Nigeria Government endorses Super Eagles boycott after Libya obnoxious treatment

By Samuel Ahmadu

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has strongly condemned the appalling treatment suffered by players and officials of Nigeria’s Senior National Team, the Super Eagles, upon their arrival in Libya on October 13, 2024, for the reverse leg of their AFCON 2025 Group D qualifier.

The National Team, initially en route to Benghazi, was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abaq Airport, hours away from their intended destination, with scant attention to their safety.

Since their arrival, the team has been subjected to severe hardships, including being left unattended for over 15 hours, without access to food or accommodation, while being cordoned off by Libyan security in a mosquito-infested environment.

“I have escalated the matter throughout the night and involved all necessary authorities, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Adviser, the Director-General of the NIA, and CAF Executive member Amaju Pinnick. I have also maintained contact with the NFF president, who is on the ground with the team, and the Chairman of Value Jet, the company responsible for airlifting the team to Libya,” Senator Enoh stated.

The team has expressed deep concerns over the deteriorating situation, which they describe as an “almost hostage” condition, raising fears about their safety and well-being. Senator Enoh emphasized that their safety is the primary concern, noting that the psychological trauma and fear for their security have led the team to declare their inability to proceed with the scheduled match.

“As Sports Minister, I have instructed the NFF president to file a formal complaint with CAF, ensuring that this incident is recorded and properly addressed,” Senator Enoh added.

This morning, Senator Enoh held a conference call with the CAF President and CAF Secretary General. While CAF appears focused on ensuring the team participates in the match, Senator Enoh reaffirmed that Nigeria’s top priority is the safety of the Super Eagles and their safe return. He urged CAF to cooperate in ensuring the team’s safety and called for serious consequences for the Libyan Football Federation for this inhumane treatment.

“This unacceptable situation cannot be overlooked, and Nigeria must not be forced into participating in a match under such circumstances,” he concluded.