Super Eagles: Nigeria denies apologising to Libya

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has firmly denied claims that the country issued an apology to Libya over the recent detention of the Super Eagles in Benghazi. The clarification comes after The Libya Observer inaccurately reported that Nigeria had apologized for the incident.

In a statement released on Wednesday, October 16, by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media and Communication Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, it was explained that the false report misrepresented a diplomatic phone call between Tuggar and Libya’s Eastern-based Foreign Minister, Abdelhadi Lahweej. The Nigerian government, instead of issuing an apology, expressed dissatisfaction with the way its national football team was treated and called for an immediate resolution.

“The fact of the matter was that the CDA of the Government of National Unity was summoned to the Ministry to seek an immediate end to the unfortunate incident,” the statement clarified.

READ ALSO:

• Bowen: ‘US threat to cut Israel military aid sign of anger’
• EFCC an unlawful organisation, says Agbakoba, writes National Assembly
• Yoruba Nation agitator dies in Ibadan custody

Diplomatic efforts, however, initially hit a roadblock. The Acting Charge d’Affaires of Libya in Nigeria, Imad Mohammed Matooq Aboud, claimed that the incident was beyond the jurisdiction of the Tripoli-based government, which they represented, and was under the control of the Eastern Government in Benghazi.

Faced with this impasse, Tuggar promptly reached out to the Eastern administration, directly contacting Foreign Minister Abdelhadi Lahweej to intervene. Following the discussions, the situation de-escalated, and the necessary permits were issued for the Super Eagles’ departure from Libya.

“After that, the aircraft was given the necessary permits to fly, and aviation fuel was accessed. Both Ministers agreed that the matter should be de-escalated immediately,” the statement noted. Despite attempts by Lahweej to revisit past claims about the treatment of Libyan players in Nigeria, Tuggar corrected these inaccuracies but refused to apologize, reiterating that the claims were unsubstantiated.

The statement underscores that Nigeria’s priority was to resolve the situation diplomatically while correcting any misinformation surrounding the events.

Super Eagles: Nigeria denies apologising to Libya

Ahmed Musa, Ali ‘Pele’ dazzle as Pillars win seven-goal thriller in Enugu

Kano Pillars’ legends, Ahmed Musa and Rabiu Ali ‘Pele’ rolled back their age once again as they guided the ‘Masu gida’ boys to 4-3 victory over title holders Enugu Rangers in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Week 7 fixture played yesterday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Stadium Enugu.

In the contest of two halves, Pillars netted four goals in the first before Rangers rallied back to score three goals in the second for a more respectable score line.

Ageless Rabiu Ali opened the scoring for Pillars from the spot in the 15th minute, Zilkifilu Rabiu doubled the lead in the 28th minute before ‘Pele’ grabbed his brace in the 37th minute in what began to look like a one sided affair.

Before the break Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa grabbed the winning goal for Pillars and his third of the season when he outpaced Rangers defenders to slot the ball into the net with his left foot.

READ ALSO:

• Nigeria’s Flamingos thrash New Zealand 4-1 in U17 Women World Cup
• Bobrisky responds to Falana’s demand for public apology
• Boko Haram executes two Red Cross workers, woman in Borno

However, on resumption, the tide changed as the hosts staged a fight back that saw Isaac Saviour scoring a brace in the 47th and 59th minute while Silas Nenrot further reduced the deficit with the third goal in the 90th minute.

However, Musa’s strike in the first half was the difference as Pillars stood firm to record their first away win of the season which took them to the sixth position on the log.

 At the Lafia Township Stadium, Nasarawa United captain and leading goalscorer, Ana’s Yusuf, was the hero as his second hat-trick of the season (57, 59 and 70th minute), ensured the ‘Solid Miners’ dumped Abia Warriors 3-0 for the maximum points.

However, in the early kickoff at the same venue, Lobi Stars surrendered their two goal lead to draw 2-2 with the unbeaten El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri.

In-form striker, Ossy Martins, scored a brace in the 17th and 53rd minute for Lobi Stars but Nigerian international, Ibrahim Mustapha, responded with his own in the 57th and 86th minute for a share of the spoils.

Kwara United also bounced back to winning with 3-0 spanking of Sunshine Stars in Ilorin while Enyimba fought back to share the spoils in a 1-1 draw with Niger Tornadoes in Aba.

The remaining five Week seven matches will be played today across match venues.

Ahmed Musa, Ali ‘Pele’ dazzle as Pillars win seven-goal thriller in Enugu

Nigeria’s Flamingos thrash New Zealand 4-1 in U17 Women World Cup

Nigeria’s Flamingos began their U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign on an impressive note by beating New Zealand 4-1 on Wednesday night.

The ladies dominated most part of the game, getting on the score sheet as early as the 2nd minute with Shakirat Moshood slotting home from inside the box.

READ ALSO:

• Bobrisky responds to Falana’s demand for public apology
• Boko Haram executes two Red Cross workers, woman in Borno
• Naira trades for N1,680/$ in parallel market

Khadijat Adegoke, Fardiat Abdulwahab, and Taiwo Afolabi joined the party in the 13th, 28th and 55th minutes respectively.

Coach Bankole Olowookere’s side now sit comfortably at the top of Group A pending when the other teams in the group play.

Olowookere in his post match interview commended the girls and called on Nigerians to continue supporting the team

Nigeria’s next game is against Ecuador on Saturday.

Nigeria’s Flamingos thrash New Zealand 4-1 in U17 Women World Cup