Reps seek action on Eagles’ maltreatment
The Senate has asked the government of Libya to as a matter of urgency, apologise to Nigeria as a country following the inhumane treatment they subjected the Super Eagles to upon their arrival for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The Senate condemned in very strong terms, what it described as very shameful behaviour of the Libyan officials and authorities which is an unfortunate incident and total disregard for human dignity and the lack of respect for international norms.
The resolution of the Senate on Tuesday was sequel to a point of Order raised by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Sumaila Kawu, NNPP, Kano South who came under Order 42 of the Senate Standing rules on personal explanation.
In his remarks, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, APC, Kano North who presided over the Plenary and condemned what happened in Libya to the Super Eagles, said that the way the players were treated was terrible and condemnable and the action was not in tandem with the spirit of sports, adding that the essence of sports is to promote unity and competition and enhance brotherhood among the countries on the continent.
Also, the House of Representatives has condemned the alleged inhumane treatment of the Super Eagles and the delegation by the Libyan Football Federation/Libyan Government.
This was sequel to the adoption of a motion by Rep. Kabiru Amodu (PDP-Zamfara) at plenary on Tuesday in Abuja. According to him, among the Nigerian contingent are House of Representatives members led by the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Sports and also the Deputy Governor of Edo, Board members and the entire crew of NFF.
“Concerned about the frustrating 18-hour ordeal faced by the super Eagles of Nigeria at Al-Abraq International Airport in Libya, where they were left stranded on arrival at 14:00hr on Sunday October 13, 2024 till the team and the contingent departed from the airport, after 18 hours.
“The team and the delegation were en-route to Benghazi in Libya, before their aircraft was unexpectedly diverted mid-flight to Al- Abraq, a small Airport typically reserved for hajj operations.
“Inspite of diverting the flight to a small airport with little or no amenities, the Libyan authorities did not allow the team to get out of the airport or move to their hotel, no access to the internet, no food, the airport was cordoned and they were held hostage for 18 hours.
“The fatigued and frustrated players resolved not to play the match any longer due to the hostilities by the Libyan Football Federation/Libyan Government,” he said.
