close
Women Times

Chat Room

News

Baby Food Too Expensive: Mothers Grind Local Grains to Feed Babies

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

A small tin of baby cereal now costs between N20,000 and N50,000 in markets across Nigeria. That is more than double what it was two years ago. For many families, this price is impossible. Nursing mothers are now turning to local grains like millet, sorghum, and guinea corn to feed their babies.

Aisha Bello, 28, lives in Ikeja and works as a clerk. She has two young children. “I used to buy one tin of Cerelac every two weeks,” she said. “Now, that money can pay for rice and beans for the whole family for a month. So I buy guinea corn from the market, soak it overnight, grind it with a mortar and pestle, and cook it into smooth pap. My baby loves it and grows well.”

Years ago, most Nigerian mothers fed babies only breast milk for the first six months to one year. After that, they added soft porridge made from maize, millet, or fonio. These foods were cheap and easy to find. But in the 1970s and 1980s, television ads showed shiny tins of baby food from big companies. Many mothers, especially in cities, switched to buying them. It felt modern and fast.

Today, the high cost has pushed families back to the old ways. A bag of millet costs N2,000 and can make food for a baby for two weeks. Adding groundnuts or ripe banana makes it richer. One mother in Oshodi said, “With N500, I feed my child for three days. A tin of baby food finishes in less than a week and costs twenty times more.”

Doctors say this change can be good if done right. Dr. Fatima Adebayo works at Lagos University Teaching Hospital. She said, “Local grains have plenty of iron, fiber, and energy. But the grinding tools and pots must be very clean to avoid germs. We are seeing more mothers bring healthy babies who eat homemade food.” Her hospital now runs free weekly classes to teach safe food making.

Community groups are also helping. The Nigerian Mothers’ Network holds workshops in churches and markets. They show how to wash grains, dry them in the sun, grind finely, and cook slowly. One teacher said, “We are bringing back our grandmothers’ knowledge. It saves money and keeps culture alive.” Despite the hard work, mothers say they feel proud to feed their children well without depending on costly tins.

read more
News

Ngozi Nwosu: “Marriage Is Not Do-or-Die” –Actress Reveals Abuse Nightmare ‎

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

Veteran actress Ngozi Nwosu has opened up about the harrowing domestic violence she endured in her marriage, urging women to prioritize their safety over societal pressures.

‎Speaking on the podcast Real Life Matters With Aunty Ayo, hosted by her colleague Ayo Adesanya, Nwosu declared that marriage should never be treated as a “do-or-die affair,” emphasizing that no one deserves to live in fear.

‎The 62-year-old star, best known for her iconic role as “Peace” in the long-running sitcom Fuji House of Commotion, shared details of the physical abuse she suffered, including brutal beatings even during her pregnancy. “I don’t believe marriage is a do-or-die affair,” Nwosu stated firmly, her voice steady despite the pain etched in her words.

‎ “When the domestic violence is too much, you’ve got to move. It’s your life we’re talking about, not that person’s life.”

‎Nwosu’s story began with a near-escape, Just a day before her wedding, she walked away from the ceremony after an explosive incident of violence from her then-fiancé. “I saw the domestic violence coming from his side, and I refused to sign the registrar,” she recounted, describing how her partner dragged her by the hair, leaving her bleeding and ready to fight back with lethal force.

‎Despite her resolve, family pressure, particularly from her elder sister, convinced her to proceed, with assurances that things would improve. “She begged me not to discontinue the marriage plans,” Nwosu revealed, a decision she now regrets.

‎The abuse persisted into the marriage, escalating to the point where Nwosu endured punches while pregnant. “He beat me even in pregnancy,” she said, her tone laced with disbelief at her own endurance.

‎For years, she suffered in silence, shielding her ordeal from the public eye. “Even when the press came after me, I told them I didn’t want to wash my dirty linen in public. It was well while it lasted, but I don’t want to talk about it,” she admitted.

‎Her late husband’s violence became a pattern she couldn’t ignore, culminating in a moment of clarity: “Once beaten, always beaten. If you take it once, you just be ready to take it for the rest of your life.”

‎Nwosu’s testimony comes amid a growing national conversation on gender-based violence in Nigeria, where reports indicate that one in three women experiences some form of intimate partner abuse.

‎By sharing her story now, Nwosu hopes to empower others. “People go on social media to say, ‘He slapped me, he did this.’ But when you experience real beating, proper pummeling, you won’t remember social media. You’ll only be struggling for your life,” she warned, dismantling the myth that minor incidents are isolated.

