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.”

More than 1000 Islamic clerics have asked President Bola Tinubu not to contest in 2027.

The clerics, in a communique after a meeting in Kano, said the poor state of the economy and insecurity have made life hard for Nigerians.

The meeting was tagged ‘An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections’.

This is coming after two Islamic groups – JIBWIS and the Qadiriyya Sufi sect – endorsed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for 2027. The groups endorsed Tinubu when Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Director General of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Campaign Council, visited them.

But the clerics, under the aegis of Ko Da Naka… For the Struggle to Promote Good Governance and Community Development and AFAQ Educational Foundation, said they are not happy with how Tinubu is running the country.

According to them, removal of fuel subsidy, the floating of the naira, increase in electricity tariff and tax reforms have worsened hardship for ordinary Nigerians.

“It is unfortunate that the government has continued to insist on pursuing these policies, which are increasing hardship among the people, rather than reviewing and correcting them. The government prioritised the growth of its revenue at a time when the rising cost of living and unemployment are threatening the lives and well-being of citizens.

“Consequently, participants at the conference unanimously agreed that it would be inappropriate to re-elect this government in the forthcoming 2027 general elections if it does not change its harmful economic policies,” parts of the communique read.