Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu has welcomed the safe returned of Super Eagles players and officials back to country from Libya where they got a hostile reception ahead of the 2nd leg encounter with the Libyan team in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
President Tinubu in a state house press statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said that he was “deeply moved by the inhuman treatment endured by the Super Eagles of Nigeria at a Libyan airport, and warmly welcomes their safe return to Nigeria.”
The President stated that 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.
President Tinubu also stated that 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.
He 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 the Super Eagles players.
President Tinubu also applauded the players for keeping their spirit alive despite the excruciating ordeal they passed through in Libya.
The Nigerian leader noted that he recognises football’s unifying power in bringing nations and people together and views the treatment of Nigerian citizens as unsportsmanlike and inhumane, a stark contrast to the spirit of the game he deeply appreciates.
President Tinubu called on all lovers of the round-leather game and administrators to unite and work collaboratively to prevent and overcome such incidents in the future.