Sports

Nigerian Officials Condemn ‘Despicable Treatment’ Meted Out To Super Eagles By Libyan Authorities

Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has expressed deep concern over the troubling predicament of the Super Eagles, who are enduring significant challenges while in Libya for an AFCON 2025 qualifier match. In a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), Tuggar revealed that he has been closely monitoring the situation, particularly following reports detailing the inhumane treatment experienced by the Nigerian delegation at Al Abaq Airport in Libya.

He wrote, “I have been closely monitoring the situation involving the Super Eagles in Libya. Through the Head of Nigerian Mission in Tripoli, Libya, Amb. Stephen Anthony Awuru, the Mission has maintained contact with the NFF, and the Libyan authorities since last night. Despite efforts, Libyan authorities have not yet authorized the Nigerian Mission’s trip to Bayda City, where the airport is located.”

The Super Eagles’ journey took a distressing turn when their chartered flight was diverted from its planned landing in Benghazi, leaving the players and officials stranded for over 13 hours at an abandoned airport. Player William Troost-Ekong took to social media to document the hardships faced by the delegation, which included being kept inside the airport without food, water, or communication.

In response to the development, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), also condemned the treatment of the Super Eagles by Libyan authorities. In a press statement issued on October 14, 2024, she characterised the players’ treatment as “despicable” and stressed that safety is paramount.

Dabiri-Erewa noted that the decision to divert the flight will now require the team to endure an additional three-hour road trip to the match venue—a perilous undertaking given the ongoing instability in Libya.

“The team was delayed at an airport in Libya for more than 13 hours without any tangible reason,” Dabiri-Erewa said, highlighting the lack of provisions made for the Super Eagles by Libyan authorities. Additionally, she called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves. Dabiri-Erewa expressed optimism that the Ministry of Sports and the NFF will advise appropriately.

In response to the Super Eagles’ plight, Tuggar has been proactive in ensuring that the Nigerian Mission in Tripoli remains engaged with the situation. He stated that through Ambassador Stephen Anthony Awuru, the mission has maintained ongoing communication with both the NFF and Libyan authorities. However, despite their efforts, the Libyan authorities have yet to grant permission for the Nigerian Mission to travel to Bayda City, where the airport is located.

His tweet said, “Through the Head of Nigerian Mission in Tripoli, Libya, Amb. Stephen Anthony Awuru, the Mission has maintained contact with the NFF, and the Libyan authorities since last night. Despite efforts, Libyan authorities have not yet authorised the Nigerian Mission’s trip to Bayda City, where the airport is located.”

To assist the stranded delegation, the Head of the Nigerian Community in Benghazi, Morris Eromosele, arrived at the scene with necessary supplies and internet access early this morning. Tuggar emphasised that the Nigerian government will continue to follow developments closely and awaits further reports for necessary action.

The post stated, “In the meantime, the Head of the Nigerian Community in Benghazi, Mr. Morris Eromosele, arrived at the location at 6 am this morning with necessary supplies and internet access. We will continue to follow developments and await a report for further action.”

As the situation unfolds, the Super Eagles have collectively decided not to participate in the upcoming match against Libya, citing safety concerns and the lack of appropriate conditions for their stay. This decision underscores the severity of the circumstances they are facing.

The focus remains on the well-being of the Super Eagles and ensuring they receive the support they need during this challenging time. As this situation develops, it highlights the broader implications of international diplomacy and the responsibilities of host nations toward visiting teams.

Melissa Enoch

Follow us on:

Melissa Enoch

View Comments

  • <<<<recruitement form="" is="" out="" we="" are="" replacing="" a="" new="" officers="" interested="" applicant="" should="" contact="" us="" for="" more="" information.;="">>><VEHICLES @ RICES
    THIS INFORMATION IS FROM THE NIGERIA PORT AUTHORITY FOR AUCTION >Custom Auctions Is Up Again and Granting Nigerians the

    Privilege to Own Vehicles at Affordable RatesFOR MORE INFORMATION Call or message on WhatsApp 08O ___-6739 __-9O9O
    RICE AVAILABLE FOR SALES ARE :-
    MamaGold=39,500
    Royal umbrella=39,500
    Mama Gold=39,500
    Rising sun=39,500
    Mama Africa=29,500
    Elephant Gold=39,500
    Caprice =39,500
    NOTE: Delivery fee IS (#4000) which must be paid before we ensure your delivery..
    *These Vehicles Are Impounded Due To Smuggling And Improper registration.*
    *These Vehicles Are Direct Tokunbo and Has Never Been Used In Nigeria.*.For any purchase
    Call the officer
    08O ___-6739 __-9O9O

