AFCON 2025: Don’t Let Libya Saga Break Your Spirit – Peter Obi Salutes Super Eagles

• Tasks Nigerians on unity, hard work

BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – As Nigerians await the Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s investigative outcome on the botched 2025 AFCON qualifier between hosts, Libya and Nigeria, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi has urged the Super Eagles players not to allow the sad experience dampen their zeal or break their spirit.

He said rather than feeling down, the unfortunate development “should recharge their determination to fight to win the match whenever it takes place, to qualify for the Morocco 2025 AFCON”, and ultimately win the championship next year.

In a series of tweets on his official X handle (formerly Twitter), Obi said the national team’s sad experience in Libya should necessarily encourage all Nigerians to unite and work hard to “bring more respect and dignity to our nation”

The former Anambra State Governor wrote thus; “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. -PO”