The Nigerian Senate has urgently called for an official apology from the Libyan government following the mistreatment endured by the Super Eagles upon their arrival for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The incident has raised concerns over diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Libya, with lawmakers expressing their outrage over the handling of the situation.
The Super Eagles, comprising about 22 players, technical staff, and officials from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), encountered significant challenges during their travel to Libya. Their aircraft was unexpectedly diverted to a smaller airport, where they faced an arduous delay of 14 hours before being cleared to proceed to their destination. This incident occurred just days after the Super Eagles secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, further heightening tensions surrounding the return leg of the qualifier.
During a session on Tuesday, the Senate strongly condemned the behavior of Libyan officials, characterizing it as shameful and indicative of a total disregard for human dignity. The lawmakers emphasized that such treatment not only reflects poorly on Libya but also undermines the spirit of sportsmanship, which is meant to foster unity, cooperation, and friendship among nations.
Senator Sumaila Kawu, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, raised a point of order invoking Order 42 of the Senate Standing Rules to address the incident. In his remarks, he outlined the Super Eagles’ ordeal and emphasized the need for the Libyan government to take responsibility for the actions of its officials. He urged his fellow senators to support the call for an apology and a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin presided over the session and echoed the condemnation of the treatment meted out to the Super Eagles. He described the way the players were handled as terrible and completely unacceptable. Jibrin stressed that the essence of sports is to promote unity and enhance brotherhood among African countries, and such incidents tarnish the reputation of the continent as a whole.
“The way our players were treated is terrible and condemnable,” Jibrin stated. “We want to ensure that this does not escalate into a diplomatic row. It is essential that the Libyan authorities recognize their mistake and extend an apology to our national team.”
Jibrin further asserted that Nigeria, being a significant player in Africa, has always led in diplomacy, friendship, and cooperation. He expressed hope that the Libyan government would respond positively to the Senate's request, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic ties between the two nations.
The Senate's resolution also calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident to ensure that such occurrences are not repeated in the future. The lawmakers emphasized that it is vital for all nations to respect the dignity of athletes, particularly those representing their countries on the international stage.
In addition to the apology, senators have expressed the need for Libya to take steps to improve its treatment of visiting teams to ensure that all athletes feel safe and respected while competing in international events. They highlighted the potential long-term implications of such incidents on sporting relations between countries, urging a collaborative approach to addressing the issue.
Senator Kawu was commended for bringing this pressing matter to the Senate’s attention, showcasing the commitment of lawmakers to uphold the dignity and rights of Nigerian athletes. As discussions continue, the focus remains on fostering an environment where sports can thrive, promoting unity and understanding across the continent.
The situation remains a developing story as both countries navigate the aftermath of this incident, with hopes for a resolution that reinforces diplomatic ties and mutual respect.
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