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    ‘Football here is like religion’ – Inside Jamal Lewis’ amazing life in Brazil after ‘whirlwind’ transfer from Newcastle

    JAMAL LEWIS is commuting 6,000 miles between Belfast and Brazil with an amazing new life at Sao Paulo.The Northern Ireland defender — on loan there from Newcastle — jets in from the other side of the world for internationals.Jamal Lewis is currently on loan at Sao Paulo FC from NewcastleCredit: Instagram / saopaulofcHe says he is ‘proud’ to be a Northern Irishman playing in BrazilCredit: PacemakerLeft-back Lewis, 26, becomes the first Brit to play for the Brazilian giants and hopes the Samba-style football can help his countrymen.Ahead of facing Belarus on Saturday, he joked: “I guess I’m going to have to give man-of-the-match performances every week now.“There is such a rich culture of football out there, it’s amazing. I hope it will go on into the long-term future.“And I am very proud to be a Northern Irishman playing in Brazil.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“The hotter climate makes for a different intensity in the football and, at times, I feel far away.“But there is a rich culture of football and some hugely-talented players who have played in the ­Premier League before.There is such a rich culture of football out there, it’s amazing. I hope it will go on into the long-term future.”Jamal Lewis“It’s a massive challenge for me — and one that I am embracing with both hands.”Northern Ireland held Belarus to a 0-0 draw on Saturday in their C3 Nations League clash.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSManager Michael O’Neill’s side next host Bulgaria at Windsor Park on Tuesday night.Former Norwich defender Lewis confessed: “Belfast will feel a lot colder than Brazil but I love Windsor Park.Gary Neville tells Eddie Howe clear reason why he should QUIT Newcastle for ‘next step up’ in his career“The atmosphere created by a relatively small crowd when it’s full is so close to my heart.“I came into the senior squad just after the great run at Euro 2016 and there’s another major tournament in this squad for sure. We just need to gel.”Lewis may well have also ruined one of Northern Ireland’s most famous football anthems — but it is all the same to him.Every international is accompanied by the Green and White Army’s lusty rendition of We’re Not Brazil, We’re Northern Ireland.But in the defender’s case, he is both.Opportunity of a lifetimeThe chance to make history as the first Brit to play for Sao Paulo, one of Brazil’s most successful teams, and make a fresh start was too good to turn down.Lewis said: “I knew  my time at Newcastle would be limited so I was looking for an option — loan or permanent.“Once my agent told me, it sparked my interest and it is definitely something different. It’s a chance I wanted to seize with both hands and see where it takes me.I am proud to be an Irishman and play in Brazil. It’s not something many people have done. I am the first Brit to play for Sao Paulo.”Jamal Lewis“It went from zero to a hundred quickly and I flew to Brazil the next day.“We got all the documents done and  it’s been a whirlwind. I’m still in the adjustment phase but I’m really enjoying it — the people, the culture, the club.“In the same way that the English love their football, and we love the Premier League, the Brazilians are renowned worldwide for their football.“It’s such a huge thing, it goes hand  in hand with religion for the Brazilians. The fans, the clubs, the history that it comes with  is amazing.The left-back has fallen out of favour at NewcastleCredit: Getty“You can see it with Sao Paulo — the history of the place. The championships they have won and the pride of the people that support the club is immense.“So, to represent them is amazing and hopefully this is the start of a long journey with them.”Every home international for Lewis is now a minimum 6,000-mile trek from the country of Neymar and Co to Belfast.He continued: “Sometimes I feel far away from home, especially when I am messaging and it’s already dark in the UK and I am enjoying the sun.“The four-hour time difference has an effect. But it comes with the job. It doesn’t feel much further than being in Newcastle, really.“Football is a learning profession. My wife’s coming over after this international break so we’ll get to experience it together, which will be great.“I made my full debut in the last match before the international break.“I am proud to be an Irishman and play in Brazil. It’s not something many people have done. I am the first Brit to play for Sao Paulo.“I’m proud to represent myself, my family and Northern Ireland in Brazil.“Challenging myself each and every day to communicate with people is a little bit difficult but I am embracing the new culture, the weather, the people.”New homeSao Paulo have never been relegated from Brazil’s top division.Lewis’ loan is slightly different, given the split season in the country that  has blessed the world with so many superstars of the game.Home games for his new club are at the 72,000-capacity MorumBIS stadium.One recognisable team-mate is former Tottenham striker Lucas Moura, 32.And Lewis had a full-on taste of what to expect in last month’s Copa Libertadores — a rough equivalent of our Champions League — as an unused sub against Botafogo in the quarter-finals.He said: “The stadiums in Brazil are immense. Ours holds 70-plus thousand, it’s just amazing.“I got to see the best of it against Botafogo. It was a packed house, the fans were amazing and the atmosphere was great. I just hope I get to make some starts before the season finishes.Lewis is loving life in BrazilCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jamal_lewis1/“It ends in December. So not many games left. There is then a month off before a small pre-season. Then we go into the Paulista Cup where you play more local teams through to March and then in April, the season starts again.“It’s a one-season loan as far as Newcastle are concerned — but two half-season loans for me. My loan ends in June but there is an option to make it permanent once that finishes.“Sao Paulo’s densely packed but I live in London back home so it’s nothing I am not used to. It feels like a home away from home but with better weather.“I am adjusting to the team and they are adjusting to me. We have only played a handful of games.It’s a big step but one I am really relishing every day.”Jamal Lewis“I am getting up to pace with the style of play. It’s a hotter climate so that brings a different kind of intensity of football with it.“I have taken a big step out of my own environment of being able to communicate easily to now having to immerse myself and learn to get by day to day.“I have played with many foreign players and now I empathise with the process they go through to integrate into British culture. I am making sure I can do that in Brazilian culture.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The beauty of me being in Sao Paulo is exposing myself to so many different things, growing as a person, learning as an individual.“It’s a big step but one I am really relishing every day.” More

