The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has condemned in strong terms the treatment melted to the players of country’s men national football team by the Libyan authorities.
The super Eagles are billed to take on their Libyan counterpart in a return leg match slated for Tuesday in Benghazi, Libya.
The team which left Nigeria on Sunday to Libya for its return match had their flight diverted to an innocuous airport far away from the venue of the match.
The players have been held down at the airport for many hours without water and food.
Reacting to the situation, Dabiri-Erewa noted that travelling by road in Libya is most dangerous and totally not advisable because of the current situation in the country.
NiDCOM boss in a statement signed by Mr. Abdur-Rahman Balogun
Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit NiDCOM, Abuja said the safety of Nigerian players is paramount to the country, and was optimistic that the Ministry of Sports and the NFF will advice appropriately.
She also called on CAF to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves.
The statement reads in part: “Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, 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 to Libya for its 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 advice appropriately.
“She also called on CAF to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves.
“Already, the players, the pilots and others on board the flight had been stranded and subjected to inhuman treatment at the airport for over 13 hours without water, food, rest and other means of communication.”
Dabiri-Erewa also appealed to the Super Eagles to remain calm why the Nigerian Football Federation will decide the next line of action.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has said Nigerian government is currently monitoring the situation in Libya.
The Minister said: “I have been closely monitoring the situation involving the Super Eagles in Libya.
“Through the Head of Nigerian Mission in Tripoli, Libya, Amb. Stephen Anthony Awuru, the Mission has maintained contact with the NFF, and the Libyan authorities since last night. Despite efforts, Libyan authorities have not yet authorized the Nigerian Mission’s trip to Bayda City, where the airport is located.”
He added that: “In the meantime, the Head of the Nigerian Community in Benghazi, Mr. Morris Eromosele, arrived at the location at 6 am this morning (Monday) with necessary supplies and internet access. We will continue to follow developments and await a report for further action.“
