We’ve held off from discussing the Nigerian Libyan airport fiasco because, of course, it’s not Rangers, even if Ibrox graduate Calvin Bassey was one of the victims.
That said, countryman (he’s actually really German) and former Rangers team mate Leon Balogun has taken to social media to call this situation out, and it’s certainly made a few waves in the press:
“Hey @CAF_Online – surely you’re going to investigate thoroughly and take action, right?
“Whoever is responsible for this needs to be held accountable. This is unacceptable!!”
Rangers’ veteran defender certainly isn’t happy with the situation and the players themselves claimed it was akin to a hostage situation.
The truth, of course, is somewhere in the middle; there are claims by the Libyans that Nigeria did something similar to them around a week ago, and those claims are documented from back then via reports.
We have no idea why these nations are sparring like this, but Rangers’ 36-year-old stopper ain’t happy with it, and for this incident is firmly launching all blame at the Libyans.
Who of course deny everything.
Which is exactly what the Nigerian FA did four or five days ago as well.
We have no clue what is going on with these two, but Balogun has made a choice to get involved here, and while we can’t blame him, we would rather Rangers staff and players generally kept out of politics in public.
Either way, Leon is a good Ranger and has held himself with utter dignity in both spells at the club, so we aren’t going to criticise him for effectively defending his country and comrades.
But we do hope this feud doesn’t escalate further – it’s all a little bit petty from both sides!