Tinubu welcomes Super Eagles arrival, urges CAF to probe ordeals
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Abdullateef Fowewe
President Bola Tinubu welcomed the Super Eagles after their ordeals at the Libya airport and urged the Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football to conduct a thorough investigation to take suitable action against those who violated the organisation’s order.
Tinubu in a release on Monday, by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, praised the players for keeping their spirit alive despite the unfortunate experience in Libya.
The statement partly 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.”
Libyan authorities were alleged to have refused to provide the Super Eagles’ chartered flight, ValueJet, with permission and aviation fuel to fly the players back to Nigeria.
However, after over 14 hours of being delayed at Al Abraq International Airport, the Libyan authority cleared the Nigerian flight to bring the players and officials back home.
