The Senate has demanded apology from the government of Libya over the ill-treatment the Super Eagles received upon their arrival for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The Nigerian national team was unable to get to their destination on Sunday as their aircraft diverted to a smaller airport and kept for 14 hours.
The Senate strongly condemned what it described as the shameful behavior of Libyan officials and authorities, labeling the incident as an unfortunate display of total disregard for human dignity and a lack of respect for international norms.
The upper legislative chamber has also called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
This resolution from the Senate on Tuesday followed a point of order raised by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Sumaila Kawu, NNPP, Kano South, who invoked Order 42 of the Senate Standing Rules for a personal explanation.
In his remarks, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, APC, Kano North, who presided over the plenary, condemned the treatment of the Super Eagles in Libya, stating that the way the players were treated was terrible and unacceptable.
He emphasized that such actions are not in line with the spirit of sports, which is meant to promote unity, competition, and brotherhood among countries on the continent.
Jibrin said, “The matter was brought under Personal Explanation by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Sulaiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila (Kano South).
“What happened to the Super Eagles in Libya is not in tandem with the spirit of sports. The essence of sports is to promote unity and competition and enhance brotherhood among the countries on the continent. The way our players are treated is terrible and condemnable.
“Fortunately, you (Kawu) have come through a personal explanation, and this is what we intended it to do because we don’t want a diplomatic row; we think this is a mistake that the Libyan should be given a chance to correct and apologise to the Nigerian government.
“Nigeria is a big country in Africa. We always lead in terms of diplomacy, friendship and everything. Based on that spirit, I am sure you decided that this matter should be treated this way so we can give their leaders a chance to apologise to our national team.
“So, we call on the ambassador and whoever is concerned and the authorities to come out and apologise for what they have done to our national team.
“So, I thank the Chairman of the Sports Committee. You have done very well, and it is good that you have brought forth this matter. You have shown that you are up and doing in terms of your duties.”
