President Bola Tinubu has called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action against Libya following the mistreatment of the Super Eagles at an airport in the North African country.
The Nigerian national football team was stranded for over 13 hours at Al Abraq International Airport ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, on Monday, President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the “inhuman treatment” endured by the Super Eagles and affirmed that the Libyan authorities had wilfully violated CAF’s statutes and regulations.
The statement came shortly after the Super Eagles returned to Nigeria via Kano Airport. President Tinubu warmly welcomed the team back and praised their resilience during the ordeal.
“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,” Onanuga said.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) withdrew the Super Eagles from the match scheduled for Tuesday, citing the severe conditions the team had faced. President Tinubu acknowledged the efforts of the ministries involved and applauded the players for maintaining their spirit despite the trying circumstances.
“President Tinubu applauds the players for keeping their spirit alive despite the excruciating ordeal in Libya,” the statement continued.
Tinubu highlighted the role of football in fostering unity and condemned the actions of the Libyan authorities as unsportsmanlike, urging all football lovers and administrators to work together to prevent such incidents in the future.
“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,” Onanuga concluded.
