President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to conduct a thorough investigation into Libya’s conduct towards the Super Eagles, urging the Disciplinary Board to recommend appropriate sanctions.
The President made his stance known through a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, shortly after the national team returned safely to Nigeria through Kano Airport.
In the statement, Tinubu expressed concern over what he described as Libya’s deliberate violation of CAF’s statutes and regulations.
He emphasized the need for decisive action to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
“The President is 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,” Onanuga said.
He disclosed that the harrowing experience prompted the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to withdraw the national team from the scheduled match, originally set to take place on Tuesday.
Tinubu praised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development for their swift intervention in securing the players’ safe return.
“The President commends the proactive efforts of both ministries in addressing the unfortunate episode,” the statement noted.
Tinubu also applauded the players for their resilience, acknowledging their ability to remain composed despite the ordeal.
He condemned the treatment meted out to the team as both unsportsmanlike and inhumane, adding that it undermines the spirit of unity that football represents.
“Football unites nations and people. The treatment of our citizens in Libya contrasts sharply with the spirit of the game that the President holds dear,” Onanuga remarked.
The President called on football enthusiasts and administrators across Africa to work together to prevent such incidents in the future, underscoring the importance of mutual respect and fair play.
Tinubu’s reaction comes amid heightened calls from Nigerian sports stakeholders for CAF to take swift disciplinary action against Libya for the incident.