Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a comprehensive strategy and roadmap for the regulation of Trans Fatty Acids (TFAs) in Nigeria. The event, which was held last Friday in Lagos, had in attendance officials from the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, industry stakeholders, civil society organisations and development partners.

Director-General NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, said the initiative was aimed at protecting Nigerians from the harmful effects of trans-fats, which are widely recognised as a major contributor to heart disease and other non-communicable diseases.

Prof. Adeyeye said that the agency must protect Nigerians from invisible dangers in their diets, adding that the strategy is not about penalizing industry, but about transitioning to healthier food systems. ‘We will support industries in reformulation, but compliance is non-negotiable,’ she noted.

On why NAFDAC decided to prioritise TFA regulation at this time, she said the roadmap was rooted in the gazetted regulation on fats and oils published in 2022.

‘Many of us in Nigeria think the more oil in the food, the better it is – no. We must reduce the oils we use in our foods and ensure they do not contain trans-fatty acids or saturated fats, which cause cardiovascular diseases. WHO has shown that almost 300,000 deaths every year are linked to trans-fatty acids. We cannot ignore this,’ she stated.

She disclosed that manufacturers have been given an 18-month moratorium since 2023 to exhaust old labels and packaging stocks, after which new labels will indicate the presence or absence of TFAs. She also stressed that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) would be carried along through capacity-building and awareness programmes.

Trans fatty acids are a type of artificial fat produced through industrial processes such as partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils. They are commonly found in baked goods, margarine, fried foods and processed snacks. According to the World Health Organization, TFAs raise ‘bad’ cholesterol, lower ‘good’ cholesterol and are linked to thousands of premature deaths globally each year.

Studies suggest that reducing TFA exposure in populations can avert thousands of premature deaths. For example, research indicates that enforcing stricter TFA limits in Nigeria could prevent about 10,000 heart disease deaths over a decade and save significant healthcare costs.

It was gathered that the roadmap provides for a phased implementation, including an 18-month moratorium granted to manufacturers to exhaust old labels before full enforcement begins on February 1, 2026. The policy also mandates clearer nutrition labelling and sets a limit of not more than two grams of TFAs per 100 grams of oils and fats, in line with international best practices. Representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission pledged their support for the implementation. Development partners such as the World Health Organization and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) also commended the move as a step towards safer food environments.

Industry stakeholders present expressed readiness to cooperate but called for clarity on technical standards and support for small and medium enterprises.

The roadmap, developed with input from a technical working group and validated at a stakeholders’ workshop in 2024, will guide enforcement, capacity building and public awareness campaigns. The overview of this road map was presented by Deputy Director (Food R and R)- Dr Tinuola Akinnubi

By this move, Nigeria joins countries implementing best-practice policies to eliminate industrially produced trans fats from national food supplies, in line with the World Health Organization’s global target.

The Edo State Government has announced that it has concluded plans for the effective collection and conversion of all waste into useful purposes, including power generation.

Edo Commissioner for Water and Energy Resources, Washington Osifo, disclosed this in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, during an awareness campaign to mark this year’s World Rivers Day, themed ‘Clean Rivers, Healthy Communities.’

Represented by Mr. Emma Ofordu, the Commissioner urged communities to adopt responsible practices in protecting rivers and to avoid indiscriminate waste disposal.

Managing Director of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), Dr. Olufemi Adekanmbi, also appealed to residents of Ologbo and its environs to collaborate with the authority in preserving water bodies within the catchment areas.

Adekanmbi stressed the need to stop harmful practices that degrade rivers such as Ossiomo, noting that years of abuse have reduced aquatic resources and water quality.

He reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to restoring water quality and promoting safe environmental practices, adding that the campaign was aimed at drawing global attention to the importance of rivers in sustaining life.

According to him, ‘Abuses as a result of harmful human activities, such as pollution, over extraction, damming, deforestation, and climate change, threaten their health and sustainability, thus causing great danger to human health and existence.

‘Rivers are the lifeblood of our Planet. They sustain ecosystems, provide water for agricultural and industrial use, support biodiversity, and serve as vital sources of drinking water for billions of people worldwide. They also hold cultural, spiritual, and recreational significance, enriching the lives of communities across the globe’.

