FG summons Libya’s Chargé d’Affaires over poor treatment of Super Eagles

The Federal Government on Monday summoned Libya’s Chargé d’Affaires to a meeting over the poor treatment meted out to Nigeria’s Super Eagles team in that country.

Following a frustrating 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya, where the Nigerian team was left stranded upon their arrival on Sunday afternoon, widespread condemnation has trailed the actions of the host country.

The Super Eagles complained of fatigue and frustration, deprived of water and food, prompting the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to confirm the team’s withdrawal from the ongoing qualifying series.

The Super Eagles had defeated the Libyan team 1-0 on Friday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, and were scheduled to play the return leg match in Benghazi on Tuesday as part of the African Cup of Nations qualifying series.

In a statement, the NFF said, “Fatigued players and officials remain nonplussed as the host Libyan Football Federation failed to send any reception team or even vehicles to transport the delegation from the airport to their hotel, said to be three hours away in Benghazi.”

Reacting to the situation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, described Libya’s actions as unfortunate.

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Tuggar, who was seen at the Office of the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Monday, said, “It’s the most unfortunate situation because the Super Eagles flew to Libya to play a match. As you know, the Libyan team was here, and instead of landing in Uyo, they landed in Port Harcourt, where they weren’t supposed to.

“Now, our team has gone to Libya, and somehow the plane was diverted to a different airport. Unfortunately, at that airport, there is no aviation fuel. Our plan was for the team to refuel and leave, but we cannot allow them to continue without food. Luckily, when they landed in Kano, they were given some cartons of water; otherwise, even water would have been a problem.”

He added, “Suffice it to say, we have established contact with the team. We’ve sent representatives from the mission to be in touch with the delegation. I am also in direct communication with the chairman, and since last night, we’ve been on the phone with the chargé d’affaires, as Libya doesn’t have an ambassador here.

“I am now heading back to the Ministry, where we have summoned the Libyan chargé d’affaires. This issue needs to be resolved as quickly as possible. We are on top of the situation.”