President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the safe return of Super Eagles to the country after their ordeal in Libya ahead of the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifier.

In a statement on Monday signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said he was moved by the inhuman treatment endured by the Super Eagles players and officials in Libya.

The President commended the players for keeping their spirits alive despite the excruciating ordeal in Libya.

The statement added, “President Tinubu expects the Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football to conduct a thorough investigation and recommend appropriate action against those who wilfully violated the organisation’s Statutes and Regulations. 

“President Tinubu also commended 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.

“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.”

The Nigerian men’s team faced a distressing ordeal upon their arrival in the North African country for the return leg of the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifiers after beating the Mediterranean Knights of Libya 1-0 in Akwa Ibom last Friday. ⁣
⁣
The team’s flight, initially bound for Benghazi, was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq International Airport, a remote location typically used for religious pilgrimages.⁣
⁣
Upon landing, the players and staff were left stranded for over 13 hours at the airport without food, water and transportation.

In response to the ordeal, the Super Eagles decided to boycott the AFCON qualifier, with the Nigeria Football Federation supporting their decision.⁣
⁣
The harrowing experience of the national football team at the hands of their hosts and the Libyan authorities prompted the NFF to withdraw the Super Eagles from the scheduled match on Tuesday. The Super Eagles arrived in Kano on a chartered ValueJet aircraft on Monday evening.