The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to immediately invite the Libyan Ambassador to Nigeria for questioning on the inhuman treatment meted out to the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the North African country.
The Green Chamber also totally condemned the inhumane treatment and frustration of the Super Eagles and the Nigerian delegation by the Libyan Football Federation/Libyan Government, and sympathised with the national team and appreciated its patriotism.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, moved by the member representing Gusau/Tsafe federal constituency of Zamfara State, Hon. Kabiru Amadu Mai-Palace, at plenary yesterday.
Moving the motion, Kabiru recalled that the Super Eagles of Nigeria were expected to play a return match fixture of the Africa Cup of Nation qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya on Tuesday (yesterday) after they were defeated by the Super Eagles 1-0 at Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria.
The lawmaker noted that the Super Eagles flew to Libya on Sunday to play the return match of the qualifiers at the Martyrs of February Stadium, Benghazi, Libya, at 8:00 pm on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
He said that among the Super Eagles contingent were House of Representatives members led by the deputy chairman, House Committee on Sports, the deputy governor of Edo State, members of the NFF Board, and the entire crew of NFF.
Kabiru expressed concern over the frustrating 18-hour ordeal faced by the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Al-Abrag International Airport in Libya, where they were left stranded on arrival at 14:00hrs on Sunday till the team and the contingent departed from the airport, after 18 hours.
He also expressed worry that; “The team and the delegation were en route to Benghazi in Libya when their aircraft was unexpectedly diverted mid-flight to Al-Abraq, a small airport typically reserved for hajj operations.
“Despite diverting the flight to a small airport with little or no amenities, the Libyan authorities did not allow the team to get out of the airport or move to their hotel, no access to the internet, and no food. The Airport was cordoned off, and they were held hostage for 18 hours.
“The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), in a statement on Monday, 14th October 2024 NFF, decried the chaotic situation and inhuman treatment meted out to the super Eagles and the entire contingent, unable to reach their hotel in Benghazi, which is three hours away from the Airport.
“The fatigued and frustrated players resolved not to play the match any longer due to the hostilities by the Libyan Football Federation/Libyan Government.”
In adopting the motion, the House urged NFF to make an official complaint to CAF and FIFA for the dehumanisation of the Super Eagles players and NFF contingent by the Libyan Authorities in Libya.
It also mandated the House Committees on Sports and Foreign Affairs to investigate the incident.
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