The Federal Government has denied alleged claims made by the Libya Observer that it apologized to Libya following the challenges encountered by the Super Eagles upon their landing in the country.
Recall that according to reports, the Super Eagles were left stranded, denied food and internet connection ahead of their 2025 AFCON qualifier match against Libya.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, responded to the alleged claims stating that neither the Federal Government nor Super Eagles rendered apology to Libya.
In a statement released by his media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, the minister noted that the reports of the phone call with Libya’s East-based Government’s Foreign Minister was misrepresented which led to the current misunderstanding.
He stated, “The fact of the matter was that the CDA of the Government of National Unity was summoned to the Ministry to seek an immediate end to the unfortunate incident.
“However, not much diplomatic headway was made during the meeting with the Acting Charge of Affairs, Imad Mohammed Matooq Aboud, as they insisted that it was not under the jurisdiction of Tripoli, which they represented, but that of the Eastern Government in Benghazi.”
Alkasim Abdulkadir noted that it was their decision that prompted the minister to take swift actions to reach the Foreign Minister of the Eastern Government, Abdelhadi Lahweej, to take measures and ensure that the aircraft was permitted to fly.
He added, “Even when Lahweej insisted on rehashing the untruth about the treatment of Libyan players in Nigeria, Amb Tuggar once again corrected the misinformation about the mistreatment of Libyan players during the Nigerian encounter.
“He did not apologise or regret the treatment of Libyan officials and players because the account was inaccurate.”