The 80-year-old Ogere, mother of former Super Eagle skipper and coach, Samson Siasia, has been released by her abductors.

TheLagostimes recalls that Mrs Ogere Siasia, 76, and two others were seized back in July in Bayelsa, southern Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom are frequent.

Siasia, who had pleaded for help last week, told the BBC he was ‘relieved’ that his mother had been released safely.

“It’s been really tough but I’m pretty relieved that she’s finally released on Sunday morning,” he told BBC Sport.

“I can only thank Nigerians and everyone involved in the safe return of my mother.

“She’s old and in poor health right now. I pray no one has to go through this emotional trauma.”