THE Confederation of African Football has expressed deep concern over the troubling ordeal faced by Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, at a Libyan airport.
The federation highlighted immediate steps to engage both Libyan and Nigerian authorities, following reports that the team and their staff were left stranded under distressing conditions for several hours.
The incident is now under investigation by CAF’s Disciplinary Board.
This was contained in a statement obtained from the CAF website on Monday afternoon.
It was titled, “CAF Views the Disturbing and Unacceptable Experiences of the Nigerian National Football Team (‘Super Eagles’) at an Airport in Libya in a Very Serious Light.”
“The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it was informed that the Nigerian National Football Team (‘Super Eagles’) and their technical team were stranded in distressing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land at by the Libyan authorities.
“The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation, and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations,” it read.
Meanwhile, after more than 14 hours of being delayed at Al Abraq International Airport, the Libyan government cleared the Nigerian flight to bring the players and officials back home.
Several Super Eagles players including captain William Troost-Ekong confirmed the development on social media.
“Power of social media. Apparently, our plane is being fueled as we speak and we should be leaving to Nigeria shortly. Thanks for everyone’s support!” he wrote on Twitter now X.
“I REITERATE: We would NEVER treat a guest nation for a game in this way. Mistakes happen, and delays happen. But never on purpose!”
The development came after pressure from several quarters, prompting the Libyan Government to agree on issuing clearance for ValueJet Airline to fly and sell aviation fuel to it.
Another Super Eagles star Bruno Onyemaechi, wrote that the team was heading back.
“Thank God I’m going back,” he said.
