Nigerian man unable to claim Italian lottery win gains residency permit

Former street seller celebrates newfound rights after debacle in claiming 500,000 scratchcard prize while undocumented

A Nigerian man who won 500,000 in an Italian lottery - but was barred from collecting his windfall because he was undocumented - said the hardship of his more than decade-long immigration journey had been eased after he was finally granted a residency permit.

I've been praying for this moment ever since I arrived in Italy," said Imagbe Ehizomwengie, 36. It's a huge relief. You might think it's incredible, but receiving the permit means more to me than winning the money. I want to work and contribute to society."