Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, says the sad experience that national team Super Eagles had in Libya should encourage Nigerians to work hard and restore dignity to the country.
The former Governor of Anambra spoke in the aftermath of the outcry that greeted the unconventional treatment meted to the Super Eagles in Libya earlier in the week.
The Nigerian team had flown into Libya last Sunday October 13, 2024 afternoon for the second leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying Group D fixture against the Mediterranean Knights, only to be subjected to inhumane treatment upon arrival.
The Nigerian contingent was caged at the airport for over 20 hours without food or water and completely shut out of the world.
The team returned to the country on Tuesday. And the Confederation of African Football said it was investigating the incident.
In reaction, Obi took to his verified X handle @PeterObi on Wednesday, and stated:
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.
