The Senate Tuesday demanded an unreserved apology from the government of Libya over shabby treatment meted to the Super Eagles on Sunday at Al-Abraq International Airport.
This is as the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, condemned in strong terms, the ill-treatment of the Super Eagles Players and officials while in Libya for a return leg of the 2025 African Cup of Nation (AFCON) qualifiers.
Senate’s demand for apology from the Libyan government, followed a motion sponsored to that effect by Senator Ismaila Kawu (NNPP Kano South).
Senator Kawu who moved the motion in his capacity as Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, expressed dismay over the highly condemnable ill treatment of Nigerian players and officials.
He posited that if the unprecedented hostility and poor attitude exhibited by the Libyan authorities and Football Federation, is not condemned and checked by the relevant authorities, it will spell doom for the growth and development of football and other sporting activities.
The Senate, accordingly as contained in the motion, condemned in its entirety, the action of the Libyan authorities for the unwarranted hostilities and unfair treatment meted out to the Nigerian Super Eagles;
It commended the Federal Ministry of Sports and the NFF for their prompt response and action by facilitating the safe return of our players, as they are no longer in the right frame of mind to go ahead with the scheduled match and urged the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to bring the ugly development to the attention of the Libyan government.
The Senate further urged the Federal Government to report this unsportsmanlike action of the Libyan authorities to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), with a view to apportioning appropriate sanctions on them in order to forestall re-occurrence in the future.
Also condemning the action of Libyan authorities through a statement issued on Tuesday, the President of the Senate,
Godswill Akpabio, decried the antics and shameful behaviour of the Libyan officials.
The unfortunate incident according to him, “is a stark reminder of the disregard for human dignity and the lack of respect for international norms”.
He said: “The reported mistreatment of our players is not only unacceptable but also a breach of the principles of fair play and sportsmanship that underpin international football competitions.
“As the President of the Senate, I stand in solidarity with the Super Eagles, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the entire Nigerian football community in condemning this unjust treatment.
“The Nigerian Senate will continue to monitor this situation closely and ensure that the rights and dignity of our citizens are protected.
“We will not tolerate any form of mistreatment or disrespect towards our nationals, regardless of the circumstances.
“We demand a thorough investigation from the Disciplinary Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and appropriate sanctions to be meted out against those involved.
“It is also imperative that the Libyan authorities take immediate action to investigate this incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable to prevent future occurrences.
“We call on the international football community to condemn this unacceptable behaviour and support our demand for justice”.