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ICPC, Police Exonerate D’Banj Over N-Power Fraud, Rap£ Allegation

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By Akinwale Kasali

Multiple Award Winning Musician, Dapo Oyebanji, popularly known as D’Banj, has been exonerated by the Nigeria Police and anti graft agency, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, over the N-Power Fraud and rap£ allegation leveled against him.

The Artiste in separate documents by the Police and the ICPC gave the ‘Why Me’ crooner a clean slate in separate clearance reports upon completion of investigations.

In an affidavit deposed by Toheeb Lawal of Abuja-based law firm, Law Corridor, before the District Court of Abuja, wherein the reports of the Nigeria Police Force Investigation and clearance from the ICPC were marked exhibits A and B, the legal practitioner averred that the police and the ICPC cleared the singer of both allegations.

In a report dated November 14, 2023, with case number CR:3000/X/FHQ/ABJ/SEB/T.1/VOL 18/284 and signed by ACP YY Abubakar of the Special Enquiry Bureau at the Force Criminal Investigations Department at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the police said the matter was investigated but there was no evidence to substantiate the claim.

“The allegation was investigated,” the police report read in part.

It added, “The complainant, witnesses, and suspects made their statement. The investigation was extended to the Glee Hotel Lagos, where the staff on duty on the date of the alleged incident made their statement.

“The management and staff of the Glee Hotel averred that the first suspect was not seen in the hotel on the date of the alleged incident, nor was he given a spare key to gain access to any room in the hotel where the complainant lodged, and they have only one key to each room, which completely debunked the allegation of the complainant.

“The management of the hotel also held that it had no record to show that the complainant checked into the hotel as a guest on the alleged date, and she did not, at any time, raise an alarm, complain, or report any indecent assault or rape.

“There is no medical report on the victim to ascertain that she was raped. There are no adduced facts or corroborative evidence to substantiate the allegation of rape against the suspect. Prima facie offences of indecent assault, rape, and intimidation are not made out.

“However, the complainant, through her counsel, Ojoge, Omileye & Partners, submitted a later, dated July 17, 2020, to the DIG Force CID, to voluntarily withdraw the petition and discontinue the investigation.”

Also,  in 2022, the ICPC accused D’banj of diverting funds associated with the N-Power Programme of the Federal Government.

However, after its investigation, the ICPC said that D’banj was not guilty of any fraud allegation.

In response to an inquiry, the commission cleared D’banj of any infraction on the matter.

The clarification was dated November 29, 2023, with document number ICPC/OPS/SDD/SPT.LG/31/23.

“The commission investigated issues of fraud in the administration of the N-POWER Scheme, where Mr Daniel Oladapo Oyebanjo’s name came up. However, there was no prima facie case of fraud against him.

“Kindly be advised that Mr Daniel Oladapo Oyebanjo is not under investigation with the Commission for any fraud-related offence,” the ICPC clearance partly read.

D’banj’s lawyer, in his deposition filed before the Chief District Court of the Federal Capital Territory at Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, also averred that the singer was never a government official and never had any access to government funds and that the N-power campaign he supported was free and was never paid a penny by anyone or the government.

Breaking: Kogi INEC REC Escapes Assasination

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The Kogi State Office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has reported an attack on the residence of the state Resident Electoral Commissioner.

In a statement on Friday, the Commission said Prof. Gabriel Longpet home was attacked by some unknown gunmen in the wee hours of today, it however said no life was lost during the incident.

The statement said, ”In the early hours of today, Friday 1st December 2023, around 3.30am, gunmen attacked the residence of our Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lokoja, Kogi State.”

“The armed men engaged the security personnel in a gun battle for over 30 minutes until reinforcement arrived.

“While no lives were lost, property was destroyed in the ensuing gun battle. A team of combined security personnel have been deployed to protect the residence.This incident occurred a day after a mob besieged our state office.

“We call for a thorough investigation and enhanced security protection for our personnel and assets in Kogi.”

The attack comes after the governorship election in the Confluence state, as Kogi is called. The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, won the contested election organized by INEC last month.

