2025 AFCONQ: NFF President appreciates Tinubu after Libya debacle

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Following the recent harrowing ordeal of the Nigeria senior men’s national football team in Libya, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, has extended profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his outstanding support in ensuring the safe return of the Super Eagles to Nigeria.

The team and officials were held in Libya for over 16 hours following their arrival for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifier.

This incident, which prevented the scheduled match from taking place, caused significant distress, particularly after local authorities imposed restrictions on accommodation for Nigerians in the region. Despite these challenges, the concerted efforts of the Nigerian government and the airline crew were pivotal in securing the team’s return.

In a heartfelt statement, Gusau expressed deep appreciation for President Tinubu’s intervention, noting that his words of encouragement offered much-needed comfort and reassurance to the players and officials.

The NFF President emphasized that President Tinubu’s support exemplified the government’s commitment to the national team and the unifying power of football as a symbol of national pride.

“We are deeply grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his warm and kind words of encouragement. His timely intervention has gone a long way in reassuring the players of the unwavering support of the government and the people of Nigeria for the sacrifices they make in representing our great nation,” Gusau said.

He also highlighted the presence of Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, at the airport to personally welcome the team back to Nigeria as a testament to the government’s dedication to the welfare of the Super Eagles.

“The presence of Senator Enoh at the airport was a powerful reminder of the government’s commitment to our players and their welfare. It was an inspiring show of solidarity and support that lifted the spirits of our team after such a trying ordeal,” Gusau added.

In addition to his gratitude for the Nigerian government, Gusau commended the efforts of ValueJet, the airline that facilitated the flight to and from Libya. He paid special tribute to Captain Abdul-Latif and his crew, whose professionalism, patience, and exemplary conduct ensured the team’s safety and well-being during this challenging time.

“The captain and crew of ValueJet were outstanding. They displayed exceptional professionalism, patience, and warmth throughout this difficult situation. In particular, Captain Abdul-Latif’s leadership and willingness to negotiate with Libyan airport officials to ensure the team’s safety were remarkable,” Gusau said.

“Even when offered accommodation, he and the crew chose to remain in the aircraft, standing in solidarity with the Nigerian delegation. Their actions demonstrated maturity, empathy, and a commitment to excellence.”

Gusau further detailed that despite Libyan hotels being under strict orders to refuse Nigerian nationals, the ValueJet crew remained steadfast in their support for the delegation, prioritizing their safety and comfort above all else.

As the team returns to Nigeria, the NFF is awaiting the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on the rescheduled fixture, which was initially set to take place in Libya on Tuesday.

Gusau expressed hope that the incident will not overshadow the Super Eagles’ preparations for the AFCON qualifiers, while also stressing that the priority remains the safety and well-being of the players.

“While the match outcome is important, the safety of our players and officials is paramount. We remain hopeful that CAF will consider the circumstances carefully in making their decision,” Gusau concluded.

The Nigeria Football Federation continues to express gratitude to all stakeholders, including the Nigerian government, the Super Eagles, ValueJet, and the fans for their support during this challenging episode. The NFF remains committed to advancing the cause of Nigerian football and ensuring that the Super Eagles achieve success on the continental stage.