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    Benjamin Mendy SUES Man City for £11m of unpaid wages after £500k a MONTH salary stopped when he was charged with rape

    FORMER Premier League star Benjamin Mendy launched a legal claim against Manchester City today for £11m in unpaid wages.The French World Cup winner has brought an employment tribunal against the Premier League champions after the club stopped paying his £500,000-a-month wages after he was charged with rape and sexual assault.Mendy has brought an employment tribunal against the Premier League championsCredit: PACity deny breaching employment law and argue Mendy violated his own contractCredit: AFPMendy, 30, signed for the Blues in a £52m transfer from Monaco in July 2017, agreeing a £6m-a-year deal which was due to run until June 2023.His contract also guaranteed him a £1m bonus each time City qualified for the Champions League, a further £900,000 if he played in more than 60 per cent of City’s matches and an annual £1.2m payment to his image rights company.But documents submitted to the tribunal in Manchester revealed how the Blues stopped paying his wages and monthly employer pension contributions of £434 after he was initially charged with four counts of rape and one sexual assault in August 2021.Mendy was remanded in custody and also suspended by the Football Association from all “footballing activities”.Read more FootballJust over a month later on 28 September 2021, City officials wrote to Mendy to notify him of their decision.The letter stated: “The club has, after careful and anxious consideration, suspended the payment of salary to you. You will not receive the payment that would otherwise have fallen due at the end of September 2021.“Nor will you receive any further payment until you are ready and able to perform your obligations under the contract of employment.“You are not presently ready and able to perform duties, of course, because you have been remanded in custody and, separately, because The FA has suspended you from engaging in any football-related activity.Most read in Football“Our understanding is that District Judge Garva remanded you in custody because of your conduct whilst already on bail.Benjamin Mendy of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City on August 15, 2021“Remand, was, therefore, an avoidable impediment to your being able to perform your duties. We understand that a subsequent request to be released on bail was refused. In those circumstances, the club is no longer obliged to continue to pay you.”But Mendy – now with French side Lorient – has brought a claim for “unauthorised deductions” from wages contrary to section 13 of the Employment Rights Act 1996.He claims under the terms of his contract, the club only had the right to stop his wages for a maximum of six weeks.Smartly dressed in a light blue shirt and tie, Mendy appeared from a law office via video link and affirmed an Islamic oath prior to giving evidence.City deny breaching employment law and argue Mendy violated his own contract by bringing the club into disrepute and indulging in behaviour which prevented him from playing or training.The club initially continued paying Mendy following his first arrest in November 2020.Mendy was found not guilty of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to four women in January 2023 after a six-month trial at Chester crown court.Jurors could not reach verdicts on one count of rape and one of attempted rape, relating to two women, but he was found not guilty of those after a retrial in June 2023. More

