AFCON debacle: Tinubu praises Super Eagles, slams Libyan authorities

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his relief at the safe return of the Super Eagles following their inhumane treatment at a Libyan airport.

Deeply disturbed by the ordeal faced by the Nigerian football team, the President commended their resilience throughout the distressing episode.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had withdrawn the Super Eagles from their scheduled Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Tuesday, following the harsh treatment they endured from Libyan officials and authorities.

This incident prompted President Tinubu to call for swift justice, urging the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) Disciplinary Board to conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action against those responsible for violating CAF’s regulations.

President Tinubu lauded the coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development in swiftly addressing the issue and ensuring the team’s safe return home.

Acknowledging the power of football as a unifying force, the President described the treatment of the Super Eagles as unsportsmanlike and inhumane, stating it runs counter to the spirit of the game.

He called for greater collaboration among football administrators and stakeholders to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.