Faith Nyasuguta
The Nigerian government has taken decisive action in response to the alleged mistreatment of the Super Eagles players and officials in Libya. On October 14, 2024, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Libyan envoy in Abuja to address the issue. This move followed reports that the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, faced significant challenges during their stay in Libya for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers.
The incident began when the Super Eagles arrived at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya. Upon arrival, the team was reportedly held at the airport for over 14 hours without proper accommodation or explanation. This delay caused significant distress among the players and officials, who were left stranded and fatigued. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) expressed its frustration over the situation, highlighting the lack of basic amenities provided to the team during their ordeal.
In response to the incident, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, condemned the treatment of the Super Eagles as “unfortunate” and “unacceptable.” He emphasized that the Nigerian government would not tolerate such actions against its citizens and athletes.
Tuggar disclosed that Nigerian officials from the country’s mission in Libya had been dispatched to engage with the Super Eagles delegation and ensure their safe return to Nigeria.
The Nigerian government also took steps to address the issue diplomatically. The Libyan envoy was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, where Nigerian officials demanded an explanation for the mistreatment of the Super Eagles. The Nigerian government sought assurances that such incidents would not occur in the future and called for immediate action to rectify the situation.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians, with many expressing their support for the Super Eagles and condemning the actions of the Libyan authorities. The Nigerian sports community, including former players and officials, voiced their solidarity with the team and called for a thorough investigation into the matter.
In addition to the diplomatic efforts, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also stepped in to address the situation. CAF announced that it would investigate the incident and take appropriate action against those responsible for the mistreatment of the Super Eagles. The organization emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all players and officials participating in AFCON qualifiers.
As a result of the incident, the Super Eagles decided to boycott the return leg of the AFCON 2025 qualifier against Libya. The match, scheduled for October 15, 2024, at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benghazi, was called off due to the team’s decision not to participate. The NFF supported the players’ decision, citing the need to prioritize their safety and well-being.
The Nigerian government has reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens, both at home and abroad. The incident involving the Super Eagles has highlighted the importance of ensuring that athletes are treated with respect and provided with the necessary support during international competitions. The Nigerian government continues to engage with Libyan authorities to resolve the issue and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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