Super Eagles: NIDCOM Denounces ‘Despicable’ Treatment By Libya, Calls For CAF Intervention

TRIPOLI, LIBYA – The Nigerian Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 qualifier match against Libya has been overshadowed by a serious safety concern, with the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) condemning the “despicable” treatment of the team by Libyan authorities.

The Super Eagles, arriving in Libya on Sunday for the second leg match scheduled for Tuesday, faced a series of setbacks that have put their safety in jeopardy.

NIDCOM Chairman/CEO Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa expressed her outrage, stating that the team’s flight was diverted to a remote airport far from the match venue, forcing them to endure a perilous three-hour road journey through a war-torn nation.

“Travelling by road in Libya is the most dangerous thing you can do, considering the current situation,” Dabiri-Erewa stated, adding that the diversion left the players stranded at the airport for over 13 hours without basic amenities such as water, food, or communication.

“They were subjected to inhuman treatment for over 13 hours without any tangible reason,” Dabiri-Erewa said, highlighting the lack of any provision for the team by Libyan authorities despite the NFF’s attempts to secure alternative arrangements.

She emphasized the paramount importance of the players’ safety, calling on the Ministry of Sports and the NFF to take appropriate measures.

Dabiri-Erewa further urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to treat the matter with the utmost seriousness, highlighting the unacceptable conditions the team had been forced to endure.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed the Nigerian government’s monitoring of the situation, stating that the Nigerian Mission in Tripoli has been in constant communication with the NFF and Libyan authorities since Sunday evening.

“Despite efforts, Libyan authorities have not yet authorized the Nigerian Mission’s trip to Bayda City, where the airport is located,” Tuggar stated.

The Minister further revealed that the Head of the Nigerian Community in Benghazi, Mr. Morris Eromosele, had arrived at the location with essential supplies and internet access, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring the team’s safety.

As the situation unfolds, the Super Eagles face an unprecedented challenge in their quest for qualification.

NIDCOM, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the NFF are working diligently to address the concerns and ensure the safety of the team, while the international community watches anxiously.