• Libya’s Toxic Downplay Of Sportsmanship – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

    Libyas toxic downplay of sportsmanship independent newspaper nigeria - nigeria newspapers online
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    We grew up in belief of a ficti­tious narrative of a certain soc­cer match between Nigeria and India with the score ending at 99 goals in favour of India against one goal in Nigeria’s favour. The superstitious tale went on to point out that the Indians affirmed that Nigeria could be declared winners if they were lucky to score a goal. However, after ninety nine goals from In­dia, Nigeria scored their first and only goal of the match. Howbeit, this ended as a tragedy as the goal scorer lost his life on the field. While this is a superstitious tale that never occurred, we now have a true tale of toxicity in soccer as against the sportsmanship we always know and subscribe to.

    The recent treatment of the Nigerian Super Eagles in Libya is a stark representation of negat­ing sportsmanship and fair play. The team’s ordeal at the Al-Abraq Airport, where they were held for over 20 hours, is unaccept­able and goes against the values that football embodies. The Con­federation of African Football’s (CAF) verdict, awarding Nigeria three points and three goals for the abandoned match, was a step in the right direction, but the af­termath has been marred by dis­turbing reports of mass arrests and fines targeted at Nigerian citizens living in Libya.

    This backlash is not only un­just but also violates interna­tional laws and conventions that protect human rights and dignity. The Libyan authorities’ directive to arrest Nigerian workers with­out legal papers and force them to pay fines is a clear case of xe­nophobia and discrimination. It’s disheartening to see a popular Libyan news blog, Libya News Today 1, fueling this hatred by labeling Nigerians as “a burden” on the Libyan people.

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    Football is more than just a game; it’s a platform that pro­motes unity, respect, and fair play. The spirit of sportsmanship demands that we treat our oppo­nents with dignity and respect, regardless of the outcome of the game. The Libyan Football Fed­eration’s actions, and the subse­quent reaction from the Libyan community, are a stark contrast to this spirit.

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    The international communi­ty must condemn this act of ag­gression and ensure that Libyan authorities uphold human rights and dignity. The African Union and the United Nations must in­tervene to protect Nigerian citi­zens living in Libya and prevent further harassment.

    In the world of football, sports­manship plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the game. It goes beyond winning or losing and encompasses values such as respect, fair play, and honoring the spirit of the game. The Libyan Football Federation’s breach of Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations and Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code is a clear vio­lation of these principles.

    As we move forward, it’s es­sential to recognize that football is a powerful tool for promoting unity and understanding. The Ni­gerian Super Eagles’ experience in Libya serves as a reminder of the challenges we face, but it also highlights the importance of standing together against injus­tice and promoting the values of sportsmanship.

    In conclusion, the treatment of Nigerian citizens in Libya is unacceptable and goes against the spirit of sportsmanship that football embodies. We must come together to condemn this act of aggression and ensure that hu­man rights and dignity are up­held. The international commu­nity must take action to prevent further harassment and promote unity and respect through the beautiful game of football.

    Bamidele writes from Lagos, Nigeria

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