Fulham manager Marco Silva has condemned the Libyan authorities for their treatment of players Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and their Super Eagles teammates during the recent international break. The players traveled to Libya for a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier scheduled to take place in Benghazi last Tuesday.
However, their journey took a troubling turn when their flight was diverted to a smaller airport in Al Abraq. The players were reportedly held for 18 hours without access to food, water, or the internet. Addressing this ordeal ahead of Fulham's Premier League match against Aston Villa on Saturday, Silva expressed concern for his players' well-being.
“It’s another example of mixed feelings and balance,” Silva remarked. “When the players go to represent their national teams, we all expect them to return healthy and ready to play for us. This situation was not something Calvin, Alex, and their teammates enjoyed, and it's certainly not professional or normal. It shouldn't happen in football.”
Silva noted that although the initial days back with the team were challenging for Iwobi and Bassey as they recovered from their experience, he is confident they will be prepared for the upcoming clash against Aston Villa. “They are back with us. They had a tough couple of days, but they will be ready for the match, for sure,” he added.
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