Captain of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, William Troost-Ekong, has expressed pride in his team’s resilience, declaring that the “Naija spirit can’t be broken.” This statement followed the squad’s return to Nigeria after being stranded for over 15 hours at Al Abaq Airport in Libya.
The Super Eagles had traveled to Libya for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against the Mediterranean Knights, scheduled for Tuesday. However, logistical challenges at the airport caused significant delays, prompting the team, led by coach Austin Eguavoen, to consider boycotting the game.
Despite the ordeal, Troost-Ekong took to social media to praise the team’s unity and spirit. “Back home safe and sound. Proud of this team. Naija spirit can’t be broken,” he tweeted. “Throw at us what you want, it’s in our blood to overcome. I’ve seen a lot in my 10 years with this group, but nothing like this—an experience that has brought us even closer together.”
The Super Eagles’ next move in their AFCON qualification campaign remains to be seen, but their captain’s words reflect a strong resolve to keep pushing forward despite the challenges.