Sports
BREAKING: Sports Minister Lampoons Libya, Applauds Super Eagles
In the face of the Libyan football authorities subjecting Nigeria’s senior male team, the Super Eagles to inhuman treatment, the Sports Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh lampooned Libya, while applauding the Super Eagles.
Taking to his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Monday, he applauded the leadership of the team’s captain, William Troos-Ekong.
He revealed that he already escalated the matter to relevant national and continental levels, including the Office of the National Security Advicer, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, while also conference-calling the “CAF President and CAF Secretary General”.
He made it clear that “For now, our primary concern is the safety of the members of our national team.”
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Sen Odeh wrote, “I strongly condemn the obnoxious treatment meted on players and officials of the Senior National Team, the Super Eagles who arrived Libya, yesterday the 13th of October for the reverse version of the match played on Friday in Uyo, the AFCON 2025 Group D qualifiers.
“The National Team was en route Benghazi but was diverted on approach the airport (with very scant attention to their safety), to Al Abaq Airport, which is hours away from Benghazi, where their match is slated to take place.
“All through the night, I have escalated the matter and involved all necessary authorities. From the Foreign Affairs Minister, the National Security Advicer, the DG NIA, Amaju Pinnick, our CAF Executive member.
“I have also remained in touch with both the president of the NFF, who is on ground with the team and the Chairman of Value Jet, owners of the plane that airlifted the team to Libya. All hands must be on deck to protect our National Team.
“The Team have succinctly stated that they have been unattended to for upwards of about 15 hrs since arrival with no food, no accommodation, left in a mosquito infested environment and cordoned off by Libyan security not to step out of the airport and they have access to nothing. To say the least, they face an almost ‘hostage’ situation.
“These are sports men set to compete in an AFCON qualifying match come Tuesday!
“For now, our primary concern is the safety of the members of our national team.
“With the events of the past hours, their safety is not guaranteed and the team insists they’re unable to go ahead with the match not just because of the trauma and consequent psychological torture but also because of fear for their safety.
“As Sports Minister, I have instructed the NFF president to lay a formal complaint to CAF without prejudice to any actions already taken. This must be on record and thoroughly addressed.
“This morning I was on a conference call with CAF President and CAF Secretary General. While the CAF President’s concern seems to be what to do to get the national team participate in tomorrow’s match, I have instead informed CAF that the concern of the Government and people of Nigeria is first, the safety of the team and their safe return, urging that CAF should focus on working with us to achieve this.
“There must be a serious adverse conseqùence to the Libyan football federation for this unspeakable behaviour. This can not be through insisting that Nigeria still takes part in this match given the very obvious situation.
“Let me thank the team captain William Troost-Ekong for being hands-on and communicating very efficiently and effectively on the facts of the matter as it concerns our national team in Libya.”
Paul Pogba’s second spell at Juventus has officially ended after the club announced on Friday that they had mutually agreed to terminate his contract, effective November 30, 2024.
The decision comes after a series of setbacks, including a doping suspension that was recently reduced.
Pogba, 31, had been handed a four-year suspension by the Italian anti-doping authority (NADO) after testing positive for testosterone in August 2023, following Juventus’ opening Serie A match of the season.
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However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced his ban to 18 months last month, accepting his claim that the failed test was caused by an incorrectly prescribed supplement.
CAS also stated that Pogba was not without fault, as a professional footballer, he should have been more careful in managing his supplements.
Despite the reduced ban, Juventus confirmed that they would part ways with the French midfielder, whose return to Turin in 2022 from Manchester United had been plagued by injuries and off-field issues.
In a statement, the club announced that Pogba’s contract, originally set to expire in 2026, would be terminated early.
In an emotional message to fans on social media, Pogba thanked Juventus, saying, “You gave me a lot, more than what I could ever say, and I’ll always keep with me the love you showed me. You’ll always be in my heart. Good luck.”
Pogba’s time at Juventus was short-lived. After rejoining the club in 2022, he made only 10 appearances due to injury and his doping ban.
He also missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to a knee issue.
Additionally, Pogba was the victim of an extortion scheme involving his brother, Mathias, and five others, all of whom are set to stand trial.
Juventus have since revamped their squad, investing over €120 million in midfielders Teun Koopmeiners, Douglas Luiz, and Khephren Thuram.
The club is currently sixth in Serie A, two points behind leaders Napoli.
Stanley Nwabali, goalkeeper for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has been plunged into mourning following the death of his father.
The footballer broke the news on his Instagram page on Friday, sharing a brief yet emotional tribute.
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“Rest in peace, dad,” Nwabali wrote in the post, accompanied by a tearful emoji.
While the cause of death was not disclosed, the announcement has sparked an outpouring of condolences from fans, teammates, and members of the football community.
More to follow……….
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially booked their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
This achievement follows Libya’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali, a result that has effectively ended Rwanda’s chances of progressing to the tournament.
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With Rwanda stuck at five points from five matches, even a victory in their upcoming game against Nigeria in Uyo won’t be enough to overtake the Super Eagles in the Group D standings.
Nigeria currently sits atop the group with 10 points, followed by Benin with six, Rwanda with five, and Libya at the bottom with four.
Nigeria’s qualification marks a significant milestone as they aim for their fourth AFCON title, last winning the prestigious tournament in 2013.
The Super Eagles, led by head coach Jose Peseiro, have shown consistent form throughout the qualifiers and will be looking to maintain their momentum heading into the tournament.
Meanwhile, Benin remains in contention for the group’s second qualification spot.
They face a crucial match against Nigeria tonight, needing a positive result to stay in the running.
The race for qualification will conclude on Monday, with Libya hosting Benin in the final Group D game.
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