‘Captain Fantastic’ – Nigerians Hail Courageous William Troost-Ekong for leadership role in 15+ hours delay incident

Nigerians have commended the leadership acumen of Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong in the wake of the events that unfolded at the Al Abraq Airport in Libya between Sunday and Monday.

Nigeria was supposed to take on the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in the round four of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers in the Martyrs of February Stadium on Tuesday, but the match will no longer be held as scheduled.

The Super Eagles were exposed to inhumane treatment by the Libyan authorities, who diverted their plan two hours before scheduled landing at the Benghazi Airport. The team’s plane was sent to land at the Al Abraq Airport, where they were then delayed for more then 15 hours.

Eventually, the Super Eagles had to boycott the game and return to Nigeria later on Monday. Nigerians who followed the proceedings online have heaped praises on the team’s captain William Troost-Ekong for his courageous actions while the team was literally held hostage in Libya

Nigerians commend William Troost-Ekong

The incident generated a lot of reactions and the Super Eagles captain was heavily involved in updating the fans as it unfolded, while also playing the leadership role in his words.

Fans on X have reacted, appreciating his actions and commending his role as a worthy captain, a leader both on and off the pitch. Here are some of the tweets:

“Today, I’m very glad William Troost-Ekong is the team’s captain. The statements he has made, how he has made them, how well constructed they are and how direct to the situation they are, I am very impressed.”

“At this point, it’s safe to say Williams Troost-Ekong is the best Super Eagles captain ever. Man’s fearless, articulate, handsome and mature in every aspect of his life – on the pitch and off the pitch. His confidence and action dey always muzz me! Proper Eagle 🦅🇳🇬”

“History will remember William Troost-Ekong as that Leader that spoke up for the players. Stood against Bullying & helped the team made that bold call to not play against Libya. Leaders like are not are Made. THEY’RE BORN. Nigeria will be better if we have more leaders like him.”

“Troost Ekong is a proper captain. I’m thrilled he’s leading the team today. His tweets are so professionally crafted that it makes you wonder how things might have turned out if one of the banger boys were captain. 🫡”

William Troost-Ekong has had a terrific year with the Super Eagles. He led them to the AFCON final in Ivory Coast earlier in the year, where he scored three goals and was named Player of the Tournament.

Players will start departing for their respective clubs as early as today, while CAF continues their investigation into what really happened in Libya, before passing a verdict.