By Milcah Tanimu
On Tuesday, October 15, Nigeria’s House of Representatives directed the federal government to summon the Libyan Ambassador to explain why authorities held the Super Eagles for 14 hours without adequate provisions. The national football team, along with technical staff and officials, experienced delays at a small, under-equipped airport in Libya after diverting from their original destination.
Kabiru Ahmadu, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, raised an urgent motion, urging the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to file complaints with both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA about the treatment the Super Eagles received.
Details of the Incident
The Super Eagles traveled with 22 players, technical crew, and officials, including members of the House of Representatives, to play the return leg of the Nations Cup qualifier. Libyan authorities diverted the team’s flight to a near-abandoned emergency airport that lacked basic facilities. The players and officials spent 14 hours without enough food, water, or proper accommodations.
The House of Representatives condemned the actions of Libyan authorities, stating that the treatment of Nigeria’s national football team embarrassed not only the country but also the African continent.