‎The podcast episode, released late last month, has garnered widespread praise from fans and industry peers for its unfiltered honesty. “Ngozi’s courage could save lives,” one viewer commented online, while another hailed her as a “beacon for abused women everywhere.”

‎Nwosu, who has starred in over 100 films and remains a Nollywood stalwart, has long been admired for her resilience, qualities she now channels into advocacy.

‎Nwosu’s message is clear: Apologies from abusers are traps, and second chances often lead to more pain. “Don’t fall for any man who beats you and begs you later,” she advised. “Walk away before it’s too late.”

read more
News

Taraba Women and NEDC Launch Groundbreaking Cancer Awareness Campaign to Empower Communities

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) Taraba State Chapter, in partnership with the North East Development Commission (NEDC), unveiled a comprehensive Breast and Cervical Cancer Awareness Campaign today. The initiative, themed “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters,” urges women across the region to prioritize regular screenings for early detection, aiming to slash the alarming mortality rates from these preventable diseases.

The flag-off event, held at a vibrant community gathering in Jalingo, drew hundreds of attendees, including healthcare professionals, local leaders, and women from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Echuseh Audu, President of MWAN Taraba State Chapter, opened the proceedings with a passionate address, emphasizing the campaign’s role in bridging gaps in women’s health education. “This is more than an event, it’s a commitment to saving lives through awareness, collaboration, and accessible care,” Dr. Audu declared. She highlighted how breast and cervical cancers claim countless lives annually in Nigeria due to late diagnoses, particularly among women over 50, and stressed that routine screenings could dramatically improve outcomes.

Representing the NEDC, Amahdy Gagwi Tarfa praised MWAN’s dedication and reaffirmed the commission’s unwavering support for health initiatives in the North East. “By joining forces, we are not just raising awareness; we are building resilient communities equipped to fight back,” Tarfa said. The NEDC’s involvement underscores its broader mandate to foster development in the region, including bolstering healthcare infrastructure amid ongoing recovery efforts from environmental and social challenges.

The launch featured expert-led health talks that demystified the diseases. Dr. Maryam Musa Haruna, a leading oncologist, delivered an engaging session on “Understanding Breast Cancer: Signs, Prevention, and Early Detection,” covering self-examination techniques, lifestyle factors, and the red flags like lumps or unusual discharge. Complementing this, Dr. Rakiya Jibril addressed “Cervical Cancer Awareness: The Role of Vaccination and Screening,” spotlighting the HPV vaccine’s preventive power and Pap smear tests as game-changers for at-risk groups.

Dr. Aisha Adamu, Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre in Jalingo, hailed the campaign as a “landmark effort” for Taraba’s health sector. “We’ve seen too many stories end too soon because of silence and stigma. This partnership empowers women to own their health narratives,” she noted, calling for sustained government funding to expand screening facilities statewide.

Organizers announced that the campaign will roll out across Taraba’s rural and urban communities in the coming weeks, offering free screenings, educational workshops, and support resources. Early feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many vowing to schedule check-ups and spread the word in their networks. One attendee, a mother of three from a nearby village, shared, “I never knew a simple test could save my life. Today, I feel seen and strong.”

This initiative arrives at a critical juncture, as studies from the region indicate that while knowledge of cervical cancer risks hovers around 88% among Taraba women, screening uptake remains low due to access barriers and misconceptions.

read more
NewsPolitics

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Clears Air: Invitation to Akpabio and Senators ‘Procedural Courtesy,’ Not Reconciliation Bid

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has emphasized that her recent invitation to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and fellow lawmakers for a project inauguration in her constituency was strictly a matter of legislative protocol, not a personal overture amid their past tensions.

The clarification comes just days after Akpabio publicly read Akpoti-Uduaghan’s letter during Thursday’s Senate plenary session, extending an invitation to her colleagues to join the commissioning of several constituency projects in Kogi State. The event, timed to coincide with her second anniversary as a senator, was framed in the letter as an opportunity to showcase “what the Lord has done in my life” through public service initiatives.

However, the gesture quickly sparked online chatter and media interpretations suggesting it was an attempt at reconciliation, especially given the senator’s rocky history with Akpabio. Their clashes date back to February 20, when a heated exchange over chamber seating arrangements escalated into a broader confrontation, and more recently on October 22, during debates over amendments to the Criminal Code Bill. Akpoti-Uduaghan was also suspended earlier this year before her reinstatement in August, with ongoing court cases related to her election victory still pending.

