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Digest Press, UDUS., Sokoto (2025)

19/10/2025

With N5,000, UDUS Students Travel on Trailers, Risk Safety, Devastating Health Challenges

By Yisau Babatunde

On a cold morning in October, Ibrahim Muhammad, a 300-level Sociology student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), made his way to Ajia Alimo road in Sokoto market to begin his journey home. With a worried but determined expression, he climbed onto the back of a moving trailer heading toward Kwara State.

Since his first year in the university, Ibrahim has always struggled to afford transport fare between Sokoto and his hometown. Before discovering that he could travel with just N5,000 by hitching a ride on a trailer, he used to spend N20,000 and above on transportation alone.

“We don’t do this because we want to,” Ibrahim said, gripping his bag tightly. “But with transport fares now having tripled, this is the only way to reach Ilorin. The buses are just too expensive. We either risk it or stay stranded.”

Ibrahim’s experience is not unique. Samsudeen Wadud, a 200-level Engineering student, shared a similar story. When he heard that the bus fare to Ibadan had risen to between N22,000 and N25,000, he knew he couldn’t afford it. His parents had sent him N15,000, which was not even enough for the trip to his state.

“When a friend told me about using trailers for just N5,000. I didn’t think twice; I gladly said yes,” he recalled.

Before the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023, travelling from Sokoto to Kwara, Oyo, or Lagos State through Niger and Kontagora was relatively affordable. Then, students could board commercial buses for between N8,000 and N10,000 depending on the season.

But since the subsidy removal, petrol prices have tripled, and transport fares have sharply increased, which now cost between N22,000 and N25,000. For many students, especially those from low-income families, travelling home by trailer has become the only option left.

Same Path, Different Mindset

For some students, the trailer journey is not just about cost, it’s about safety. Muhammad Ridwan, a master’s student at UDUS, told Digest Press that he now finds peace in travelling by trailer, not just because it is cheaper, but because he believes it is safer.

“I’ve been using trailers for a long time. I’ve never had an accident, never been robbed or kidnapped,” he said. “Look at the recent attacks on students passing through Niger State, they target buses. Trailers are actually safer for me if I must say.”

University students being kidnapped on is Nigerian road is not a new trend. In 2024, at least 20 university students from the University of Maiduguri were abducted by gunmen in Benue State while going for a medical conference.

Similarly, in October 2025, Basheerah Ojedeyi, a newly inducted Radiography graduate of UDUS, was abducted in Niger State and spent weeks in captivity before her release after a huge ransom payment.

Beyond the Price: A Torturous Journey

What begins as a cost-saving decision often turns into a nightmare for many student commuters. Samsudeen Wadud recalled how his trailer, loaded with cows, rams, and other goods, became unbearable during the journey.

“It was not the best way to go home, but it was better than staying at school,” he said. “Just a few hours into the trip, the smell of animal urine and f***s filled the air. I vomited several times. I don’t think I’ll ever board a trailer again.”

Another student, Abdulraheem Habib, shared a similar experience. Despite swearing never to travel that way again, he later did so due to financial hardship.

“When it rains, I’m soaked,” he said. “When it’s sunny, the metal burns my skin. You can’t even stop to ease yourself, you only find a way to ease yourself when the trailer is on the move. It’s a terrible experience.”

Abdulraheem also recalled one frightening incident: “We were on a trailer going to Kontagora when one of the tires burst. The driver didn’t stop. Everyone screamed. I thought it was the end. But during the next holiday, I still found myself climbing another one. What can I do?”

Crossing the Auna River: A Journey of Fear

For Ibrahim Muhammad, the most terrifying part of his journey is crossing the Auna–Salka–Ibeto route in Niger State, where a collapsed bridge forces travellers to use an old ferry.

“It was terrifying,” he said. “The ferry was rusty and shaking. There were no life jackets, and the engine sounded weak. I just held onto the metal and prayed to survive.”

