●Calls for probe, stiffer penalties
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON has condemned in strong terms the ill-treatment of members of the nation’s senior team, the Super Eagles, and its delegation to a return leg of the 2025 African Cup of Nation (AFCON) qualifier in Libya.
Akpabio, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, decried the antics and shameful behaviour of the Libyan officials and authorities saying, “This unfortunate incident is a stark reminder of the disregard for human dignity and the lack of respect for international norms”.
He declared that the reported mistreatment of our players is not only unacceptable but also a breach of the principles of fair play and sportsmanship that underpin international football competitions.
The statement reads in parts, “As the President of the Senate, I stand in solidarity with the Super Eagles, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the entire Nigerian football community in condemning this unjust treatment. “The Nigerian 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.
“We demand a thorough investigation from the Disciplinary Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and appropriate sanctions to be meted out against those involved.
“It is also imperative that the Libyan authorities take immediate action to investigate this incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable to prevent future occurrences.
“We call on the international football community to condemn this unacceptable behaviour and support our demand for justice.”
