The recent ordeal faced by the Super Eagles in Libya underscores a broader issue regarding the treatment of Nigerians abroad and reflects a troubling mindset within the Libyan leadership. When the Eagles’ aircraft was ordered back into the skies while descending at Benghazi Airport, it marked the beginning of a 17-hour nightmare for the team and officials, who were forced to land at the disused Al-Abraq Airport. This incident raises serious questions about the perception of Nigerians as dispensable in international affairs, particularly in the realm of sports.
The crux of the matter transcends the immediate discomfort experienced by the Eagles. It speaks to a deeper failure of diplomacy and the protection of citizens’ rights by the Nigerian government. The mindset displayed by Libyan authorities suggests a disregard for human dignity and a willingness to prioritize national pride over the safety of foreign guests. Such a situation might not have occurred under the leadership of Muammar Gaddafi, whose regime was characterized by a strong sense of Pan-Africanism and a commitment to protecting Libyan sovereignty.
The plight of the Super Eagles serves as a reminder of Nigeria’s historical silence regarding the West’s actions in Libya. The United States, along with its allies, sought to dismantle Gaddafi’s regime for various reasons, including Libya’s commitment to using its vast wealth for the benefit of its people and its efforts to establish a gold bank for Africa—an initiative that aimed to reduce dependency on the US dollar. Gaddafi’s support for Palestinian rights and his push for a United States of Africa were also seen as threats by Western powers.
Nigerian elites, who benefit from the current status quo, often viewed Libya’s self-sufficiency and wealth redistribution as a challenge to their own interests. As a result, the Nigerian response to the Western onslaught on Libya was largely muted. This silence continued even after the US bombing of Tripoli in 1986, which resulted in the loss of over 70 lives, and during the false accusations against Libya concerning the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing.
Perhaps most concerning was Nigeria’s support for the NATO-led invasion of Libya in 2011. At a critical juncture, the Nigerian representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Joy Ogwu, voted in favor of military intervention, effectively endorsing the dismantling of a sovereign state. This decision not only contributed to Libya’s current chaos but also reflected a failure to defend African unity and sovereignty against external aggression.
The Super Eagles’ situation is emblematic of a larger narrative—one where the failure to stand up for fellow Africans has dire consequences, both at home and abroad. As the continent grapples with its challenges, it is imperative for African nations, including Nigeria, to reflect on their foreign policy and consider the implications of their silence in the face of injustice. The need for a unified and dignified response to external pressures has never been more urgent.