- Safiu Kehinde
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has disclosed the resolution of Super Eagles’ detention in Libya following their arrival for the return leg of the ongoing African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The ministry made this known in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Eche Abu-Obe.
According to Abu-Obe, the Foreign Affairs minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, had, upon the report of the incident, called Libyan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Eastern Government, Dr. Abdulhadi Lahweej, over the safety and welfare of the Nigerian national team.
Both Ministers reportedly agreed on the amicable resolution of the incident.
The statement read “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs received with dismay the news of the unfortunate detention of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) officials and the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Al Abraq International Airport several hours after arriving ahead of Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya.
“To resolve the incident, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, initiated a phone call to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Eastern Government, Dr. Abdulhadi Lahweej. spawned a series of actions, culminating in steps taken to assuage the officials and reassure the players of their safety.
“Subsequently, the contingent departed for Nigeria.
“In ending the phone conversation, Amb. Tuggar commended the authorities’ actions in resolving the incident, and both Ministers appreciated the amicable resolution of the unfortunate situation in the spirit of African brotherhood.”