Fulham manager Marco Silva has criticized Libyan authorities for their inhumane treatment of Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and their Super Eagles teammates during the international break in October.
Iwobi, Bassey, and their teammates traveled to Libya for a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier that was scheduled to take place in Benghazi last Tuesday. However, their flight was diverted to a smaller airport in Al Abraq, where they were held for 18 hours without food, water, or internet access.
Discussing the ordeal Iwobi and Bassey faced in Libya ahead of Fulham’s Premier League match against Aston Villa on Saturday, Silva told reporters, “It’s another example of mixed feelings. When players go to represent their national teams, we expect them to return healthy and ready to play for us. They should be able to perform at a good level to maintain their fitness and momentum.”
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Silva emphasized, “What Calvin, Alex, and their teammates experienced in Libya was certainly not enjoyable. It’s unprofessional and not normal. This is not something that should be part of football.”
He added, “They are back with us now. The first two days were tough for them to recover from everything, but they will be ready for the clash against Aston Villa.”