2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has expressed agreement with the “alternative decision of returning home” taken by the Super Eagles and officials following the “neglect and abandonment they suffered at a remote Libyan airport”.
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Super Eagles left stranded at an airport in Libya “with no food no wifi” |
The Super Eagles alongside officials were left stranded at an airport in Libya after arriving the country for their AFCON 2025 qualifier.
Libya and Nigeria were scheduled to play the second leg Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier on Tuesday 15 October, 2024 in Benghazi.
However, due to “disgraceful behaviour” from the Libyan government, Captain of Nigeria, William Troost-Ekong, said, “we will not play this game”.
In his reaction, Obi said: “Like every other patriotic Nigerian, I sincerely sympathize with our dear Super Eagles over their ordeal in Libya on their way to play the Morocco 2025 AFCON Qualifier return leg match, which was later delisted by CAF following the players’ decision not to play the match.
The neglect and abandonment they and their officials suffered at a remote Libyan airport is highly regrettable and justifies their alternative decision of returning home.
While we await the outcome of an investigation ordered by CAF, I wish to use this opportunity to commend the players for their patriotism, patience, and forbearance in the face of the unfair treatment by our Libyan brothers.
I appeal to them not to allow this sad experience dampen their zeal or break their spirit.
On the other hand, it should recharge their determination to fight to win the match whenever it takes place, to qualify for the Morocco 2025 AFCON, and, to win the championship.
In times like this, when Nigerians are left dejected by the sorry state of affairs in the country, every victory by the Super Eagles would not only serve to unite the country but also give Nigerians something to celebrate.
The sad experience of our national team in Libya should encourage all of us to work hard to bring more respect and dignity to our nation.
With the right leadership in place, Nigeria surely will rise again. Indeed, a new Nigeria is POssible.”
Like every other patriotic Nigerian, I sincerely sympathize with our dear Super Eagles over their ordeal in Libya on their way to play the Morocco 2025 AFCON Qualifier return leg match, which was later delisted by CAF following the players’ decision not to play the match.
The…
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) October 17, 2024