Super Eagles Return Home: President Tinubu Condemns Inhumane Treatment in Libya
Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the safe return of the Super Eagles after the team endured a distressing ordeal at a Libyan airport, where they were subjected to delays and hostile treatment during their transit.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) withdrew the Super Eagles from their scheduled Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier match against Libya on Tuesday due to the inhumane treatment they received upon arrival.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the maltreatment of the national football team by Libyan authorities. The president called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to conduct a thorough investigation and hold those responsible accountable.
“President Tinubu expects the Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to conduct a thorough investigation and recommend appropriate action against those who wilfully violated the organisation’s Statutes and Regulations,” the statement read.
The president also praised the swift response from Nigerian authorities, stating, “The President commends the proactive coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development in addressing the unfortunate episode and ensuring the safe return of our players.”
Applauding the resilience of the players, Tinubu added, “President Tinubu applauds the players for keeping their spirit alive despite the excruciating ordeal in Libya.”
The president reiterated football’s role in fostering unity and highlighted his displeasure with the incident, noting, “The Nigerian leader recognises football’s unifying power in bringing nations and people together and views the treatment of our citizens as unsportsmanlike and inhumane, a stark contrast to the spirit of the game he deeply appreciates.”
In closing, President Tinubu urged football stakeholders to work together to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.