The Nigerian Senate has urged the Libyan government to apologize for the mistreatment of the Super Eagles during their visit for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Condemnation of Libyan officials’ actions has been expressed, highlighting a disregard for human dignity and international norms. Senate leaders are calling for a thorough investigation and accountability to prevent future incidents of this nature.
In a recent session, the Nigerian Senate has formally urged the Libyan government to issue an apology to Nigeria, in light of the disrespectful treatment experienced by the Super Eagles upon their arrival for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The Senate expressed strong condemnation of the conduct displayed by Libyan officials, labeling it as an unfortunate incident that displays blatant disregard for human dignity and international norms. The Senate’s resolution arose from a Point of Order put forth by Senator Sumaila Kawu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports. In this session, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, emphasized that the treatment of the players is intolerable and inconsistent with the principles of sportsmanship, which are intended to foster unity and competition among countries in Africa. Jibrin remarked, “The essence of sports is to promote unity and competition and enhance brotherhood among the countries on the continent. The way our players are treated is terrible and condemnable.” He called for the Libyan authorities to acknowledge their mistake and extend an apology to Nigeria, asserting that Nigeria plays a significant role in African diplomacy and should be treated with respect. Furthermore, Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio condemned the incident, asserting that it reflects a severe lack of respect for human dignity and sportsmanship. In a statement, Akpabio indicated solidarity with the Super Eagles and the Football Federation, deeming the reported mistreatment as unacceptable and a violation of fair play principles. He called for a thorough investigation by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and urged the Libyan authorities to take immediate corrective measures to hold those responsible accountable. Additionally, Akpabio urged the international football community to join in condemning such behavior and support Nigeria’s demand for justice regarding the treatment of its national team, emphasizing the need for accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of sports teams during international competitions, particularly focusing on the responsibilities of host nations to adhere to standards of dignity and respect for visiting teams. The Super Eagles, as Nigeria’s national football team, are symbols of national pride, and their treatment abroad reflects not only on them but also on Nigeria as a whole. The incident has sparked discussions regarding diplomatic relations, human rights, and fair play in sports, emphasizing the need for international standards in treatment of athletes.
In conclusion, the Nigerian Senate has taken a strong stance against the unacceptable treatment of the Super Eagles by Libyan officials, calling for an apology and thorough investigations to ensure justice. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respect and dignity in international sports engagements, as well as the responsibility of nations to uphold these values. The Nigerian government and Senate are committed to safeguarding the rights of their citizens and maintaining the integrity of international sportsmanship.
Original Source: www.vanguardngr.com
