Days after the cancellation of the second leg of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Libya’s national team, members of the Nigerian community in Libya have lamented maltreatment in the country.

The Nigerian contingent was held at the Al-Abraq Airport in eastern Libya for over 20 hours upon arrival on Sunday, following their earlier 1-0 victory in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

The team was scheduled to land at the Benghazi Airport and travel for nearly four hours by road to Benina, where the match was to be played.

However, less than an hour before landing, the Tunisian pilot flying the plane reportedly received a directive from “Libya’s highest authorities” to divert the flight to Al-Abraq Airport, located 150 miles away from the destination. 

The development sparked widespread outrage, forcing the Nigerian Football Federation to withdraw the Super Eagles from the qualifying match.

The National Assembly condemned the Libyan government for subjecting the Nigerian team to dehumanising treatment and called for stiff penalties for the Libyan authorities.

The Libyan government had claimed that its national team faced similar maltreatment on Nigerian soil before the first leg of the game. 

In separate interviews with Saturday PUNCH, members of the Nigerian community in Libya said there had been increased maltreatment of Nigerians after the incident.

Adenaike Emmanuel, a Nigerian living in Tripoli, the country’s capital, said, “For those of us who have been in the country, we know them. Libyans always one you to feel pain. They said what happened to their players in Nigeria was intentional, and they vowed to revenge. They called it ‘an eye for an eye.’ So, what the Libyan government did to the Super Eagles was intentional. Moreover, 95 per cent of their citizens supported it. We saw the reports on their blogs,Facebook posts, and news platforms. It was very clear that the people supported it. And that is how they behave.

“Since the game was cancelled, their maltreatment of Nigerians has not changed. They don’t like us; the inhuman treatment has worsened. That’s why many Nigerians here are battling depression.

“Libyans don’t value us. They just enter our houses, round people up, and take them to prison. Many Nigerians are currently  languishing in prisons across Libya without having committed any offence. Most times, we complain to the Nigerian embassy, but nothing tangible happens.”

The International Organisation for Migration has facilitated the return of thousands of Nigerians from Libya in recent years.

In 2024 alone, no fewer than 2,467 Nigerians were evacuated from the North African country after being stranded. Many of the victims, particularly ladies, usually return with tales of abuse and maltreatment.

The president of the Nigerian community, Peter Omoregbie, said since the failed game with the Super Eagles, Libyans had continued with their harsh treatment of Nigerians in the country.

He said, “As foreigners in this country, there is a way they maltreat us. The Libyans act as if Nigerians don’t exist at all. Since the match was cancelled, the situation has not changed.”

Omoregbie said before the Super Eagles left Nigeria, the Libyans had already threatened to treat the team poorly upon arrival.

“The news had spread all over Libya before the Super Eagles left Nigeria. All the local Libyan news outlets reported it. Their blogs also widely shared the news. They claimed the NFF purposely made the Libyan national team players endure physical discomfort so they could be weak before the match and unable to either draw or win against the Nigerian team.

“The Libyans’ game plan for the two-leg matches was to draw with the Super Eagles in Nigeria then win at home. They saw the Nigerian game as their last hope for qualification. But their loss fuelled their resolve to seek revenge.

“So, before the Nigerian team arrived, it was common knowledge that the Libyan national team was maltreated in Nigeria, and they planned to make the Super Eagles experience the same treatment on Libyan soil,” Omoregbie added.

When asked if the incident would impact diplomatic relations between the two countries, he said, “Libya doesn’t always fulfill its diplomatic obligations to other countries. I’m telling you the truth. For instance, if you leave this country, there is no way they will allow you to return. That has been the ordeal we face here.”

Similarly, a former Secretary of the Nigerian community in Libya, Mr Ukpong Christian, noted that it had been difficult for Nigerians to integrate into Libyan society because the country was not friendly.

“Before the Nigerian team landed, the Libyans had already made plans, spreading it across blogs, news platforms, and Facebook pages, saying that because their national team was treated badly in Nigeria, the Nigerian team would experience worse when they came. So, it was a concerted and intentional effort. And since the game was cancelled, Nigerians have continued to receive the usual inhuman treatment from their Libyan masters,” he lamented.

Efforts by our correspondent to speak to the Libyan embassy in Abuja proved abortive.

