The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa 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.
A statement by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun in Abuja on Monday, said the team which left Nigeria on Sunday to Libya for their 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,” the statement partly said.
Dabiri-Erewa said the safety of Nigerian players is paramount to the country, and was optimistic that the Ministry of Sports and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will advise appropriately.
She called on the Confederation of African Football (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.
“The team was delayed at an airport in Libya for more than 13 hours without any tangible reason.”
“The Super Eagles flight was redirected air borne on Sunday, and they were required to travel by road to their destination.
“However, there was no provision made for them by the Libya authorities, and all efforts to make alternative provisions by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was frustrated,” the statement added.
Dabiri-Erewa appealed to the Super Eagles to remain calm and while the NFF will decide the next line of action.
