Marco Silva blasts Libya for mistreatment of Super Eagles

Fulham manager Marco Silva has launched a scathing attack on Libyan authorities following the inhumane treatment of Super Eagles stars Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and their teammates during the recent international break.

The Nigerian squad, en route for an AFCON 2025 qualifier against Libya in Benghazi, were shockingly held “hostage” for 18 hours after their flight was diverted to a smaller airport in Al Abraq. The players were stranded without access to food, water, or the internet—a situation that Silva branded as “unprofessional” and unacceptable in modern football.

Marco Silva, visibly angered by the ordeal, expressed his disappointment ahead of Fulham’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa.

“It’s not something professional, it’s not something normal, and it’s certainly not what you expect in football,” he stated. “Calvin, Alex, and their teammates were subjected to something no player should ever experience. They travel to represent their country with pride, and we expect them to return healthy and fit.”

Despite the traumatic experience, Marco Silva assured fans that Iwobi and Bassey would be ready to feature against Villa, though he acknowledged the toll it had taken on them.

“The first two days back were tough for them to recover from everything, but they’ll be ready,” he added.

As Fulham prepare for their next fixture, the shocking ordeal raises questions about player safety during international duties and the long-term impact such incidents could have on their physical and mental well-being.

Will this unsettling experience weigh on Iwobi and Bassey as they return to Premier League action? Only time will tell.