A representative of the embassy, identified by TrueCaller as Rose, declined comment, saying she was not authorised to speak on the matter.

She promised to get back to Saturday PUNCH, but was yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.

Ex-envoys weigh in

Reacting to the issue, a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Yemi Farounbi, said diplomacy is based on bilateral relationships and mutual respect between countries.

“I bow to you because you bow to me. Diplomatic relationships between two countries are based on reciprocal action,” he stated. 

Farounbi noted that what happened between Libya and Nigeria was not only an affront to bilateral relations but also a violation of multilateral relations between the African Union and the Confederation of African Football.

He explained that going to such extremes to win a psychological battle as a prelude to winning on the football field, was pathetic.

The ambassador added, “It shows the uncivilised and undiplomatic level to which Libya has sunk. On a bilateral level, it would be perfectly in order for Nigeria to reciprocate accordingly. It would not be unusual if the Libyan government’s behaviour impacts negatively the relationship between the two countries.

“At the multilateral level of CAF, it would be appropriate and indeed expected that Libya be sanctioned with a heavy fine or possibly, a suspension from CAF-organised competitions. The diplomatic misbehaviour could have been ameliorated if Libya had shown remorse and apologised.”

He stressed that Libya compounded the issue by distorting facts and manipulating the situation.

Also speaking, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, advised that the matter should not be allowed to escalate.

He said, “It can only become a diplomatic issue if it goes beyond the control of the Confederation of African Football.

“It was a CAF qualifier game. They should be able to weigh in and settle the issue. If either Nigeria or Libya is found guilty, they should be sanctioned. There’s no reason to let this matter escalate into a diplomatic dispute. We’re not a banana republic; CAF should provide a solution.”

CAF’s involvement

Meanwhile, CAF has set a deadline for Libya and Nigeria to submit reports on the dispute.

The Secretary-General of the Libyan Football Federation, Nasser Al-Suwaie, confirmed the October 20 deadline in a statement.

He mentioned that the LFF had appointed a lawyer to gather evidence and raised concerns about possible collusion between some parties within CAF.

Al-Suwaie also clarified that the LFF had no role in diverting the plane to Al-Abraq Airport, explaining that the decision was made by the Libyan state, which he said must be respected.

A sports analyst, Godwin Enakhena, in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, emphasised the need for patience as CAF works through the case.

He said, “They have set a department to work on this case. So, I think we should just wait for CAF’s verdict before jumping to conclusions.

“However, as a Nigerian, I think the rules are very clear when you are hosting a team. The hosts are supposed to ensure that everything is sorted, but the Libyans did not do all of this. I think there will be a fine for Libya, and after that, they will play the game on a neutral ground.”

A veteran sports presenter, Charles Anazodo, viewed the situation as a deliberate act by the Libyan side, orchestrated from the beginning of their visit to Nigeria.

“I think it was a deliberate act orchestrated right from when they came to Nigeria with the lies they spread about things that happened in Uyo or Port Harcourt. They orchestrated all that so they would have reason to do what they have done,” Anazodo told Saturday PUNCH.

Meanwhile, a former Super Eagles defender, Mobi Oparaku, believes that CAF will ultimately refrain from imposing sanctions on Nigeria regarding the cancellation of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.

While the decision from the disciplinary body is still pending, he is optimistic about the outcome and believes that Nigeria’s historical reputation as a gracious host to visiting teams will play a significant role in the deliberations.

Former Real Madrid defender, Vinicius Tobias, who got his baby’s name tattooed on his arm, has discovered that he is not the biological father of the child.

The 20-year-old Brazilian right-back, now playing for Shakhtar Donetsk, and his ex-girlfriend Ingrid Lima welcomed their daughter, Maite, on October 8, 2024.

To celebrate her birth, Tobias had the words “Maite, I love you” tattooed on his arm.

However, Ingrid has revealed that she did not have a stable relationship with the footballer.

According to The Sun UK, the influencer said that her relationship with Tobias was on and off around the time Maite was conceived.

She also confirmed that a DNA test showed Tobias is not the biological father of the child.

Speaking via a social media post, Ingrid wrote,  “I came to give a statement about something that is getting annoying and that, unfortunately, I would have to come out on publicly to give you an explanation.

“Vinicius and I haven’t been together for a while. During that time, I was in a relationship with someone and so was he.

