Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has been taken to hospital for an MRI scan after sustaining an injury during Nigeria’s 5-0 victory over Comoros in the second leg of their second-round qualifiers for the 2028 Olympic Games on Tuesday.The injury occurred during a first-half collision at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, raising concerns about the availability of the Nigerian skipper for the team’s upcoming matches. Folashade Ijamilusi was brought on to replace Ajibade.
Despite losing their captain early in the encounter, Nigeria delivered a commanding performance to secure a 7-0 aggregate victory and progress to the third round of the qualifiers, having won the first leg 2-0.
Toni Payne opened the scoring before Uchenna Kanu struck twice in the second half. Payne later completed her brace, while Christy Ucheibe converted a penalty to seal the emphatic win.
Second-half substitute Blessing Okpe also made a significant contribution, providing the assist for Payne’s second goal and winning the penalty that Ucheibe converted.
Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen expressed hope that Ajibade had not suffered a serious injury while commending the team for its performance.
“Unfortunately, we lost Ajibade early in the game, but I think and I hope and I pray that the injury is very minor,” Eguavoen said.
The coach added that the team had moved on from its disappointment at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and had shifted its attention to qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“At the first meeting we had, we collectively agreed that we put the WAFCON disappointment behind us and set our eyes on the gold medal in the Olympics,” he stated.
Eguavoen acknowledged that Nigeria would encounter tougher opposition in the subsequent rounds but expressed confidence in the squad’s talent, depth and support.
“Going forward, we expect to meet tougher oppositions, no doubt about that. Super Falcons are number one in Africa. We have the quality, we have the personnel, we have the support,” he added.
The Super Falcons will face Morocco in the third round of the Olympic qualifiers as they continue their quest to secure a place at the 2028 Games.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his son, Seyi Tinubu, to increase his payment following his appearance at an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally on Tuesday.The singer made the request after actively participating in campaign activities and entertaining supporters at the political gathering.
The rally, organised in support of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, was held at Onikan Stadium in Lagos State.
Videos circulating on social media showed Portable moving around the venue, interacting with supporters and taking part in activities to promote the President.
However, in one of the viral clips, the singer appeared exhausted and was seen lying on the floor while insisting that he wanted to meet Tinubu and his son before leaving the stadium.
His manager, Babylov, was also captured trying to persuade him to get up as they prepared to leave the venue.
Reports indicated that Portable fainted amid the overcrowding at the event.
Although the singer acknowledged that he had already received payment for attending the rally, he maintained that his efforts and the physical strain he experienced warranted additional compensation.
In the viral video, Portable was heard appealing directly to the President and Seyi Tinubu for more money while describing his experience at the rally.
“I want to see Tinubu and Seyi Tinubu; they have almost squeezed me to death. I have fainted; it is Tinubu that is winning. Did we not collect money? Tinubu, pay me more money; I am feeling so much heat,” he said.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Portuguese winger Rafael Leão has expressed his support for Barcelona star Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or and guide the Spanish club to major honours.Leão made the statement during an interview with Brazilian broadcaster TNT Sports BR on Tuesday, following Barcelona’s recent Champions League clash with Galatasaray, in which Yamal delivered an impressive performance.
The AC Milan forward praised the teenager’s footballing ability and personal qualities, describing him as a friend and commending the quality of players around him at Barcelona.
“I hope Lamine Yamal wins the Ballon d’Or and big trophies with Barça,” Leão said.
“He is among the best in the world, he’s someone I really appreciate as a player and person. He’s surrounded by good players at an extraordinary club.”
Leão also highlighted Yamal’s humility despite his rapid rise to prominence in European football, noting the teenager’s growing influence at the highest level of the game.
Yamal has become a key figure in Barcelona’s attack, earning widespread recognition for his performances for both the club and the Spanish national team.
His exceptional technical skills, creativity and ability to influence matches in the final third have established him as one of the most promising young players in world football.
Leão believes Yamal possesses the talent and support system required to compete for the prestigious Ballon d’Or while helping Barcelona challenge for major domestic and European trophies.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