Taking to her social media platforms, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the rumors with a mix of frustration and resolve. “Announcement by protocol don turn to ‘Olive Branch, Reconciliation’. If I didn’t invite you all to ‘see what the Lord has done in my life’, you’d say I’m ignoring the institution,” she posted cryptically, underscoring the no-win scenario she faced.

In a detailed statement, the senator elaborated that the invitation adhered to standard National Assembly practices: routing the letter through the presiding officer for official reading on the floor. “Today, as is customary for announcements of this nature, I submitted my letter through the presiding officer for the Senate President to read on the floor,” she explained. “This is not about personal recognition but about celebrating the achievements of public service.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan, known for her advocacy on women’s rights and community development, stressed her commitment to institutional norms despite personal and legal hurdles. “I’m a progressive person. Even with ongoing court cases, I continue to carry out my duties in the chamber and follow proper procedures,” she affirmed, positioning the event as a testament to collaborative governance rather than rivalry.

The projects slated for inauguration include infrastructure and social initiatives aimed at bolstering Kogi Central’s development, reflecting Akpoti-Uduaghan’s focus on tangible deliverables for her constituents. Her approach, she noted, avoids the isolation of solo celebrations while upholding due process, a nod to the collegial ethos of the Senate.

Political observers see this as a mature pivot from confrontation to cooperation, though Akpoti-Uduaghan’s words leave little room for misinterpretation: protocol first, personalities second.

The event is scheduled for the coming weeks in Kogi State, with invitations open to all senators as a gesture of inclusivity. Whether Akpabio attends remains to be seen, but for now, Akpoti-Uduaghan has reclaimed the narrative on her terms.

read more
NewsPoliticsTrendingWomen in politics

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Invites Akpabio, Colleagues to Commission Constituency Projects in Kogi

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has formally invited Senate President Godswill Akpabio and all senators to the official commissioning of her constituency projects in Kogi State, marking her second anniversary in office.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, November 2, 2025, in Ihima, Okene Local Government Area. The central gathering point will be her residence at Plot 101, Jimoh Akpoti Street. Senators traveling by air are advised to use the Obajana Airstrip, followed by a short road trip to the venue.

During Thursday’s plenary session, Senate President Akpabio personally read the senator’s handwritten invitation letter to the chamber. “In celebration of my two years as a serving Senator, I warmly invite my distinguished colleagues to join me in commissioning development projects in Kogi Central,” the letter stated.

Akpabio responded with a smile: “Congratulations in advance, Senator Natasha. We wish you a successful event.”

The invitation comes just two months after Akpoti-Uduaghan returned to the Senate on September 24, 2025, following a controversial six-month suspension imposed on March 6, 2025. The suspension stemmed from a heated dispute over her assigned seat in the chamber, which she claimed was changed without due process. Critics called the action politically motivated to silence her outspoken advocacy.

Since her return, the senator has been actively engaged in legislative work. She recently:

Sponsored an amendment to the Criminal Code Act (2025) to strengthen penalties for gender-based violence.

Introduced a bill to establish a National Centre for Autism and six zonal centers for early diagnosis and support.

The projects to be commissioned include:

Solar-powered boreholes for rural communities

Women’s skills acquisition and training centers

Youth empowerment and vocational programs

Political observers view the invitation as a strategic gesture of reconciliation. “By bringing the Senate President to her home state, Senator Natasha is not just showcasing results, she’s rebuilding bridges,” said a senior legislative aide.

The event will highlight her focus on grassroots development despite past political battles. Elected in 2023 amid legal challenges, Akpoti-Uduaghan has built a reputation as a vocal advocate for women, youth, and rural infrastructure in Kogi Central.

Whether Senate President Akpabio will attend remains to be seen, but the invitation has already sparked positive reactions in the Red Chamber.

read more
NewsSpecial Report

Tinubu Reverses Maryam Sanda’s Pardon Amid Public Backlash

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

 In a response to widespread public outrage, President Bola Tinubu has revoked the presidential pardon granted to Maryam Sanda, a woman convicted of killing her husband.

Sanda, who faced a death sentence, will now serve a total of 12 years in prison, meaning she has about six more years left to complete her term.The decision came just days after the initial pardon list sparked fierce criticism across Nigeria.

