Problem with Mbappe is he’s not a number nine – Benzema

Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema believes Kylian Mbappe must learn to play as a central striker in the Spanish capital because he cannot displace Vinicius Junior on the left wing.

Mbappe completed a dream move to Madrid this summer at the end of his Paris Saint-Germain deal, but has not hit top form under Carlo Ancelotti.

The coach has retained Brazil international Vinicius in his favoured position on the wing and has used Mbappe, who prefers to play off the left, down the middle.

“The problem, in my opinion, is that (Mbappe) is not a central striker, even with the national team, every time he plays as a number nine he doesn’t feel right, because that’s not his position,” Benzema told Spanish television show El Chiringuito late Monday.

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“On the left, he’s got a guy who’s at the same level as him, Vinicius, so there is a problem, you can’t play Vinicius as a number nine or on the right, because when he plays on the left he makes the difference in every game.

“Mbappe isn’t a real number nine. People ask a lot of him and he’s under a lot of pressure, this isn’t Paris Saint-Germain.”

Since arriving from PSG the 25-year-old has eight goals in 14 appearances across all competitions.

Benzema, who won the Ballon d’Or at Real Madrid in 2022 before signing for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad last year, said the striker should keep working hard to adapt to his new role.

“(I’d advise him) don’t give up, because I don’t think he’s going to push Vinicius to move — he’s the best player in the world at the moment,” continued Benzema.

“Mbappe needs to get it into his head that today he’s a number nine, and forget about the left flank for a while.”

Benzema, who joined Real Madrid in 2009 and played there for 14 seasons, warned Mbappe that “if you go two or three games without a goal, you’re going to have a lot of problems.”

Problem with Mbappe is he’s not a number nine – Benzema

CAF ruling: No harassment of Nigerians in Libya – FG

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reassured Nigerians of its commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of its citizens in Libya following a recent ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) against the Libyan Football Association.

Recent reports have it that Nigerians in the country were facing harassment by Libyan authorities, following the verdict of CAF which indicted the Libyan FA for their ill-treatment of the Nigerian team and officials while in Libya for a Nations Cup Qualifying Match.

In response, the Ministry released a statement on Sunday, signed by its spokesperson, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, affirming that Nigerians residing in Libya remain safe and are able to conduct their daily activities without interference.

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The Ministry emphasized its continued vigilance and readiness to protect Nigerian citizens abroad, underscoring the government’s dedication to their well-being amid diplomatic developments.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to convey that as of the time of making this statement, Nigerians in Libya are going about their daily activities, devoid of any form of harassment by Libyan authorities, following the verdict of the Confederation of African Football which indicted the Libyan Football Association for their ill-treatment of the Nigerian team and officials while in Libya for a Nations Cup Qualifying Match.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to reiterate that the well-being of Nigerian citizens anywhere in the world is a top priority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and will continue to strive to safeguard it at all times,” the statement read.

CAF ruling: No harassment of Nigerians in Libya – FG

CAF verdict: Libya begins mass arrest of Nigerians

Reports have emerged of mass arrests and fines imposed on Nigerian nationals in Libya following a contentious verdict by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

This stems from the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) complaint over the Super Eagles’ (Super Eagles) detention at Al-Abraq Airport in Libya. The Nigerian team was held for over 20 hours ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights.

In response, CAF’s disciplinary committee ruled on October 26, awarding the Super Eagles three points and three goals for the abandoned match. The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) was also ordered to pay a $50,000 fine within 60 days. Expressing his dissatisfaction with the ruling, LFF President Nasser Al-Suwai’I called the decision “unjust and malicious,” alleging that NFF’s influence within CAF influenced the outcome.