By Ebi Kesiena
Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa has strongly condemned the deplorable treatment of the Super Eagles by Libyan authorities ahead of their second-leg match scheduled for Tuesday.
In a statement released on Monday, Dabiri-Erewa expressed grave concern over the dangerous situation the team found themselves in, emphasizing that travel by road in Libya, a war-torn country, poses serious risks.
The Super Eagles’ journey to Libya began on Sunday, but their flight was unexpectedly diverted to a remote airport far from the match venue. As a result, the team faced an additional three-hour road journey, exposing them to potential dangers due to the ongoing conflict in the country.
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that the safety of Nigerian players is paramount. She urged the Ministry of Sports and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to take swift action and make decisions that prioritize the team’s security. Furthermore, she called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to address the issue with the seriousness it deserves.
Reports indicate that the players, pilots, and other personnel on the flight were stranded at the Libyan airport for over 15 hours. During this time, they were subjected to inhumane conditions, including a lack of food, water, rest, and means of communication. “The team was delayed at the airport for over 13 hours without any explanation,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.
Efforts by the Nigerian Football Federation to arrange alternative provisions for the team were reportedly frustrated by the Libyan authorities. Despite the challenges, Dabiri-Erewa appealed to the Super Eagles to remain calm while the NFF deliberates on the next course of action.
The incident sparked widespread concern, with many calling for immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of the Super Eagles players.
