Last week was a tough one for Nigerian football, as the Super Eagles faced harsh conditions in Libya.
After securing a narrow 1-0 win in Uyo in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the Nigerian team travelled to Benghazi for the second leg.
However, the Libyan authorities, allegedly unhappy with their treatment in Nigeria, sought ‘payback' and subjected the Nigerian delegation to a harrowing experience.
The Nigerian team’s flight was redirected mid-air to the abandoned Al Abraq airport, where players, officials, and even the Nigerian Football Federation president were left stranded for over 15 hours without food, water, or internet access.
Exhausted and frustrated, the Super Eagles refused to play the scheduled match. It was only after intervention from the Nigerian government and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that the team was allowed to leave Libya. CAF has since removed the fixture from its schedule pending a disciplinary decision.
After returning from Libya, the players rejoined their respective clubs. Here’s how they fared:
Africa, United States, and Saudi Arabia
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was thrust straight back into action with Chippa United, making four saves in their League Cup clash against TS Galaxy.
Unfortunately, Dzenan Zajmovic's 103rd-minute goal saw Chippa United lose 1-0 after extra time.
Captain William Troost-Ekong showed no signs of fatigue, playing the full 90 minutes for Al Kholood in their 1-1 draw against Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League.
In the MLS, Alhassan Yusuf provided an assist for New England Revolution’s second goal in their match against Inter Miami. However, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi led a Miami comeback, securing a 6-2 victory.
Europe
In Portugal, Boavista opted to rest Bruno Onyemaechi, leaving him out of the squad for their 1-0 Taça de Portugal loss to Varzim.
Moses Simon, unshaken by the Libyan ordeal, delivered an impressive performance for Nantes in their 1-1 Ligue 1 draw with OGC Nice, providing an assist for Matthis Abline’s opening goal in the 67th minute. Nice equalised through Evann Guessand five minutes later.
Ademola Lookman struggled during Atalanta's 2-0 Serie A win at Venezia and was substituted at halftime, still seemingly affected by the experience in Libya.
In Germany, Frank Onyeka was his usual energetic self, playing 85 minutes in Augsburg’s 3-1 Bundesliga defeat to Freiburg.
Victor Boniface missed an early penalty for Bayer Leverkusen against Eintracht Frankfurt, his first miss since moving to Germany, but recovered to score the winner in the 71st minute, securing a 2-1 victory.
Unfortunately, hours later, Boniface was involved in a car accident. Thankfully, he escaped with minor injuries and is expected to recover soon.
Samuel Chukwueze, who did not travel to Libya due to injury, returned to AC Milan’s starting lineup and scored the only goal in their 1-0 win over Udinese.
Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, also part of the Libyan trip, was in goal for Udinese but could do little to stop Chukwueze’s well-placed effort.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Nigeria's goal-scorer in Uyo, remained on the bench during Lazio’s 1-0 defeat to Juventus.
Raphael Onyedika slotted back into Club Brugge’s starting eleven, providing an assist in their 2-1 Jupiler Pro League win over Westerlo.
In Spain, Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidera Ejuke were part of Sevilla’s squad for their match against Barcelona. Ejuke started but was forced off with an injury just before halftime in the 5-1 defeat.
Meanwhile, Bright Osayi-Samuel was omitted from Fenerbahce’s squad in their 2-2 draw with Samsunspor.
England Semi Ajayi displayed resilience, playing a solid defensive role in West Brom’s 1-1 Championship draw with Oxford United.
Crawley Town coach Robert Elliot handed Benjamin Tanimu his debut just days after the Libyan ordeal, bringing him on as an 83rd-minute substitute in their 4-1 loss to Reading.
Wilfried Ndidi controlled the midfield for Leicester City in their thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Southampton, while Joe Aribo featured for the Saints.
Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi played the full 90 minutes as Fulham, reduced to ten men, fell 3-1 to Aston Villa.
Finally, Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi have been named in Nottingham Forest’s squad for their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace later tonight.
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