By Francis Ajuonuma and Cross Udo
Nigerians were left fuming yesterday following the inhuman treatment meted out by officials and players of the Super Eagles at La Abraq Airport in Libya by the Libyan authorities.
The Super Eagles arrived at La Abraq Airport on Sunday on their way to Benghazi to honour their reserved fixture of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against their Libyan counterparts, which is fixed to hold on Tuesday (today). Still, they were prevented from continuing with their journey by the Libyan authorities and had to spend more than 15 hours at the airport with no food and a place to sleep. La Abraq Airport is mainly used by the Libyan authorities for Hajji activities.
Some Nigerians, who spoke on the ugly experience the Super Eagles were made to go through, condemned the Libyans’ antics, describing them as wicked and unsportsmanly.
Team captain William Troost-Ekong shared images online showing the team’s difficult situation at La Abraq Airport, which the players described as akin to a “hostage situation.”
•Tinubu excited over safe return
President Bola Tinubu, deeply moved by the inhuman treatment endured by the Super Eagles of Nigeria at a Libyan airport, warmly welcomed their safe return to Nigeria yesterday night.
Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said he “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 President commended the proactive coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development in addressing the unfortunate episode and ensuring the safe return of our players.
He applauded the players for keeping their spirit alive despite the excruciating ordeal in Libya.
The Nigerian leader said he “recognises football’s unifying power in bringing nations and people together and views the treatment of our citizens as unsportsmanlike and inhumane, a stark contrast to the spirit of the game he deeply appreciates.”
President Tinubu fervently called on all lovers of the round-leather game and administrators to unite and work collaboratively to prevent and overcome such incidents in the future.
The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, condemned the inhuman treatment of the Super Eagles by Libyan authorities.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Diana-Mary Nsan, Enoh expressed deep concern over the poor treatment of Austin Eguavoen’s men, mainly as they were in Libya for an international engagement.
“Such actions by the Libyan authorities are alarming and completely unacceptable,” said the Minister.
“Holding our national team and officials hostage under any circumstances violates international sporting protocols and the principles of respect and hospitality that should be extended to all visiting teams.
“The Nigerian government will not tolerate any form of disrespect or mistreatment toward our players and officials.
“We are in close contact with the appropriate authorities and are sparing no effort to resolve this situation swiftly. I urge everyone to remain calm while we engage diplomatically to address this matter,” he added.
Reigning Africa Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen in a statement posted on his Instagram account, wrote: “I am disappointed by the unfair treatment my brothers and coaches are facing at the Libya airport last night.
“Actions like this go against the spirit of sportsmanship. My support is with my team and I know they’ll stay strong despite these obstacles.
“I call on CAF and other football bodies to intervene, as my teammates and officials are still stranded at the airport in Libya. This is uncalled for and inhumane. We stand together, together than ever.”
In response to the incident, CAF has launched an investigation, and the case has been referred to its Disciplinary Board.
A CAF spokesperson said, “The matter has been referred for investigation, and appropriate action will be taken against those found violating CAF statutes and regulations.”
The Super Eagles’ ordeal has drawn widespread attention, and CAF has assured that corrective measures will be enforced once the investigation concludes.
After safely returning home, the Nigerian national team can focus on the upcoming AFCON qualifiers in November.
