Nigeria Escalates Concerns Over Super Eagles’ Ill-Treatment in Libya

Nigeria’s Sports Minister, Senator John Enoh, says he has raised formal complaints following the alleged mistreatment of the country’s national football team, the Super Eagles, by Libyan authorities at Al Abraq Airport. The team, en route to Benghazi for an international fixture, was left stranded at the airport on Sunday, sparking diplomatic tensions.

In a statement issued by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), it was revealed that the Super Eagles’ plane was diverted to the airport just an hour before their scheduled landing in Benghazi. Upon arrival, the players, officials, and support staff were reportedly left without assistance, with local airport officials appearing indifferent to their situation. A video shared by the team’s media crew showed the group stuck at the terminal alongside their luggage.

Senator Enoh expressed “deep concern” over what he described as unacceptable treatment of the national team, calling on the Libyan authorities to respect international sporting protocols. “The Nigerian government will not tolerate any form of disrespect or mistreatment towards our players and officials,” he said, adding that the welfare of the team remains a top priority.

The Minister assured the public that the Ministry of Sports Development is working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies to ensure the immediate release of the team and their safe passage to their destination. “We are in close contact with the appropriate authorities, and we are sparing no effort to resolve this situation swiftly,” Enoh stated.

The Nigerian government has called for calm, urging the public to trust that diplomatic efforts are underway to address the issue. Senator Enoh also stressed the importance of sports diplomacy in fostering international unity, while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of its athletes when abroad.

Libya has yet to respond to the allegations.