Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and dependable defender Michelle Alozie have arrived at the Super Falcons’ camp in Ijebu Ode ahead of their 2028 Olympic Games qualifying fixture against Comoros.

Also joining the team are midfielder Jennifer Echegini and forward Folashade Ijamilusi, bringing the number of players in camp to 22.

Only four players—Comfort Erhabor, Gift Monday, Joy Omewa and Uchenna Kanu—are still expected to join the squad.

The Super Falcons will continue their preparations with another training session at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, tonight.

Meanwhile, the Comoros senior women’s national team arrived in Ijebu Ode on Monday and held their first training session on Tuesday night as they intensify preparations for the first leg.

Friday’s encounter, which was originally scheduled to take place in Comoros, will now be played at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo, with kick-off set for 6pm.

The reverse fixture will hold at the same venue next week Tuesday.

Players In Camp

Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma, Chiamaka Nnadozie

Defenders: Farida Abdulwahab; Sandra John; Tumininu Adeshina; Valentina Uroko; Glory Edet; Shukurat Oladipo; Glory Ogbonna

Midfielders: Christy Ucheibe; Toni Payne; Favour Omenazu; Joy Igbokwe; Jennifer Echegini; Fatimoh Solaty, Suliat Abideen

Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade; Shakirat Moshood; Blessing Nkor; Sandra John, Folashade Ijamilusi; Janet Akekoromowei

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Wednesday said God used a former military Head of State, Sani Abacha, to create the state.

Governor Oyebanji said without Abacha, Ekiti State would not have been created.

Ekiti State was created on October 1, 1996, out of the old Ondo State, during Abacha’s military regime.

The governor said Ekiti State owes a debt of gratitude to the former military ruler.

Speaking during the ‘Ekiti at 30 Future Summit’ in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, Oyebanji said people of the state have distinguished themselves in various sectors of the economy.

He said: “In the old Western region and later Ondo State, Ekiti men and women distinguished themselves in education, public administration, commerce, agriculture, culture, and national service.

“Through the act of persistent advocacy, leaders made a compelling case for the creation of the state, that way the aspiration of our people would be more effectively pursued.

“We therefore owe an eternal debt of gratitude to the founding fathers of Ekiti State, to the traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals, academics, political actors, and women organisations whose sacrifices made the creation possible.

“Some people will not like to hear my next statement but that is the truth, we owe a debt of gratitude to Gen. Sani Abacha who was the Head of State when the state was created.

“Without that man, Abacha, we will not be here. Kabiyesi will tell you what they contended with but God used Abacha and we are grateful.”

Ronaldo issued a statement through several Portuguese media outlets, explaining his reasons for withdrawing from the current Portugal national team training camp and apologizing to Portuguese fans.

In his statement, Ronaldo said that as captain, he should be disciplined by the Football Association. After serving his suspension, he stated he was always ready to play for his country. This indicates that Ronaldo does not plan to voluntarily retire from the Portuguese national team in the near term.

Excerpts from Ronaldo’s Statement
The consequences of my actions must be evaluated and punished by the Football Association, and I understand the penalty should not be reduced. I am not just a player; I am the team captain, which is an aggravating factor. I have apologized, but I know that every action must have consequences. Anyone in football, including me, knows that regardless of individual status, the rules apply to everyone equally.

But when I think of the national team, what I really think about is playing. That’s what was on my mind the day I learned of my father’s death. I was at the national team training camp then, and I decided to stay until the next day’s match was over. I have done things for my country that I would never do for any club.

So, if my physical condition allows me to play and score for my club, then after my suspension ends, I will be ready, as always, to play for the national team and win.