“Every wave felt like danger. At one point, my hand slipped, and someone had to pull me back. That day, I saw death. I questioned why I agreed to travel this way.”

A Village of Survivors

In Auna, risk has become part of their daily life. For locals, the ferry is not just a transport system alone, it is a means of survival.

“We live by risk here,” said Mallam Sani, a petty trader. “If the ferry stops, we wait. If the engine fails, we fix it. We have no bridge, no alternative. This is our only road.”

The same river serves as a fishing ground, laundry site, and even a water source for some villagers. Sanu added that the water isn't clean enough for drinking, because people wash their cloths and vehicles there.

Standing by the river, Hajiya Bilkis, a mother of two, watched her child board the ferry with trembling hands. She narrated to this reporter how they've begged the government to build a bridge.

“We’ve lost people before, but they don’t listen. Even students cross here with fear in their eyes. Allah is our only protector,” she said.

Weak Ferry, Weaker System

When DIGEST PRESS spoke with Abdullahi Musa, one of the ferry engineers, he admitted that the vessel was outdated. “This ferry has been in use for over 20 years, we service it often, but parts are hard to find. It was never designed for the heavy traffic it now carries.”

Another engineer, Umar Danladi, explained that they charge between N10,000 and N20,000 per vehicle, depending on size and load. “Diesel is costly, but we still consider people’s hardship when fixing the fare,” he added.

A Sign of Economic Desperation

A Transportation expert Mr. Yusuf Adewale described the situation to digest press as “a tragic reflection of national decay.”

“When students, the country’s future, are forced to ride trailers meant for goods, it’s not just a safety issue; it’s an indictment of governance and infrastructure failure,” he said.

He added that the situation mirrors a broader pattern of neglect in rural transport systems across northern Nigeria. “Communities in Niger, Kebbi, and Sokoto still depend on unsafe trucks and ferries for mobility,” Adewale explained. “It shows the deep gap between urban transport development and rural accessibility.”

He warned that if the situation is not addressed urgently, lives will continue to be lost.

19/10/2025

Writer’s Dairy: My Horrible Experience Traveling From Sokoto to Ilorin

By Abdulazeez Hikmah

I thought my first journey when I gained admission into Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) was the most torturous, but I never believed returning home would be even worse. From my little experience so far, I think it’s better not to travel during the rainy season from Sokoto to Ilorin.

On a cool evening in early October, we set out for the journey from UDUS, heading to Ilorin. Excitement filled the air, as we were finally going home to see our families after several months of an uninterrupted academic session. Yet, deep inside me, I was scared. I had recently heard about some students being kidnapped by bandits, with a huge ransom being demanded. My heart raced faster with this thought.

Our bus was among the four that departed for the journey that evening from the school Mini Mart. Everything was going smoothly and peacefully, with the cold evening breeze making it even more enjoyable until we reached Niger State. There, our journey was suddenly interrupted by a flooded river that blocked the road. That was the first time I truly felt helpless. I wished I could stop the journey and return back to UDUS.

Thanks to my friend who held my hand, I managed to cross the water. The cold that followed was nothing to write home about. My clothes were drenched, and my body was shivering uncontrollably. I became weak and tired, regretting my decision to travel. “Who even sent me to this school?” I murmured to myself. Seeing our worried faces, the driver kept assuring us that everything would be fine.

Throughout the journey, my mind was not at rest. All I could think of was just to arrive home safely. Every hour felt like two. The road seemed endless, and the fear of the unknown never left my heart.

When we finally reached Omoda in Ilorin, happiness filled my heart. I had missed my family so much. But just when I thought the struggle was over, I realized one of my bags was missing, the one containing my clothes, shoes, and small gas cylinder.

Well, that wasn’t the issue at that moment. I was finally home, everything I had longed for during those troubling hours. The material things I lost can be replaced with time, but life? Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. That was when I realized that survival itself is the greatest victory in life.

