ABUJA – The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to summon the Libyan Ambassador to Nigeria for questioning regarding the poor treatment of the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s senior national football team, during the disrupted Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last week.
The House passed the resolution following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, sponsored by Hon. Kabiru Amadu, the representative of Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency in Zamfara State.
Hon. Amadu, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, informed his colleagues that the senior national team is set to play the return leg of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. This follows the Super Eagles’ 1-0 victory over Libya in the first leg, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
According to him, the Super Eagles of Nigeria traveled to Libya on Sunday, October 13, 2024, for the return leg of the qualifiers at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benghazi, Libya.
He expressed concern over the “frustrating 18-hour ordeal” experienced by the Super Eagles at Al-Abraq International Airport in Libya. The team was reportedly stranded for 18 hours after arriving at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 13, 2024, before they were finally able to depart from the airport.
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The House expressed concern that while en route to Benghazi, Libya, the delegation’s aircraft was unexpectedly diverted mid-flight to Al-Abraq, a small airport typically reserved for Hajj operations.”
“Despite the flight being diverted to a small airport with minimal amenities, the Libyan authorities prevented the team from leaving the airport or proceeding to their hotel. With no internet access, food, or proper facilities, the airport was cordoned off, and the contingent was effectively held hostage for 18 hours.”
Contributing to the motion, the Member representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency of Abia State, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, strongly condemned the treatment of Nigeria’s national team, stating, “This is unacceptable and must not be tolerated. We must take a firm stand against such actions to ensure it never happens again”.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House of Representatives called on the Federal Government to summon the Libyan Ambassador to Nigeria for questioning regarding the incident.
The House also directed its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Sports to investigate the incident thoroughly. Additionally, it urged the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to formally lodge a complaint with both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) regarding the inhumane treatment.
