FG summons Libyan diplomatic mission in Nigeria to explain kidnapping of Super Eagles
Angered by the delay and mistreatment of the Super Eagles, the Nigerian government has summoned Libya’s chargé d’affaires to explain the reason behind the team’s detention at Abraq International Airport.
The Nigerian team was stranded in Libya over the weekend, less than 48 hours before their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights, scheduled for Tuesday.
For over 14 hours, the team could not leave Libyan soil — a development that many Nigerians and football fans have criticised.
Speaking on Monday, foreign affairs minister Yusuf Tuggar explained that the government had established contacts with Libya’s chargé d’affaires over the issue.
Mr Tuggar, who described the situation as “most unfortunate,” said steps had been taken to resolve the matter and return the Super Eagles to the country.
“Our team has gone to Libya. Although, somehow, the plane got diverted to a different airport, and unfortunately, at that airport, there was no aviation fuel. So, we need to refuel and get out.
“But suffice to say that we have established contact with them. We sent people from the mission to go there (sic) and are in talks with their delegation over there.
“I have also communicated with the chairman and since last night have been on the phone. I am heading to the Ministry, where we’ve summoned the Libyan chargé d’affaires on this issue. It has to be resolved as quickly as possible,” he told Arise TV in an exclusive interview.
Peoples Gazette had reported how the Nigerian team left Uyo in Akwa Ibom on Sunday morning for Libya, but an unexpected diversion of their flight left them in a difficult situation.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 2
Tinubu’s economic reforms yielding results despite doubts: Bagudu
Mr Bagudu described Mr Tinubu as a visionary leader whose decisions demonstrated courage and commitment to national development.
Sport
Flamingos lose 2-1 to Poland in FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup opener
Poland’s Natalia Skrok made it two in the second half when Blanka Zajac, in the 65th minute, crossed into the Nigerian penalty area.
States
Gov Mbah scraps N750 daily ticket fee for Enugu tricycle operators, extends work hours
Mr Mbah also disclosed that tricycle operators would continue to use the state’s modern transport terminals free of charge.
States
FG unveils five-point strategy to tackle banditry, terrorism in Sokoto
Mr Ribadu called for sustained security deployments around vulnerable settlements, forest corridors and border communities.
Politics
2027: Wike urges Rivers traditional leaders to avoid ‘mistake’, back Tinubu for prosperity
Mr Wike said, “Supporting Tinubu is a support for prosperity.”
Heading 4
NAPTIP raises alarm over rise in parents’ facilitation of children’s sexual exploitation
The NAPTIP boss said parents and guardians were facilitating the sexual exploitation of their children to make money.
