Reps to probe ‘inhumane’ treatment of Super Eagles in Libya

The house of representatives has resolved to investigate the “inhumane” treatment of Super Eagles players by Libyan authorities.

The decision followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Kabiru Mai-Palace from Zamfara state.

The Super Eagles players were stranded at the Al Abaq airport in Libya for over 15 hours upon arrival for the second leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match, following a 1-0 victory in the first leg of the match in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, on Friday.

The Nigerian team’s flight was diverted by the Libyan authorities to Al Abraq airport instead of Benghazi, the location for the match.

In response to widespread outcry, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said the Super Eagles would withdraw from the qualifying match.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also launched an investigation into the “disturbing” treatment of Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the Libyan airport.

The Super Eagles have since returned to Nigeria after announcing that they were boycotting the game with Libya.

The federal government subsequently summoned the Libyan chargé d’affaires to Nigeria over the ordeal of the players.

Moving the motion, the lawmaker said the players were “held hostage for 18 hours” at the country’s airport.

The motion was adopted when it was put to a voice vote by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house.

The parliament condemned the ordeal of the Super Eagles and the delegation by the Libyan authorities.

The green chamber asked NFF to make an official complaint about the “dehumanization” of the players to the global football authorities.

The lower legislative chamber asked the committees on sports and foreign affairs to investigate the incident and report back for further legislative action.