Super Eagles players stranded at Libyan airport
The disgraceful and undiplomatic conduct of the Libyan authorities early this week in respect of the shabby treatment of Nigerian footballers who were in the North African country for a return match with the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in the ongoing CAF cup should be condemned by all lovers of sports, especially the round leather.
The sordidness of the treatment was a slap in the face of the spirit of African unity, a denigration of sacredness of sports as a unifying force.
NATIONAL WAVES like millions of sports lovers across the African continent is elated that at last the Confederation of African Football has officially reacted to the reports of the painful experience of the Super Eagles in Libya.
The continental football ruling body posted its reaction on its website.
CAF said: “The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it had been informed that the Nigerian National Football Team (Super Eagles) and their technical team were stranded in disturbing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land 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.”
The tempered reaction of the sports body is reassuring that at the end of the day justice will be served to act as a deterrence to others who may in the future want to toe the Libyan inglorious line. We also commend the Nigerian government for its handling of the ill-fated affairs.
Over the years, Nigeria has always played the role of big brother for other African countries, from support for liberation struggles in South Africa to southern African countries like Nambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and others to providing the larger logistics and funds for the formation of ECOMOG to restore peace to war-torn Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Yet, experience has shown that in spite of Nigeria’s benevolence and large heart , some of these beneficiary countries have often displayed hostile attitudes and acts towards Nigeria.
It’s our considered opinion that there’s a need for CAF to come up with guidelines and stricter sanctions against errant members of the federation in the future in light of the Nigerian experience in the hand of Libya.
All over the world, football cements friendship, bridge the gaps and narrow the fault lines, it’s important for CAF and other world football bodies to continue to strengthen sports administration, and bolster the role of football as a global rallying force.
CAF can not afford to let go the moral turgidity of the Libyan, and after thorough investigation, if the Libyan football authorities is found guilty it should be punished, and the Nigerian football federation should be appeased. This is the right thing to do.
The mere fact that the Libyan authorities is still grandstanding and living in denial without remorse is shameful and speaks volumes about their respect for values, African unity and sports.
