In a striking development, seven players from the Eritrean football team, which recently celebrated a historic victory in Eswatini, have failed to return home. Reports suggest that while some teammates flew back to Eritrea after the match, these seven players have likely absconded. This disturbing trend is not new, as various athletes from Eritrea have previously sought asylum abroad following international fixtures.
Eritrea’s government has faced widespread criticism for its repressive policies, a claim the authorities deny. Hundreds of thousands have sought refuge from what many describe as a harsh regime. The players' disappearance poses a significant challenge for the national football team, which is currently rejoicing in its return to the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying stages for the first time in 19 years.
Of the 24 players on the squad, only ten were based in Eritrea, and as of now, just three players have returned following the game. Observers note that the state-owned media has been unusually quiet regarding the team’s return. Initial plans for a celebratory reception have reportedly been canceled in light of the players' absconsion.
Rights groups and national supporters are concerned, recalling previous incidents where entire teams have disappeared. Just last year, seven players from the under-20 team went missing during a championship in Uganda, and in 2015, ten senior team players chose not to return after a World Cup qualifier in Botswana. As Eritrean football fans hoped for a revival following recent successes, the current situation serves as a harsh reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by athletes from Eritrea.
Eritrea’s government has faced widespread criticism for its repressive policies, a claim the authorities deny. Hundreds of thousands have sought refuge from what many describe as a harsh regime. The players' disappearance poses a significant challenge for the national football team, which is currently rejoicing in its return to the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying stages for the first time in 19 years.
Of the 24 players on the squad, only ten were based in Eritrea, and as of now, just three players have returned following the game. Observers note that the state-owned media has been unusually quiet regarding the team’s return. Initial plans for a celebratory reception have reportedly been canceled in light of the players' absconsion.
Rights groups and national supporters are concerned, recalling previous incidents where entire teams have disappeared. Just last year, seven players from the under-20 team went missing during a championship in Uganda, and in 2015, ten senior team players chose not to return after a World Cup qualifier in Botswana. As Eritrean football fans hoped for a revival following recent successes, the current situation serves as a harsh reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by athletes from Eritrea.
