Leon Balogun may not be with the Nigeria squad currently but that hasn’t stopped him being furious about a horrendous situation that has unfolded.
The Rangers centre-back was not called up for his country as they take on Libya in an African Cup of Nations qualifying double-header, winning the first game 1-0 on Friday before being due to meet up again in a rematch tomorrow night.
Balogun has 46 caps and one goal for the Super Eagles but his lack of regular action at Ibrox recently has probably counted against him when it comes to José Peseiro picking his squad.
But a horror situation which has unfolded in between those two Libya games has enraged him.
Rangers star Balogun’s Nigeria teammates stranded
Nigeria’s players flew to Libya yesterday ahead of the second game as they looked to take the bragging rights once again.
But just as they were about to arrive, they were diverted to Al Albraq Airport, which is three hours away from where they are due to take on their African rivals.
They were then stranded at the airport for 12 hours, with the Nigerian FA accusing their Libyan counterparts of failing to provide ongoing transport to their intended destination. Players have even alleged they weren’t allowed to leave the airport, essentially held hostage.
Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi said: “This is not football. Very embarrassing. Hostage to a national team. Disgrace.”
Victor Boniface said the squad had “been at the airport for almost 13 hours with no food, no WiFi, nowhere to sleep.”
Pictures show players sleeping on seats at the airport with luggage strewn about the floor.
A statement from the Nigerian FA reads: “Super Eagles still at Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya!
“The delegation of Nigeria to Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya still remained at the Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya.
“The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport away from Benghazi just as the pilot was completing his approach to the Benghazi Airport. We understand the Al Abraq International Airport is only used for hajj operations.
“Fatigued players and officials have remained nonplussed as the host Libyan Football Federation failed to send any reception team or even vehicles to take the delegation members from the airport to their hotel, said to be 3 hours away in Benghazi.
“The NFF made arrangements for separate vehicles for the team but the plan was unhinged by the diversion of the aircraft.
“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer as NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home.”
Rangers star Balogun demands probe into Nigeria debacle
Balogun, watching on from home, has been left enraged by what has happened to his international teammates and called for the Central African Federation to investigate.
He wrote on social media: “@CAF_online Surely you’re going to investigate thoroughly and take action, right?
“Whoever is responsible for this needs to be held accountable.
“This is unacceptable.”
Former Ger Calvin Bassey is also part of the travelling party left stranded.
