'Are we hostage or what?' - Aubameyang fumes at airport delay for Gabon

The Arsenal skipper was unimpressed as the entire Gabon squad experienced lengthy airport delays in the Gambia.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang voiced his frustration as he and his Gabon teammates spent the night stuck in an airport in the Gambia, waiting to be allowed entry into the country.

The Panthers arrived in the West African nation for an AFCON qualifier, which will take place on Monday evening at 17:00 (CET) should there be no further delays. But as far as their preparations go, they’ve been severely disrupted.

A tired-looking Aubameyang took to social media during the early hours of Monday morning to inform his followers that the entire squad was still waiting at the airport.

👏🏽👏🏽record pic.twitter.com/ycUGbPa6Cf

— Aubameyang P-E (@Aubameyang7) November 16, 2020

“It will not demotivate us but people need to know and especially that the CAF take these responsibilities,” Aubameyang wrote on Twitter.

“2020 and we want Africa to grow, that’s not how we’re going to get there !!!.”

He later took aim at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) by posting a “Great night at the airport” message to its official account.

Aubameyang later added: “Just want to know why Gambia keep our passports for hours and they keep us at the Airport are we hostage or what? are you gonna close your eyes? Want to see the Next Episode of this Film.”

At approximately seven in the morning on central European time, Aubameyang announced the team was finally on board a coach.

“Finally in the bus, see you later,” wrote the Arsenal and Gabon captain. “Thanks for the extra motivation, Gambia.”

😈😈😈 pic.twitter.com/mwezw6si72

— Aubameyang P-E (@Aubameyang7) November 16, 2020

It will be the second time in four days that Gabon and Gambia will face each other in an AFCON qualifier.

The visitors won the previous fixture last week 2-1 at home, with Aubameyang scoring the match-winning goal. He’ll hope to add another on Monday as Gabon bid to retain their lead in Group D ahead of second-placed side Gambia.