Mobolaji Michael
PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu says he 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.
This was disclosed by Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy in a statement on Monday.
The President, while stating that he was deeply moved by the inhumane treatment endured by the Super Eagles of Nigeria at a Libyan airport, warmly welcomes their safe return to Nigeria.
The harrowing experience of the national football team at the hands of their hosts and the Libyan authorities prompted the Nigerian Football Federation to withdraw the Super Eagles from the scheduled match on Tuesday.
The President, however, commended 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.
President Tinubu applauds the players for keeping their spirit alive despite the excruciating ordeal in Libya.
The Nigerian leader recognises football’s unifying power in bringing nations and people together and views the treatment of the Super Eagles as unsportsmanlike and inhumane, a stark contrast to the spirit of the game he deeply appreciates.
He fervently calls on all lovers of the round-leather game and administrators to unite and work collaboratively to prevent and overcome such incidents in the future.
The Super Eagles had arrived in Libya for the return leg of the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifiers after defeating the Libyan senior team 1-0 in Akwa Ibom on Friday.
The team’s flight, which was initially bound for Benghazi, was diverted to Al Abraq International Airport, a remote location used for religious pilgrimages.
However, upon landing, the players and staff were left stranded at the airport without food, water or transportation for hours.
The experience at the hands of the Libyan authorities prompted the Nigerian Football Federation to withdraw the Super Eagles from the scheduled match on Tuesday (today).
Eighteen-Eleven Media