AFCON 2025 qualifier: Apologise to Nigeria — Senate tells Libya government 

The Senate has urgently requested that the Libyan government apologize to Nigeria for the inhumane treatment the Super Eagles received upon their arrival for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The Senate on Tuesday, October 15, strongly condemned the actions of Libyan officials and authorities, stating that they’re a clear violation of human dignity and international standards.

Additionally, the Upper Chamber has called for a comprehensive investigation into this unfortunate incident.

The resolution of the Senate was sequel to a point of Order raised by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Sumaila Kawu, NNPP, Kano South who came under Order 42 of the Senate Standing rules on personal explanation.

In his remarks, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, said: “The matter was brought under Personal Explanation by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Sulaiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila (Kano South).

What happened to the Super Eagles in Libya is not in tandem with the spirit of sports. 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.

Fortunately, you (Kawu) have come through a personal explanation, and this is what we intended it to do because we don’t want a diplomatic row; we think this is a mistake that the Libyan should be given a chance to correct and apologise to the Nigerian government.

Nigeria is a big country in Africa. We always lead in terms of diplomacy, friendship and everything. Based on that spirit, I am sure you decided that this matter should be treated this way so we can give their leaders a chance to apologise to our national team.

So, 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.”