NiDCOM boss decries treatment of Super Eagles by Libyan authorities

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has decried the poor treatment meted out to the Nigeria Super Eagles team by Libya authorities ahead of the second leg match of the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifier slated for Tuesday, October 15, in the country.

Dabiri-Erewa in a statement by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, on Monday, called on the  Confederation of African Football to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves, disclosing that travelling by road in Libya is most dangerous and totally not advisable because of the current situation in the country.

It said, “Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has condemned the treatment meted out to the Super Eagles team by Libya authorities ahead of its second leg match slated for Tuesday in the country.

“She noted that travelling by road in Libya is most dangerous and totally not advisable because of the current situation in the country.

The team which left Nigeria on Sunday for Libya for their return match had their flight diverted to an innocuous airport far away from the venue of the match.

“The implication of the diversion will now be another three hours of road travel to the main venue of the match, not minding the risk of road travel in Libya , considering the situation of the war-torn country.

“Dabiri-Erewa said the safety of Nigerian players is paramount to the country and was optimistic that the Ministry of Sports and the NFF will advise appropriately. She also called on CAF to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves.”

Meanwhile, the players, the pilots, and others on board the flight had already been stranded and subjected to inhuman treatment at the airport for over 13 hours without water, food, rest, and other means of communication.

The team was delayed at an airport in Libya for more than 13 hours without any tangible reason.

The Super Eagles flight was reportedly redirected air borne on Sunday, and they were required to travel by road to their destination.

However, there was no provision made for them by the Libya authorities, and all efforts to make alternative provisions by Nigeria Football Federation was frustrated, Dabiri-Erewa confirmed.

“Dabiri-Erewa appealed to the Super Eagles to remain calm and why the Nigerian Football Federation will decide the next line of action,” the statement concluded.