Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, lawyer to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has criticized the Nigerian government, claiming that its mismanagement and neglect of sports teams have led to the poor treatment of the Super Eagles in Libya. The Nigerian national football team was stranded at the Libyan airport for over 13 hours, a situation that Ejiofor attributes to the government’s long-standing disregard for athletes’ welfare.
In a statement titled “Super Eagles Abysmal Treatment in Libya: A Direct Consequence of Maladministration,” Ejiofor condemned both the Libyan authorities and the Nigerian government’s failure to support its national teams adequately. According to him, when the government fails to prioritize its sports teams, it sends a signal that other countries can mistreat them without consequence.
The ordeal began when the Super Eagles, after their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Libya, were left stranded for more than 13 hours at a Libyan airport. Deprived of basic necessities like food, water, and clear communication, the team faced significant hardship. Barrister Ejiofor expressed his outrage over the situation, stating:
“Being stranded in an airport for over 13 hours with no food, water, or proper communication is not just disrespectful – it is outrightly unacceptable and should be strongly condemned.”
Ejiofor noted that such treatment contradicts the spirit of international sportsmanship, which is built on mutual respect and hospitality. He emphasized that the Libyan authorities’ behavior undermined these values and added to the growing discontent among Nigerian sports fans.
Ejiofor placed part of the blame on the Nigerian government, highlighting its repeated neglect of the welfare of national athletes. He explained that the lack of proper support emboldens other nations to mistreat Nigerian teams.
“When athletes are not given the support they need, it sends a message that other nations can afford to treat them poorly,” Ejiofor said, adding that the Nigerian government’s disregard for its own athletes has resulted in a pattern of disrespect toward them abroad.
He urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to intervene and ensure such incidents are not repeated. Ejiofor expressed hope that the incident in Libya would serve as a wake-up call for Nigerian authorities to prioritize the dignity and well-being of their athletes on the international stage.
Several Super Eagles players, including assistant captain William Troost-Ekong, took to social media to express their frustration with the Libyan authorities. Troost-Ekong confirmed via a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the team had been stuck at the airport for hours, but he also noted the power of social media in influencing the situation. He announced that the team’s plane was being refueled, thanks to the public outcry, and that they would soon be departing for Nigeria.
“Power of social media. Apparently, our plane is being fueled as we speak, and we should be leaving for Nigeria shortly. Thanks for everyone’s support! Mistakes happen, delays happen. But never on purpose,” Troost-Ekong stated.
Later that evening, another Super Eagles player, Victor Boniface, confirmed via Twitter that the team and coaches had finally arrived back in Nigeria.