18/10/2025

Binji Hostel Leaders Warn Landlords to Resolve Issues with UDUS Management, Reaffirm No Rent Payment Directive

Oyelowo Khalid reports,

The Binji Hostel Leaders of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), on the 16th of October, has cautioned the Binji Hostel landlord and management to desist from acts of intimidation and attempts to silence students over the ongoing accommodation disputes.

This is coming after the UDUS management had previously warned students last month not to enter into any rent agreements with the Binji Hostel management, following their alleged failure to fulfill previous agreements and neglect of tenants’ welfare.

In defiance of the school’s directive, the Binji management reportedly issued a circular instructing tenants to pay their rent before the end of November or risk losing their rooms.

According to a statement released by the hostel leaders, the management has since embarked on deliberate acts of intimidation, including removing or blocking concerned students from the “Benjee 2025/2026 Hostel Rent Payment Group” on social media for speaking out against poor conditions and injustices within the hostel.

The circular further alleged that the Binji landlord often pretends to sympathize with students publicly but privately threatens and coerces outspoken student leaders into silence. It also accused the management of diverting attention from genuine complaints by introducing irrelevant issues to mislead the public and distort the real narrative.

Reaffirming their stance, the hostel leaders maintained that they would not yield to intimidation or victimization, insisting that their demands were legitimate and their voices must be respected.

“We wish to firmly reiterate our former position: no tenant shall pay any rent to Binji until he approaches the University Management and all outstanding issues are resolved,”he circular stated.

Speaking to The Digest Press, Nura Sanni Bena, a final-year law student and the Chairman of the Education Committee of Binji Hostel Masjid , said that the action of the hostel leaders was in full alignment with the university’s position.

“The school itself is also a victim of his rudeness and unfair treatment,” Nura explained. “Immediately after the circular was sent to the Benjee Rent Payment group, it was also forwarded to the school management. We are now waiting for Binji’s response, as he has yet to comment.”

18/10/2025

Terrible Journey; Bus Drivers, UDUS Students, Lament Harsh Experiences on Kebbi Road

By Fathiu Jimoh

Hours after leaving Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), several vehicles carrying students encountered difficulties along the kebbi road, popularly called Daji. It was early October, and the Morning sun had just begun to rise after a night of heavy rain. The driver, anticipating what lay ahead, quickly instructed the passengers to alight from the bus.

Moments later, they were seen pushing the vehicle through the flooded, muddy road. By the time they succeeded in pushing it out of the water, most of the students were already drenched. Shivering and tired, many feared the long exposure to cold water could affect their health.

“We’ve gotten used to the suffering, but the truth is, this road used to be even worse,” said Mallam Abdulsalam, one of the drivers who spoke to THE DIGEST PRESS with a weary expression that reflected years of frustration. “Vehicles often fall or get stuck here. Sometimes, we spend days before we can continue our journey.”

He added that despite numerous complaints from drivers and commuters over the years, nothing significant has changed.

For Mallam Suraju, another commercial driver, the bad road is not only a cause of discomfort but also a major reason for frequent accidents and vehicle damage.

“These bad roads make us spend more on repairs than we even earn,” he explained. “People think we overcharge passengers out of greed, but that’s not true. The road conditions force us to spend more on fuel, repairs, and delays. The losses are heavy.”

According to a 2025 report by SB Morgen (SBM) Intelligence titled “Roads to Nowhere: A Bumpy Ride Through Nigeria’s Roads,” poor road conditions across Nigeria have significantly contributed to the rise in interstate transport fares.

The study, which surveyed 245 drivers across eight major cities in Nigeria, revealed that 86 percent of transporters blamed bad roads for fare increases, while 49 percent said the poor state of highways has forced them to spend more on vehicle maintenance.

As a result of this, about 85.7 percent of transport operators were compelled to raise their prices just to keep their businesses afloat, thereby pushing the burden directly onto passengers.

