*Nigerian, global sporting community condemn humiliation of Super Eagles in Libya
*Nigeria’s national football team players, officials were stranded in Libya for 18hrs
*They lacked basic amenities, accommodation, poor transportation, among others
*Players and officials have since returned to Nigeria safely
Agency report
The deplorable treatment meted to the Super Eagles of Nigeria by Libyan authorities has been greeted with shock and outrage by the Nigerian authorities and global sporting community.
The Nigerian men football team was stranded for over 18 hours at a Libyan airport. Players and officials had expressed their frustration over inadequate accommodations, poor transportation, and lack of basic amenities, sparking a wave of criticism from fans and sports analysts alike.
The players and officials have since returned home, but the experience has been strongly condemned by the federal government, with President Bola Tinubu calling for CAF to investigate the action of the Libyans.
The Nigerian players and officials had landed in the North African country ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier with the Mediterranean Knights, But after their flight was rerouted from Benghazi where the game was meant to hold.
They were denied access to food and other supplies with some members of the team taking to social media to lament about the incident.
That prompted condemnation across the globe with Nigerian authorities describing the incident as “unfortunate”. The Minister of Sports Development John Enoh likened it to “almost hostage” and said the Super Eagles were no longer taking part in the game.
“To say the least, they face an almost ‘hostage’ situation. These are sportsmen set to compete in an AFCON qualifying match come Tuesday!” he said.
“For now, our primary concern is the safety of the members of our national team. With the events of the past hours, their safety is not guaranteed and the team insists they’re unable to go ahead with the match not just because of the trauma and consequent psychological torture but also because of fear for their safety.”
The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) denied accusations of wrong-doings and claim its team faced a similar situation when they played the Super Eagles in the first leg of the encounter last week.
“There are no grounds to accuse the Libyan security teams or the Libyan Football Federation of deliberately orchestrating this incident. Such actions are inconsistent with our values and principles,” the LFF said and linked the delay to logistical issues and other challenges.
But the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) had said it was going to probe the “disturbing conditions” after reaching out to the Nigerian and Libyan authorities.
“The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations,” CAF said in a statement .
President Bola Tinubu while reacting, expressed excitement over the safe return of the Super Eagles after they were stranded in Libya and is demanding justice for the treatment meted out to the team and its officials.
The Super Eagles and officials of the team were in a Libyan airport for over 13 hours ahead of their Group D Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier with the Mediterranean Knights which was billed for Tuesday.
After hours of condemnation over the situation which went viral early Monday, the team is now in Nigeria and President Tinubu is happy that the players and officials are home and safe.
“President Bola Tinubu, deeply moved by the inhuman treatment endured by the Super Eagles of Nigeria at a Libyan airport, warmly welcomes their safe return to Nigeria,” presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said on Monday evening.
The president expects the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to probe the “harrowing experience” of the Super Eagles in Libya.
“President Tinubu expects the Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to conduct a thorough investigation and recommend appropriate action against those who wilfully violated the organisation’s Statutes and Regulations,” the statement read.
He lauded the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development for their prompt collaboration in “addressing the unfortunate episode and ensuring the safe return of our players”.
President Tinubu hailed the players for keeping their spirits alive despite “the excruciating ordeal in Libya”.
Although the Libyan authorities have denied claims of sabotaging the Super Eagles, CAF said it was probing the incident and will sanction anyone found guilty.
“The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations,” it said in a statement on Monday.
Angered by the delay and mistreatment of the Super Eagles, the Nigerian government has summoned Libya’s chargé d’affaires to explain the reason behind the team’s detention at Abraq International Airport.
The Nigerian team was stranded in Libya over the weekend, less than 48 hours before their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights, scheduled for Tuesday.
For over 14 hours, the team could not leave Libyan soil — a development that many Nigerians and football fans have criticised.
Speaking on Monday, foreign affairs minister Yusuf Tuggar explained that the government had established contacts with Libya’s chargé d’affaires over the issue.
Mr Tuggar, who described the situation as “most unfortunate,” said steps had been taken to resolve the matter and return the Super Eagles to the country.
“Our team has gone to Libya. Although, somehow, the plane got diverted to a different airport, and unfortunately, at that airport, there was no aviation fuel. So, we need to refuel and get out.
“But suffice to say that we have established contact with them. We sent people from the mission to go there (sic) and are in talks with their delegation over there.