…To file formal complaint with CAF
Finally the Super Eagles team returned from Libya today without playing the Libyan national football team in their scheduled return leg of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Both the players and accompanying technical officials were stranded at the Al – Abraq Airport for over 15 hours after arrival in Libya Sunday, October 13, 2024.
While endorsing the Super Eagles boycott of the reverse leg of their AFCON 2025 Group D qualifier in Libya,
The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, strongly condemned the appalling treatment suffered by players and officials of Nigeria’s Senior National Team, the Super Eagles and endorsed the Super Eagles boycott of the reverse leg of their AFCON 2025 Group D qualifier in Libya,
Enoh condemned the bad treatment and expressed fear about the safety of the players when Nigerian mission in Libya was refused immediate access to the airport the team was hole up.
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 said Monday morning 14/10/2024.
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 the players’ 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