The players subsequently vowed to boycott the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya scheduled to hold tomorrow.
The Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar has said his office is closely monitoring the situation concerning the hostile treatment meted out to the country’s national football team, Super Eagles in Libya.
The Nigeria Football Federation earlier announced it plan to evacuate Super Eagles players and officials from the North African country
SaharaReporters had reported how the team had been stranded for over 13 hours in Libya after the host country’s government disrupted their travel plans.
The players subsequently vowed to boycott the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya scheduled to hold tomorrow.
Reacting to the treatment in a statement issued 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.
Giving her comment, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairperson of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission condemned the attitude of the Libyan authorities.
She said: “This is most despicable behavior by the Libyan authorities. Libya is not a safe place to travel anyhow, especially by road. Your safety is of utmost concern. I am optimistic that the Minister of Sports, and the NFF are working round the clock to deal with this situation appropriately.”
Follow the Sahara Reporters channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaFClvtH5JM6SSsP7M2Y