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    Football team beaten by baseball bat-wielding thugs and player has kneecap smashed in ‘violent and distressing attack’

    A WELSH football team have been shockingly attacked by thugs with baseball bats on their way home from a match.Several players sustained injuries, with goalkeeper Josh Collins having his knee broken.Josh Collins had his knee broken in the attackCredit: Facebook / Avenue HotspurCollins has sustained ‘life-changing’ injuriesCredit: Facebook / Avenue HotspurSeveral Avenue Hotspur were beaten in the incidentCredit: Facebook / Avenue HotspurThe horror incident occurred at the Eastern Leisure Centre in Llanrumney on Saturday.Avenue Hotspur lost 3-1 to Llanrumney Athletic in Division One of the Cardiff and District Football League.Three red cards and two yellows were brandished by the referee after the final whistle.Then as the Hotspur players left the venue, the squad were attacked by bat-wielding thugs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCollins has sustained “life-changing” injuries and some of his team-mates were also hurt.The 32-year-old is said to be in “good spirits” despite the injury and has undergone surgery.A vehicle was also damaged by the group of masked men.Cops have launched an investigation but no arrests have been made yet.Most read in FootballA statement from Avenue Hotspur said what happened was “distressing” and “frightening”.It read: “We trust the the police will do all they can to bring those involved to justice. “This shocking incident, in which several players were violently attacked as they left the changing rooms, is completely unacceptable and was a really distressing and frightening experience for everyone involved.”We are fully cooperating with the police and the South Wales Football Association in their investigations, and our primary at present is focused on supporting all those affected at this time.”In the meantime I would like to thank the wider football community in Wales for their messages of comfort and support at this difficult time for everyone at Avenue Hotspur FC.”As a family focused community football club proud to represent the Ely Community we are committed to providing a fun filled, safe and inclusive environment for all and are hoping to return to playing in the next few weeks.”A statement from Llanrumney Athletic read: “We would firstly like to wish anyone injured in the incident a speedy recovery. “We were here for football and no one should ever have to worry about whether they will make it to work the next day following a game of football.”We strongly condemn the actions of the individuals involved in this incident. “To the club’s knowledge, no players or coaching staff were involved in this incident and should any information come to light to contradict this, they will be dealt with accordingly. “Llanrumney Athletic is cooperating with all ongoing enquiries.”Detective Inspector Daniel Todd said: “The level of violence was appalling and will not be tolerated. READ MORE SUN STORIES”This incident has understandably shocked the community, and it must have been very frightening for all involved. “We are grateful for information received so far and would appeal for any witnesses to please come forward.” More

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    Class of ’92 member set to LEAVE Salford for new role at higher club

    FORMER Manchester United star Chris Casper is set to leave Salford City for a new role elsewhere.Casper, 49, has been Salford’s director of football development since 2017, having reunited with former ‘Class of 92’ team-mates Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt.Chris Casper is set to leave Salford for a new clubCredit: GettyCasper is a member of Man Utd’s iconic Class of 92Credit: AlamyHe was appointed to help deliver their huge ambitions – the main one of which was to eventually reach the Premier League.At the time, Salford were competing in the National League North.And, two promotions later, they are now members of the English Football League.The Ammies currently sit 16th in the League Two table.Read More in FootballBut things are set to change at the club in the near future, with key man Casper moving on to pastures new.The Daily Mail claims he is set to leave Salford for a new role at a club further up the football pyramid.His new club is yet to be named.Salford’s director of finance Jonathan Jackson is expected to take over at Moor Lane.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCasper joined Man Utd’s academy in 1991 and made his senior debut three years later.However, he was limited to just seven appearances after signing his first professional deal.What happened to these five forgotten Manchester United wonderkidsThe defender was loaned out to Bournemouth and Swindon Town before eventually joining Reading in 1998.But he was forced to retire aged just 26 in 2000 after suffering a career-ending injury.Casper sustained a double leg fracture following a challenge from Cardiff’s Richard Carpenter.He later received undisclosed compensation in an out-of-court settlement with Carpenter. More

