By kawaekwune Jeffrey
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep concern over the recent ordeal faced by the Super Eagles of Nigeria at a Libyan airport, which led to their withdrawal from a scheduled match on Tuesday.
Tinubu who welcomed the Players safe return to Nigeria said the treatment meted out on the Super Eagles was unwarranted and unsportsmanlike.
This was made known in a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, on Monday.
Tinubu emphasized that the “harrowing experience” prompted the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to pull the national team from the match against Libya.
In his statement, Onanuga said: “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.”
Furthermore, the President commended the swift efforts made by Nigerian officials.
“The President applauds 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.”
Tinubu also lauded the resilience of the Super Eagles, acknowledging their perseverance despite the ordeal in Libya.
Onanuga added: “The President commends the players for keeping their spirit alive despite the excruciating ordeal in Libya,”
The development stems from the increasing concerns about the treatment of African teams traveling for international matches. Tinubu, who has always been a strong supporter of football’s unifying power, views the incident as unsportsmanlike and against the spirit of the game.
It would be recalled that the Super Eagles had been in Libya for a crucial encounter, but complications arose at the airport, which led to their delay and mistreatment. This prompted intervention from both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development to ensure their return to Nigeria.
Onanuga said while Tinubu recognizes football’s power to unite nations and people, he however views the treatment meted out on our players and officials as unsportsmanlike and inhumane.
