'It's not professional' - Fulham boss blasts Libya over mistreatment of Iwobi, Bassey, Super Eagles stars

Speaking ahead of his 150th game as Fulham coach, Marco Silva blasted the Libyan authorities for the mistreatment of Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and their Super Eagles teammates during the international break in October.

The Nigeria national team travelled to Libya for a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match that was due to hold in Benghazi, but instead of reaching the venue of the game, their flight was diverted to a smaller airport in Al Abraq, a distance of around 150 miles.

Iwobi, Bassey and their Super Eagles teammates were left stranded at the airport for more than sixteen hours until the Nigerian government stepped in and arranged for the players and officials to return to Abuja.

Nigeria accused Libya of manipulation, playing mind games and mistreatment, leading them to boycott the matchday four Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, with players accurately describing the ordeal as a hostage situation. 

The Libyan airport authorities didn't allow them to leave the airport, which frustrated Nigeria even more and it was strange as there are no political differences between the two countries.

Libya were frustrated after what they went through in Nigeria but responded to it in an unprofessional manner. 

When asked to share his thoughts on what happened to Iwobi and Bassey while on international duty and whether they are fit to face Aston Villa on Saturday, Silva told reporters in his pre-match press conference: "It's another example of mixed feelings and balance because when the players go to their national teams to play for their countries, to be proud of that moment, we all expect, firstly, that they come in healthy to play the next match for us.

"Secondly that they can perform at a good level, to help them, and to keep their fitness, their momentum as well, and of course the last and probably the most important thing, that they can enjoy football, they can enjoy playing for their countries.

"And for sure, it was not a moment that Calvin, Alex and their teammates enjoyed for sure. It's not something professional, it's not something normal. It's not something that should be involved in football, to be honest.

"They are back again with us. The first two days were tough for them to recover from everything but they are going to be ready for sure."

Iwobi and Bassey have started all the games contested by Fulham in this season's Premier League and were named in the starting lineup in the 1-0 win over Libya exactly a week ago.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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