The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh has welcomed the Super Eagles back to Nigeria after their challenging experience in Libya where they went for a return Group D match for the AFCON 2025 qualifier.

The Minister, who personally received the national team at the Abuja airport on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu last night, told the Super Eagles players that they have gone through a near-death experience in Libya.

Commending their resilience in the face of adversity, Enoh thanked the team for the show of maturity throughout the period.

Addressing the team, Enoh said, “For about 20 hours, you have gone through what I describe as a near-death experience. The entire country was vested in the situation.

“Despite the hardships you experienced in Libya, you stood strong and acted very maturely. On behalf of the President and the good people of Nigeria, I welcome you home as I express profound gratitude for the team’s efforts on and off the field of play.”

“I reaffirm the government’s commitment to keep supporting the national team as they continue their journey for the AFCON 2025 tournament. In this moment, more than anything else,your safety was our priority, and we are glad to see you complete,” he further stated.

The Libyan Football Federation has addressed the circumstances behind the Nigerian Super Eagles’ extended delay at Al Abraq International Airport, attributing the situation to routine air traffic and logistical challenges rather than deliberate foul play.

In a statement on Monday via X, the LFF sought to clarify the events, emphasising that the diversion of the Nigerian team’s flight was not intended as a hostile act.

“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation,” the LFF said.

They highlighted that just a week earlier, the Libyan national team faced their own challenges upon arriving in Nigeria for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation. It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification.

“Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities,” the statement added.

According to the LFF, the diversion of the Nigerian delegation’s chartered ValueJet aircraft to Al Abraq International Airport, rather than Benghazi as planned, stemmed from air traffic control protocols and security checks common in international travel.

“These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon,” the federation added.

The statement stressed that the LFF respects Nigeria and had no intention of creating difficulties for the Super Eagles, who have been stranded at the airport for over 15 hours. The Libyan FA expressed concern over the situation but noted that such logistical issues are not uncommon.

They also reiterated Libya’s hospitality towards visiting teams, stating, “We have always prioritised treating all visiting teams, including our African brothers and other international delegations, with the respect and dignity they deserve.”

The Libyan FA urged for a resolution through mutual understanding and highlighted football’s role in fostering unity.

“Hosting these events is a great honour for us, and we strive to ensure that all teams feel safe and respected as our guests.

“Our doors are open to our Nigerian brothers and all African teams, and we continue to promote the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and friendship in the world of football,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has lodged a formal complaint with the Confederation of African Football over the incident, with plans underway to return the Super Eagles home.

The Nigeria Football Federation has decided to pull the Super Eagles out of Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.

This follows a frustrating 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya, where the team has been stranded since their arrival on Sunday afternoon.

The Nigerian delegation was en route to Benghazi for the crucial qualifier when their chartered aircraft was dangerously diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a small airport typically reserved for hajj operations.

The unexpected diversion left players and officials stranded without any assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide transportation.

In a statement on Monday, the NFF detailed the chaotic situation, explaining that the team remained at the airport for over 12 hours, unable to reach their hotel in Benghazi, which is three hours away.

“The Nigerian delegation for Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya is still at Al Abraq Airport, 12 hours after landing. The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport just as the pilot was completing his approach to Benghazi Airport,” the NFF stated.

The NFF further noted that the fatigued and frustrated players have now resolved not to play the match.

The NFF, supporting the players’ decision, is currently arranging for the team to fly back to Nigeria, effectively pulling them out of the fixture.

“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer, and NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home,” the statement concluded.

Reacting to the situation, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong condemned the treatment by the Libyan authorities

In a series of tweets early Monday morning, Troost-Ekong described the situation as “disgraceful,” accusing the hosts of playing “mind games.”

He revealed that the team is being kept in an abandoned airport with no access to food, drink, or phone connections.

“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi without reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without a phone connection, food, or drink. All to play mind games.

“I’ve experienced issues before while playing away in Africa, but this is disgraceful behaviour,” he wrote.

