The Ondo State Government said on Thursday in Akure that it was making efforts to ensure the safe arrival of the remaining members of Sunshine FC of Akure stranded in Mali.

Alhaji Yekini Olanipekun, the state Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that government was in constant touch with the team to ensure their safety.

“We are on top of the situation and I can assure you that they are all hale and hearty. We have been taking concrete steps to ensure their safe arrival, but for security reasons, I will not go into details.

“We are in constant touch with the Malian Government and the Nigerian Embassy in Mali and I can assure you that the welfare of the affected members is well taken care of.

“The Malian Football Federation has been bearing the cost of their extra stay in the country.”

According to him, 24 of the 34 members of the team have safely arrived in the country, leaving behind six players and nine officials.

Among the officials are Chief Sehinde Adagunodo, chairman, Ondo State Football Agency, a coach attachée from Benin Republic and two journalists.

One of the journalists, Mr Sam Odeyemi, told NAN on telephone from Bamako that the trapped players and officials had remained indoors in their hotel.

Odeyemi added that they were eagerly awaiting the re-opening of the airport to be able to leave.

“We hope the airport is re-opened soon, so that we can come home as soon as possible to meet our loved ones.”

The Mali airport was closed following a coup and a recent counter coup that left the country in turmoil. (NAN)