Following the cruel treatment the Super Eagles endured upon their arrival for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification, the Senate has immediately called on the Libyan government to issue an apology to Nigeria.
Due to their plane diverting to a lesser airfield and staying there for 14 hours, the Eagles, who were carrying roughly 22 players, technical crew, and NFF officials, were unable to reach their destination on Sunday.
The Senate referred to the occurrence as an unpleasant demonstration of complete contempt for human dignity and a lack of respect for international conventions, and it strongly criticized what it called the despicable behavior of Libyan officials and authorities.
A thorough probe of the incident has also been demanded by the higher legislative body.
Following a point of order made by Senator Sumaila Kawu, NNPP, Kano South, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, who invoked Order 42 of the Senate Standing Rules for a personal explanation, the Senate passed this resolution on Tuesday.
Senator Barau Jibrin of the APC, Kano North, who presided over the session and served as the Senate’s deputy president, denounced the Super Eagles’ treatment in Libya, calling it appalling and unacceptable.
He underlined that such behavior goes against the essence of sports, which is to foster rivalry, solidarity, and fraternity among nations on the continent.
Jibrin stated, “Sulaiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila (Kano South), the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, brought the matter under Personal Explanation.”
“The Super Eagles’ experience in Libya is not consistent with the spirit of athletics. The fundamental purpose of athletics is to foster competitiveness, unity, and a sense of fraternity among the nations of the continent. The treatment of our players is appalling and unacceptable.
“Thankfully, Kawu has provided a personal explanation, which is what we wanted it to do because we don’t want a diplomatic dispute; we believe that this is an error for which the Libyan should be given an opportunity to make amends and offer an apology to the Nigerian government.
“Nigeria is a large African nation. When it comes to friendship, diplomacy, and everything else, we always take the lead. I’m sure you made the decision to handle this situation in this manner in order to offer their leaders an opportunity to apologize to our national team.
Therefore, we urge the ambassador, the relevant authorities, and everybody else involved to publicly apologize for their treatment of our national team.
Thus, I express my gratitude to the Sports Committee Chairman. You did a great job, and it is commendable that you raised this issue. You have demonstrated that you are capable of carrying out your responsibilities.
