The Nigerian House of Representatives has strongly urged the Federal Government to summon the Libyan Ambassador to Nigeria for immediate questioning regarding the mistreatment of the Nigerian Super Eagles football team during their visit to Libya.
The lawmakers expressed deep concern over the inhumane treatment the team endured while traveling to Libya for the return leg of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier match against Libya.
In addition to summoning the ambassador, the House also called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to file official complaints with both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA).
The goal of these complaints would be to ensure that the dehumanizing actions perpetrated by the Libyan authorities and the Libyan Football Federation are addressed.
The House condemned, in the strongest terms, the maltreatment and unnecessary frustration experienced by the Super Eagles and the entire Nigerian delegation during their time in Libya. The Libyan authorities and football officials were specifically blamed for the difficult circumstances the team encountered. In a show of solidarity, the House expressed its sympathy to the Super Eagles, commending them for their patriotism in the face of adversity.
These calls for action and investigation came after the House adopted a motion titled “Urgent Need to Condemn the Inhumane Treatment Meted Out to Super Eagles at Libya Airport.” The motion was raised during plenary by Mr. Kabiru Amadu, who emphasized the urgent need to address the mistreatment of the team.
In leading the debate, Amadu explained that the Super Eagles were scheduled to play the return fixture of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya’s national team, the Mediterranean Knights, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. This match followed their first leg encounter, where Nigeria defeated Libya 1-0 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. The Super Eagles flew to Libya on Sunday, October 13, 2024, to prepare for their match, which was to be held at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benghazi.
However, the House expressed serious concern over the team’s frustrating ordeal upon their arrival at Al-Abraq International Airport. The Super Eagles, along with the Nigerian delegation, arrived at the airport at 2:00 PM on Sunday, October 13, 2024, and were left stranded for 18 hours. The group, which included members of the House of Representatives led by the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, and officials from the NFF, was subjected to harsh treatment and forced to remain at the airport without any explanation or support.
According to Amadu, the team’s aircraft had been unexpectedly diverted mid-flight to Al-Abraq International Airport, a small airport typically reserved for pilgrims traveling for Hajj. Upon arrival, the team and delegation were denied access to leave the airport, move to their hotel, or use basic amenities such as the internet. For 18 hours, the Super Eagles and their contingent were essentially held hostage at the airport, with no food or assistance from the Libyan authorities.
The House expressed its deep concern over the hostile treatment, which left the players fatigued, frustrated, and uncertain about whether they would even be able to play the scheduled match. NFF officials had also issued a statement on Monday, October 14, 2024, denouncing the chaotic and inhumane treatment of the team. The players and delegation were stranded far from their hotel in Benghazi, which was three hours away from the airport. The situation was further aggravated by the fact that the Libyan authorities provided no support or explanation for the ordeal.
Amadu also noted that the situation had become so distressing that the players were on the verge of boycotting the match altogether. The Super Eagles, feeling exhausted from the prolonged detention and lack of basic necessities, considered refusing to play due to the hostilities they faced from the Libyan Football Federation and the Libyan government.
As a result of these revelations, the House of Representatives mandated its Committee on Sports and Foreign Affairs to investigate the entire incident thoroughly. The committees were tasked with gathering all the relevant facts and reporting back to the House for further legislative action. The House aimed to hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure that such mistreatment of Nigerian athletes and citizens does not occur again.
In conclusion, the House of Representatives remains resolute in its condemnation of the ill-treatment suffered by the Super Eagles and has called for immediate diplomatic and legal actions. The House’s demand for an investigation and international complaints reflects its commitment to protecting the dignity of Nigerian citizens abroad, particularly when engaged in international sporting events.
