecessary tension.