Zenith Bank Signs MOU With CFA To Promote Human Capital In Finance, Dev.

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 Zenith Bank Plc has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Chartered Financial Analyst, (CFA,) Institute to promote efforts and activities that support the formation, training, and updating of human capital in finance and investment for the overall development of the Nigerian financial services sector. The MoU, was signed by the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc,  Ebenezer Onyeagwu; the President/CEO of the CFA Institute, Margaret Franklin; and the President of CFA Society Nigeria, Ibukun Oyedeji on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu commended the CFA Institute and the CFA Society, Nigeria for their laudable programmes in developing finance and investment professionals in Nigeria. According to him, your Women in Investment Management Initiative, CFA Institute Research Challenge, CFA Society Nigeria Ethics Challenge and University Affiliation Program are very laudable, and Zenith Bank will continue to partner with the CFA Institute and the CFA Society Nigeria to ensure that young finance and investment professionals get the needed support for their career development. In his words, “As a good corporate citizen, Zenith Bank remains committed to furthering the economic, cultural and social development of the society. As such, we continue to support projects and initiatives that have long-term social and economic benefits for our various publics and stakeholders. Partnering with the CFA Institute and the CFA Society Nigeria is therefore a demonstration of our commitment to building professional excellence in the finance services industry in Nigeria”.

At the CFA Institute Africa Investment Conference, during the ‘Journey to the Top: A Discourse with CEOs’ segment, Dr. Onyeagwu inspired future finance and investment professionals to uphold the highest standards of integrity. He stressed the importance of making difficult yet high-quality decisions, building robust networks, and dedicating themselves to hard work for career success. In his words, “as upcoming professionals, the opportunities are immense for you. Africa doesn’t get bigger than Nigeria. There is scarcity of the right kind of people that have the talent, that have the character and the leadership to provide leadership in organizations. Make a decision to be one of those, make a decision to be different. You must be driven by your passion; you must delay gratification. In Zenith what is driving us is the strive for excellence. It is not about who you are and where you come from. We have the best class of talents you can think of anywhere in the world.” He assured the young finance and investment professionals that Zenith Bank will offer immediate employment opportunity to CFA Charter Holders and those who qualify as Chartered Accountants.

Also speaking on the MoU, the President/CEO, CFA Institute, Margaret Franklin reiterated the Institute’s commitment to the professional development of students and upcoming professionals. In her words, “there are many things that we do for students, we invest heavily in students and why is that? Because they are our future. The mission of the CFA Institute is to lead the investment industry with the highest standards of ethics, education and professional excellence for the ultimate benefit of society and that starts with our CFA programme”. She commended Zenith Bank for its continued support to the CFA Society Nigeria and sponsorship of the CFA Institute Research Challenge over the years.

She also commended the bank for being one of the top employers of CFA members in the country. She expressed her admiration of the culture of excellence in Zenith Bank. Also speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the President of CFA Society Nigeria, Ibukun Oyedeji commended Zenith Bank for its partnership with CFA Society Nigeria and its commitment to the development of young finance professionals in the country.

The the CFA Institute Africa Investment Conference is being hosted by the CFA Institute and CFA Societies from Ghana, East Africa, South Africa and Mauritius. The conference has representatives from over 20 universities in Nigeria (members of their investment clubs being supported by CFA Society).

Insecurity: Afenifere Insist On State Police

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Pa Fasoranti

Afenifere, a pan -Yoruba socio-cultural and po­litical group, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to issue an executive order decentralising the national police.

According to the group, this will enable states and local governments in the country, thus reducing cases of insecurity.

The call comes amid Nigerians’ continued demands for state owned security. It’s widely believed that the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, is currently overstretched as a result of the operations they handle currently due to the insecurity situation in the country.

Afenifere said the state police will curtail security breaches and bring stability.

The group made the resolution in a communiqué it issued at the end of its caucus meeting held on Tuesday in Akure, the Ondo state capital.

The communique was contained in a statement issued by Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Afenifere Worldwide, Jare Ajayi.