Maryam Sanda, 37, was sentenced to death by hanging in January 2020 by a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. She was found guilty of culpable homicide in the 2017 stabbing death of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, the son of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman Haliru Bello. The case drew national attention due to its tragic details and the high-profile family involved. Sanda has been held at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre since her conviction, where she has spent six years and eight months so far.

The controversy began earlier this month when President Tinubu approved clemency for 175 convicts, including Sanda, on the advice of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy. Her family had appealed for mercy, citing her good behavior in prison, remorse, and the needs of her two young children. The pardon was seen as a compassionate act, but it quickly ignited a firestorm of anger from victims’ families, opposition leaders, and ordinary Nigerians who viewed it as a slap in the face to justice.

Public reaction was swift and intense. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the pardons, calling them a “grave setback to Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign” and an “affront to justice,” especially since the list included people convicted of drug trafficking and other serious crimes. The African Democratic Congress and human rights groups, like the Nigerian Bar Association’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law, also slammed the decision as a “mockery of justice.”6040e7 Social media exploded with hashtags and posts demanding accountability, with many arguing that freeing a convicted murderer undermined trust in the legal system.

Facing the mounting pressure, President Tinubu acted quickly. On Wednesday, October 29, an official gazette announced the reversal, signed off by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Sanda’s full pardon was scrapped, and her sentence was commuted to 12 years instead, based on “compassionate grounds” like her role as a mother and model prisoner behavior. The updated list also removed 68 other names tied to crimes such as kidnapping, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal arms possession. Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi confirmed the changes followed consultations with the Council of State.

In a statement, the presidency thanked Nigerians for their “constructive feedback” and stressed the administration’s dedication to fair justice reforms.bf7075 To prevent future missteps, Tinubu ordered the Advisory Committee’s secretariat moved from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Ministry of Justice for better oversight. He also issued posthumous pardons to historical figures like environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and poet Mamman Jiya Vatsa, honoring their legacies without stirring controversy.

The reversal has brought some relief to critics, but questions linger about the pardon process. Bilyaminu Bello’s family, despite earlier forgiveness from the victim’s father, welcomed the tougher stance as a win for accountability. Women’s rights advocates praised the balance of mercy and punishment, noting it protects Sanda’s children while honoring the victim’s memory.

read more
NewsEventSpecial ReportWomen in Nigeria

Nigeria Police Force Gears Up to Honor 70 Years of Women in Policing

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is preparing to mark a historic milestone by celebrating 70 years of women’s contributions to law enforcement. The event, announced by Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, honors the courage and dedication of female officers since their first enlistment in 1955.

Scheduled for December 3-4, 2025, the two-day commemoration will bring together serving and retired policewomen to reflect on their transformative impact on national security.

Over the decades, women have joined the ranks of the NPF in growing numbers, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. From handling administrative duties to leading tactical operations and investigations, female officers have proven their mettle in diverse roles. Their entry in 1955 marked the beginning of a gradual shift toward gender inclusivity, helping to build a more balanced and empathetic police service.

IGP Egbetokun praised the women as “pillars of integrity, empathy, and excellence,” crediting them with enhancing the force’s operational success and public trust. He highlighted how their compassionate approach has redefined policing, fostering stronger community ties and improving responses to sensitive issues like gender-based violence. This anniversary underscores the NPF’s progress in empowering women to rise to leadership positions.

The celebration will feature a lineup of engaging activities designed to educate and inspire. Highlights include a national lecture on the evolution of women in policing, an exhibition showcasing historical artifacts and milestones, and interactive panel discussions with veteran officers. These sessions will explore challenges faced and lessons learned, offering insights for future generations.

A community outreach program will cap the events, focusing on mentoring young women interested in law enforcement careers. This initiative aligns with the IGP’s vision for ongoing training and development, ensuring female officers receive the tools to excel. By promoting professionalism and inclusivity, the NPF aims to attract more diverse talent to its ranks.

This 70th anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of women’s enduring role in safeguarding the nation. The NPF’s commitment to their advancement not only strengthens the force but also inspires broader societal change.

read more
NewsSport

Nigerian Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie Nominated for Prestigious 2025 IFFHS Women’s World Best Goalkeeper Award

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

Super Falcons star Chiamaka Nnadozie has been shortlisted for the 2025 International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) Women’s World Best Goalkeeper award, placing her among an elite group of ten global nominees.

