The Minister of Sports, John Enoh, has condemned the Libyan authorities’ treatment of the Super Eagles team ahead of its second leg match slated for Tuesday in the country.
The Nigerian contingent, who were billed to land in Benghazi for the second leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, scheduled for Tuesday, was unexpectedly diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a small airport typically reserved for hajj operations.
The unexpected diversion left the players and officials stranded without any assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide transportation.
Reacting to the development in a statement on via his official X handle, @OwanEnoh, on Monday, Enoh said he had reported the incident to all necessary authorities, adding that the focus was the safety of the senior men’s team.
The minister described the current situation of the Super Eagles as an ‘almost hostage’ situation.
The minister stated that he had directed the Nigeria Football Federation President to lay a formal complaint to the Confederation of African Football to take action on the matter.
Enoh stated that 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.
He added, “All through the night, I have escalated the matter and involved all necessary authorities. From the Foreign Affairs Minister, the National Security Adviser, the DG NIA, Amaju Pinnick, our CAF Executive member.
Peoplesmind