President Bola Tinubu has called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to punish Libya following the country’s poor treatment meted to the Nigerian Super Eagles football team.

The Eagles were in Libya to honour a reverse AFCON qualifying match earlier scheduled for Tuesday.

The team was mistreated upon arrival at an airport where they were kept for 16 hours.

“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,” said in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson on Monday.
 
“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.”