The 24-year-old Nigerian sensation, who currently plies her trade for Brighton & Hove Albion in England’s Women’s Super League, earned the nomination through a string of breathtaking performances that have solidified her status as one of the world’s premier shot-stoppers. If victorious, Nnadozie would etch her name in history as the first African woman to claim the honor, following in the footsteps of previous winners like Spain’s Sandra Paños and Germany’s Almuth Schult.

The IFFHS, founded in 1987, honors excellence in football through votes from journalists and analysts across more than 120 countries. The 2025 winners, including rankings for goalkeepers, players, referees, and coaches, will be unveiled in December. Nnadozie joins a formidable shortlist featuring the likes of Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC), Spain’s Cata Coll (Barcelona), England’s Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), and Chile’s Christiane Endler (Lyon).

This nod caps a banner year for Nnadozie, whose heroics have lit up both club and international stages. At club level, she was instrumental in Paris FC’s Coupe de France Féminine triumph in June, where she heroically saved two penalties in the final against Paris Saint-Germain. Her move to Brighton in July marked a historic transfer, making her the first Nigerian player to join the Seagulls and bolstering their ambitions in the WSL. There, she’s already earning accolades, including a recent nomination for the Barclays WSL Save of the Month for October after a stunning stop on a Tottenham free-kick.

Internationally, Nnadozie’s brilliance shone brightest at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where she backstopped Nigeria to a record-extending 10th title. Keeping multiple clean sheets en route to victory, she was crowned Best Goalkeeper and earned a spot in the Tournament Team of the Tournament. Earlier, she made waves at the 2024 Paris Olympics and became the first Nigerian and African nominee for the Women’s Yashin Trophy at the 2025 Ballon d’Or, finishing an impressive fourth.

Nnadozie’s journey from the Nigerian Women’s Premier League with Rivers Angels, where she won the title in 2019 and multiple cups, to Europe’s elite circuits underscores her rapid ascent. She debuted for the Super Falcons in 2018 against France and has since amassed 55 caps, including becoming the youngest goalkeeper to record a World Cup clean sheet at 19 during the 2019 tournament against South Korea.

As she eyes a potential third straight CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, Nnadozie’s nomination serves as a beacon for aspiring African talents. “It’s an honor to be recognized alongside the best,” she said in a recent interview. “But my focus remains on the team, whether at Brighton or with the Super Falcons. This is just fuel for more.”

Fans and pundits alike are buzzing with anticipation. Should Nnadozie lift the IFFHS trophy, it would not only validate her individual prowess but also highlight the growing global impact of African women’s football.

read more
Newswomen across the world

Funding Crisis Dismantles Global Fight Against Violence on Women, UN Warns

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

The United Nations gender equality agency, UN Women, has issued a dire warning: sweeping funding cuts are forcing one in three women’s rights organizations to suspend or shut down critical programs aimed at ending gender-based violence.

The alarming findings, detailed in the newly released report At Risk and Underfunded, underscore a deepening crisis that threatens to reverse decades of hard-won progress in protecting women and girls worldwide.

The report, based on a global survey of 428 women’s rights and civil society groups, paints a picture of frontline services crumbling under financial strain. More than 40 percent of these organizations have scaled back or closed essential lifelines, including shelters, legal aid, psychosocial support, and healthcare for survivors. Nearly 80 percent reported reduced access to services for those in need, while 59 percent observed a troubling rise in impunity and the normalization of violence against women.

“Women’s rights organizations are the backbone of progress on violence against women, yet they are being pushed to the brink,” said Kalliopi Mingeirou, head of UN Women’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls section. “We cannot allow funding cuts to erase decades of hard-won gains. We call on governments and donors to ringfence, expand, and make funding more flexible. Without sustained investment, violence against women and girls will only rise.”

An estimated 736 million women, nearly one in three globally have experienced physical or sexual violence, most often perpetrated by an intimate partner, according to UN Women data. Earlier this year, the agency flagged that nearly half of women-led groups in crisis-affected regions were at risk of closure due to aid reductions, a prediction now borne out by the survey’s results. As resources dwindle, many groups are compelled to prioritize immediate emergency responses over long-term advocacy, stifling efforts for systemic change like policy reforms and community education.

This funding shortfall is exacerbated by a broader global backlash against women’s rights, now manifesting in one in four countries through restrictive laws, shrinking civic space, and political opposition.

The At Risk and Underfunded report arrives just as the international community reflects on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a 1995 blueprint for gender equality that placed ending violence against women at its core. Yet, three decades later, global aid for gender-based violence prevention accounts for a mere 0.2 percent of total development funding, highlighting chronic underinvestment.

