Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has said that the Libyan authorities are yet to approve the visit of Nigeria’s diplomatic mission to the Super Eagles, who are currently stranded at an airport in Libya.
Mr Tuggar made the statement on Monday, October 14, 2024, following a distressing incident where the national football team was stuck at the airport for over 12 hours after their plane was unexpectedly diverted from Benghazi, their originally approved destination.
The Super Eagles have now been stranded for more than 14 hours with Mr Tuggar, via his post on X, assuring that he has been closely monitoring the situation.
He said the Nigerian Mission in Tripoli, led by Ambassador Stephen Awuru, has been in contact with both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Libyan officials since the incident began.
Despite ongoing efforts, he said, authorisation for the mission’s trip to Bayda City, where the team is held, has not yet been granted.
Mr Tuggar, therefore, confirmed that Morris Eromosele, Head of the Nigerian Community in Benghazi, arrived at the airport at 6:00 am with essential supplies and internet access to support the team.
He noted that the ministry would continue to monitor developments and await further reports to determine the next course of action.
He said, “I have been closely monitoring the situation involving the Super Eagles in Libya.
“Through the Head of 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 authorised the Nigerian Mission’s trip to Bayda City, where the airport is located.
“In the meantime, the Head of the Nigerian Community in Benghazi, Mr. Morris Eromosele, arrived at the location at 6:00 am this morning with necessary supplies and internet access. We will continue to follow developments and await a report for further action.
Daily Patriot had earlier reported a series of events on the ongoing happenings in Libya involving the Nigerian national team.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong had also declared that the Nigerian national football team would boycott their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya, citing severe mistreatment and safety concerns.
In the same vein, the NFF officially withdrew the Super Eagles from the 2025 AFCON qualifying match scheduled to take place on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
