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