The Sports Minister, John Enoh said he has escalated the ill-treatment meted out to the Super Eagles by the Libyan authorities since they landed at the Al Abaq Airport on Sunday, to all concerned authorities.
A statement by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Communications Department on Monday said the team were left unattended to at the Al Abraq Airport.
A video posted by the Eagles media team also confirmed the development, as the players and officials, along with their luggage, were left stranded at the airport, with the Libyan airport officials indifferent to their plight.
The Eagles departed for Libya on Sunday morning, ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matchday 4 clash against the Mediterranean Knights.
Libya was to host the three-time African champions at the 10,000-capacity Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benina, located just 10 kilometres from Benghazi, but reports emerged that they were diverted to another city.
However, updates from the NFF, said the Super Eagles will no longer take part in the 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya due to their current ordeal.
Reacting to the development, Enoh said he had reported the incident to all necessary authorities.
He also said the focus at the moment was the safety of the senior men’s team.
He described the current situation of the Super Eagles as an ‘almost hostage’ situation.
“I strongly condemn the obnoxious treatment meted out to players and officials of the Senior National Team, the Super Eagles who arrived Libya, yesterday the 13th of October for the reverse version of the match played on Friday in Uyo, the AFCON 2025 Group D qualifiers.
“The National Team was en route Benghazi but was diverted on approach the airport(with very scant attention to their safety), to Al Abaq Airport, which is hours away from Benghazi, where their match is slated to take place.
“All through the night, I have escalated the matter and involved all necessary authorities. From the Foreign Affairs Minister, the National Security Advicer, the DG NIA, Amaju Pinnick, our CAF Executive member.I have also remained in touch with both the president of the NFF, who is on ground with the team and the Chairman of Value Jet, owners of the plane that airlifted the team to Libya.