“We both moved on with our lives. In the meantime, Maite came along.

“We decided to do a DNA test, and Maite is not Vinicius’ daughter.

“I sincerely ask everyone to stop attacking him. It was my request that he not attend the birth or post anything about Maitê until the DNA results were in. Vinicius and I have already discussed everything and reached an amicable understanding.”

Tobias had a short loan spell with Real Madrid earlier this year and made just one appearance for the senior team before returning to Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Rivers State Government has approved a new minimum wage of ₦85,000 for its civil servants.

George Nwaeke, the state’s Head of Service, announced that Governor Siminalayi Fubara granted the approval during a private meeting with labour leaders and senior government officials.

Nwaeke confirmed that the implementation of the new wage would take immediate effect.

“He (Governor Fubara) has set a figure that is higher than the national minimum wage, approving ₦85,000.00. This is a significant development for civil servants in Rivers State, who have never had it this good since the state’s inception,” Nwaeke said.

When inquired about the payment of arrears, Nwaeke disclosed that a technical committee has been formed to devise a feasible payment plan that will also tackle issues concerning the outstanding arrears.

“The committee, which I will serve as Deputy to the Secretary to the State Government, will iron out the details regarding the payment of arrears and inform the public accordingly,” he explained

In response, Chairman of the Joint Negotiation Team, Chukwu Emecheta, commended Governor Fubara for fulfilling the expectations of Rivers State workers and appreciated his commitment to their welfare.

“For the governor to approve this new minimum wage amidst all the difficulties is a clear demonstration of his commitment to the well-being of the workers. We are overjoyed by this decision,” Emecheta remarked.

Similarly, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Rivers State, Alex Agwanwor, remarked that the new minimum wage would significantly ease the financial burdens faced by workers in the state.

“With Lagos and Rivers both approving ₦85,000, but given their differing IGRs, this places Rivers State at the forefront. The governor has proven once again that he is the most labour-friendly governor in Nigeria, and we fully support him,” Agwanwor said.

A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has intensified his criticism of Nigeria’s economic situation under President Bola Tinubu, expressing deep concern over the nation’s weakening currency.

Igbokwe, who was an active campaigner for Tinubu during the 2023 elections, took to social media on Friday to voice his frustration following a recent report from the World Bank that declared the Nigerian naira as the weakest currency in Africa.

In his Facebook post, Igbokwe highlighted the paradox of Nigeria’s economic potential, stating that the country’s abundant resources and demographic advantages do not align with the current economic assessment.

Igbokwe wondered why the “currency of the most endowed and populous country in Africa with the most educated people, huge and fertile landmass, favourable weather and excellent talents among other advantaged factors, has the weakest currency in Africa.”

He attributed the dire economic situation to widespread nepotism and a self-serving approach to governance, lamenting that “almost everybody is working for themselves; nobody is working for this great country.”

This is not the first time Igbokwe has raised concerns about the administration’s policies. In September, he criticized the new electricity tariffs and urged President Tinubu to take action to alleviate the burden on citizens.

The NNPC Limited and Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture (NNPC-CNL JV) has announced a significant oil discovery with the successful drilling of the Meji NW-1 well in Petroleum Mining Lease (PML) 49, located in the shallow offshore region of the Western Niger Delta.

The area, which now operates under the terms of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, remains a vital component of Nigeria’s energy production sector.

In a statement released on Friday, Chevron’s General Manager of Policy, Government, and Public Affairs, Olusoga Oduselu, confirmed the development, stating that the well was spud on September 2, 2024, and reached a total depth of 8,983 feet by September 13.

The well encountered approximately 690 feet of hydrocarbons within Miocene sands, extending the productive Meji field.

The drilling operations were completed on October 2, and the rig has since departed the location.

“This achievement aligns with Chevron’s commitment to advancing its Nigerian resources,” the statement read, highlighting that the discovery fits into the company’s broader global exploration strategy. This strategy focuses on “discovering new resources that extend the lifespan of existing production assets and reduce development cycle times.”

The discovery marks a positive development for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, reinforcing the offshore region’s potential.

The NNPC-CNL JV reiterated its commitment to partnering with the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to ensure continued progress in the country’s oil and gas development.

