The Tunisian pilot who flew the Super Eagles of Nigeria to Libya for African Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifying match in Benghazi has said he was ordered by the Libyan government to divert the flight to Al-Abraq Airport, located 150miles away from destination point.
Recall the Super Eagles were billed to have landed at the airport in Benghazi and travelled nearly four hours drive by road to Benina where the match was to be played.
"The flight plan was to land in Benghazi, Benina, and we had approval from the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority. "I repeatedly questioned the directive and warned them about fuel limitations, but they insisted that we land in Al-Abraq, citing orders from the highest authority.
Resolutions of the Senate, sequel to a motion, titled 'Ill-treatment of the Nigerian Eagles Football team by the Libyan Authorities and Football Federation at the Al-Abrab Airport, Libya', sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Ismaila Kawu, NNPP , who came under Order 42 of the Senate Standing rules on personal explanation.
"Consequently, the aircraft was directed to the Al-Abraq International Airport, which lacked the control navigators for landing at such hours, as the said airport is occasionally used for Hajj operations. "The Senate is aware that the Embassy of Nigeria in Tripoli made arrangements with the authorities in Benghazi to welcome the Nigerian delegation, prior to their arrival, but their application was allegedly and outrightly rejected as the authorities already had a premeditated plan to frustrate our team, ahead of the scheduled match;
Jibrin, who noted that the essence of sports was to promote unity and competition as well as enhance brotherhood among the countries on the continent, said:"The matter was brought under personal explanation by chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Sulaiman Kawu . "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."Meanwhile, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, in a statement yesterday, condemned in very strong terms the inhuman treatment meted out on the Super Eagles by the Libyan authorities.
"The 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. In a motion sponsored by Kabiru Ahmadu under matters of urgent national importance at the plenary presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abass yesterday, the lawmakers also urged NFF to make an official complaint to the Confederation of African Football, CAF and Federation of International Football Association, FIFA.
He said it was unfortunate that despite diverting the flight to a small airport with little or no amenities, the Libyan authorities did not allow the team to get out of the airport or move to their hotel, and also denied them access to the internet, food, water, as the airport was cordoned off.In his reaction to the incident, Super Eagles coach, Austin Eguavoen, said he was still in shock over the 20-hour horror faced at the airport in Libya.
News Politics Economy Trade Business Sports Current Events Travel Nigeria West Africa Sport Soccer North Africa Libya
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Victor Boniface Reacts to Super Eagles Being Held Hostage at Libyan AirportBayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface is displeased and has expressed his frustration at the Super Eagles being held hostage at Al Abaq airport, in Libya.
Read more »
Adebayor, Aubameyang Make Strong Statements Over Super Eagles' Ordeal at Libyan AirportEmmanuel Adebayor and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang have decried the Super Eagles ordeal at the Al Abaq Airport in Libya where they were left unattended.
Read more »
CAF President Makes Big Decision As Super Eagles Head Home After Libyan Airport SagaCAF President Patrice Mosepe wants the Super Eagles of Nigeria to honour their 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya, according to Nigeria's Sports Minister Owan Enoh.
Read more »
Ex-Libyan Star Makes Bold Claim Against Super Eagles After Airport HostageFormer Libyan international Moatasem Al-Musrati has made a bold claim about the Super Eagles of Nigeria during their hostage at Al Abraq International Airport.
Read more »
Libyan FA Addresses Super Eagles Mistreatment Amid Ongoing Airport SagaThe Libyan Football Federation has responded to claims of the Super Eagles airport mistreatment ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification fixture.
Read more »
Photos Emerge As Stranded and Drained Super Eagles Players Remain at Libyan AirportLibyan authorities have left the Super Eagles players stranded at the Al Abaq airport and photos have emerged showing tired and weary Nigerian stars.
Read more »