National Teams
Libyan Govt fail to allow Nigerian Embassy access to Eagles—Foreign Affairs Minister
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has confirmed that the Libyan government has yet to grant the Nigerian mission access to the Super Eagles, who have been stranded in the country for over 14 hours.
The Nigerian national team arrived in Libya on Sunday for the second leg of their qualifying series following their 1-0 victory against Libya in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, last Friday.
However, upon arrival, the team faced logistical challenges, and the Nigerian mission has been unable to reach them as Libyan authorities have not yet permitted travel to Bayda City, where the airport is located.
In a statement released on his official X account, Minister Tuggar stated that the Nigerian mission has maintained consistent communication with both the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and Libyan officials since Sunday night. Despite this, Libyan authorities have not provided the necessary clearance for the mission to proceed.
However, Tuggar provided a silver lining, revealing that Morris Eromosele, head of the Nigerian community in Benghazi, arrived at the airport early this morning with essential supplies and internet access for the team.
The minister assured that the Nigerian government is actively monitoring the situation and will continue to push for resolution while awaiting a detailed report on the matter.
“I have been closely monitoring the situation involving the Super Eagles in Libya. Through our Head of Mission in Tripoli, Amb. Stephen Anthony Awuru, the Mission has kept in touch with both the NFF and Libyan authorities. Despite our efforts, the Libyan government has not yet authorized our mission to travel to Bayda City,” Tuggar stated.
The Nigerian government is committed to resolving the situation and ensuring the Super Eagles are reunited with the necessary support for their continued campaign.
