Kidnapped football star’s mother released

The mother of Nigerian football star Samuel Kalu has been released after being kidnapped by gunmen a week ago. Police confirmed that Ozuruonye Kalu was abducted as she travelled home in the south-eastern city of Abia. It is unclear whether a reported ransom was paid. Police spokesperson Godfrey Ogbonna told the BBC that ‘investigations are ongoing to arrest those responsible’. Kalu who was named in Nigeria's squad on Monday for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Seychelles has scored once in five appearances for the Super Eagles since his debut last year. Kidnappings – more often of oil workers, the rich and famous – are a regular occurrence in Nigeria, but footballers and their families are increasingly being targeted.