Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has confirmed his opposition to the activities of the Rainbow Coalition led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.

DAILY POST reports that governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, under the aegis of the Progressive Governors Forum, had distanced themselves from the coalition, arguing that its activities could jeopardise the political ambitions of some members of the party.

Wike subsequently hit back at the governors, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, accusing them of being politically lazy.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Lawal said Wike must clarify where his political allegiance lies.

The governor said the issue would be brought to the attention of President Bola Tinubu upon his return from his working vacation in France.

“I’m part of that mission, and our message is very, very clear: be on one side. You can’t be on two sides,” the governor stated.

According to him, it is unacceptable for the minister to be on the side of the ruling party while still supporting candidates from other parties.

“You can’t be supporting the APC here and still be supporting some other political parties somewhere else.

“It doesn’t make sense. It’s not done anywhere,” the Zamfara State governor added, insisting that he is always in support of the decision of the forum.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has congratulated the Super Eagles on their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Madagascar, describing the match-winning contributions of debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor as a powerful statement about the future of Nigerian football.

READ ALSO: George Ilenikhena, Moses Usor’s Debut Goals Save Super Eagles From Home Defeat By Madagascar

Nigeria were forced to come from behind at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo after Madagascar took a shock first-half lead in the opening match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Ilenikhena restored parity before the break, marking his senior international debut with a crucial goal, while Usor came off the bench in the second half to score the winner and ensure Nigeria began the campaign with maximum points.

Reacting to the victory, Adeboye said seeing two new players take responsibility on their first appearance for the senior national team was particularly encouraging.

“The future has announced itself,” Adeboye said. “Two players were given an opportunity to represent Nigeria at senior level, and both responded with goals. That should excite every Nigerian who believes in the enormous talent we have in this country.”

The Presidential aide commended Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle for providing opportunities for emerging players, stressing that national-team renewal depends on creating room for deserving talents to prove themselves.

According to Adeboye, the performance also strengthens the case for a more deliberate pathway connecting grassroots and youth football with professional clubs and the national teams.

“Nigeria has never lacked talent. The responsibility before us is to build a system that identifies these talents early, develops them properly and ensures they have somewhere to go,” he said.

“Somewhere in our communities today is another young player dreaming of wearing the Super Eagles jersey. Our grassroots development structure must make that journey possible rather than leaving it to chance.”

Adeboye also praised goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and the rest of the team for showing resilience on a difficult evening when Madagascar threatened to frustrate the three-time African champions.

He said qualification campaigns often produce difficult matches and stressed that the ability to recover from setbacks and secure maximum points would be important as Nigeria progresses.

The SSA also congratulated Moses Simon on reaching his 100th appearance for Nigeria, describing the milestone as an example of commitment and longevity in national service.

“For me, there was something symbolic about the evening,” Adeboye said. “We saw two young players beginning their Super Eagles journeys with goals, and we also celebrated Moses Simon reaching 100 appearances. That is the transition every strong football nation needs — experience alongside emerging talent.”

Adeboye urged the Super Eagles to quickly turn their attention to their next qualifying assignment against Guinea-Bissau, insisting that the victory over Madagascar should provide confidence rather than complacency.

“Three points are important, but the journey has only started. Learn from this game, correct the weaknesses and keep moving forward,” he said.

“To Ilenikhena and Usor, congratulations. You have shown young Nigerian footballers that when opportunity comes, preparation matters. Keep working, remain humble and keep making Nigeria proud.”