The Nigerian Senate has called on the Libyan government to issue a formal apology following the mistreatment of Nigeria’s Super Eagles upon their arrival in Libya for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. The incident involved the team and officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) being stranded for over 14 hours due to their plane being diverted to a smaller airport.
Super Eagles Stranded in Libya
On Sunday, October 13, 2024, the Super Eagles and NFF officials traveled to Libya for their AFCON qualifier match. Upon arrival, they faced unexpected complications as their plane was redirected to a smaller airport, leaving them stranded for over 14 hours without adequate support from Libyan authorities.
Senate’s Reaction
During a plenary session on Tuesday, Senator Ismaila Kawu brought the matter to light, highlighting the disrespectful treatment meted out to the Nigerian team by Libyan officials. He urged the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to address the issue diplomatically and call for Libya to acknowledge the negative implications of their actions.
Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate, condemned the treatment of the Super Eagles, stating that it went against the spirit of sports, which is meant to foster unity and camaraderie among nations. He expressed disappointment in the Libyan authorities, saying, “The way our players were treated is terrible and condemnable.”
Call for Apology and Investigation
The Senate urged Libya to issue an official apology, with Senator Jibrin adding that Nigeria, being a leading nation in African diplomacy and friendship, deserves respect. The Senate also called on the Libyan government and football authorities to rectify the situation.
In a statement issued by Senator Godswill Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio condemned the “shameful” behavior of Libyan officials. He labeled the incident a gross violation of international norms and human dignity, demanding a thorough investigation by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and appropriate sanctions.
Nigeria’s Position
The Senate affirmed its solidarity with the Super Eagles and the NFF, stressing that the rights and dignity of Nigerian citizens must be upheld. They demanded accountability from the Libyan government to prevent future occurrences, and called on the international football community to support Nigeria’s demand for justice.
Reconciliation Expectation
The Nigerian Senate remains firm in its demand for an apology and appropriate measures to be taken against those responsible for the mistreatment of the Super Eagles, ensuring that diplomatic relations and respect for Nigerian nationals are maintained.
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Written By Fortune Davidson