President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to launch a comprehensive investigation into the recent mistreatment of the Super Eagles in Libya. The Nigerian national football team endured a harrowing experience at a Libyan airport, a violation of CAF’s statutes and regulations, and Tinubu expects appropriate sanctions to be recommended against Libya.
Welcoming the Super Eagles back to Nigeria, President Tinubu expressed his strong displeasure at the actions of the Libyan authorities. Speaking through a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President highlighted that the Libyan government wilfully disregarded CAF protocols, causing distress to the Nigerian players and staff. The statement was released on Monday, just hours after the team safely arrived at Kano International Airport.
In his reaction, Onanuga stated that President Tinubu was deeply disturbed by the inhumane treatment suffered by the Super Eagles. “The President is relieved to welcome the team back home and is moved by the endurance and bravery they exhibited despite the challenges they faced,” the statement read.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had no choice but to withdraw the Super Eagles from their scheduled match, which was set to take place on Tuesday, following the ill-treatment of the team by their Libyan hosts. The decision came in response to the unbearable conditions and the violation of the players’ dignity, leading to concerns over their safety and well-being.
“The President commends the swift actions taken by both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development to address this unfortunate incident. Their proactive efforts ensured that the Super Eagles returned safely to Nigeria,” Onanuga said.
President Tinubu also praised the resilience of the Super Eagles, noting that they kept their spirits high despite the difficult circumstances. He acknowledged football’s unique ability to unite people and nations, stressing that the treatment meted out to the Nigerian team was in direct contrast to the spirit of sportsmanship that he holds dear.
He further called on football stakeholders across Africa to work together to prevent such incidents from recurring, emphasizing the need for unity and collaboration in promoting fairness and respect in the sport. “Football should be a bridge of unity, not a source of division or conflict,” the President urged.
President Tinubu’s firm stance on this issue underscores his commitment to defending Nigeria’s national pride and ensuring that its citizens are treated with dignity on the international stage.
