Nick Greyling, the Supersport sound engineer who was kidnapped in Nigeria, arrived safely in South Africa this morning, the family spokesperson said.

"He landed from Lagos this morning. He is very, very tired, he is exhausted, but under the circumstances, he is doing very well," said Johan Russouw.

Russouw, who is Greyling's father-in-law, said the family was very grateful to those who helped secure his release after the abduction last Monday. Greyling and his wife would spend a quiet day together. "The first thing they are going to do now is have breakfast together," said Russouw.

"His youngest daughter is sitting on her dad's lap." Greyling and his wife have three daughters, aged seven, four and one-and-a-half.

"To say that they are happy to see each other will be an under-statement." Russouw said Supersport was expected to release a media statement later today but no plans had been made for Greyling to address the media. The Department of International Relations and Co-operation said yesterday it was up to Greyling if he wanted to talk about the ordeal.

Spokesperson Nomfanelo Kota declined to comment on reports by the  international news agency Agence France Presse (AFP) out of Lagos that 15 million naira (US100 000) ransom was paid to secure his release.

Russouw said: "As far as I know, no ransom was paid. His release was secured through co-operation between the governments of Nigeria and South Africa and with the help of a negotiating party." Greyling was released on Monday night. He had been taken hostage with two of his Nigerian Supersport colleagues - cameraman Alexander Effiong and commentator Bowie Attamah - when their bus was attacked in the Imo province, near the Oweri airport. Effiong escaped soon after the attack and Attamah was released on Friday. - Sapa