“I would like to apologise to Mr Florentino and Mr Vinicius for the episode we saw,” Simeone told a news conference ahead of Atletico’s Copa del Rey last 16 visit to face Deportivo La Coruna on Tuesday.

Venezuela said Monday that 116 political prisoners have been released since the government announced last week it would begin freeing those jailed under president Nicolas Maduro, who was seized by US forces in a raid on Caracas.

Tensions spilled over on the pitch at the end of Saturday’s game in Marrakesh, which Nigeria won 2-0 thanks to second-half goals by Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams.

He said their battle scars remained enduring testimonies of valour and an unyielding commitment to defend Nigeria against both local and trans-border threats.

According to Fayose, other personalities within the party lack the electoral appeal required to make a meaningful impact at the polls.