By Akinwale Kasali
The ill treatment meted out on the Super Eagles of Nigeria by the Libyan Authorities less than 36 hours to the 2025 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers, has been condemned by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM.
The Super Eagles had travelled on Sunday to honour the AFCON match against the Mediterrenian Knights, but their flight waa diverted, mid-flight to an innocuous airport far away from the venue of the match.
Dabiri-Erewa noted that travelling by road in Libya is most dangerous and totally not advisable because of the current situation in the country.
The implication of the diversion will now be another three hours of road travel to the main venue of the match, not minding the risk of road travel in Libya, considering the situation of the war-torn country.
She said the safety of Nigerian players is paramount to the country, and was optimistic that the Ministry of Sports and the NFF will advice appropriately.
She also called on CAF to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves.
The players, flight crew members and others on board the flight are stranded and have been subjected to inhuman treatment at the airport for over 13 hours without water, food, rest and other means of communication.
This inhuman treatment has prompted the NFF to withdraw from the match and petitioned the Confederation of African Football, CAF, on the attitude of the Libyan Authorities.
“The team were delayed at an airport in Libya for more than 13 hours without any tangible reason.
“The Super Eagles flight was redirected air borne on Sunday and they were required to travel by road to their destination.
“However, there was no provision made for them by the Libya authorities and all efforts to make alternative provisions by Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, was frustrated.”
Dabiri-Erewa appealed to the Super Eagles to remain calm while the Nigerian Football Federation will decide the next line of action.
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