President Bola Tinubu has called for a comprehensive investigation by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board regarding the mistreatment of Nigeriaโs Super Eagles during their stay in Libya.
He stated that the Libyan authorities had wilfully violated CAFโs Statutes and Regulations, demanding appropriate actions be taken.
In a statement released on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu welcomed the safe return of the national team through Kano Airport after their ordeal in Libya.
The president expressed his deep concern over the inhuman treatment endured by the Super Eagles, which led to the Nigerian Football Federationโs decision to withdraw the team from their scheduled Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya.
The full statement reads:
โThe 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.
โPresident Tinubu applauds the players for keeping their spirit alive despite the excruciating ordeal in Libya.
โThe Nigerian leader recognises footballโs 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.
โHe 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,โ Onanuga noted in the statement.