President Bola Tinubu has demanded swift justice for the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, on their maltreatment by the Libyan Football Federation, LFF, who left them stranded at a Libyan airport for 15 hours.
A release by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu was deeply moved and saddened by the inhuman treatment endured by the national team at the Libyan airport.
He warmly welcomed them back to Nigeria, thanking God for their safe return.
Onanuga recalled that the harrowing experience of the national football team at the hands of their hosts and the Libyan authorities prompted the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, to withdraw the Super Eagles from the match scheduled for Tuesday.
President 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 organisation’s statutes and regulations.
“The President,” continues Onanuga, “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.”
President Tinubu also applauded the players for keeping their spirit alive despite the excruciating ordeal in Libya.
The Nigerian leader, the statement continues, recognises football’s unifying power in bringing nations and people together and views the treatment of our citizens as unsportsmanlike and inhumane, a stark contrast to the spirit of the game he deeply appreciates.
Tinubu 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.