Poor Road Conditions Causes Hardship to Drivers, Says NURTW Chairman

Speaking on the situation, the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at Ilorin, Alhaji Umar Tajudeen, explained that the poor state of roads has caused great hardship for many drivers.

“It can lead to damage to vehicles and even cause them to break down completely, preventing further travel. This is what many drivers often complain about when they return from long journeys,” he said.

He further explained that the bad roads are one of the major reasons most drivers are unable to meet their financial obligations or pay their expected returns after trips. “Many drivers lose a large portion of the money collected from passengers, as it ends up being spent on repairs for vehicles that developed faults due to the bad roads during the journey,” he added.

Painful Experiences for Danfodites

For students who travel home through the road, the journey often becomes a nightmare. Sulyman Hafusat, a 300-level Mathematics student, shared her ordeal. “What kind of suffering is this?” she lamented. “After passing through so many difficult routes, I have never seen a road this terrible in my life.”

Abdulazeez Lukman, a 100-level Law student, also recounted his ordeal while traveling to Lagos for the holiday. “This was my first time going home since I resumed as a law student,” he said. “The journey was sad and frustrating. I didn’t enjoy it at all. If I ever have the chance, I won’t take that road again. Wallahi, I suffered too much on that Sokoto trip.”

18/10/2025

Another Battle Awaits: Four African Countries to Fight for One Inter-Confederation Play-Off Spot In 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

By Adamu Mubarak

Africa’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost complete, as nine nations have already secured their direct tickets to the global football tournament set to take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

However, one final African potential spot remains up for grabs, and four determined nations will clash for it in a fierce play-off battle. Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, and the Republic of Congo have all booked their places in the upcoming African play-offs, scheduled for November 2025.

The tournament will be held in Morocco, which will serve as a centralized venue for the semi-final and final stages. The semi-finals are slated for Thursday, November 13, with the decisive final match to take place on Sunday, November, with the winner to compete in inter-confederation Play-offs.

The contestants for the last potential African 2026 World Cup ticket are Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon and the Republic of Congo.

Nigeria

The Super Eagles finished second in Group C, narrowly missing out on an automatic qualification spot by just one point behind South Africa. Their perfect 4-0 victory over Benin Republic secured a firm second-place finish and a berth in the play-offs. Led by star striker Victor Osimhen, Nigeria will face Gabon in the semi-finals as they seek redemption and a ticket to the inter-confederation stage.

Cameroon

Cameroon, guided by captain Vincent Aboubakar, also settled for second place in Group D, behind Cape Verde and ahead of Libya. A goalless draw with Angola on the final day proved enough to keep their World Cup hopes alive. The Indomitable Lions will now take on the Republic of Congo in the other semi-final, with the winner advancing to face either Nigeria or Gabon in the final clash.

Gabon

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang side fought their way into the play-offs and now faces a heavy task against Nigerian Super Eagles. The Panthers will be eyeing a first-ever World Cup appearance, but they must first overcome one of Africa’s most powerful footballing sides. The winner of this clash will face either Cameroon or the Republic of Congo in the final.

Republic of Congo

The Leopards of Congo came agonizingly close to qualifying directly but were edged out after Senegal’s decisive 4-0 victory over Mauritania on the final group matchday. Despite their own 1-0 win over Sudan, Congo had to settle for second place and now must fight their way through the play-offs. Their semi-final against Cameroon is expected to be a thrilling contest.

After these fierce battles, only one nation will rise above the rest to claim a place in the inter-confederation play-offs. The November showdown in Morocco is expected to deliver drama, passion, and a true display of African football at its finest — a battle for pride, glory, and a seat among the world’s elite.

The inter-confederation play-offs will feature one team each from CAF (Africa), AFC (Asia), CONMEBOL (South America), and OFC (Oceania), alongside two teams from CONCACAF (North and Central America and the Caribbean).

