Super Eagles have returned to Nigeria, touching down at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State, after enduring a challenging ordeal in Libya before their upcoming 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.

Team captain William Troost-Ekong took to X to share the news, writing, “BACK HOME 🇳🇬 SAFE & SOUND.

“Proud of this team, NAIJA SPIRIT can’t be broken. Throw at us what you want, it’s in our blood to overcome. I’ve seen a lot in my 10 years with this group, but nothing like this, an experience that has brought us even closer TOGETHER.”

Victor Boniface, a forward for the team, also posted on X, saying, “Back to Nigeria 🇳🇬❤️❤️ Next of kin you try out.”

The Super Eagles had departed Nigeria on Sunday, but their trip took an unexpected turn when their flight was diverted to a remote airport in Libya, far from their intended destination.

This forced the team into a grueling three-hour road journey to reach their final stop.

Matters worsened when the players, pilots, and staff were left stranded at the Libyan airport for more than 13 hours without access to basic essentials such as food, water, or a place to rest.

Images of the players attempting to sleep on chairs circulated on social media, with Troost-Ekong and other players sharing their plight, leading to public outrage from Nigerian officials.

Thankfully, the team has now safely arrived in Kano, following clearance for their flight to depart Libya.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has since initiated an investigation into the treatment of the Super Eagles at Al Abaq Airport, with its Disciplinary Board looking into violations of the federation’s rules.

The situation also drew condemnation from several prominent figures, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, NiDCOM Chair Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor-Kalu.

ROAMAN NEWS 

Arsenal are confident that 23-year-old defender William Saliba will stay at the Emirates, despite Real Madrid’s interest.

According to Express, the French international is expected to continue his career in North London.

Juventus is reportedly eyeing Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, 27, as a potential summer target.

His contract is set to expire, which could open the door for a move to Turin (Corriere dello Sport).

In an interesting turn of events, Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness, 42, reportedly turned down an approach from Manchester United over the summer to replace Erik ten Hag, according to Bild.

United’s search for a manager doesn’t stop there, as they’re still in the running for Thomas Tuchel, who is also being considered for the England national team job (Teamtalk).

The FA has not yet interviewed any external candidates for the England manager role, with Lee Carsley currently acting as interim boss (Telegraph).

Meanwhile, Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson revealed that he had the opportunity to leave the club over the summer but decided to stay after discussions with manager Pep Guardiola.

“The conversations with Pep were crucial in my decision to remain here,” the Brazilian keeper told TNT Sports Brazil.

In transfer news, Borussia Monchengladbach is tracking Arsenal’s 21-year-old forward Nathan Butler-Oyedeji (Football Insider), while 28-year-old German centre-back Marvin Friedrich could be leaving the German side in January (Sky Sports Germany via Frankfurter Rundschau).

Arsenal has also entered the race to sign 22-year-old Ukrainian midfielder Georgi Sudakov from Shakhtar Donetsk, competing with Tottenham for his signature (Caught Offside).

Additionally, Barcelona, Arsenal, and Newcastle are all interested in Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane, 28, according to Ekrem Konur.

The German international is attracting plenty of attention as his future remains uncertain.

ROAMAN NEWS