BREAKING: FG Summons Libyan Envoy Over Mistreatment Of Super Eagles Players, Officials
The Nigerian government has summoned the Libyan chargé d’affaires in Nigeria over the treatment meted out to the Super Eagles team in Libya after their flight was unexpectedly diverted.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, made this known while addressing State House correspondents on Monday, noting that efforts were underway to refuel the plane and expedite the national football team’s return to Nigeria.
Ambassador Tuggar stated that the situation was being treated with urgency.
Officials from the Nigerian mission in Libya were earlier dispatched to provide support to the stranded players and officials.
Tuggar earlier said his office was closely monitoring the situation concerning the hostile treatment meted out to the country’s national football team, Super Eagles in Libya.
On his verified X page on Monday, the minister said the head of Nigerian Mission in Tripoli, Libya, Amb. Stephen Anthony Awuru, had been directed to attend to the immediate needs of the stranded players and coaches.
The minister wrote: “I have been closely monitoring the situation involving the Super Eagles in Libya. Through the Head of Nigerian Mission in Tripoli, Libya, Amb. Stephen Anthony Awuru, the Mission has maintained contact with the NFF, and the Libyan authorities since last night.
“Despite efforts, Libyan authorities have not yet authorized the Nigerian Mission’s trip to Bayda City, where the airport is located.”
“In the meantime, the Head of the Nigerian Community in Benghazi, Mr. Morris Eromosele, arrived at the location at 6 am this morning with necessary supplies and internet access. We will continue to follow developments and await a report for further action,” he added.
Ibom Focus had reported how the team had been stranded for over 13 hours in the North African country after the host country’s authorities disrupted their travel plans.
The players subsequently vowed to boycott the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya scheduled to hold on Tuesday.
The Nigeria Football Federation earlier announced its plan to evacuate Super Eagles players and officials from the North African country.