“We remain dedicated to collaborating with the Nigerian government and stakeholders to support the growth of the oil and gas industry and the overall Nigerian economy,” the statement emphasized.

The Kano State Hisbah Board has confirmed the arrest of Auwal Danladi Sankara, the Commissioner of Special Duties in Jigawa State, for allegedly engaging in a romantic relationship with a married woman, Tasleem Baba Nabegu.

The arrest took place on Friday after Hisbah operatives caught Sankara in the act in an uncompleted building that reportedly belongs to him.

Hisbah, known as the Sharia police, made the announcement following intelligence tracking and a series of complaints received about Sankara’s alleged misconduct.

Abba Sufi, the Director General of the Hisbah Board, confirmed the arrest, stating, “Yes, it is true we have arrested Auwal Danladi Sankara with a married woman in an uncompleted building. Unknown to him, we were tracking him based on reports we received against him.”

The allegations surfaced after Nasiru Bulama, the husband of the married woman, lodged complaints with multiple authorities, including the Kano State Police Command and the Department of State Services (DSS).

Bulama accused Sankara of engaging in illicit sexual activities with his wife, who is also the mother of his two children.

The Hisbah DG revealed that Sankara would face multiple charges in court on Monday, not only related to the alleged affair but also for operating illicit drug centers disguised as hotels, known by names including “Picklock” and “360.”

Sufi added, “We have been having problems with Sankara because he is operating illicit drug centers in the names of hotels, involving prostitution and drug addiction activities.”

Forbes has published the list of highest paid footballers at the moment. Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo and Inter Miami superstar, Lionel Messi, lead the list.

Despite that Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were in the last days of their careers, they still enjoy superb financial benefits from the round-leather game.

Both players are widely regarded as the two greatest footballers in the history of the game.

Ronaldo is at the top of Forbes latest list, earning a whopping $285m per year.

The 39-year-old earns $220m per-year in wages from Al-Nassr, while the rest comes from sponsorships.

Messi, on the other hand, is the only MLS player in the top ten list.

The Argentinean earns $135m in total, out of which $60m is from wages and $75m is earned from off-field sponsorships.

The list is heavily dominated by players in the Saudi Arabian league.

Others on the list, according to Sportskeeda.com, include Al-Hilal’s Neymar ($110m), Al-Ittihad’s Karim Benzema ($104m) and Al-Nassr’s Sadio Mane ($52m).

Real Madrid duo Kylian Mbappe ($90m) and Vinicius Junior ($55m) are the only representatives from LaLiga.

The Premier League trio of Erling Haaland ($60m), Mohamed Salah ($53m), and Kevin De Bruyne ($39m) complete the list of the 10 best-paid players in the world.

Barcelona reportedly fell victim to a scam during the signing of Polish striker, Robert Lewandowski.

The Spanish club were allegedly tricked into sending €1million (£830,000) to a fraudster, who pretended to be working with the agent of star striker Robert Lewandowski.

Barca signed Lewandowski from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022 for an initial fee of €45m (£37m). The Polish striker has banged in 71 goals in 106 matches for Barcelona since then to prove his worth to the team.

Spanish outlet Cadena SER reported the club had received an email during the transfer, which was claimed to be from the forward's agent Pini Zahavi.

The email is said to have instructed the club to pay a €1million (£830,000) agent's commission, before later making demands for two separate transfers of €250,000 (£208,000).

The €1m payment had been requested to have been paid into the bank account of a lawyer instead of Zahavi, with the email providing details of the account.

Barcelona are said to have paid the fee into a Bank of Cyprus account.

The sum was reported to have been frozen with the payment considered suspicious due to the newly opened account.

Barcelona reportedly came under pressure with another email sent urging them to lobby the bank to unfreeze the payment or risk being reported to football's governing body FIFA.

The bank account was ultimately closed after the bank contacted the club and the alleged scam had been exposed. 

Officials from Barcelona acknowledged to Cadena SER they had been deceived and the funds had been recovered.

Zahavi revealed to the same publication that Barcelona had contacted him one month after the transfer to ask whether he had received the payment.

The agent told the club he was unaware of the lawyer and that the email had not been from him.

Barcelona contacted Zahavi again after it was confirmed the email and bank account were unconnected to him.

The Federal High Court in Kaduna has discharged three #EndBadGovernance protesters—Usman Isa Adebayo, Salihu Shuaibu, and Khalid Aminu—who had been detained for over two months.

