If you’ve been scrolling through Twitter, you’ve probably come across the outrage over the situation our Super Eagles are facing in Libya. The unfolding drama has left Nigerians fuming at the government’s inability to swiftly resolve the chaos that’s kept our players virtually hostage.
What They Are saying
The Nigerian government, as usual, is dragging its feet. In response to the crisis, the Federal Government issued a statement through Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, claiming that they’ve sent “necessary supplies” to help our stranded footballers. Supplies? For elite athletes who are there to represent the nation in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier? It’s the 21st century, yet our government’s idea of crisis management is sending over water bottles and internet access. Incredible.
According to Tuggar, they’ve been “closely monitoring the situation” and working with Libyan authorities and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). But here’s where things take a turn for the absurd: despite their supposed best efforts, Libyan authorities haven’t granted the Nigerian Mission permission to visit Bayda City, where the airport is located. So, instead, the government sent the Head of the Nigerian Community in Benghazi to deliver “supplies” to our athletes.
“I have been closely monitoring the situation involving the Super Eagles in Libya. Through the Head of the Nigerian Mission in Tripoli, Libya, Amb. Stephen Anthony Awuru, the Mission has maintained contact with the NFF, and the Libyan authorities since last night.
“Despite efforts, Libyan authorities have not yet authorized the Nigerian Mission’s trip to Bayda City, where the airport is located.”
Why It Matters
Should we applaud the government’s bravery for sending wifi passwords while our players are left to fend for themselves in a foreign country? Where is the outrage from our sports officials, the press, or even the Confederation of African Football (CAF)? For a country that prides itself on its football prowess, this situation is laughably embarrassing.
To make matters worse, reports have surfaced that the Super Eagles are considering boycotting the match. Given how they’ve been treated so far—stranded at the Al Abraq Airport, left without proper assistance, and shuffled around, it’s no surprise that they might refuse to play. It’s a move that many Nigerians might actually support. Why should we risk our players’ safety in a country that seems more interested in inconveniencing them than hosting a fair game?
Sports Minister John Enoh has also “escalated” the issue, but again, how much faith can we put in these assurances? The government’s actions, or lack thereof, suggest that they are more focused on saving face than actually resolving the issue. At this rate, we might as well leave the Super Eagles to the mercy of Libya while we offer more “thoughts and prayers” from the comfort of Abuja.
Bottom Line
And where is CAF in all this? Are they going to allow this farce to continue? If Libya can’t host our national team without chaos, maybe they shouldn’t be hosting at all. Period. The safety of our players should be non-negotiable, and if that means pulling out of the match altogether, so be it. No football match is worth risking the lives of our athletes in a country that can’t even ensure their basic security.
