International Football
REFUGEE FOOTBALLER, AL-ARAIBI SET TO RETURN TO AUSTRALIA AFTER BAHRAIN DROPS EXTRADITION REQUEST
BY LIAM MORGAN
Refugee footballer Hakeem Al-Araibi is set to return to Australia today after Bahrain withdrew a request to extradite him amid widespread pressure and an international campaign for his release.
A court in Thailand, where he had been detained for the past 70 days, approved a request to drop the proceedings against him.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed Al-Araibi has been released from prison and is due to fly home to Australia, where he has refugee status, later today.
“This morning the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed us that Bahrain was no longer interested in this request,” Thailand’s Office of the Attorney General foreign office chief Chatchom Akapin said.
Today’s announcement is considered a surprise as Al-Araibi, who appeared at a criminal court hearing last week, was expected to remain in jail for the next 60 days as his lawyers prepared his case against extradition.
Bahrain had previously remained defiant on its extradition request, with interior minister Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah al-Khalifa claiming “external interference in the internal affairs of Bahrain is unacceptable” after a campaign was launched for his safe return to Australia.
Al-Araibi was fearful he would be tortured or even killed if he was ordered to return to Bahrain as he had been a vocal critic of its regime.
He fled Bahrain in 2014 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison that year for allegedly vandalising a police station during Arab Spring protests in the Gulf country, charges he strongly denies.
Former Australia international Craig Foster, who led the campaign, thanked Thailand for allowing Al-Araibi to be released.
“My thanks go to the wonderful people of Thailand for your support and to Thai Govt for upholding international law,” he wrote on Twitter.
“Most important thing now is Hakeem’s immediate wellbeing.
“Sure Embassy staff will take care of him, there’ll be tears there tonight, as there are in our household right now.
“This is significant win for humanity, people everywhere standing up for good, pushing back against regimes who flout international law, for human rights.”
In a statement, Football Federation Australia (FFA) chairman Chris Nikou said the governing body “was extremely grateful to the Governments of Thailand and Bahrain for taking the decision to allow Hakeem to return to Australia”.
The FFA was initially criticised for its initially slow response to the situation.
FIFA also issued a statement following the news, stating it was “extremely pleased” to see Al-Araibi released from prison.
“This is the outcome we have worked for together with a broad coalition of human rights organisations, governments and the wider football community over the past two months,” world football’s governing body said.
“We would like to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to this outcome and, in particular, the relevant public authorities for doing the right thing and bringing Hakeem’s ordeal to an end.
“We wish Hakeem a safe return to his family and hope he will be able to resume his footballing career soon.”
Nigeria’s Super Eagles put up a spirited performance but were edged 2-1 by Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The match served as Portugal’s final tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and offered the Nigerians a chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto broke the deadlock, firing past Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after a lively opening period in which both teams created opportunities.
The Super Eagles responded positively and were rewarded eight minutes before halftime when striker Akor Adams found the equaliser. The goal capped an impressive Nigerian fightback and ensured the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Ronaldo, making a rare appearance against Nigeria, started the match and remained on the pitch until the 67th minute. The 41-year-old was given a standing ovation by the home crowd when he was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.
Portugal made several changes after the interval as coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad in preparation for the World Cup. Despite the substitutions, the hosts continued to press for a winner.
Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição struck the decisive goal, restoring Portugal’s lead and ultimately securing victory for the European side.
Nigeria battled to find another equaliser in the closing stages but Portugal’s defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 result.
The defeat means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two countries. Their first encounter came in Lisbon in November 2022, when the Portuguese recorded a convincing 4-0 victory in a pre-World Cup friendly.
While the result will disappoint Nigerian supporters, the Super Eagles can take encouragement from their resilient display against one of the teams widely tipped to make a strong impact at the World Cup. Akor Adams’ goal and Nigeria’s competitive showing against a star-studded Portuguese side provided positive signs as the team continues its rebuilding process under the national team set-up.
For Portugal, the victory provides a confidence boost as they head to North America, where they hope their talented midfield and experienced squad can propel them to a successful World Cup campaign.
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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting line-up when the Selecao take on Nigeria in an international friendly match which kicks off in a few minutes tonight.
The 41-year-old forward, who remains a key figure in the Portuguese national team, has been named among the starters as Portugal continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement to the encounter, with Nigerian fans eager to see one of football’s greatest players in action against the Super Eagles.
The match offers Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against top European opposition, while Portugal will look to sharpen their squad ahead of future international assignments.
Kick-off is scheduled for later tonight, with both teams expected to field strong line-ups in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
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By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.
History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.
With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.
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