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    Inside Jurgen Klopp’s incredible lifestyle with wife Ulla at their £3.4m paradise in Mallorca after leaving Liverpool

    LIFE after retirement IS meant to be this good, Jurgen.The legendary Liverpool manager, who waved goodbye to Anfield last season after a nine-year tenure, is now living his best life – away from the stresses of the Premier League.Jurgen Klopp and wife Ulla are living a life of luxuryKlopp’s retirement villa cost £3.4m and was bought in 2022Recently, Klopp’s fortune has been estimated at around £42mInstead of locking horns with Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, Klopp, 57, is looking healthier than ever with a glowing tan.He has settled in his stunning Mallorca home he splashed £3.4million on and is enjoying time with wife, Ulla.Klopp, who joined Instagram back in May, has been sharing his lifestyle with his fans.His plans for his lavish villa create “an ecological family paradise” there. Read more football newsThat’s certainly more relaxing for the man who gave his all to the Reds and walked away because he was “running out of energy”.Revealing why Mallorca caught his eye, he told the podcast Willipedia via Bild: “I’ve dreamed of having a house in the south all my life. I like the weather, the climate, I like the people.”There are lots of things I like here and also people I already know. It’s not like I’m looking for new friends. I already have friends for life, and if some of them are here too, that’s cool.”However, he made it clear he wasn’t going to stay in Mallorca all year round.Most read in Football”I don’t want to emigrate. We go on holiday here every now and then,” Klopp added.Ex-Liverpool boss and heavy metal fan Jurgen Klopp soundproofs £6m mansion in Germany’s ‘Beverly Hills'”But when I’m here, I want everything to be as I know it.”That’s totally boring but the point is that I want to get to know a different life, but not somewhere in the jungle or on the mountain.”Klopp has even found himself a new hobby – playing padel tennis while on the Balearic Island.In the meantime, after recharging his batteries, Klopp has accepted a return to football with the Red Bull group.He will take on an advisory role, worth a reported £10million-per-year, offering his insight into teams including RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg and New York Red Bulls.SunSport takes a look at his epic Spanish existence.Inside his eco-villaKlopp earned a packet from football.It’s believed his fortune stands at around the £42million mark, with Liverpool paying him handsomely and endorsement deals with brands such as Opel, Erdinger, VR-Bank, Snickers, Deutsche Vermogensberatung, Puma and Adidas adding to his bank balance.Back in 2022, the German icon paid £3.4million for his Mallorcan villa – buying it off Swiss businessmen and artist Rolf Knie.Ex-Liverpool boss Klopp’s retirement home is eco-friendlyKlopp completely renovated the property to ensure it uses less electricityHere’s one of the bedrooms of the property, which boasts high ceilingsAll electrical devices in the home are controlled via an appread more sport featuresHis first job was to completely renovate the 5,000-square metre property property.As reported by German outlet Bild, Klopp turned the villa into a low-energy house with a unique interconnected heating and air conditioning system.The systems work with a computer to make sure the temperature in the house stays the same, regardless of the weather conditions outside.Futuristically, all electrical devices and appliances are controlled by using an app.The idea behind the changes is to use less electricity, and the transformation is believed to reduce consumption by up to 75 per cent.Not skimping on the property’s grounds, Klopp hired a company who designed the garden of the five-star Son Bunyola hotel owned by Virgin supremo Sir Richard Branson to tend to his.Spending his time wiselyBeing a former footballer who thrives on competition, Jurgen wasn’t going to completely give up on sport.In his later years at Liverpool, he insisted on installing a padel court at the club’s Melwood training ground.And it’s a sport that’s close to his heart.Klopp and wife Ulla have become members of the Mallorca Country ClubMembership for the Mallorca Country Club costs around £2,345 per yearHe once said: “Besides football, padel is the best game I’ve ever played.”The love of the fast-paced racket sport, which is a cross between tennis and squash, encouraged Klopp and his wife to become members of the exclusive Mallorca Country Club.Other members include Prince Albert of Monaco, Princess Birgitta of Sweden, Boris Becker, and Novak Djokovic.He regularly visits the £2,345 a year club to play padel – filming his exploits on social media.At the end of May, in a clip on Instagram he said: “Now what I’m doing, I try – no, no, I follow – my other big passion. I try to improve my padel game.“Started two days ago, today’s my third session and I started on an extremely low level. Didn’t play for a while and felt it immediately but step by step I will get there.”READ MORE SUN STORIESKlopp practices his padel game at the exclusive members only Mallorca Country ClubSince retiring, Klopp has a healthy glow about him and appears stress freeBrilliantly, Klopp also has his own range of padel bats with tennis giants Wilson sport.Retirement has clearly never looked this good. More