From Nepal to Nigeria and Peru to Tajikistan, the impacts are visceral: shelters shuttering, legal aid vanishing, and survivors left without psychosocial care amid surging demand fueled by conflicts, economic instability, and climate disasters. In South Sudan, for instance, only 25 percent of UNHCR-supported safe spaces for women and girls remain operational, potentially denying up to 80,000 people vital assistance.caccf6 Reports of conflict-related sexual violence have spiked by 50 percent in recent years, yet humanitarian funding for prevention and response was just 38 percent met in 2024.

UN Women and its partners, including the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women and Girls, are urging immediate action. They advocate for core, flexible, long-term funding to women’s rights organizations, particularly those led by and for women in high-risk settings to avert mass closures and safeguard vulnerable populations.

The Trust Fund, which supported 191 initiatives across 68 countries in 2023, reaching over 15 million people, emphasizes that such investments not only save lives but empower women and girls as agents of change.

 

read more
SportNews

Ogun Governor Abiodun Boosts Super Falcons with ₦50m Incentive Ahead of Crucial Benin Clash in Abeokuta

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has announced a generous ₦50 million incentive package for the Super Falcons, just days before their crucial return-leg qualifier against the Benin Republic in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The gesture, revealed on the eve of the match, is aimed at firing up the nine-time African champions as they seek to seal qualification at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta.

The Super Falcons, fresh off a commanding 2-0 victory in the first leg played in Lomé, Togo, on Friday, returned to Nigerian soil over the weekend and wasted no time ramping up preparations at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena. Midfielder Deborah Abiodun was the standout performer in the away win, delivering two pinpoint assists that set up strikes from Chinwendu Ihezuo in the 24th minute and Esther Okoronkwo just before halftime. Her creative flair not only handed Nigeria a two-goal cushion but also showed the team’s evolving style under head coach Justine Madugu.

Governor Abiodun’s financial boost has been hailed as a timely morale lifter, especially as the Falcons defend their WAFCON title and eye a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. “This is more than money; it’s a testament to our commitment to nurturing the stars who make Nigeria proud on the global stage,” Abiodun said in a statement released by his office. The package is intended to reward the players’ dedication and fuel their drive for another triumphant campaign.

Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, Chairman of the Ogun State Football Association and a Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Board Member, was quick to applaud the governor’s initiative. “On behalf of the Ogun State Football Association, we say a big thank you to the Governor,” Majekodunmi declared. “This demonstrates His Excellency’s passion for sports development. I urge residents and football lovers across Nigeria to fill the MKO Abiola Stadium tomorrow and roar the Super Falcons to victory. Come out and support our champions!”

Midfielder Deborah Abiodun urged fans during a pre-match training session on Sunday to pack the stands. “We’re eager to reward you with another strong performance,” she said. “Benin is a capable side, and we’re not underestimating them despite our lead. Your support will make all the difference.” Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who joined camp earlier in the week alongside stars like Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, and Asisat Oshoala, is expected to lead the midfield charge, with forwards Ihezuo, Okoronkwo, and Folashade Ijamilusi primed for more goals.

Coach Madugu, speaking ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. kickoff, emphasized a no-nonsense approach. “We take nothing for granted,” he warned. “The Beninoise will come fighting, but we’re ready to deliver a clinical performance and secure qualification. Goals are promised – we’re gunning for them to put this tie to bed.” Madugu’s squad boasts depth, with potential cameos from six-time African Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala adding firepower if needed.

On the other side, Benin’s coach expressed guarded optimism, noting their improved understanding of the Falcons after the first-leg defeat. “We know them better now,” he said, hinting at tactical tweaks to exploit any complacency.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Madagascar’s Dominique Rosa Hanjavola as center referee, assisted by Zimbabwe’s Claris Simango and Madagascar’s Hasimbola Rasoloniaina, with Grace Gimo of Zimbabwe as the fourth official. With a passionate home crowd and the governor’s backing, the stage is set for the Super Falcons to soar once more, extending their legacy as Africa’s queens of the pitch.

Tickets for the match are available at the MKO Abiola Stadium box office, with gates opening at 2 p.m. Football fans in Ogun and beyond are encouraged to turn out in force, turning Abeokuta into a cauldron of green-white-green fervor.

read more
1 … 20 21 22 23 24 … 77
Page 22 of 77