    •Toyota Land Cruiser-N1.3m
    •Toyota Prado N1.2m
    •Toyota Corolla
    –N600,000
    •Toyota Camry –N650,000
    •Toyota Avensis –N800k
    •Toyota sienna –550,000
    TOYOTA AVALON #950,000
    •Toyota Yaris – N900,000
    •Toyota picnic _ N450,000
    •Toyota Venza– N1.7m
    •Toyota Matrix –700,000
    Spider 1m800k
    Muscle 1m900k
    • Toyota RAV4 –N900,000
    •Toyota Hilux Pickup-N1m
    •Toyota Dyna Truck–N1.3million
    •Toyota 4 Runner–N1m
    tundra 2.670,000
    tacoma 2.5Million
    •Toyota Hiace Bus –N1.5m
    •Toyota Highlander-N1.2m
    •Toyota Big daddy-800k

    Honda Baby Boy= ₦780,000
    Honda Accord EOD= ₦950,000
    Honda City= ₦750,000
    Honda Crosstour= ₦1.2M
    Honda CR-V= ₦950k
    Honda Odyssey= ₦850,000
    Honda Pilot= ₦1Million

    *Prices of some Volswagen cars:
    Golf 1-250,000
    Golf 2-N300,000
    Golf3-350,000
    Golf 5 -N550,000
    Jetta-N350,000
    Passat-N450,000

    LEXUS ES300@#1.3 MILLION
    LEXUS ES330@#1.6 MILLION
    LEXUS ES350@#2 MILLION
    LEXUS RX300@#1.7 MILLION
    LEXUS RX330@#3 MILLION
    LEXUS RX350@#4 MILLION
    LEXUS RX400@#3.5 MILLION
    LEXUS GX460@#4 MILLION
    LEXUS GX470@#5 MILLIONLexus GX460=₦6.6M
    Lexus GX470=₦8.4M
    Lexus GX570=₦13.8M
    Lexus IS-250=₦2.1M
    Lexus ES-330=₦1.5M
    Lexus ES-350=₦2.6M
    Lexus RX300= ₦1.5M
    Lexus RX330= ₦2.8M
    Lexus RX350= ₦3.2M. BENZ C-CLASS ₦3,000,000
    MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class ₦3,500,000
    MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class ₦4,000,000
    MERCEDES-BENZ GLK ₦4,500,000
    MERCEDES BENZ ML₦5,000,000Mercedes-Benz C-Class ₦1.5 million
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class ₦1.7 million
    Mercedes-Benz G-Class ₦2.5 million
    Mercedes-Benz GLK ₦3.5 Million
    Mercedes Benz ML350 ₦2.3 million
    Mercedes Benz g-wagon ₦125 million.

    Range rover vogue 6mill
    Range rover sport HSE 4.8m
    Land rover 3.3m

    Acura ZDX 1.850,000
    Acura MDX 1.6m

    MANY MORE EXCLUSIVE OFFER'S LIKE.....
    LAPTOPS, GENERATOR'S, FRIDGE, CONTAINERS, PHONE, MOTORCYCLE, AND KEKE.... Bales of Okirika Clothes 50kg for #35,000, 100kg for #75,000 and 150kg for #180,000

    👉KEKE MARUWA.
    Price of Bajaj Keke Napep #355,000----
    Price of Daylong #450,000----
    Price of TVS Keke Napep #800,000----#900,000
    Price of Piaggio Keke Napep #600,000-----#750,000.

    👉 CONTACT 08O ___-6739 __-9O9O
    Bags of cement #5,500
    Delivery cost is #1,000

    EVERY BUYER IS EXPECTED TO PAY FOR THE DOCUMENTS OF THE VEHICLES BEFORE THE DELIVERY WILL COMMENCE!!!!WE DELIVER NATION WIDE NOTICE INSTALLMENTAL PAYMENT IS ALLOWED!!! ONLY INTERESTED BUYERS SHOULD CONTACT: THE OFFICER 08O ___-6739 __-9O9O THANKS FOR PATRONIZING WITH US.!!.📞📞📞📞📞📞📞📞📞📞📞📞📞📞📞📞📞📞📞📞📞📞📞📞📞📞📞📞

Recent Posts

Trump Appoints Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services

President-elect Trump has appointed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of HHS, aiming to reform…

2 mins ago

President Tinubu Names Daniel Bwala Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Appoints New DGs for Agencies

President Tinubu has appointed Daniel Bwala as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, urging…

2 hours ago

FCDA Executive Secretary Hadi Ahmad Suspended Indefinitely

The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Shehu Hadi Ahmad, has been suspended…

2 hours ago

German Consul General Börner Calls for Greater Media Freedom in Nigeria

German Consul General Börner stressed media freedom’s importance, noting Nigeria’s 112th press freedom rank and…

6 hours ago

FG Approves 2025-2026 MTEF, Targets N47.9trn For 2025

The Federal Executive Council approved Nigeria’s 2025-2027 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, setting the federal budget at…

7 hours ago

Michael Oglegba: Benue State Is Embracing Mechanisation to Transform Agriculture

Benue State’s Commissioner for Finance has emphasised the need for farming to evolve from a…

7 hours ago