Angered by the delay and mistreatment of the Super Eagles, the Nigerian government has summoned Libya’s chargé d’affaires to explain the reason behind the team’s detention at Abraq International Airport.
The Nigerian team was stranded in Libya over the weekend, less than 48 hours before their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights, scheduled for Tuesday.
For over 14 hours, the team could not leave Libyan soil — a development that many Nigerians and football fans have criticised.
Speaking on Monday, foreign affairs minister Yusuf Tuggar explained that the government had established contacts with Libya’s chargé d’affaires over the issue.
Mr Tuggar, who described the situation as “most unfortunate,” said steps had been taken to resolve the matter and return the Super Eagles to the country.
“Our team has gone to Libya. Although, somehow, the plane got diverted to a different airport, and unfortunately, at that airport, there was no aviation fuel. So, we need to refuel and get out.
“But suffice to say that we have established contact with them. We sent people from the mission to go there (sic) and are in talks with their delegation over there.
“I have also communicated with the chairman and since last night have been on the phone. I am heading to the Ministry, where we’ve summoned the Libyan chargé d’affaires on this issue. It has to be resolved as quickly as possible,” he told Arise TV in an exclusive interview.
Peoples Gazette had reported how the Nigerian team left Uyo in Akwa Ibom on Sunday morning for Libya, but an unexpected diversion of their flight left them in a difficult situation.
