By TINA TIMOTHY

Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has sympathized with the Super Eagles of Nigeria as well as their officials for the ill treatment they received in Libya on their way to play the Morocco 2025 AFCON Qualifier return leg match.

Describing their ordeal as “regrettable,” Obi, on his verified X handle @PeterObi, on Thursday, October 17, 2024, however commended “the players for their patriotism, patience, and forbearance in the face of the unfair treatment by our Libyan brothers.” He also charged them to forget ordeal, fight to qualify and win Morocco 2024 AFCON.

He wrote: “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.”

Obi further urged the team not to allow their Libyan experience dampen their zeal but rather be determined to win the match, qualify and eventually bring the trophy home.

“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,” Obi said.

Despite being ill-treated in Libya as well as the current sorry state of affairs in the country, the former Anambra State governor maintained that Nigerians could still have a reason to celebrate with “every victory by the Super Eagles”, adding that all must “work hard to bring more respect and dignity” to Nigeria as the nation will rise again.

“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,” he added.