Yesterday, what would have been the Cup of Nations qualifying match between Libya and Nigeria turned to a fiasco.
The Super Eagles who were ill-treated, were promptly withdrawn from the match.
They returned home after an ordeal described as “unsportsmanlike and inhumane” by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who called for a prompt action.
Recall that the Eagles chartered plane which departed the country on Sunday for Benghazi was diverted shortly before arrival by the Libyan authorities to Al-Abraq Airport.
The players, the coaches, officials including Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Musa Gusau and Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu were left stranded without food for many hours.
Attempts to make effort to get the Nigerian delegation out of the airport were met with hostility by Libyan officials.
While stranded in Libya, the Nigerian government initiated diplomatic efforts to address the situation.
Clubs of star-studded Super Eagles were in touch with their players and were already making arrangement to airlift them out of Libya.
This too, met with a rebuff from the Libyan Aviation authorities.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga in a statement said: “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.
“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”.
