Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has demanded a full probe of the circumstances that led to the Super Eagles being stranded at a Libyan airport. The President demands that the disciplinary board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) conduct a thorough investigation into what he described as the inhumane treatment of the men’s team.
Tinubu’s thoughts came in a statement his special adviser on information and strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga. He asked CAF to take appropriate action against those who willfully violated its statutes and regulations.
Tinubu welcomed the Super Eagles’ safe return but decried their harrowing experience, which prompted the team to withdraw from a scheduled match on Tuesday.
The President commended the proactive coordination between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Sports Development in addressing the unfortunate episode and ensuring the safe return of the 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 inhuman, 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.”
Meanwhile, the Confederation of Africa Football, CAF has reacted to the situation involving the Super Eagles of Nigeria being left stranded at the Al Abraq Airport in Libya.
In a statement on Monday, CAF described the long-hour delay as “disturbing and unacceptable”.
“The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it had been informed that the Nigerian National Football Team (‘’Super Eagles’’) and their technical team were stranded in disturbing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land by the Libyan authorities,” the statement reads.
“The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations.”
