.Says host deliberately violated statutes, regulations
By Joel Ajayi, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday condemned the inhuman treatment experienced by the Super Eagles of Nigeria at a Libyan airport described it as a deliberate violation of Confederation of African Football, CAF, statutes and regulations, saying he expects CAF’s Disciplinary Board to conduct a thorough investigation and recommend appropriate action against Libya.
Tinubu, made this known in a reaction through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, yesterday, upon arrival of the senior national football team team through Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano and subsequently to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja .
The president who confirmed that the ill-treatment of the Eagles by the North African country’s authorities prompted the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, to withdraw the team from the match earlier scheduled for today.
However, “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”, Onanuga noted.
Recall that the S’Eagles had lad week defeated the Mediterraneans of Libya by a lone goal at the Godswill Akpabio International stadium, Uyo and the teams were billed to meet today for a return leg of the match , although cancelled owing to the inhumane treatment meted against the Super Eagles.
