By +234 803 349 0404
The international footballing community and Nigerians alike were outraged by the callous treatment meted out to the Nigerian National Football team, the Super Eagles when their flight to Benghazi to play the return leg of the qualifier for the African Cup of Nations competition with the Libyan National Football team, Mediterranean Knights.
In Al Abraq, the Super Eagles were left stranded in the airport for almost 18 hours without the provision of water, food, and conveniences by the Libyan Football Federation, contrary to CAF Regulations on the African Cup of Nations concerning reception requirements by the hosting Federation of a visiting team.
The Libyan Football Federation is claiming that the decision to divert the aircraft carrying the Super Eagles from Benghazi to a desolate and abandoned airport that is mainly used for conveying pilgrims to Al Abraq was the decision of the Libyan State and, therefore, the sovereignty of the Libyan State must be respected.
Was the Libyan State, therefore, right to have ordered the diversion of the aircraft carrying the Super Eagles from its original course, which invariably exposed the team to danger?
The Libyan State’s decision to divert the aircraft carrying the Super Eagles from its original course is a highly questionable move.
The Super Eagles were on their way to play a crucial AFCON qualifier, and then without notice, their aircraft was diverted, putting them in a potentially hazardous situation.
The pilot of the aircraft was not informed of the compelling reasons why the Libyan authorities hastily decided to divert the aircraft from its original course.
It was very wrong for the aircraft to be diverted without the Libyan State giving specific reasons.
The diversion of a flight without a valid reason or proper communication can be considered a serious safety risk.
This indeed constitutes a violation of international aviation law under the Chicago Convention,1944.
It’s essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of passengers, especially when they’re representing their country in an international event. Such a sudden diversion of the aircraft carrying the Super Eagles and officials
The potential consequences of the psychological trauma that the Super Eagles must have experienced when their aircraft was unexpectedly changed could be worse than imagined.
The potential consequences of such actions on the Super Eagles players and officials, who were likely already under pressure, preparing for a critical match, and then faced with an unexpected change in their travel plans, are unacceptable as it could compromise their safety.
The safety and well-being of the Super Eagles players and officials were potentially compromised, invoking human rights considerations (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948)
The Libyan State should have handled the situation better, ensuring the team’s safe passage to their destination. Instead, their actions raised concerns about the treatment of visiting teams and the overall organization of the event.
The recourse to the use of the principle of respect for the sovereignty of the Libyan State by the Libyan Football Federation to justify the diversion of the aircraft conveying the Super Eagles from its original course to Benghazi is untenable and thus bunkum.
Football is controlled by the sport’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (“FIFA”). FIFA regulations and guidelines govern international football competitions, including player safety and team travel (FIFA Regulations, 2020).
FIFA asserts its rights and authority to manage and oversee international football in partnership with continental confederations and national football associations (“FAs”).
FIFA’s strong stance against government involvement is outlined in its statutes, which emphasize member associations’ obligation to comply with directives and maintain political neutrality. Notable instances such as the suspension of the Nigerian Football Federation (“NFF”) in 2014 and the Kuwait Football Association (“KFA”) in 2015 highlight FIFA’s commitment to regulatory autonomy.
Finally, the decision of the Libyan authorities to divert the aircraft carrying the Super Eagles and officials on 13 October 2024 is highly questionable and tantamount to the Libyan authorities involving themselves in international football under the guise of protection of their national security and sovereignty.
I see a collusion between the Libyan State and the Libyan Football Federation to psychologically oppress the Super Eagles, weakening their resolve to play the return leg of the AFCON qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya on 15 October 2024.
Such crude tactics and inferior methods employed against a visiting national football team by a hosting federation are unacceptable and must be soundly condemned.
The incident has strained relations between Nigeria and Libya, highlighting the importance of diplomatic protocols and cooperation.
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