President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the Super Eagles back to Nigeria following their inhumane treatment in Libya.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), President Tinubu expressed his deep concern over the team’s ordeal.
“President 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 statement said.
President Tinubu said he expects the Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to conduct a thorough investigation and recommend action against those who violated the CAF’s Statutes and Regulations.
The President commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development for their proactive coordination in addressing the incident and ensuring the team’s safe return.
“I applaud the ministries for their swift response and commitment to the safety of our citizens,” President Tinubu said.
President Tinubu also applauds the players for their resilience despite the ordeal.
The statement reads: “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 national football team safely arrived in Nigeria on Monday evening.
The Valuejet CRJ-900LR aircraft, with registration number 5N-BXT, touched down at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.
The team departed Beida Al Abraq International Airport in Libya at 3:14 pm.
