President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep concern over the ordeal faced by the Super Eagles during their recent trip to Libya for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The Nigerian national football team, which encountered distressing conditions upon arrival, returned safely to Nigeria on Monday after what Tinubu described as an inhumane experience.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended the resilience of the Super Eagles players and officials, despite the challenges they faced. The President noted that their experience reflected a violation of the principles that guide international sporting events, which are intended to foster unity and fair play.
The Super Eagles faced significant hardship upon their arrival in Libya. Their flight, originally bound for Benghazi, was diverted to Al Abraq International Airport, a remote airport typically used for religious pilgrimages. Upon landing, the team was stranded for over 13 hours without food, water, or proper transportation.
President Tinubu, clearly moved by the team’s ordeal, stressed the importance of ensuring that such incidents do not happen again. He called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to launch a thorough investigation into the matter. “President Tinubu expects the Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football to conduct a thorough investigation and recommend appropriate actions against those who wilfully violated the organization’s statutes and regulations,” the statement read.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) supported the Super Eagles’ decision to boycott their scheduled match against Libya, following the harsh treatment they received. In light of the experience, the NFF withdrew the team from the Tuesday fixture, allowing the players to return safely to Kano on Monday evening via a chartered ValueJet aircraft.
President Tinubu lauded the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development for their swift and coordinated efforts in addressing the issue and ensuring the safe return of the players. He emphasized that football, as a global unifier, should always be a medium for building bonds between nations, not one of hostility or mistreatment.
Furthermore, President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to holding accountable all parties involved in the Libya incident. He urged the CAF to uphold the integrity of the game by ensuring that such unsportsmanlike actions are addressed through appropriate channels. Tinubu’s administration has shown a continuous commitment to improving Nigeria’s international reputation and advocating for the rights and safety of Nigerian citizens, both at home and abroad.
As the Super Eagles prepare for future AFCON matches, the President’s call for reform and justice within African football stands as a critical step toward preventing future occurrences of mistreatment during international sporting events.