Recall that on October 4, 2024, the trio had filed a motion for bail. At the hearing on Thursday, October 17, 2024, the court ruled in their favor, striking out the charges against them due to a lack of evidence.

The prosecutor for the Department of State Services (DSS) moved to withdraw the charges, prompting the presiding judge to dismiss the case.

“Khalid, Usman, and Salihu have been discharged. The DSS prosecutor applied to withdraw the charges against them, and the judge struck out the case for lack of evidence,” a source close to the case confirmed to SaharaReporters.

Although the activists are currently completing necessary administrative procedures, they are expected to return home shortly.

The protesters were initially arraigned by the DSS under the administration of President Bola Tinubu on two counts of criminal conspiracy and unlawful assembly, in violation of Section 70 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C.28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004.

The charges stemmed from their participation in an “End Bad Governance” protest on August 4, 2024. During the protest, the defendants were accused of inciting public disorder by mobilizing crowds through loud music, chanting, and displaying flags and headbands perceived to undermine national cohesion.

Reacting to the court’s decision, #RevolutionNow convener Omoyele Sowore took to his X account, praising the discharge. “Today, after 75 days of unjust incarceration, the lawless @OfficialDSSNG withdrew its illegal charges against Khalid Aminu (@KHALYD16) before the Federal High Court in Kaduna,” Sowore wrote. “The judge has struck out the case, and Khalid is expected to rejoin his family soonest. Special thanks to Khalid’s father for his steadfastness and to @ShehuSani for his unwavering support.”

The Organized Labour has commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his approval of ₦85,000 minimum wage for Lagos State employees.

The Labour union expected that the minimum wage for Lagosians would exceed ₦100,000, considering the peculiarities of Lagos in transportation, accommodation, utility and feeding.

It, however, acknowledged that Sanwo-Olu took a step in the right direction.

“We were expecting nothing less than N100,000 but, at least it is a step in the right direction,” the labour union stated.

Naija News reports that Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, announced that the minimum wage for civil servants in the state is ₦85,000.

The Governor announced this during an interview with Channels Television.

He said, “I’m glad to let you know that the minimum wage for Lagos, which we have discussed with our union, is ₦85,000 today.

“It is not a competition. I am not going to say that we are paying more than some people, it is a function of affordability and capacity.

“We know too well that when people live in Lagos, Lagos has a premium in terms of the cost of living. We are fully aware.

“We also increased our salary earlier in the year. I will want to come back in January and say that I have been able to increase the minimum wage of Lagos to ₦100,000, not because I want to make anybody look bad, but because I want my people to have a living wage.”

In a statement issued to journalists on Thursday, Labor representatives characterized the endorsement as a significant and positive move.

The Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos State Chapter, Funmi Sessi, remarked that the new minimum wage approved for Lagos workers is a timely and encouraging development given the nation’s current economic challenges.

Sessi noted that the union had anticipated a minimum wage exceeding N85,000, considering the unique circumstances within the state.

“The state governor knows the peculiarities of Lagos in transportation, accommodation, utility and feeding; the workers and Lagosians pay more on all these.

“We were expecting nothing less than ₦100,000 but at least it is a step in the right direction.

“We are expecting a massive infrastructure provision in the state; there should be an alternative to road transportation,“ she said.

The chairman urged the government to ensure security and protection of lives on waterways.

“Recently, there was an accident that happened where two boats collided at night, and we lost lives. If people are sure of getting to their destinations safely, they will like to take alternatives to the road,” Sessi noted.

Also, Ishola Adejumo, the Chairman of Radio, Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, also commended the governor for the approval.

He described the cost of living in Lagos as very high, saying that there was a need for a commensurate wage.

“The ₦85,000 minimum wage is a welcome development and very much anticipated.

“This is a state that sets the pace for other states in Nigeria; the centre of excellence, land of aquatic splendour, a cosmopolitan state, the economic hub of this country.

“Therefore, people who work in Lagos deserve a better wage because they spend more compared to other states,” he said.

Adejumo urged the governor to sustain the tempo in other areas.

“The governor should sustain the BRT subsidy and all other measures that will bring succour and happiness to the working people of Lagos.

“We congratulate him and thank him,” he said.