The Nigerian Senate has formally requested an apology from the Libyan government for the inhumane treatment of the Super Eagles, Nigeria's senior football team, during their recent visit for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
On October 13, the Super Eagles and officials from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) were left stranded for over 14 hours after their flight was diverted to a smaller airport upon arrival in Libya. This incident was raised in the Senate by Senator Ismaila Kawu, who emphasized the need for the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address the negative diplomatic repercussions of Libya's actions.
Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, condemned the treatment of the players as "terrible and condemnable." He highlighted that such actions are contrary to the spirit of sports, which should foster unity and brotherhood among African nations. The issue was initially raised by Senator Sulaiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports.