Libya’s Shameful Treatment of Nigeria’s Super Eagles: A Call for Sanctions
By Kede Aihie
The return leg of the AFCON qualifiers between Nigeria and Libya, scheduled to take place in Libya, was marred by a shocking display of egregious conduct by Libyan authorities. The Nigerian team and officials were effectively held hostage for an appalling 15 hours, sparking widespread outrage. The chartered aircraft carrying the Nigerian team was mysteriously diverted from its original destination, leaving the players and officials stranded without basic necessities like food and water. Forced to spend the night on steel chairs at the airport, the team’s welfare was blatantly disregarded.
What’s equally disturbing is the attempt by some Nigerians to rationalize Libya’s deplorable actions, suggesting Nigeria should accept such treatment. This premise is completely false and unacceptable. Libya must face sanctions for its unacceptable behavior. The Nigerian National Assembly should conduct a thorough hearing to address this issue.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has failed to prioritize the welfare of footballers, instead focusing solely on ensuring the match took place. This dereliction of duty underscores CAF’s inadequacy in safeguarding player well-being. Libya, a failed nation state, should never have been permitted to host the match. Ideally, matches involving Libyan teams should be held in neutral grounds to prevent such incidents.
We must demand accountability from Libyan authorities, CAF and Nigerian officials. The Super Eagles’ ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the darker side of international football. Libya’s actions are a clear indication that they are not capable of hosting international matches, and swift action must be taken to prevent future occurrences.
