Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has slammed the Libyan authorities following the “hostile” treatment experienced by Nigeria’s Super Eagles football team.
News About Nigeria reported that upon arrival at Al Abraq International Airport, the team reportedly faced a 12-hour ordeal, stranded without assistance or onwards transport to Benghazi, where they were scheduled to play a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
The team’s chartered aircraft was unexpectedly diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a smaller airport generally used for hajj operations.
Dabiri-Erewa described the incident as “despicable behaviour,” stressing that Libya’s current safety concerns only heighten the importance of safe travel measures for Nigerian citizens abroad.
She noted her confidence that the Minister of Sports and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) would work to address the situation.
She said, “This is most despicable behaviour 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.”
Meanwhile, in a statement on Monday, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the Super Eagles would no longer participate in the Tuesday qualifier.
Citing the distress and exhaustion endured by the players, the federation announced that plans are underway to fly the team back to Nigeria.
The statement mentioned that the players, “left in a dangerous manner” by the diversion, resolved not to proceed with the match.
