The Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa and the Minister of Sports, John Enoh have decried the mistreatment of the Super Eagles in Libya ahead of their 2025 AFCON qualifier, calling it “despicable” and urging swift intervention from the Nigerian government.
In a statement on Monday, Dabiri-Erewa expressed outrage over the team’s ordeal, disclosing that their flight was dangerously diverted to a remote airport. The team was left stranded for over 13 hours without food or accommodation, raising serious concerns about their safety.
Minister of Sports, John Enoh, in a statement has also condemned the Libyan authorities describing the situation as an “almost hostage” crisis. Enoh, who reported the issue to various Nigerian and international authorities, criticized the Libyan Football Federation for failing to provide necessary assistance.
The statement reads: “I strongly condemn the obnoxious treatment meted out to players and officials of the Senior National Team, the Super Eagles, who arrived in Libya yesterday, the 13th of October, for the reverse version of the match played on Friday in Uyo, the AFCON 2025 Group D qualifiers.
“The National Team was en route to Benghazi but was diverted on approaching the airport (with very scant attention to their safety) to Al Abaq Airport, which is hours away from Benghazi, where their match is slated to take place.
READ ALSO:Super Eagles withdraw from AFCON qualifier against Libya
“All through the night, I have escalated the matter and involved all necessary authorities. From the Foreign Affairs Minister, the National Security Adviser, the DG NIA, Amaju Pinnick, our CAF Executive member. I have also remained in touch with both the president of the Nigerian Football Federation, who is on the ground with the team and the Chairman of Value Jet, owners of the plane that airlifted the team to Libya.
“All hands must be on deck to protect our National Team. The Team have succinctly stated that they have been unattended to for upwards of about 15 hrs since arrival, with no food, no accommodation, left in a mosquito-infested environment and cordoned off by Libyan security not to step out of the airport, and they have access to nothing. To say the least, they face an almost ‘hostage’ situation. These are sportsmen set to compete in an AFCON qualifying match come Tuesday!
“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 incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with both officials calling for serious repercussions for Libya’s handling of the situation.
Credible News.ng
