October 14, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu has called on the Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to conduct a thorough investigation and recommend appropriate action against those who wilfully violated its Statutes and Regulations in the poor treatment suffered by the Super Eagles during their trip to Libya ahead of the second leg of their AFCON 2025 qualifier.
THEWILL had reported that the Nigerian team which left the country on Sunday for the crucial match, was subjected to a 12-hour ordeal. Their flight was diverted to Al Abraq International Airport, far from their intended destination of Benghazi.
Upon arrival, the team, including players, pilots, and staff, was stranded at the small airport without basic provisions.The team experienced hardship as they were expected to undertake a three-hour road trip to the match venue.
The Libyan Football Federation (LFF), however, denied allegation of any foul play or sabotage against the Super Eagles.
While the Super Eagles have pulled out of the qualifier march against Libya, its media officer, Promise Efoghe, announced their arrival in Kano State on Monday evening.
President Tinubu in a statement issued through Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy on Monday, welcomed the safe return of the National team to the country.
The President said he was deeply moved by the inhuman treatment endured by the Super Eagles at Libyan airport,
Although CAF has referred the allegations to its disciplinary board, President Tinubu expects the Disciplinary Board to conduct a thorough investigation and recommend appropriate action against those who wilfully violated its Statutes and Regulations.
The Statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu, deeply moved by the inhuman 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.
“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 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.
“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 our citizens 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.”
