Tinubu demands justice for Super Eagles’ mistreatment in Libya

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board to conduct a thorough investigation and take action against those responsible for violating the organisation’s statutes and regulations.

In a statement on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu condemned the inhuman treatment of the Super Eagles, at a Libyan airport, welcoming their safe return to Nigeria.

The team’s harrowing experience led the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to withdraw from the scheduled match on Tuesday.

The President also praised the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development for their swift response in addressing the incident and ensuring the players’ safe return.

The ministries’ proactive coordination helped alleviate the situation.

He also commended the players for their resilience despite the ordeal and acknowledged football’s power to unite nations and people, emphasizing that the treatment of the Super Eagles was unsportsmanlike and inhumane.

Tinubu urged unity among football lovers and administrators to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“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 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.

“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 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 applauds the players for keeping their spirit alive despite the excruciating ordeal in Libya.

“The Nigerian leader 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.

“He 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,” the statement reads.