17/10/2025

Inside UDUS Convocation Theatre, Where Immorality Thrives in the Dark

By Oyelowo Khalid

After a hectic day outside the school, John Agatha, a 200-level student of Accounting, was returning from town. Everywhere was dark, so she switched on her torchlight as she walked past the Convocation Theatre. What she saw next shocked her, a half-naked guy with a lady.

“When they noticed the light from my torch, they quickly covered themselves in a hurry,” she said. “Fear gripped me so much that I switched off the torch immediately. But when I turned it on again, the student couple had already disappeared,” Agatha told DIGEST PRESS.

Her experience is not isolated. Imam Muktar, a 200-level Law student, told this reporter how he once saw a used condom near the Convocation Theatre. He had gone there for an evening tutorial that day..

“I wasn’t the only one who saw the condom that day,” he said. “Many people didn’t even see it as something strange, and that’s the real problem. They think it’s normal. The Convocation Theatre is supposed to be an academic hub in UDUS, not a centre for immoral acts. It’s meant for learning, for God’s sake.”

Another student, Nasirah (not her real name), revealed that she narrowly escaped s*xual abuse inside the same building. “I realized the place had turned into a s*x spot when a guy invited me there one night, pretending it was just for a conversation,” she recounted. “But when I got there, he started touching me inappropriately. I shouted and called my friend, and that was how I escaped. Since that day, I have promised never to go near that place in the evening again.”

About UDUS Convocation Theatre

The Convocation Theatre at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS)is meant for any official university events such as convocation ceremonies, matriculations, and academic lectures.

Some lecturers also use the building for classes, while students and associations hold tutorials or meetings there. However, lately, the building has reportedly become a hideout for immoral activities, which constitute a misuse of a facility that's meant for academic and social gatherings.

CSO Weighs In

The Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the university, Mallam Abdullahi Gwandu, told this reporter that measures would be taken to curb the act. According to him, the management plans to lock the building every evening after 6 p.m.

“The Convocation Theatre should only be open during official ceremonies or lectures. But because some lecturers hold classes there late, it gives room for these immoral activities,” Mallam Gwandu said.

He added that the place would now be securely locked every evening and monitored by campus security officers.

We Are Not Aware of These Acts, Says Dean of Student Affairs

In an interview with the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Umar Aliyu, stated that the management was not aware of such activities until now. “But now that it has been made known, the university will take appropriate measures to ensure that such acts do not continue,” he assured.

16/10/2025

Kano Pillars FC Fans Attack Players, Officials After Late Equalizer at Sani Abacha Stadium

By Oyelowo Khalid

Violence erupted at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Sunday evening, October 12, 2025, after Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan scored a dramatic late equalizer goal against Kano Pillars FC in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clash that ended 1-1.

According to reports, furious Kano Pillars supporters invaded the pitch moments after the final whistle, assaulting match officials and Shooting Stars players. Security operatives struggled to restore order as chaos spread across the stadium.

The match started positively for the Kano Pillar as their striker Mustapha Jubrin scored in the early 9th minutes in the first half of the game and this was a joy on its own to the host team as their fans roared in joy, confident of securing three points.

However, in stoppage time, Adams Mustapha of Shooting Stars struck a stunning equalizer and leveled the score 1-1 for his side, silencing the crowd. Seconds later, angry home supporters broke through barriers, throwing objects and attacking players and officials.

Following this attack, several Shooting Stars players, including Ismail Ayodele and Adam Agba’a, sustained head injuries. This sparked different reactions online as some Nigerians blame the NPFL for not giving the players enough security and some blame the Kano pillars fans and management for treating the visitors in a horrible manner.

Shooting Stars’ manager condemned the violence, calling for better crowd control at league venues. “This is not the kind of behavior we should be encouraging. Two of my players sustained head injuries, violence has no place in football,” he said.

NPFL Condemns the Incident

The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) management described the attack as “unacceptable and punishable.”