The Pa Reuben Fasoranti -led group urged security agencies to try their best to contain insecurity in the country, stressing that state police will bolster their efforts to do so.

Afenifere said, “In addition to strengthening the capacity of security agen­cies, especially the police, the time is ripe for President Bola Tinubu to issue an executive order to enable states and local government councils to estab­lish own police services. Such decentralisation of the police will facilitate the curtailment of breaches in internal security.

“While states are putting machinery in motion for state police, an executive bill should be sent to the National Assem­bly by the presidency to amend relevant sections of the 1999 con­stitution that deal with the estab­lishment of the Nigeria Police.

Meanwhile, analysts insist that the establishment of state police requires a constitutional amendment process endorsed by all the 36 state Houses of Assembly and assented by the president

PDP Ondo South, Prepares For Governorship Poll, To Stop Too Many Aspirants

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By Ayodele Oni

As preparations begin on the next year’s governorship election in Ondo state, leadership of the south senatorial district have regrouped to enable members present a common and credible candidate for the state number one seat.

At the expiration of the tenure of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who is from the north senatorial district in February, 2025, the south is expected to have its turn in the governorship going by the zoning formula of political parties in the state.

Members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have met at Okitipupa to strategize for the forthcoming poll and guard against actions which can cause them to loose out.

In a statement at the end of the meeting, a spokesman for the stakeholders, Adeolu Akinseye stated that “The people of Ondo State have endured the pains and hardship inflicted on them by the rudderless and inhuman All Progressives Congress (APC) government for nearly seven years.

“We, stakeholders of Ondo South PDP comprising State Executive Committee members from the South, past political office holders and Local Government Executive Committee members, resolved as follows, that:

“The PDP Ondo State shall once again bring succour to the people by electing a PDP Governor at the November 16, 2024 Gubernatorial elections.

“We shall work with other critical stakeholders in the state to ensure that, Ondo South produces the next elected Governor of Ondo State.

“Ondo South shall present only one credible and acceptable candidate to contest the next year’s election. All grievances and bitterness of the past shall become history as the party reenacts its winning streak.

Together, the Sun will shine again in Ondo State.”

No Cause To Forge Akeredolu’s Signature, Governor Still Personally Attends To Files, Documents – Ondo Information Commissioner

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Bamidele Ademola- Olateju

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State commissioner for information, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju has said that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu still personally attends to files and documents which requires his signatures.

Speaking after the end of the State Executive council meeting, held after three months of suspension and presided over by the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Commissioner explained that that was no cause for anybody to forge the governor’s signature.xecutive

The State Executive Council  dismissed allegations that the signature of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was being forged by certain persons to loot the State treasury.

Two documents surfaced online with different signatures purportedly belonging to Governor Akeredolu.

Mrs Ademola-Olateju, who addressed newsmen after the Council meeting said the two files she sent to Governor Akeredolu were approved and returned to her.

Governor Akeredolu’s son, Babajide, who is Director General of Performance and Project Implementation and Monitoring Unit (PPIMU) and other Cabinet members attended the meeting.

She said resolution reached at the Abuja meeting with President Tinubu was discussed and the key decisions were spelt out for other Exco members that were not present in Abuja.

The Information Commissioner said they agreed to abide by the resolutions as well as embrace peace.

She said the Council approved the N35,000 wage award to civil servants in the state.

According to her, only forensic expert would determine which signature is real and which is fake.

“I sent two files to the Governor and they came back. It was not different what I am accustomed to.

“Nobody is forging the Governor signature to take out money. The Governor is not bigger than the Executive Council.

“We vowed to work for the progress of Ondo State. Social media fake news peddlers should desist from spreading fake news.”

My Vote Can’t Stop Or Make My Deputy Edo Governor – Obaseki

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Godwin Obaseki

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has declared his vote cannot stop or give victory to his  embattled deputy, Philip Shaibu, during forthcoming election.

The governor maintained that as a Nigerian, Shuaibu is as free as the air to aspire to any political office of his choice.

