Tinubu Urges CAF for Immediate Action as Super Eagles Return to Nigeria from Libya

 

President Bola Tinubu has urged the Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to launch a comprehensive investigation and take appropriate action against those responsible for the poor treatment suffered by the Super Eagles during their trip to Libya for the second leg of their AFCON 2025 qualifier.

According to KAPITALSPORTS, the Nigerian team, which left the country on Sunday for the crucial match, faced a 12-hour ordeal when their flight was diverted to Al Abraq International Airport, far from Benghazi, their intended destination. Upon arrival, the players, pilots, and staff were left stranded without basic provisions and expected to endure a three-hour road journey to the match venue.

The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has denied any accusations of foul play or sabotage against the Super Eagles. Despite this, the Nigerian team withdrew from the match, and media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed their return to Kano State on Monday evening.

In a statement released through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed relief at the team’s safe return to Nigeria. He also voiced his dismay over the inhumane treatment the Super Eagles endured at the Libyan airport.

Although CAF has referred the matter to its disciplinary board, President Tinubu expects a thorough investigation and urges the board to recommend appropriate sanctions for those who deliberately violated CAF’s 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 national team’s harrowing experience at the hands of their hosts and Libyan authorities led the Nigerian Football Federation to withdraw the Super Eagles from the scheduled match on Tuesday.

“President Tinubu expects the CAF Disciplinary Board 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.

“He applauds the Super Eagles for maintaining their resilience despite the ordeal in Libya.

“The President recognises the unifying power of football and condemns the unsportsmanlike and inhumane treatment of the Nigerian team, which goes against the spirit of the game. He calls on football lovers and administrators to work together to prevent such incidents in the future.”