President Bola Tinubu has condemned what he called “the inhuman treatment endured by the Super Eagles of Nigeria at a Libyan airport,” even as he welcomed them back to Nigeria.
“The harrowing experience of the national football team at the hands of their hosts and the Libyan authorities prompted the Nigerian Football Federation to withdraw the Super Eagles from the scheduled match on Tuesday,” the President observed, in a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
President Tinubu insisted that the Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) should conduct a thorough investigation and recommend appropriate action against those who wilfully violated the organisation’s Statutes and Regulations.
Tinubu commended 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 the players.
He also applauded the players for keeping their spirit alive despite the excruciating ordeal in Libya.
He acknowledged that football has remained the unifying power in bringing nations and people together, viewing the treatment of Nigerian citizens “as unsportsmanlike and inhumane and a stark contrast to the spirit of the game he deeply appreciates.”
President Tinubu called on all lovers of the round-leather game and administrators to unite and work collaboratively to prevent and overcome such incidents in the future.
