Reps ask FG to summon Libyan envoy over Super Eagles’ ordeal

The House of Representatives has urged the executive arm of the federal government to summon the Libyan Ambassador to Nigeria, to speak to issues surrounding the harrowing treatment meted out to the Super Eagles of Nigeria at a Libyan airport.

The Nigeria team had visited the country in preparation for the return leg of the ongoing African Cup of Nations qualifying series, but were diverted off the planned airport, and yet kept unattended to about 14 hours, forcing the Eagles to abandon the match earlier slated for Tuesday.

The Eagles, travelling with about 22 players, technical crew, NFF officials and some members of the House were unable to get to their destination on Sunday as their aircraft diverted to a smaller airport and kept for 14 hours.

In a resolution on a motion sponsored under matters of urgent national importance by Chairman of the Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Ahmadu on Tuesday, the House also directed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), to make an official complaint to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) over the inhuman treatment.

The House also condemned in strong terms the action of the Libyan authorities while appreciating the patriotism of members of the Super Eagles all through the ordeal.

Ahmadu reminded the House that the senior national team were supposed to play the return leg of the Nation’s Cup qualifier after the first leg in Uyo, adding that the Super Eagle contingent included some members of the House led by the deputy chairman of the House Committee on Sports and deputy governor of Edo state, Comrade Phillip Shuaibu.

Also in his submissions, Hon. Chris Nkwonta described the action as “an embarrassment not only to Nigeria but to the entire continent of Africa and should be investigated.”