Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, Refutes Apology Claims Over Super Eagles’ Detention in Libya

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has denied reports that the country apologized to Libya following the detention of the Super Eagles in Benghazi. The Libya Observer had falsely claimed that Nigeria issued an apology.

Tuggar described the report as a deliberate attempt to mislead and gain political leverage. He clarified that Nigeria expressed dissatisfaction over the team’s treatment and demanded a swift resolution.

The minister revealed that he contacted Libya’s Eastern-based government, securing the necessary permits for the Super Eagles’ departure. The situation was de-escalated after both ministers agreed to resolve the matter quickly.

Tuggar also corrected false allegations by Libya’s Foreign Minister, Abdelhadi Lahweej, regarding the mistreatment of Libyan players in Nigeria. He refused to apologize, citing inaccuracies.

The incident began when the Nigerian team arrived in Libya for an AFCON qualifier and was held at the airport for over 20 hours without food or water. The Confederation of African Football is investigating.