Senator John Owan Enoh, the Minister of Sports Development, has kicked against Libyan authorities for holding the Nigerian football team and officials hostage at the Al Abaq airport for over 12 hours, News About Nigeria reports.
Recall that the Super Eagles were left stranded after the Nigerian aircraft, originally en route to Benghazi, was diverted to another city over a three-hour drive from the intended destination, just an hour before landing.
After the diversion, the Nigerian Super Eagles team, officials, and support staff were left stranded and subjected to unnecessary delays with no significant assistance from Libyan authorities, the hosts of the qualifying match.
Reacting to this mistreatment in a statement on Monday, the Sports Minister decried the actions of Libyan authorities, noting that it is unlawful as it violates international sporting protocols.
He further noted that the Nigerian government will not tolerate the mistreatment of players and officials.
The statement partly reads, “Such actions by the Libyan authorities are deeply disturbing and completely unacceptable. Holding our national team and officials hostage under any circumstances violates not only international sporting protocols but also the principles of respect and hospitality that should be extended to all visiting teams. The Nigerian government will not tolerate any form of disrespect or mistreatment toward our players and officials.
“We are in close contact with the appropriate authorities, and we are sparing no effort in ensuring that this situation is resolved swiftly. I urge everyone to remain calm while we engage diplomatically to address this matter,” he added.