Godwin Obaseki, who spoke to journalists after a closed-door meeting with his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, at the Ramat House in Bauchi on Thursday, said that he is not stopping Philip Shuaibu from contesting any office in Edo State.

“He is a Nigerian, and by the Constitution of Nigeria, he is very free to aspire. I am not stopping him; he has the right to aspire anywhere in the country.

“I am one of the millions of Edo people, and my single vote cannot stop or make him what he wants to be. The collective will of the people of the state will determine that.”

On State of the nation, he declared, “There is no exaggerating it; Nigerians are suffering; things are very difficult for Nigerians; people can hardly live a good life as it is now.

“The year is ending, Christmas is approaching, and prices of food items have skyrocketed in the markets with no money to make purchases. We must stop the blame game and seek out the best way to sort out the situation.

“The government must come out with a positive attitude that will make life easier for the people; Nigerians need cushioning from the negative effects of the present situation.”

Obaseki explained that he was in Bauchi, “As members of the PDP, we do have regular consultations to remain a formidable opposition political party in the country.

“We are here to congratulate our Chairman, Sen Bala Mohammed, for his victory at the Appeal Court.

“We are also looking at how we can support the federal government to make life easier for the people of the country. We are here to ensure that we support the growth and development of democracy in the country.”

Gov Oyebanji Vows To Curb Injustices On Ekiti, Charges Social Workers To Partner Govt

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Biodun Oyebanji

By Ayodele Oni

 Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has assured his administration’s consistent fight against human rights abuses and all forms of social injustices in the state to create an egalitarian society devoid of unwarranted class differences.

Oyebanji said his commitment to the entrenchment of social justice makes him place premium on provision of various legal and institutional supports for the vulnerable to entrench economic and social balancing in the system .

The governor made the remarks at  Ikogosi Ekiti, on Thursday, while flagging off a two- day workshop for social work practitioners in Ekiti, organized by the office of the First Lady and Ekiti State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

Speaking on the theme ‘Enhancing Effective Social Work Practice in Ekiti State’, a programme to flag off activities marking the 16 days of activism against gender based violence, the governor pointed out that the initiative further underscores his administration’s focus on protection of the rights of women, children and the vulnerable segments of the population .

The governor, represented by his Deputy, Monisade Afuye, applauded the social workers in the state for being supportive of government to tame human rights infringements and gender imbalancing .

Oyebanji said the programme would further equip the social workers with better skills to be able to discharge their duties to the target population.

He stated that social work is a profession that is devoted to helping vulnerable and communities work through challenges they face, assuring that his government will continually provide the workers with necessary social and legal instruments that will ease their humanitarian jobs.

“On the 7th of this month, I inaugurated the gender based violence management committee to effectively implement the State Gender Based Violence Management Prohibition Law 2019.

*Let me state again that this administration will not tolerate violation of human rights in any form or context. Our shared prosperity vision is for our dear state to be a land of peace, opportunities, and progress.

“A land of honour in which the people and community can reap the fruits of their labour in dignity, good health and safety.

“We know that no government can solve today’s social problems all alone. It takes all of us together. This administration will deepen its partnership with civil society organisations in practical ways.”

Oyebanji commended the First Lady of Ekiti state, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji and the Ministry of Women Affairs, for midwifing such a well-designed programme that will stimulate brilliant and workable ideas on how to take the state forward in becoming a model in social work practice in the country.

Espousing the significance of social work to nation building, the governor, said: “Social workers have a fulfilling career by helping people overcome difficult situations and find their ways to physical, mental and emotional recovery. By anchoring on advocacy, they bring hope to the people.

“However, with increasingly difficult social problems worldwide, practitioners must rise to the challenges and be well equipped as professionals.”

In her submission, the Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, said the quest to rout violence against women and children out of Ekiti, is a collective one, adding that the rising cases of human rights abuses called for all hands to be on deck to restore orderliness and safety to the vulnerable.