“We condemn in the strongest terms any act of violence, intimidation, or physical assault on players or match officials,” said Davidson Owumi, the NPFL Chief Operating Officer.

Owumi confirmed that investigations have commenced official reports and video footage before deciding on sanctions.

Owumi Davidson also made it known that investigation is still ongoing and that the league is awaiting for video footage and official report from the match commissioners before their final judgement.

“We reaffirm our commitment to maintaining discipline, professionalism at all league venues across Nigeria,” he added.

Kano Pillars FC Responds

The management of Kano Pillars FC expressed regret over the incident, confirming that the pitch invaders had already been arrested immediately after the incident.

“The situation was quickly brought under control after security operatives intervened. The culprits have been handed over to the police and will face the full wrath of the law,” the club said in a statement.

Kano Pillars FC also announced that identified offenders would be banned from entering the Sani Abacha Stadium for the next ten seasons.

“We are ready to fully cooperate with the authorities to ensure that any sanctions imposed are strictly followed,” the management added.

16/10/2025

When Education Becomes a Luxury: The Burden of Rising Tuition Fees in Nigeria

By Yisau Babatunde

For decades, Nigerian universities were seen as the gateway to opportunity and success, a path through which the poor could climb out of poverty and the middle class could finally secure stability. Today, I must say that the promise that brings a better vision of tomorrow is gradually fading.

The rise in tuition fees in our universities is transforming education from a right into a luxury business only available to the privileged. The very institutions meant to empower young people are slowly pricing them out of their own future. Are we truly getting the educational system right in Nigeria?

I do not doubt that our universities need funds to operate, but the question that begs for an answer is: who will bear the burden? Right now, it’s the students that suffer the most. Across the country, young people find it extremely difficult to gather money for registration, textbooks, and accommodation. Then what about survival? Some take on menial jobs, others depend heavily on overstretched parents, and too many drop out in the long run. The result is that the system is punishing indigent students instead of fighting poverty.

I know some of the core believers in higher tuition fees will keep saying, “Quality education comes at a price.” Truly, it does. But what quality are we as students getting in return? Many campuses still suffer from overcrowded lecture halls, outdated facilities, erratic electricity, and unfunded libraries. Increasing fees without improving services is not a reform; it’s a high degree of exploitation. The students are paying more but receiving little in return. It is time to reflect on what we really call education in Nigerian universities.

Dangerous Trends

This trend is dangerous for the nation’s future. A society where only the wealthy can afford education is a society doomed and deeply entrenched in inequality. When talented but poor students are forced to abandon their dreams, not only do those students lose, we all lose. The economy loses innovators, Nigeria loses leaders, families lose hope, and humanity loses its voice.

In recent years, the cost of higher education in Nigeria’s federal universities has witnessed a dramatic surge, sparking concerns over affordability and accessibility, especially for students from low-income backgrounds. What was once an affordable route for the average Nigerian is increasingly becoming a financial burden, with fears growing that soon, only the wealthy will have access to higher education.

The impact of these hikes is already being felt nationwide, while the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have both criticized the hikes, describing them as “anti-poor” and “counterproductive” to the government’s commitment to youth empowerment. In an attempt to address this, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has activated the Students Loan Scheme (NELFUND), promising accessible credit to undergraduates in public tertiary institutions. However, concerns remain about the reach and sustainability of this initiative, especially in a country grappling with economic instability and rising poverty levels.

Now, the solution lies with honesty and creativity. The government should take active participation in universities, not allowing them to survive on their own. Proper funding, transparent budgeting, and partnerships with industries can reduce the overreliance on student fees. Our universities, too, must cut waste, prioritize essential and impactful projects, and give every assurance that each penny collected reflects on students’ lives.

Education is not a privilege; it is a right without discrimination based on class in society. By turning our universities into exclusive clubs for the wealthy, we betray the very spirit of learning. If Nigeria is truly serious about development, then higher education must remain a ladder of opportunities, not a wall of exclusion.

