The Nigerian Senate has called on the government of Libya to issue a formal apology following the alleged maltreatment of the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team, during their recent visit to Libya.
The Super Eagles’ flight to Libya was diverted to another airport where the team and its officials were stranded for over 13 hours.
The team members had no access to food or water or means of communication. They later flew back to Nigeria without playing the second leg of their AFCON fixture against the Libyan team.
During a session held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, the Senate condemned the inhumane treatment and demanded an immediate apology from the Libyan authorities.
The Senate stressed that the Super Eagles, representing Nigeria on the international stage, deserved proper treatment and respect.
The Senate’s resolution also urged the Nigerian government to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad, particularly during international sports events.
This call for an apology has sparked further discussions about the treatment of Nigerian citizens and teams during travels outside the country.
The Libyan government has yet to respond to the Senate’s demand.