Mrs Oyebanji, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Peju Babafemi, said social workers must be abreast of the 21st century rescue strategies for the victims of violence, saying this programme will offer hope as professionals will cross fertilize ideas on how to achieve the goal.

She said her pet project, Widows and Orphans Hope Project (WAOH) was set up to bring succour and steadfast commitment to defend the rights of the less privileged, who became vulnerable on account of age, disabilities and other circumstances.

She described the struggle as being imperative for everyone to support, because it borders on human rights protection and existence of humanity.

“It Is Not Like People Like Fubara, They Are Supporting Him Because They Are Tired Of Wike’s High-handedness – Nwala

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By Akinwale Kasali

A Lawyer and Activists, Chetam Thierry Nwala, says that people of Rivers State are responsible for the “monster” Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has become.

Wike, the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, is having a face-off with his successor in office, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Instructively, it was Wike who imposed Fubara on the people of the State as Governor. He picked, backed and sponsored Fubara to the anger of a number of his other political friends and allies who had lined up to succeed him.

However, Wike was so authoritarian, so controlling, that, according to him, he bought forms for all Political aspirants in the State. What he did not say however, many argue now, is that the money did used to buy the forms did not come from his personal pocket but from the State treasury.

However, to the shock of not a few people, Wike and Fubara have fallen out to the extent that the State House of Assembly is divided into two: pro-Wike and pro-Fubara.  A few weeks ago, the pro-Wike Lawmakers attempted to impeach Fubara.

The Minister is lamenting Fubara’s alleged betrayals, he says Fubara, a few months as Governor, is working hard to destroy the ladder he climbed on to the top. But those close to the Governor insist the face off is all about money. They say it is, also, about Wike wanting to totally control the Governor, including nominating most of his Cabinet members and personal staff.

One of those very angry with Wike’s behavior and alleged demands is Nwala. In an interview with Arise Television, Nwala said Wike has so intimidated Rivers People that everybody is afraid of him. He blamed Rivers people for the Emperor and dictator he said Wike has turned out to be. But he said they are focused on finding a way to tame Wike.

Following is part of what Nwala said on Arise Television’s Morning Show.

“Wike is a creation of Rivers people because there were times that Wike’s high handedness in Rivers State became so high that some of us cried and shouted at some of his illegal things he was doing.  Because it was against the APC at that time, Rivers people hailed him into what he is today, into the personality he has turned himself into.

“They hailed him into becoming a dictator, and Wike ruled Rivers State as a dictator for eight years. If you come against Wike, if you speak against Wike, he comes after your business, he comes after your properties, he looks for ways to intimidate. Now, this intimidation is what  has kept a lot of Rivers who ought to speak out not to speak out.

“They held back and decided to keep their mouth shut instead of actually dying or actually putting themselves in problem. Now, this had been the pattern of Wike for eight Years in Rivers State.

“So he wanted to continue with that same pattern by bringing in Siminalayi and we saw what happened during the election, how opposition political party members were stopped from campaigning, how people who didn’t support him in the PDP saw their Filling Stations and businesses shut down.

“So when you see this intimidation, naturally, people will find it difficult, even those that ought to talk out will keep shut. That was exactly the problem of Rivers State. This has also translated into what he used to handle elected officers.

“In short, in Rivers State, we did not have elections, we just have Wike selecting a group and set of persons, forcing them on Rivers State. And of cause, we saw that he had Federal might. Don’t let us forget the area of violence that has always happened in Rivers State, opposition Party members were killed on a daily basis and nobody is talking about these whole thing. These are things happening in our country, these are things happening in Rivers State.

“So Wike himself created a kind of fear on Rivers people. Naturally, an average Rivers Man is not timid nor intimidated, but unfortunately under Wike, we find a situation where people are intimidated, people are arraigned, beaten, arrested and detained on his instructions. So let us be frank about this, this has always been the approach of Wike to politics.

“When we talk about his high handedness, his high handedness is written everywhere in Rivers State. It didn’t just start, and it is not going to end, if nothing is done about it.

“This is the stand someone like Governor Siminalayi Fubara is taking, and we are pleased with it because this madness in Rivers State must stop.

