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The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to invite the Libyan Ambassador to Nigeria for questioning regarding the ill-treatment of the senior national football team, the Super Eagles, during the recent African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
This resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, moved by Mr. Kabiru Amadu, the representative for Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency in Zamfara State and Chairman of the House Committee on Sports.
Amadu informed his colleagues that the Super Eagles were set to play a return match against Libya’s Mediterranean Knights after a 1-0 victory in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He explained that the team traveled to Libya on Sunday for the match, which was scheduled at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benghazi.
The House expressed concern over the 18-hour ordeal the Super Eagles faced at Al-Abraq International Airport in Libya. Upon their arrival at 2:00 PM on Sunday, October 13, 2024, the team was stranded and could not leave the airport.
Amadu detailed, “The Libyan authorities did not allow the team to leave the airport or proceed to their hotel; they had no access to the internet or food, as the airport was cordoned off, effectively holding the contingent hostage for 18 hours.” He further noted that the team’s flight was unexpectedly diverted to this small airport, typically used for Hajj operations, lacking necessary amenities.
Mr. Chris Nkwonta, representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency in Abia State, condemned the treatment of the Nigerian team, stating, “This is unacceptable for our national team. We must condemn this, and it must not happen again.”
Following the motion’s adoption, the House urged the Federal Government to question the Libyan Ambassador and mandated its Committee on Foreign Affairs and Sports to investigate the incident further. Additionally, the House called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to lodge an official complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) regarding this dehumanizing treatment.
