Sports
Between rough roads and forgotten runways... a football match in an "abandoned airport"
In the world of football, sportsmanship stands out as the golden rule upon which all competitions are based. But sometimes, the desire for revenge takes over
In the world of football, sportsmanship stands out as the golden rule upon which all competitions are based. But sometimes, the feeling of revenge overshadows that spirit, and the real battleground shifts from the pitch to airports and rugged roads. Thus, a match between Nigeria and Libya in the fourth round of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers for Morocco 2025 turned into a harsh scene reflecting a cycle of reciprocity, as the Nigerian players found themselves victims of Libyan retaliation for what the Libyan national team had suffered in Nigeria.
“We will not play this match.” With these stark words, Nigerian captain William Troost-Ekong declared his refusal to play after being detained for over 12 hours in a deserted Libyan airport, without food, water, or communication. But this was not an isolated incident; according to many, it was a reaction from the Libyan authorities to what the Libyan national team had endured in Nigeria a few days earlier.
The story began when the Libyan national team arrived in Nigeria to prepare for the first leg of their match. There, the Libyan players endured conditions no less dire than those later faced by the Nigerian team. The Libyan delegation was detained at Lagos airport for over three hours, then transported in unsecured buses through rugged forests for more than 200 kilometers, amidst complete darkness and unpaved roads. Libyan captain Faisal Al-Badri described the experience, saying, "It was a perilous journey, and the mistreatment was evident from the very beginning.".
A few days later, the Libyan response was swift. Upon the Nigerian national team's arrival in Libya for the second leg of their match, their plane was diverted to the deserted Al-Abraq airport, nearly a four-hour drive from Benghazi. This last-minute diversion was not a coincidence, but rather part of a clear plan to retaliate for what had happened in Nigeria, according to informed sources speaking to television stations.
The Nigerian players found themselves in the same situation as their Libyan opponents a week earlier. They were detained in a closed airport, without food or water, awaiting an unclear resolution. Nigerian striker Boniface, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen, spoke bitterly, saying, "We spent almost 13 hours in the airport with nothing... no food, no internet, not even a place to sleep.".
This harsh waiting was a message from Libya to Nigeria: "As you did to us, we will do to you.".
Between Lagos and Al-Abraq, a football match turned into a confrontation between two countries, where sportsmanship was replaced by revenge, and what should have been a sporting celebration that brought people together became an arena for bitter conflict between teams, where harsh conditions were used as an unsportsmanlike weapon to weaken opponents.
Such incidents reflect a larger challenge facing African football. In the absence of proper organization and effective coordination between nations, these incidents become more frequent. The cycle of revenge not only harms teams but also damages the reputation of the game and exacerbates divisions between national teams, which inevitably impacts the level of play at the national level.
In the Al-Abraq airport incident, the players weren't the only victims of this treatment; sportsmanship itself suffered the most. Nigerian players were filmed trying to sleep on airport seats, a scene that would crush any athlete's spirit. Leicester City's Ndidi expressed his frustration, saying, "This isn't football... what happened here is an insult to the sport.".
With these incidents recurring, a pressing question arises: how long will this cycle of revenge continue in African football? African national teams deserve to be treated with the respect and dignity befitting the sport they represent. The competition must remain on the pitch, where players are free to showcase their skills, not in deserted airports or on unsafe roads.
Perhaps it is time for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to intervene decisively to put an end to these actions, and to establish strict protocols that obligate all member states to treat visiting teams with dignity and respect, away from political calculations or the desire for revenge and to influence the visiting team by mistreating and mistreating it.
Ultimately, if the voices of football fans across the African continent could speak, they would say: We must return to what football truly represents. It is the people's game, embodying dedication and creativity, and uniting humanity under one banner. When these values are eroded by retaliation and revenge, we all lose in Africa—not just as players or teams, but as fans who cherish this sport and believe in its power to unite people.
What happened between Nigeria and Libya should serve as a lesson for continental federations and FIFA, which will undoubtedly examine this incident in all its dimensions and aspects. Sensible voices within African sports believe that football deserves to be played on the pitch, not in closed airports or on rough roads, and that sport should remain a space for fair competition and mutual respect, lest the dream of African football turn into a perpetual nightmare for anyone who dares to play on it.
