Peter Obi Addresses Super Eagles’ Ordeal in Libya

The 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has praised the Super Eagles players for their patriotism, patience, and resilience despite the unfair treatment they received in Libya.

On Sunday, Nigerian players and officials faced a difficult situation when they were stranded for several hours at a Libyan airport. They were denied access to food and the internet as they prepared for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights. In response to the poor treatment, the Super Eagles chose to return to Nigeria instead of proceeding with the match.

In a statement on Thursday morning, Peter Obi encouraged the players not to be discouraged by their ordeal in Libya.

The former Anambra State Governor said that this unfortunate experience should inspire Nigerians to work harder toward restoring the nation’s dignity.

His statement reads: “Like many patriotic Nigerians, I deeply sympathize with our Super Eagles over the ordeal they faced in Libya while traveling to play the Morocco 2025 AFCON Qualifier return leg. CAF later delisted the match after the players made the decision not to proceed.

“The neglect and abandonment the team and their officials endured at a remote Libyan airport are regrettable, and their decision to return home is understandable.

“As we await the results of CAF’s investigation, I want to commend the players for their patriotism, patience, and forbearance in the face of this mistreatment.

“I urge them not to let this disheartening experience weaken their resolve. Instead, it should fuel their determination to win when the match is rescheduled and to ultimately qualify for the Morocco 2025 AFCON.

“In these trying times, when the nation is weighed down by various challenges, every victory by the Super Eagles can help unify Nigerians and give us something to celebrate.

“The difficult experience our national team faced in Libya should inspire us all to work harder to bring more respect and honor to Nigeria.

“With the right leadership, Nigeria will rise again. Indeed, a new Nigeria is POssible.”