Troost-Ekong also mentioned the difficulties faced by the Tunisian pilot, who managed the unexpected change in destination but was subsequently refused accommodation for his crew under government orders.

While the pilot could rest at the airport, Nigerian crew members were not allowed to stay, forcing them to sleep on the plane.

“Even the Tunisian pilot, who thankfully managed to navigate the last-minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land, had never seen anything like this before,” he wrote.

“Upon arrival, he tried to find a nearby hotel to rest with his crew but was denied at every hotel, again under government instruction. He could sleep there, but no Nigerian crew members were allowed. They have now returned to sleep on the plane, which is parked up,” Troost-Ekong added.

The Super Eagles will be without Samuel Chukwueze for Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.

Chukwueze sustained a hamstring injury during the first game against the Mediterranean Knights on Friday.

The AC Milan had come off the bench in the second half, as Nigeria searched for a goal at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

He will now return to Milan for assessment on the injury.

Interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, is likely to stick with the duo of Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon again for the reverse fixture.

The three-time African champions are looking to strengthen their grip on Group D.

Super Falcons star, Ashleigh Plumptre is full of excitement after stepping on the pitch again following an injury layoff.

Plumptre was sidelined for around six months after undergoing surgery on the injury.

The 26-year-old returned to action in Al-Ittihad’s 1-0 victory over Al-Ula last weekend.

The defender came on as a second half substitute in the game.

After the match, she took to social media to share her excitement with Al-Ittihad fans.

“Hey, Etihad fans! I’m so happy to be back. Even happier with the win and the clean sheet.

“Thanks for all your support,” Plumptre said in a post-match video.

Lionel Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, has spoken about their “biggest surprise” since her husband signed for Inter Miami.

Messi left European football to continue his career in Major League Soccer, MLS, in the summer of 2023.

Since his arrival, the Argentina captain has made an immediate impact on and off the field in the US.

Messi has added two more trophies to his record-breaking collection with Inter Miami – the Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield – with MLS Cup glory now in his sights.

But off the field, his family are enjoying the warm weather in Miami.

Antonela has told Haute Living: “What I love the most about Miami is the climate, the people, and the landscape. All this makes you feel like you’re living in perpetual summer.

“The biggest surprise for us was the warm welcome we received when we arrived. We knew it would be special, but it exceeded all our expectations.

“It has actually been very easy [adapting to life in Miami], and we’re all happy about it. Our main concern was that the kids might not like it or adjust well, but from day one, they adapted very well.”

Nigeria and Russia will clash in a friendly match in 2025.

According to Russian journalist, Bartlomiej Banasiew, FIFA match agent, Jairo Pachon is working hard to arrange the game.

“Our representatives are cooperating with the Russia Football Federation on the organisation of a friendly match between Russia and Nigeria.

“This match is about as good as it gets,” Pachon was quoted by Banasiew.

The match is expected to be played within the FIFA window.

The venue is also expected to be sorted by the organisers.

It will be first meeting between Nigeria and Russia at the senior level

Super Eagles’ interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen has hit out at Libya for ‘over-respecting’ his team during both sides’ 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON, qualifier on Friday.

The Mediterranean Knights frustrated Eguavoen’s men with their delay tactics for the majority of the game.

However, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s 86 minutes goal gave the Super Eagles a 1-0 victory over Libya.

Speaking about Libya’s time-wasting, Eguavoen said at his post-match interview: “We have a time keeper also in the name of Thomas.

“Actually they wasted like fourteen, fifteen minutes out of the 45 minutes which is not so good.

“They are a good side. You can see that they move the ball if they wanted to move, but now trying to bring such strategies, I don’t think it’s a good thing.

“Maybe they over-respected us. They thought probably if they come out at the initial stage they are going to get a lot of goals behind them. I don’t know if that is the way they want to play.”

Former Argentina striker, Sergio Agüero, has filed a lawsuit against Barcelona over €3million unpaid wages.

Barca owe the 26-year-old the money as part of his 2021 contract termination.

According to an official report sent to the Catalan club’s members, the matter is still in court.

