The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to summon the Libyan Ambassador to Nigeria for questioning regarding the poor treatment of the Super Eagles during their recent ordeal in Libya.
This decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance brought forward by Kabiru Amadu, the representative of Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency, Zamfara State.
Amadu, who also chairs the House Committee on Sports, informed lawmakers that the Super Eagles were in Libya for the return leg of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya’s Mediterranean Knights.
The team had previously won 1-0 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, but encountered significant difficulties upon arrival in Libya, prompting the need for government intervention.
He said, “The House is concerned about the frustrating 18-hour ordeal faced by the Super Eagles of Nigeria at Al-Abraq International Airport in Libya, where they were left stranded upon arrival at 14:00 on Sunday, October 13, 2024, until the team and the contingent departed from the airport after 18 hours.
“The House is concerned that the team and the delegation were en route to Benghazi in Libya before their aircraft was unexpectedly diverted mid-flight to Al-Abraq, a small airport typically reserved for Hajj operations.
“Despite diverting the flight to a small airport with little or no amenities, the Libyan authorities did not allow the team to leave the airport or move to their hotel; they had no access to the internet and no food, as the airport was cordoned off and the contingent held hostage for 18 hours.”
Contributing to the motion, the member representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Abia State, Mr Chris Nkwonta, condemned the treatment of the Nigerian team, saying, “This is unacceptable for our national team. We must condemn this, and it must not happen again.”
Following the adoption of the motion, the House of Representatives called on the Federal Government to summon the Libyan Ambassador for questioning over the mistreatment of the Super Eagles during their visit to Libya.
Additionally, the House mandated its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Sports to investigate the incident thoroughly. It further urged the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to lodge an official complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) regarding the dehumanizing treatment of the national football team.