Q: BUT THE PEOPLE WERE COMPLICIT?

I agree with you to an extent, because I wouldn’t say everybody. Like I said earlier, Wike is a creation of Rivers People. Rivers people created the monster in Wike. To be honest, they urged him on when he continued with his high handedness. Everyday, you see people hailing him, calling Wike all kinds of name, urging him on in all of his evil deeds he was doing in Rivers State.

“And now, Rivers people are tired. They feel like no, at this stage, they don’t want Wike as they have become tired of him being a dictator. If they see a new dictator, they will hurriedly accept him gladly. It is not that people like Governor Fubara that is why they are supporting him. The main reason people are supporting Governor Fubara is because people are tired of Wike’s high handedness in the State.

“How can a man hold the entire State to ransom? Wike is intimidating everybody, nobody speaks out, even the Pastors in Rivers State do not speak out. They are all quiet.

“Let us look at the situation that led to the whole issue. First of all, Wike demanded 25 per cent of Rivers State’s Allocation. From rumours, Governor Fubara offered him 10 per cent of Rivers State Allocation. This is what is happening in the State. Not just that, we have a situation where he (Wike) appointed all the Commissioners, appointed SAs, appointed a Chief Security Officer. Common, these are personal things that ought to be of concern to the Governor. These are things that will make you revolt, and when you see a situation where the Commissioners nominated by Wike, as against those nominated by Governor Fubara, you see those ones disrespecting the Governor of Rivers State, and you don’t want him to revolt? You want him to stick to an agreement before election, naturally, everyone will revolt.

“Let us look at what happened to Songhai Farm. Why is Wike angry that Governor Fubara is trying to revive and restore the Farm when he (Wike) killed Songhai Farm that actually created jobs for Rivers people. Just because Governor Fubara wants to revive with, Wike is having problem with him.

“When you see all these things, you ask yourself, should I obey these earlier agreement before I became Governor, or there is need to liberate Rivers State People?

“Let us be honest, if Governor Fubara continues with Wike’s agenda for Rivers State, trust me, Rivers State will not make progress. Wike took Rivers State 10 years backward with what he did in the State for eight Years. Rivers State cannot even compete with Lagos State.

Before now, Rivers State was competing with Lagos State at some level, but everybody is running away from Rivers State looking for greener pastures elsewhere.

“The State is a place people return to and you expect the man (Governor Fubara) to fold his hand and watch these things happen?

“Let me also shock you, out of the N5bn palliative given to Rivers State, Wike demanded for N2bn. Will you say the Governor should fold his hand? Governor Fubara has conscience. That is why some of us have commended his move as against what Wike is doing in Rivers State. Such high handedness must not be supported by any means for whatsoever reasons, whether there was prior agreement or not, things should not be like this in Rivers State, and I commend him for his action.

“Must a godfather control his godson he has brought to power by hook or crook?”

Morocco 2024: Super Falcons Maul Cape Verde In AWCON Qualifiers

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Coach Justin Madugu tutored Super Falcons showed their supremacy over Cape Verdean Female National Team, annihilating them 5-0 at the African Women Nations Cup Qualifiers.

The match played at the Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola Stadium, Abuja, saw the nine-time AWCON Champion proving their mettle as the best team in Africa setting the ball rolling as early as the seventh minute courtesy of Mexican based striker, Uchenna Kanu.

The 2023 FIFA Women World Cup Team doubled the lead as Gift Monday increased the tally, as the Nigerian side dominated the game from the blast of the whistle.

Uchenna Kanu added the third goal of the match in added time of the first half to make it 3-0.

As the second half kicked off, the Super Falcons continued from where they finished the first half as Esther Okoronkwo increased the score line in the 66th minute to the delight of the home fans who cheered the team on.

Okoronkwo added to the score line, by netting the fifth goal of the encounter to give the Super Falcons a comfortable score line as they travel to Praia, Cape Verde for the second leg of the encounter.

The second leg of the qualifiers will take place on Tuesday, December 5th in Praia.