21.  Nigerian officials often refuse to discuss the ethnic or religious divisions contributing to the frequent clashes in Nigeria, fearing that doing so could escalate the violence.

22.  Nigerian officials say, though, that he will probably be released in the coming weeks.

23.  Nigerian officials will not be granted visas to enter the Netherlands to watch the game, Dutch television news reported.

24.  Nigerian officials, led by Nigerian Football Association chairman Emeka Omeruah, responded angrily.

25.  Nigerian officials hinted that U.S. and British petroleum companies in Nigeria might be nationalized.

26.  Nigerian officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

27.  Reinforcements and additional supplies were being dispatched to Freetown from Nigeria, a Nigerian military official said on condition of anonymity.

28.  Some Nigerian officials have said that he will be held longer, apparently because the government fears opposition anger spilling over into political violence.

29.  The armed men told them that any attempt to release the detained men would result in bloodshed, a Nigerian official said on condition of anonymity.

30.  The Philippines government consul-general in Nigeria, Hermes Dorado, said the hostages were released unharmed Friday and were in the care of Nigerian military officials Saturday.