By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
The National Assembly has condemned the over the 18-hour ordeal suffered by the Super Eagles at Al-Abraq International Airport in Libya.
The gory event disrupted their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers hope.
During Tuesday’s plenary, Sumaila Kawu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, brought the issue to light, criticizing the “inhumane” treatment of the Nigerian football team. He called for the questioning of the Libyan Ambassador and an official apology to prevent future incidents.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, echoed Kawu’s concerns, calling the treatment of the Super Eagles “terrible and condemnable.” He added, ” We do not want a diplomatic row. We call on the ambassador and the authorities to come out and apologise for what they have done to our national team.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in a separate statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, labeled the incident a violation of international sportsmanship and called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to launch an investigation, urging sanctions on those responsible.
Meanwhile, in the House of Representatives, the lawmakers called on the Federal Government to summon the Libyan Ambassador for questioning. The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by the Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Mr. Kabiru Amadu. The House also instructed its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Sports to investigate the incident and urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to file a formal complaint with CAF.
Amadu detailed the frustrating experience faced by the Super Eagles, explaining that their flight to Benghazi was unexpectedly diverted mid-flight to Al-Abraq, a small airport typically used for hajj operations. The team was held at the airport for 18 hours, with no access to food, internet, or their hotel. The airport was heavily cordoned off, leaving the Nigerian delegation stranded.
Chris Nkwonta, representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency, strongly condemned the treatment, emphasizing that such mistreatment of Nigeria’s national team must not be tolerated or repeated.