Sports
Salman Al-Faraj faces Al-Hilal for the first time in the Roshan League with Neom
Saudi football fans are eagerly anticipating a special match between Neom and Al-Hilal, as the legendary captain Salman Al-Faraj returns to face his former team in the Saudi Roshan League.
Saudi football fans will be glued to their screens this Sunday evening as King Khalid Sports City Stadium in Tabuk hosts a highly anticipated clash between NEOM FC and Al-Hilal FC, in the 16th round of the Saudi Professional League. However, this match carries a special significance beyond the mere competition for three points, as it marks the return of club legend Salman Al-Faraj to face the club where he forged a history of remarkable achievements. It's a match where nostalgia blends with professionalism and a fierce challenge.
Historical background: Al-Faraj's legendary journey with Al-Hilal
Salman Al-Faraj, the current captain of NEOM, is one of the most prominent names in the history of Al-Hilal and Saudi football. His journey with "The Boss" began in December 2008 when Romanian coach Cosmin Olăroiu gave him his first opportunity to play. From that moment, Al-Faraj embarked on a legendary career spanning more than 15 years, transforming from a promising young player into an inspirational leader and captain of a golden generation that dominated local and continental championships. During his time with Al-Hilal, Al-Faraj etched his name in the annals of history as the most decorated player in the Saudi Professional League with eight titles, in addition to winning the AFC Champions League twice, the Crown Prince Cup three times, and the Saudi Super Cup three times, becoming a symbol of victory in the hearts of Al-Hilal fans, who last witnessed him lifting the King's Cup in May 2024.
New chapter: Neom challenge and return from injury
In a move that surprised many at the start of last season, Salman Al-Faraj took the helm of NEOM FC's ambitious sporting project. However, this new chapter was not without its challenges, as he suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for over a year. But with the determination of a champion, Al-Faraj gradually returned to the team, making his first appearance last December, and his technical and physical readiness has steadily increased, culminating in this highly anticipated match. The match also sees the return of his former Al-Hilal teammates, Mohammed Al-Breik and Khalifa Al-Dossari, all wearing the NEOM jersey, adding another layer of intrigue to the encounter.
The importance of the confrontation and its expected impact
The match holds immense importance for both teams. Al-Hilal aims to continue its title defense and reaffirm its dominance, while Neom, led by its experienced captain, aspires to achieve a historic victory that will establish it as a serious contender in the league. The result of the friendly match between the two teams last December, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Neom, adds to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the match, as Al-Faraj and his teammates seek to replicate that success in an official encounter. For the fans, it will be a poignant moment to see the captain who lifted Al-Hilal's last league trophy facing them in the jersey of another team – a scene that encapsulates the profound meaning of loyalty and professionalism in the world of football.
At precisely 8:30 PM, the language of emotions will cease, and the action on the pitch will begin. This is a match where there is no room for half-measures, a clash between Al-Hilal's glorious past and present, and NEOM's ambitious aspirations and promising future. The most pressing question remains: Will Al-Faraj succeed in leading his new team to a precious victory against his former club?
Sports
The Saudi Roshan League: The source of European, African, and world champions
It highlights the transformation of the Saudi Roshan League into a global force, with its stars such as Laporte, Bono and Mane shining in the Euro, Copa America and Africa Cup finals.
The Saudi Professional League is no longer just a destination for international football stars in the twilight of their careers; it has transformed into a true platform for producing champions who lift continental trophies with their national teams. The highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal, featuring a constellation of league stars, is the latest evidence of this radical shift in the league's standing on the global stage.
Historical background: From attracting heroes to creating them
Historically, Saudi clubs signed players with major titles like the World Cup or the Champions League to their credit, as a way to add quality to the domestic league. However, this equation has begun to change dramatically, especially with the launch of the sports transformation project within the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The transfer of Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo to Al-Nassr in late 2012 served as the spark that opened the door for the arrival of some of the world's best players at the peak of their careers, raising the level of competition and media attention of the league to unprecedented levels.
