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As Akpabio condemns maltreatment of players, officials
By Olu Abiodun
Senate on Tuesday, asked Libya to apologise to the Nigerian government over the inhumane treatment meted out to the Super Eagles upon their arrival for the second leg of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.
This was after the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio condemned the act, while also demanding a probe and penalisation of Libya over the matter.
The resolution of the Red Chamber was sequel to a Point of Order raised by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Sumaila Kawu, (NNPP Kano South), who came under Order 42 of the Senate Standing Rules on personal explanation.
Senator Kawu noted with regret that the actions of the Libyan authorities and Football Federation did not only endanger the lives of the senior team players, but other members of the delegation.
He, therefore, urged the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to call the attention of the Libyan government to the negative diplomatic consequences of such action.
In his remarks, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau (APC Kano North), who presided over the plenary, condemned what happened in Libya to the Super Eagles, saying the ill- treatment meted out to the players was terrible and condemnable.
Senator Barau added that the action was not in tandem with the spirit of sports, stressing that the essence of sports is to promote unity and competition as well as enhancing brotherhood among the countries on the continent.
According to him, the matter raised by Senator Kawu was very important, saying “this is what we intended it to do because we don’t want a diplomatic row; we think this is a mistake that the Libyan should be given a chance to correct and apologise to the Nigerian government.”
“Nigeria is a big country in Africa. We always lead in terms of diplomacy, friendship and everything. Based on that spirit, I am sure you decided that this matter should be treated this way so we can give their leaders a chance to apologise to our national team.
“So, we call on the ambassador and whoever is concerned and the authorities to come out and apologise for what they have done to our national team,” the Deputy Senate President stressed.
Akpabio, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh decried the antics and shameful behaviour of the Libyan officials and authorities saying, “This unfortunate incident is a stark reminder of the disregard for human dignity and the lack of respect for international norms.”
He declared that the reported mistreatment of the players is not only unacceptable, but also a breach of the principles of fair play and sportsmanship that underpins international football competitions.
“As the President of the Senate, I stand in solidarity with the Super Eagles, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the entire Nigerian football community in condemning this unjust treatment. The Nigerian Senate will continue to monitor this situation closely and ensure that the rights and dignity of our citizens are protected. We will not tolerate any form of mistreatment or disrespect towards our nationals, regardless of the circumstances.
“We demand a thorough investigation from the Disciplinary Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and appropriate sanctions to be meted out against those involved.
“It is also imperative that the Libyan authorities take immediate action to investigate this incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable to prevent future occurrences.
“We call on the international football community to condemn this unacceptable behaviour and support our demand for justice,” he stated.
