Sports minister commends Super Eagles’ calmness despite provocations in Libya

The Nigerian Super Eagles have been praised by Senator John Enoh, Minister of Sports Development, for their maturity "despite the provocations" they endured in Libya.

During the players' arrival at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Monday night, the minister expressed her admiration.

The Super Eagles' flight, which was supposed to land in Benghazi for the second leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification match, was diverted, and they were detained there for more than 16 hours at an abandoned airfield in Al Abraq.

After the ordeal, the footballers left Libya and flew to Abuja via the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State.

Enoh informed the Super Eagles that the only thing that mattered to Nigerians was their safe return, noting that they had shown the “Nigerian spirit” by remaining calm and composed despite the ill-treatment by the Libyan authorities.
"Everyone in the nation is aware of everything you've experienced. Since last night, people all throughout the nation have been up, hoping and praying that you return safely. Nothing else mattered to us; your safe return to the nation was what mattered most. Allow me to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for your outstanding display of maturity in spite of the provocations.

"We've seen every photo, showing how you were handled and your attempts to see if you could get any sleep at all in the airport. How you weren't even allowed to exit the airport. You handled everything with poise and maturity. That, he continued, is the spirit that is characteristically Nigerian.

Additionally, the Minister let the players know that the Ministry was in contact with the Confederation of African Football regarding the situation.
He said, "We've had talks about what has happened and what took place with the various levels and leaders of CAF."

In the meantime, CAF announced on Monday that it has opened an inquiry into the 'disturbing' occurrence.