Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has expressed relief and excitement following the safe return of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who were stranded in Libya.
The team had been scheduled to face the Mediterranean Knights in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier but was detained for over 13 hours at a Libyan airport, sparking widespread outrage.
The Super Eagles, along with officials, were held up at the airport under questionable circumstances, leading to their decision to boycott the match. After the long delay, the team returned to Nigeria on Monday, October 14.
In a statement from Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, President Tinubu condemned the “inhuman” treatment of the Super Eagles. He called for justice and urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
CAF Investigation Underway
CAF has launched an investigation into the situation and has vowed to sanction those responsible if any wrongdoing is found. However, Libyan authorities have denied accusations of intentionally sabotaging the Nigerian team’s efforts to play.
President Tinubu praised the swift actions taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development in resolving the issue. He also lauded the Super Eagles for their resilience and professionalism during the ordeal.
Public Outcry Over Libya’s Treatment of Nigerian Players
The incident has led to public outrage, with many Nigerians demanding justice for the treatment of their national team. The CAF investigation will determine the next steps, with potential penalties for those involved.
President Tinubu’s prompt response underscores his commitment to safeguarding Nigerian citizens and athletes abroad. His statement emphasized the importance of holding those responsible accountable, stating:
“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 organization’s statutes and regulations.”
Next Steps for the Super Eagles
Despite the disruption, the Super Eagles will regroup and continue their AFCON qualification campaign, with the focus now on their upcoming matches. President Tinubu’s leadership in handling this situation has been widely commended, and many Nigerians await CAF’s findings.