Summer 2024: Dori Roshen's imprint on the Euros and Copa America
The summer of 2024 witnessed historic moments that underscored this shift. While Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina, formerly of Al-Nassr, was enduring a heartbreaking night on the bench in the 2024 Copa America final against Argentina, two players from the Saudi Professional League were achieving glory in Europe. Aymeric Laporte, Al-Nassr's defender, and Nacho Fernandez, Al-Qadisiyah's captain, won the 2024 European Championship with Spain, with Laporte playing the full 90 minutes in the final. They became the first Saudi Pro League players to achieve this feat while under contract with their respective clubs. This was no ordinary event; it sent a clear message that playing in Saudi Arabia is no longer an obstacle to excelling at the highest international level.
Global impact: Enhancing the league's brand
The presence of Roshan League players in major continental finals directly enhances the league's global brand. It is no longer perceived merely as a local or regional league, but as an integral part of the global football system. This international prominence attracts more talent, increases sponsorship and broadcasting deals, and elevates the league to the ranks of the major leagues. Furthermore, it completely refutes the notion that moving to Saudi Arabia is a step towards "retirement," demonstrating instead that it is a competitive environment capable of keeping players at the peak of their physical and technical abilities.
An African final with a purely Saudi flavor
Today, the world is witnessing a new chapter in this inspiring story, as the Africa Cup of Nations final pits Morocco, led by their reliable goalkeeper Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal) and defender Jawad El Yamiq (Al-Najma), against Senegal, a team brimming with stars from the Saudi Professional League, including goalkeeper Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli), captain Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr), and defender Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal). This encounter is not merely a battle for the African title; it is a mini-derby of the Saudi Professional League on African soil, guaranteeing that, regardless of the winner, the trophy will return with a champion playing in Saudi Arabia. Yassine Bounou has confirmed his readiness for the final, while Sadio Mane has expressed his strong desire to bring the cup back to Dakar, promising a fiery encounter that reflects the strength and influence of the Saudi Professional League on the international stage.
Sports
Alcaraz beats Gasquet at the start of the Australian Open
Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz begins his campaign to win the Australian Open tennis title with a strong victory over veteran Frenchman Richard Gasquet, confirming his strong return to the courts in Melbourne.
Alcaraz begins his 2024 Australian Open campaign with a convincing victory over Gasquet
World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz began his quest for a first Australian Open title with a convincing victory over veteran Frenchman Richard Gasquet. In a match played on Rod Laver Arena, Alcaraz secured the win in straight sets, 7-6 (7-5), 6-1, 6-2, to advance to the second round of the first Grand Slam tournament of the season.
A strong comeback after an absence
This match marked Alcaraz's highly anticipated return to Melbourne Park after missing the 2023 edition due to a leg injury. The 20-year-old Spaniard entered the tournament as one of the favorites to win the title, especially after his stunning performance the previous season, which culminated in his victory over Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon.
The start wasn't easy for Gasquet, who used his vast experience in the first set to force Alcaraz into a tiebreak. Despite fierce resistance from the Frenchman, Alcaraz displayed great tactical maturity and won the tiebreak, giving him a huge morale boost for the rest of the match.
Spanish dominance and confirmation of readiness
After winning a hard-fought first set, Alcaraz completely dominated the second and third sets. Utilizing his immense physical strength, blistering speed, and powerful forehand, he broke Gasquet's serve early in both sets and quickly closed out the match, demonstrating his physical and mental readiness to compete at the highest level. Alcaraz displayed a versatile style, combining powerful groundstrokes with intelligent net approaches, a technique that has made him one of the toughest players on the ATP Tour.
The importance of the championship in the context of global competition
The Australian Open takes on special significance this year given the fierce battle for the world number one ranking. Alcaraz is considered the main challenger to Novak Djokovic, the record holder for most titles at the tournament (10). Alcaraz's performance in Melbourne will be a true test of his ability to challenge Djokovic's dominance on hard courts, and his first-round victory sends a clear message to the rest of the field that he is a serious contender for the title. The tournament also presents Alcaraz with an opportunity to add a third Grand Slam title to his impressive record, which includes the 2022 US Open and 2023 Wimbledon titles.
With this victory, Alcaraz continues his journey in the tournament where he will face Italian Lorenzo Sonego in the next round, in a new step in his quest to achieve his dream of winning the “Happy Tournament” title for the first time in his professional career.
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