Sports minister demands CAF’s action on Super Eagles’ Libya mistreatment
Minister of Sports, John Enoh, has expressed strong disapproval of how the Libyan authorities have treated the Super Eagles team in anticipation of their second leg match in the country. The Nigerian contingent, originally bound for Benghazi for the second leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya on Tuesday, was unexpectedly redirected mid-flight to Al Abraq, a small airport typically used for hajj operations. This unexpected change left the players and officials stranded without any assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, as they failed to arrange transportation. In response to this situation, Enoh released a statement through his official X handle, @OwanEnoh, on Monday, indicating that he had reported the incident to the appropriate authorities and emphasizing that the primary concern was the safety of the senior men’s team.
The minister characterized the current predicament of the Super Eagles as an 'almost hostage' situation. In the statement, he strongly condemned the unacceptable treatment of the players and officials of the Senior National Team, the Super Eagles, who arrived in Libya on the 13th of October for the return leg of the match played on Friday in Uyo, the AFCON 2025 Group D qualifiers.
The National Team was originally heading to Benghazi but was redirected to Al Abaq Airport upon their approach to the airport, with little consideration for their safety. Al Abaq Airport is located hours away from Benghazi, where their scheduled match was supposed to take place.
Throughout the night, I have elevated the issue and involved all relevant authorities, including the Foreign Affairs Minister, the National Security Adviser, the DG NIA, Amaju Pinnick, and our CAF Executive member. I have also stayed in contact with the president of the NFF, who is on the ground with the team, and the Chairman of Value Jet, the owners of the plane that transported the team to Libya.
It is crucial for everyone to come together to ensure the safety of our National Team. The team has clearly stated that they have been neglected for over 15 hours since their arrival, with no access to food or accommodation, left in a mosquito-infested environment, and restricted by Libyan security from leaving the airport with no access to anything. To put it mildly, they are facing an almost 'hostage' situation. These are athletes preparing to compete in an AFCON qualifying match on Tuesday!
At this time, our main priority is the safety of our national team. Given the events of the past few hours, their safety is not guaranteed, and the team insists that they are unable to proceed with the match not only due to the trauma and subsequent psychological torment but also out of fear for their safety.
The minister has mentioned that he has instructed the President of the Nigeria Football Federation to formally report the matter to the Confederation of African Football and urge them to take action.
He stated, "As Sports Minister, I have directed the NFF president to formally report to CAF without prejudicing any actions already taken. This must be documented and thoroughly addressed. This morning, I was on a conference call with the CAF President and CAF Secretary General.
While the CAF President seems to be concerned about how to ensure the national team participates in tomorrow's match, I have informed CAF that the primary concern of the Government and people of Nigeria is the safety of the team and their safe return, and urged CAF to work with us to achieve this. There must be serious consequences for the Libyan football federation for this unacceptable behavior.
Insisting that Nigeria still takes part in this match, given the very obvious situation, cannot be done. I strongly condemn the appalling treatment of the players and officials of the Senior National Team, the Super Eagles, upon their arrival in Libya on the 13th of October for the reverse version of the match played on Friday in Uyo, the AFCON 2025 Group D qualifiers.
Enoh mentioned that he has reported the mistreatment of the Super Eagles by the Libyan authorities since their arrival at the Al Abaq Airport on Sunday to all relevant authorities.
He stated, "Throughout the night, I have raised the issue and involved all the necessary authorities, including the Foreign Affairs Minister, the National Security Adviser, the DG NIA, Amaju Pinnick, and our CAF Executive member.
I have also kept in contact with both the president of the NFF, who is with the team on the ground, and the Chairman of Value Jet, the owners of the plane that transported the team to Libya. Everyone must work together to protect our National Team.
The team has clearly stated that they have been neglected for about 15 hours since their arrival, with no food, no accommodation, left in a mosquito-infested environment, and restricted by Libyan security from leaving the airport, with no access to anything.
To put it mildly, they are in an almost 'hostage' situation. These are athletes preparing to compete in an AFCON qualifying match on Tuesday! Right now, our main concern is the safety of the members of our national team."
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