Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on the Super Eagles to gear up for a rematch against Libya, following the team’s harrowing experience at a Libyan airport last Sunday.
The Nigerian players and officials were stranded for hours, denied food and internet access, ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier match against Libya’s Mediterranean Knights.
In a statement on his X handle, Obi expressed sympathy for the team’s ordeal and commended their patriotism and patience in the face of unfair treatment.
He encouraged the players not to let the experience dampen their spirits, but rather recharge their determination to win the match and qualify for the Morocco 2025 AFCON.
The statement reads: Like every other patriotic Nigerian, I sincerely sympathize with our dear Super Eagles over their ordeal in Libya on their way to play the Morocco 2025 AFCON Qualifier return leg match, which was later delisted by CAF following the players’ decision not to play the match.
The neglect and abandonment they and their officials suffered at a remote Libyan airport is highly regrettable and justifies their alternative decision of returning home.
While we await the outcome of an investigation ordered by CAF, I wish to use this opportunity to commend the players for their patriotism, patience, and forbearance in the face of the unfair treatment by our Libyan brothers.
I appeal to them not to allow this sad experience dampen their zeal or break their spirit.
On the other hand, it should recharge their determination to fight to win the match whenever it takes place, to qualify for the Morocco 2025 AFCON, and, to win the championship.
In times like this, when Nigerians are left dejected by the sorry state of affairs in the country, every victory by the Super Eagles would not only serve to unite the country but also give Nigerians something to celebrate.
The sad experience of our national team in Libya should encourage all of us to work hard to bring more respect and dignity to our nation.
With the right leadership in place, Nigeria surely will rise again. Indeed, a new Nigeria is POssible.