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    I’m a former Premier League star who was arrested for cock-fighting… now I’m back playing aged 43

    AN ex-Premier League star once arrested for cock-fighting has made a shock return to football.Fabio Rochemback hung up his boots ten years ago and has spent the last decade away from the game. Fabio Rochemback has made a shock return to footballCredit: InstagramThe Brazilian spent three years at MiddlesbroughCredit: PA:Press AssociationBut he has now joined Brazilian amateur side Guarany de Xaxim on a short-term deal.The club compete in the regional Santa Catarina Championship.Rochemback captained the side to a 3-2 win on his first appearance.The 43-year-old is best remembered by the three seasons he spent at Middlesbrough.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe played 91 times for the club and was part of the team that made the Uefa Cup final in 2006.The midfielder also had spells at Barcelona and Sporting Lisbon.Rochemback, who was capped seven times by Brazil, was nicknamed The Cannon thanks to his trademark powerful long shots.Since retiring, he hit the headlines in 2017 when he was arrested on suspicion of involvement in a cock-fighting ring.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnimal fighting is a crime in Brazil and the ex-player was detained by cops in a raid of an event in Rio Grande do Sul.Police said 89 roosters and £24,000 in cash was also seized that evening.Football icons’ strange hobbiesRochemback had a farm raided by the authorities six years earlier.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Gary Lineker reveals England manager ‘rumours’ and offers theory Lee Carsley ‘protecting himself’ with bizarre comments

