President Bola Tinubu has condemned the “inhumane treatment” of the Super Eagles players and coaches by Libyan authorities, demanding swift justice for the team.
In a statement on Monday, Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser on information and strategy to the president, Tinubu called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take action and prevent future occurrence of the incident.
Tinubu also commended the Nigerian team for “keeping their spirit alive despite the excruciating ordeal” in Libya.
“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 statement reads in part.
“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 willfully 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.
“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.”
The Super Eagles players were held at the Al Abaq airport since Sunday evening upon arrival in Libya for the second leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match, following their 1-0 victory in Uyo, Akwa Ibom on Friday.
In the wake of widespread outcry, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday announced the withdrawal of the Super Eagles from the qualifying match.
CAF also launched an investigation into the “disturbing” treatment of the Super Eagles at the Libyan airport.
It condemned the prolonged delay faced by the Super Eagles players and coaches at the Libyan airport, labeling it “disturbing”.
The African football governing body revealed that it has been in contact with Libyan and Nigerian authorities regarding the incident.
CAF said it has referred the matter to its disciplinary board for investigation and promises to take action against those responsible for violating its statutes and regulations.
The Nigerian national team’s flight landed at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano on Monday evening. They are expected to take another flight to Abuja.