The Federal Government has summoned the Libyan Charge d’Affairs to Nigeria over the treatment meted to the Super Eagles, the nation’s national team, in that country.
Recall that the S/Eagles had been billed to play the second leg of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya tomorrow (Tuesday) having won the first leg in Uyo, Nigeria last Friday.
The chartered flight conveying the team was prevented from landing in Benghazi venue of the match but diverted to another airport about two hours drive from Benghazi.
The Nigerian team were stranded with no food and accommodation for about 18 hours before they were allowed to return to Nigeria.
Following the poor treatment meted to the Nigerian team, the federal government, through the Nigerian Football Federation (NGF) announced a pull out of the match.
Speaking after a meeting with the Vice President, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar told newsmen at the Presidential Villa that the issue would be resolved as quickly as possible.
Asked for comments on the development, Tuggar said “Well, it’s the most unfortunate situation, because the Super Eagles flew to Libya to play a match.
“As you know, the Libyan team was here they were supposed to land in Uyo instead, they went and landed in Port Harcourt , where they were not supposed to land. And now our team has gone to Libya, and somehow the plane gets diverted to a different airport.
“And unfortunately, at that airport, there is no aviation fuel, because what we have decided is they need to refuel and get out, we will not be able to allow them to continue. no food. You know, it’s a good thing when they landed in Kano they
actually even got some water, some cartoons of water otherwise even water would have been a problem but suffice. Suffice it to say that we have established contact with them.
“We’ve sent people from the mission to go there, representing the mission. They are in touch with the delegation.
“Now I am also communicating directly with the chairman, and since last night, we’ve been on the phone with the Chargé d’affaires because Libya doesn’t have an ambassador here. So, we’re in touch with the with the Chargé d’affaires, and I’m heading back to the ministry now, where we have summoned the Chargé d’affaires, the Libyan chargé d’affaires. This issue has to be resolved as quickly as possible. So we’re on top of the situation.”