Agüero signed for Barça from Manchester City on a two-year deal in 2021.

But he was forced to retire after only five appearances, due to heart problems he suffered during a LaLiga game against Alavés.

He officially announced his retirement in December 2021, reaching an agreement with the club to end his contract early.

However, a report detailing Barça’s financial accounts for the 2023-24 season, has revealed Aguero launched legal proceedings against the club earlier this year.

New Barcelona goalkeeper, Woijiech Szczesny, has insisted that he will not stop smoking any time soon.

Szczesny recently came out of retirement to sign a short-term deal with the LaLiga giants, following a serious injury to Marc-Andre ter Stegen

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the former Poland international spoke about his lifestyle choices.

“Smoking? There are aspects of my personal life that I don’t change, and it’s nobody’s business if I smoke.

“If anyone thinks they can change my personal life, try again, it has never worked!”

He added: “I don’t smoke in front of kids, I don’t give a bad example.

“But people take pictures of me smoking behind trees, where I can’t even see them… I try to hide it, not show it to people”.

Super Eagles caretaker coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has said this team will go all out to secure maximum points in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Libya.

Victory in both games will see the Super Eagles earn a berth at the AFCON 2025 finals which will be hosted by Morocco.

The Super Eagles currently occupy top spot in Group D with four points from two games.

Eguavoen claimed they want to wrap qualification for Africa’s soccer fiesta on time to avoid late pressure.

“We have to be practical about it: our best and surest route to the finals will be to pick up the six points in the matches with Libya, and be somewhat guaranteed of a place in Morocco even before Matchday 5. We don’t want to be in any anxiety in the run-in in this qualifying campaign,” Eguavoen told the nff.com.

“I admit we will miss Victor (Osimhen), but I believe in the other strikers available to get us the goals that will give us the three points in Uyo, and the three points in Libya.”

Flying Eagles forward Charles Agada has linked up with Sky Bet Championship side, Watford.

Agada will join the Hornets when the transfer window reopens in January.

The Mavlon FC player was previously linked with clubs in Spain and Switzerland.

The striker was part of Flying Eagles side at last year’s 2022 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Agada is currently in the Flying Eagles training camp ahead of the WAFU B U20 AFCON in Togo.

Former Flying Eagles midfielder, Tom Dele-Bashiru, is currently in the books of Watford.

Inter Miami superstar, Lionel Messi, has penned an emotional tribute to former Barcelona team-mate, Andres Iniesta, who has taken the decision to retire.

Iniesta is set to bring down the curtains on an illustrious career at 40.

The former Spain midfielder scored the winner as his country won the 2010 World Cup and also lifted two European Championships with La Roja.

At club level, he made 674 appearances for Barca and won nine LaLiga titles and the Champions League on four occasions.

Iniesta left for Japanese side Vissel Kobe in 2018 and has most recently been playing for the Emirates Club in the UAE.

Iniesta has teased his retirement – which will be confirmed on October 8, in a nod towards his iconic shirt number – in a video on social media.

And Messi wrote on Instagram: “One of the team-mates with the most magic and of the one’s I enjoyed playing together the most.

“Andres Iniesta, the ball will miss you and so will we! I wish you the best, always. You are a phenomenon.”

Emmanuel Ntuk has been named new head coach of Dakkada FC.

Ntuk’s appointment was confirmed in a statement by the club on Thursday.

The young tactician is making his second stint at the club after serving as technical adviser for Akwa Starlets, as Dakkada used to be known.

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Emmanuel Ntuk as our new head coach,” the statement reads.

Ntuk is expected to help Dakkada secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The new season will start next month

Super Falcons forward, Chinonyerem Macleans, has sealed a move to Saudi club, Al-Shabab.

Macleans joined Al-Shabab from Russian club, Locomotiv Moscow.

The 25-year-old spent two years at Locomotiv Moscow, scoring 14 times in 33 league appearances.

The striker’s arrival increased the number of Nigerian players at Al-Shabab to three with Rita Chikwelu and Chinaza Agoh already a key member of the squad.

