Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, faced “inhuman treatment” at a Libyan airport, prompting a swift response from President Bola Tinubu.
According to a State House statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), the President has called for immediate action and an investigation into the incident.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) was forced to withdraw the team from a scheduled match on Tuesday due to the harrowing experience endured by the players and staff.
President Tinubu, deeply moved by the ordeal, has welcomed the team’s safe return to Nigeria and expects the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board to conduct a thorough investigation.
“The President recognises football’s unifying power in bringing nations and people together,” Onanuga stated. “He views the treatment of our citizens as unsportsmanlike and inhumane, a stark contrast to the spirit of the game he deeply appreciates.”
The incident has sparked outrage in the international football community, with many calling for stricter protocols to ensure the safety and dignity of visiting teams.
President Tinubu commended the coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development in addressing the situation and facilitating the team’s return.Despite the ordeal, the Super Eagles have been praised for their resilience.
“President Tinubu applauds the players for keeping their spirit alive despite the excruciating ordeal in Libya,” the statement read.
As the football world awaits the outcome of the CAF investigation, the president has urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively to prevent such incidents in the future.