16/10/2025

Racism In Cleats: The African struggles in European football

By Oyelowo Khalid

Over the years, African footballers have faced a painful and persistent challenge in European football—racial discrimination. Despite their undeniable talent and contribution to the game, many African players continue to experience racial abuse from fans, opponents, and, sometimes, even from their own clubs.

Every time an African player steps into the field, he carries more than just a ball, he carries history, identity, and the hope of millions of people back home. Yet, even as they dribble past defenders and score unforgettable goals, they are still forced to fight the oldest battle of all—to be seen as equals.

The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), and Union of European Football Association (UEFA), have sanctioned several racist offenders as against the Law of Humanity and football rules, but racism remains a stubborn stain on the sport. However, the bodies’ interventions have reduced the problem to some extent.

Osimhen: A Modern-Day Victim

Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s Super Eagles Talisman, now playing for Galatasaray in the Turkish league, has been a frequent target of racist attacks, not only in Turkey but also during his time at Napoli in Italy.

In 2022, during a Serie A match between Napoli and Hellas Verona, Victor Osimhen scored the winning goal for Napoli, but he was met with monkey chants from Verona fans. Although Serie A authorities sanctioned the club, the emotional trauma Osimhen suffered could not be erased.

The situation worsened in 2023 when Osimhen missed a penalty. His own club, Napoli, mocked him in a TikTok video using the caption, “Gimme a penalty please,” and later released another video allegedly comparing him to a coconut. Despite being the club’s top scorer and a fan favorite, Osimhen was publicly humiliated—a painful reminder that African players are often celebrated only until they make a mistake.

When he moved to Galatasaray in 2025, the nightmare followed. In early October, during a tense match against Besiktas, an opposing player allegedly called him a “black monkey.” The incident sparked outrage, though the Turkish and international football authorities are currently investigating that, yet no significant action has been taken.

Not a New Struggle

Racism in football did not begin with Osimhen’s generation, we have our African legends who have been victims of racial discrimination over the years.

In the 2005/06 La Liga season, Samuel Eto’o was racially abused by Real Zaragoza fans while playing for Barcelona. The African legend almost walked off the pitch in protest as racism chants remained persistent.

Kalidou Koulibaly, the former Napoli defender, also endured repeated racial abuses while playing for the Italian side. In a 2016 match against Lazio, the defender experienced monkey noises from the opponents fans every time he touched the ball. A similar incident occurred in 2018 at San Siro against Inter Milan, leading to a public apology from Milan’s mayor, but can that heal the trauma of the victimized player?

Even as far back as 1996, racism played a role in one of football’s most infamous clashes. Liberian icon George Weah reportedly punched Portuguese player Jorge Costa and broke his nose at the tunnel after being racially insulted during a Champions League match. This case highlighted the emotional and physical pain of the repeated racial abuse by the white men in sports.

Standing Against Hate: Legends Speak, But Is Anyone Listening?

Racism is not only condemned by the affected players, over time, both African and European legends have spoken out against racism in football.

Diedier Drogba, the former Chelsea striker called out UEFA and FIFA to implement stricter punishments for the racist. He made it known in his statement that racism is not allowed and we need to act against it. “Racism has no place in football, we can't just keep saying it, we need to act , punish and educate. Enough is enough.”

Similarly, Yaya Toure, former Manchester City star made a statement after he was racially abused while playing for Manchester City. “If UEFA don’t take action, players will. We cannot continue to be insulted because of the color of our skin,” he lamented.

Gareth Southgate, manager of the England national team, also condemned racism after several of his Black players were abused due to their skin colour, following the Euro 2020 final defeat.

“When our players were abused, it wasn’t just a football issue, it was a human issue. We stand against racism and will continue supporting our players,” Southgate explained.

Digest Press, UDUS.

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