President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the safe return of Nigeria’s Super Eagles following their distressing 16-hour ordeal at Libya’s Al Abraq International Airport.
The national team was stranded ahead of their scheduled Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, prompting the Nigerian Football Federation to withdraw the team.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed deep concern, calling the treatment “inhumane.”
He lauded the swift efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development in securing the team’s safe return.
“The well-being of our national football team should never be compromised. I expect CAF’s Disciplinary Board to thoroughly investigate this incident and ensure justice is served,” Tinubu stated.
The President also praised the players’ resilience during the ordeal, emphasizing football’s power to unite nations and condemning the unsportsmanlike behavior towards the Super Eagles. He called for collective efforts to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is conducting an investigation, with updates expected soon.