    GARY LINEKER has offered his theory on Lee Carsley’s bizarre comments on his future as England manager.The Match of the Day host also revealed details about the “rumours” he has been hearing about the next Three Lions boss.Gary Lineker believes Lee Carsley ‘knows more’ and is ‘protecting himself’Carsley’s recent comments have left fans confused over his futureThe England interim boss raised eyebrows when he mentioned that he would “hopefully” return to his role as Under-21s manager on the back of England’s 2-1 defeat to Greece last week.Following the 3-1 win over Finland on Sunday, Carsley urged the FA to appoint a “world-class” manager to replace Gareth Southgate, before adding that he hasn’t ruled himself out.His words have left fans confused over whether he wants the role on a permanent basis, with just two games remaining of his scheduled three-camp stint.But Lineker has suggested on The Rest Is Football Podcast that Carsley is being “protective” and could already be aware of what his future holds.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLineker said: “I wonder. I’ve heard rumours and stuff. Whether he knows something about what’s happening, in terms of they’re looking for a new manager.”I think they’ve sounded out coaches. That’s what the rumours are, that’s what we’ve heard.”And I wonder whether he thinks he’s not going to get it so therefore he is perhaps protecting himself and wants to get his other job back.”I don’t know, because it seems a little bit defeatist. ‘They need a winning coach’, I mean, look at the two teams who have just won international tournaments.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Spain didn’t have a guy who had won trophies before, certainly not in league football. Lee Carlsey has won the European Championship with England’s U-21s.”I wonder whether they have been sounding out people and he’s found out and he just doesn’t believe he is going to get the job.”England ratings: Angel Gomes is the runaway success of Lee Carsley era but Cole Palmer is anonymousCo-hosts Micah Richards and Alan Shearer agreed that Carsley was “hard to read”, with the former Man City defender adding: “He’s playing poker”.But Shearer later added: “Gary, if the FA were not speaking to and sounding out people then they’re not doing their job properly.”Whether it’s Pep, Eddie Howe or Tuchel, they must be speaking to these people.”And Gareth wasn’t a guy that had won trophies and he was in the job for eight years.”Carsley has won three of his interim games in charge, picking up victories over Ireland and Finland twice.But many thought he’d failed his England audition after his striker-less system saw England lose at Wembley to 48th ranked side Greece last Thursday.Thomas Tuchel, Pep Guardiola and Howe remain the favourites to get the full-time gig but it is unclear if any discussions have taken place.Lee Carsley simply doesn’t sound like an England managerBy Dave KiddAfter three months of uncertainty, it is now absolutely as clear as mud.Does Lee Carsley want to be England’s permanent manager or not?And why is he so reluctant to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to such a simple question?Following a team selection which brought a welcome return to common sense — and an England victory which restored a certain amount of pride — came another chaotic round of post-match interviews in which Carsley contradicted himself several times.And given that communication is such an important part of the England job, it does not help his cause when you feel as if you are disappearing down a rabbit hole every time you speak to Carsley.He is a likeable man and a gifted coach — but he simply doesn’t sound like an England manager.There simply isn’t enough authority or clarity about him.At the age of 50, Carsley has never been the full-time manager of any senior football team and it shows.That is irrespective of the tactical car crash of Thursday’s 2-1 home defeat by Greece.Read the full article here More

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    Nigeria stars REFUSE to face Libya and fume ‘let them have the points’ after claims they were ‘held hostage’ at airport

