Sevilla is hopeful that Nigerian internationals Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidera Ejuke will resume training on Thursday, October 17, as they prepare for their La Liga match against Barcelona. The players recently returned to Nigeria after a hostage situation during their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying trip to Libya. Their flight was diverted, and they were stranded at an airport for over 16 hours before being flown back to Abuja by the Nigerian government.

Sevilla has been working to ensure the players return to Spain promptly. Ejuke, a key player for Sevilla, was recently named the club’s Player of the Month for September, leading La Liga in successful dribbles and scoring one goal in eight appearances. Sevilla faces league leaders Barcelona on Sunday at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.