Speaking after her unveiling, Macleans stated: “I’m excited to join Al Shabab Women FC and contribute to the team’s success. Saudi Arabia’s vision for women’s football is inspiring, and I’m proud to be part of this journey.”

She was part of the Super Falcons squad to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele has apologised to manager Luis Enrique after he was dropped for Tuesday’s Champions League clash at Arsenal.

Dembele was left out of the squad that lost 2-0 to the Gunners, after he clashed with Enrique over the weekend.

Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, has now revealed that both men have sorted out their issues.

Dembele is now expected to be called up for this Sunday’s Ligue 1 clash with Nice.

Romano wrote on X on Wednesday: “Ousmane Dembélé, expected to return into PSG group already against OGC Nice on Sunday.

“Dembélé apologized to Luis Enrique as the Spanish manager wanted and requested.

“The situation is fully expected to return to normality shortly.”

Manchester City midfielder Matheus Nunes has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of stealing a mobile phone at a nightclub in Madrid.

The 26-year-old Portuguese international was allegedly detained in the early hours of September 8 at La Riviera, a popular disco, and taken to a local police station for questioning, Dailymails reports.

His arrest occurred around 5:30 a.m. after Nunes was accused of taking a phone from a 58-year-old man who had attempted to photograph him in the nightclub’s restroom without his consent, according to Spanish daily El Mundo.

Born in Brazil, Nunes is said to have taken the phone in a moment of anger and refused to return it.

El Mundo stated that the police reportedly arrested him after being called to the scene and found the phone in his possession.

AC Milan winger, Samuel Chukwueze, could leave Italy when the transfer window reopens in January.

The Super Eagles forward is attracting attention from Spanish side Atletico Madrid as well as Premier League teams, West Ham United and Aston Villa.

Chukwueze has struggled to impress at the San Siro following his arrival from Villarreal last summer.

The 25-year-old now looks set to leave, having been linked with a move to England in the past.

Chukwueze still has three years left on his contract with Milan.

He is expected to be named in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Libya next month.

Former Premier League referee, Keith Hackett, has offered his thoughts on Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes’ red card against Tottenham.

The former match official believes Fernandes should have merely been given a yellow card instead of receiving a red.

VAR did not intervene to revert the decision after referee Chris Kavanagh displayed the red card.

But Hackett opined that the VAR official could have made a better decision by asking the referee to look at the monitor and review the incident.

He told The Telegraph, “I can see why the referee may have decided this was worthy of a red card, as Fernandes looked to challenge James Maddison with Tottenham on the breakaway. However, after multiple viewings, I lean towards a yellow card.

“I feel the referee Chris Kavanagh would have benefitted from being asked to look at the incident again on the pitch-side monitor.”

Their latest defeat meant that the Red Devils are now 12th in the league table, sitting six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand has expressed his frustration with the Red Devils following their 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday.

Brennan Johnson put the visitors in front in the first few minutes of the game orchestrated by Micky van de Ven.

Van de Ven ran through the length of the Red Devils’ half before putting the ball on a plate for Johnson to finish in the 3rd minute.

Then to add insult to injury, United captain, Bruno Fernandes was shown a straight red card in the 42nd minute.

Dejan Kulusevski made it 2-0 for Spurs in the 47th minute while Dominic Solanke sealed the three points for Spurs.

Ferdinand, who won many titles with the Red Devils spoke after the game through his YouTube channel., “And we’ll get to the red card in a minute, but Van Der Ven ran through the whole team. And I look at it and just think, but it happened mid-week as well.

“It happened mid-week. Where’s the pride, man? Like, I just, I don’t know, that fight doesn’t seem like it’s where it should be.”

“We were an embarrassment today. The red card shouldn’t be an excuse for anybody at Man United now. It shouldn’t be an excuse for anyone at the football club.

“We were terrible. We were terrible to watch. It was a terrible kind of representation of who we are and what we are right now.

“Giving the ball away, constantly. I’m ranting here, but I can’t help it. I sat there and watched the game and just thought, what the hell are we?”