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Africa's Best World Cup Referee Reportedly Denied Entry to US Despite Diplomatic Passport
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A Somali referee widely regarded as one of Africa's best officials has reportedly been denied entry into the United States and sent back to Istanbul after arriving at Miami International Airport ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, 34, was reportedly stopped at the point of entry and placed on a return flight despite holding a diplomatic passport issued with the assistance of the Somali Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. The embassy stated that the passport was provided to ease previous visa-related challenges.

Artan had travelled from Kenya and transited through Turkey before arriving in Miami but was turned away on arrival. No official explanation has been given for the decision.

This comes after FIFA recently stated that his visa issue had been resolved, confirming that it "had been fully resolved and he will now be available to officiate at the FIFA World Cup."

Somalia is included on President Donald Trump's travel ban list. He was quoted last month describing Somali immigrants in the United States as "they're all crooks," and earlier in January referred to Somalia as "the worst country in the world."

Artan was recently honoured as Africa's Best Referee for 2025 at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards held in November.

We Survived COVID-19 and Ebola, We Will Survive Insecurity Too, Says Senate President Akpabio
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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, stating that the country will overcome its current security challenges despite ongoing concerns over insecurity.

He made the statement on Sunday during an inter-denominational church service at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, part of activities marking Democracy Day. The service had the theme "God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams."

Akpabio said Nigeria has passed through several difficult phases, including political instability, economic challenges, pandemics, and periods of military rule, yet continues to maintain democratic governance for 27 years.

"We have survived political upheavals, economic turbulence. We will survive insurgencies," he said, noting that the country has also endured Ebola, COVID-19, and other national crises.

He acknowledged that insecurity remains a serious national issue, stressing that the government deliberately marked this year's Democracy Day in a low-key manner due to the situation in the country.

According to him, communities have been attacked, farmers are afraid to go to their farms, and many Nigerians now travel in fear. He also highlighted the emotional trauma caused by kidnappings, especially those involving children.

"The kidnapping of innocent citizens, especially children, wounds the conscience of our nation," he said.

Akpabio added that the pain of abducted children resonates deeply with him due to his childhood experiences during the civil war, noting that such suffering must not be ignored.

"We shall continue to act together, pray together, and persevere until our children are safely returned and our nation is secure," he said.