Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, has expressed his strong disapproval of the poor treatment faced by members of Nigeria’s senior football team, the Super Eagles, and their delegation during the recent return leg of the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Libya.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio condemned the shocking behaviour exhibited by Libyan officials, emphasizing that “this regrettable incident highlights a blatant disrespect for human dignity and a failure to adhere to international standards.”
He asserted that the alleged mistreatment of the players is not only intolerable but also constitutes a violation of the fair play and sportsmanship principles that govern international football events.
“As the Senate President, I stand firmly with the Super Eagles, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the broader Nigerian football community in denouncing this unfair treatment,” stated Akpabio.
He assured that the Nigerian Senate will vigilantly track the developments surrounding this issue, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the rights and dignity of Nigerian citizens. “We will not permit any form of mistreatment or disrespect towards our nationals, irrespective of the situation.”
Akpabio called for a comprehensive investigation by the Disciplinary Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and demanded that appropriate penalties be imposed on those responsible.
“It is crucial for the Libyan authorities to take swift action to examine this incident and ensure accountability for those involved to avert similar incidents in the future,” he urged.
He also appealed to the international football community to denounce this unacceptable conduct and support Nigeria’s quest for justice.
