‘Our team was at risk’ — senate condemns ill-treatment of Super Eagles in Libya

The senate has condemned the ill-treatment of the Super Eagles in Libya.

The players were held at the Al Abaq airport since Sunday evening upon arrival in Libya for the second leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match, following their 1-0 victory in Uyo, Akwa Ibom on Friday.

The players were left without food and other necessities.

In the wake of widespread outcry, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday announced the withdrawal of the Super Eagles from the qualifying match.

The team returned to the country on Monday after their over 18-hour ordeal.

Drawing the attention of the red chamber to the incident on Tuesday, Kawu Sumaila, chair of the committee on sports, said if the “hostility” of the Libyan authorities is not checked, it would adversely affect sports on the continent.

“I want the senate to note that the pilot commenced his initial descent to Benghazi but was diverted to another airport,” Sumaila said under personal explanation.

“Despite the pilot’s complaint of low fuel, he was told that the directive was from the highest authorities.”

The senator representing Kano south said the directive put the team at risk.

Sumaila said the “ugly” incident should be brought to the attention of the Libyan authorities.

Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president, who presided over plenary, said: “Sport is meant to create unity and brotherhood but to go through this route is unfortunate.”

The motion was not opened up for debate.

Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the upper legislative chamber would continue to monitor this situation closely and ensure that the rights and dignity of citizens are protected.

“We demand a thorough investigation from the disciplinary committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and appropriate sanctions to be meted out against those involved,” Eseme Eyiboh quoted Akpabio as saying in a statement.

“It is also imperative that the Libyan authorities take immediate action to investigate this incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable to prevent future occurrences.”