By Nudoiba Ojen
Deeply moved by the inhuman treatment endured by the Super Eagles of Nigeria at a Libyan airport, President Bola 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 harrowing experience of the Nigerian national football team in 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.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that President Tinubu warmly welcomed the Super Eagles back and happy for the safe return to Nigeria of the team members.
Onanuga stated that the President “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 added, “President Tinubu 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”.
Onanuga stated that the President “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”.