    NIGERIA are refusing to play their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya following their abandoned airport “hostage” ordeal.And that could see the Super Eagles forfeit the match and the points handed to their opponents. Nigeria’s players claimed there were held hostage at an abandoned airportCredit: X @WTroostEkongThe squad tried to sleep on the seats in the empty terminalCredit: X @WTroostEkongOfficials desperately tried to negotiate with airport staffCredit: https://x.com/thecablengThe players decided to go straight back to NigeriaCredit: https://x.com/thecablengThe Nigerian national team were stranded at the wrong airport overnight when their Sunday chartered flight was diverted during the descent.It is alleged the Libyan Government ordered the change in destination.Nigerian players and staff were left without food, water or access to phone connections at the abandoned airport which had its gates locked. Nigerian players believe the “hostage” conditions that lasted more than 18 hours were a petulant retaliation after Libya accused the Nigerian Football Federation of “poor treatment” ahead of the reverse fixture last week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNigeria hosted Libya on Friday, with the home team securing a 1-0 win in Group D.And with the two teams due to face off in Libya on Tuesday evening, the Nigerian captain insists his team have decided they will not take to the field – and instead wanted to fly directly back to Nigeria. Former Tottenham and Watford defender William Troost-Ekong wrote on X at 7.42am UK time on Monday morning: “As the captain together with the team we have decided that we will NOT play this game.”CAF should look at the report and what is happening here. Even if they decide to allow this kind of behaviour, let them have the points.Most read in Football”We will not accept to travel anywhere by road here even with security it’s not safe.”We can only imagine what the hotel or food would be like given to us IF we continued.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers”We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria.”Mistakes happen but these things on purpose have nothing to do with international football.”He added at 1.07pm: “Power of social media. Apparently our plane is being fueled as we speak and we should be leaving to Nigeria shortly. “Thanks for everyone’s support! I REITERATE: We would NEVER treat a guest nation for a game in this way. “Mistakes happen, delays happen. But never on purpose!”Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface added: “Been at the airport for almost 13 hours, no food no wifi nowhere to sleep. Africa we can do better.”He also shared a video on X at 10.12am UK time from the grounds and claimed they had been holed up at the airport for 16 hours.Boniface later tweeted at 12.24pm suggesting Nigeria are keen to concede the match: “This is getting scary now. You guys can have the point. We just want to return to our country.”Approximately 15 minutes after Troost-Ekong said they should be “leaving shortly”, a photo was posted on social media at 1.20pm of the players queueing up to board the flight home. Reports from Nigerian journalists alleged Libya charged five times the current market price for the fuel – after the Government eventually relented and issued a clearance to fly. Troost-Ekong gave fans a detailed update on the scenes at Al-Abraq Airport in Libya, 150 miles and nearly a four-hour drive from Nigeria’s original destination of Benghazi. Photos showed the players forced to sleep on seats in the empty terminal with their suitcases. Video footage also appeared to show Nigerian football chiefs desperately pleading and negotiating with Libyan airport staff.Troost-Ekong added: “12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Lybia after our plane was diverted whilst descending. Lybian government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.”They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games.”I’ve experienced stuff before playing away in Africa but this is disgraceful behaviour.The Super Eagles were due to play Libya on Tuesday eveningCredit: X @WTroostEkongNigeria players tried to keep their spirits upCredit: https://x.com/thecablengWilfred Ndidi let rip on his Instagram storyCredit: Instagram @ndidi25They were kept in overnightCredit: https://x.com/thecablengThe gates of the airport were lockedCredit: https://x.com/thecableng”Even the Tunisian pilot who thankfully managed to navigate the last-minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land had never seen something like this before.”Upon arrival, he tried to find a nearby airport to rest with his crew to be denied at every hotel again under Government instruction.”He could sleep there but NO NIGERIAN crew members allowed. They have returned to now sleep on the plane which is parked up.”At this point, we have called for our Nigerian Government to intervene and rescue us.”The stranded squad was understood to include Premier League stars Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Taiwo Awoniyi – plus ex-Leicester pair Ademola Lookman and Kelechi Iheanacho.Ndidi fumed on his Instagram story: “This is not football. Very embarrassing. Hostage to a national team. Disgrace.”He later added: “This is becoming scary… I’m scared for our lives.”Actions like this go against the spirit of sportsmanship… this is uncalled for and inhumaneVictor OsimhenVictor Osimhen was not with the squad but also hit out at the treatment of his team-mates.He wrote on Instagram: “I am disappointed by the unfair treatment my brothers and coaches are facing at the Libya airport last night.”Actions like this go against the spirit of sportsmanship. My support is with my team, and I know they’ll stay strong despite these obstacles.”I call on CAF (Confederation of African Football) to intervene, as my team-mates and officials are still stranded at the airport in Libya. “This is uncalled for and inhumane. We stand together, stronger than ever.”Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar stepped in to get involved and help resolve the problems.He revealed a compatriot arrived at the airport at 6am this morning with “necessary supplies and internet access”.A minibus did turn up at one stage and in the morning the players were given the chance to get fresh air but were still stuck on the airport grounds. Libya’s initial anger stemmed from the reverse clash in Nigeria last week.Captain Faisal Al-Badri claimed the Nigerian Football Federation disrupted their own travel plans into Nigeria.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, the NFF assistant director Emmanuel Ayanbunmi rejected the accusations and insisted he was not made fully aware of Libya’s itinerary because the Libyan FA general secretary “said he would get back to me but never did”.Ayanbunmi also suggested that Libya refused the NFF’s offer of transportation arrangements and decided to hire buses independently.Plenty of stars took to social media to fume at the conditionsCredit: X @WTroostEkongThe chaotic scenes were filmed by some of the playersCredit: https://x.com/JayNaijaTvThere was initially no access to food or waterCredit: https://x.com/JayNaijaTvA minibus was brought in to transport the playersCredit: X @boniface_jrnThey were let out for fresh air at the airport in the morningCredit: X @boniface_jrn More