Adekambi later planted some coconuts and palm fruits along the riverbank as a symbolic commitment to preserving water bodies.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said that more governors from the opposition parties were putting finishing touches in preparation to join President Bola Tinubu in the ruling party, just as he noted that Nigerians were already seeing the positive outcomes of the Tinubu-led administration.

Akpabio stated this on Tuesday in his goodwill message at the launch of a book, titled: ‘Ten Years of Impactful Leadership of the APC Administration in Nigeria,’ written by Governor Hope Uzodimma and commissioning of projects by President Bola Tinubu in Owerri, Imo State.

Akpabio, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, said, ‘Mr President, with what you have done in the last two years, get ready to receive more governors from the opposition parties. As I speak, there are several governors in Nigeria today who are ready to be received by you.’

He stated further that Nigerians were beginning to see the positive outcomes of President Bola Tinubu, and they are saying it.

‘The students, farmers, and businessmen are all speaking on the various reforms you have brought into governance, which are now yielding results, in the overall interest and benefit of the people.

‘If we say it, they will accuse us of rubber-stamping your achievements, but the beneficiaries are the ones talking about what you have done.

‘I believe strongly in development and progress. I thank Governor Uzodimma for deciding to put history in writing, in his 10 years of impactful leadership of the APC administration in Nigeria.

‘If you don’t tell your story, others will tell it for you. Progressiveness is not in words; it is in action. The quality of works done by the Governor is of high quality, and the people of Imo State must be very, very excited,’ the Senate President said.

Speaking further, he stressed that as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State 18 years ago, he was already a progressive based on the projects he executed.

Akpabio congratulated his host and the National leadership of the party for the achievements of the party in the last 10 years.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, in his 65th Independence Anniversary broadcast, paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers while defending his administration’s tough economic reforms.

He admitted that Nigerians are ‘racing against time’ to fix decades of underinvestment in power, roads, and infrastructure, but assured that the country has ‘turned the corner’ towards recovery.

Tinubu also pledged more support for youth, security and social welfare, stressing his vision of a prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria.

1. Tribute to Independence Heroes – Tinubu honoured nationalist leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo and others, reaffirming their dream of a prosperous and united Nigeria.

2. Acknowledgement of National Progress – He highlighted advancements since 1960 in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and technology, citing the expansion from 120 secondary schools to over 23,000, and from 2 tertiary institutions to more than 690 today.

3. Resilience Through Challenges – Tinubu reflected on Nigeria’s survival of the civil war, military rule, and political crises, stressing the nation’s determination to overcome adversity.

4. Commitment to Nation-Building – He said his administration is carrying on the ‘unfinished business’ of building a stronger Nigeria, in line with the sacrifices of past leaders.

5. Inherited a Weak Economy – Tinubu stated that his government met a near-collapsed economy due to decades of policy mismanagement.

6. Bold Economic Reforms – He justified ending fuel subsidies and unifying the exchange rate system, noting these steps freed funds for education, healthcare, security, agriculture, and infrastructure.

7. Economic Recovery Signs – Nigeria recorded 4.23% GDP growth in Q2 2025 (fastest in 4 years), inflation dropped to 20.12%, and external reserves grew to $42bn.

8. 12 Key Economic Milestones –

o Record non-oil revenue above ?20 trillion by August 2025.

o Debt service-to-revenue ratio reduced from 97% to below 50%.

o ‘Ways and Means’ debt repaid.

o Foreign reserves at a 6-year high.

o Tax-to-GDP ratio up to 13.5%.

o 5 consecutive quarters of trade surplus, with non-oil exports rising to 48%.

o Oil production rebounded to 1.68m bpd, with local PMS refining resuming.

o Naira stabilised; multiple FX rates abolished.

o ?330bn disbursed to 8m poor households.

o Coal and solid minerals sector booming.

o Major rail, road, seaport, and airport projects ongoing.

o Stock market hit record highs; credit rating upgraded; CBN cut interest rates.

9. Infrastructure Gap Acknowledged – Tinubu admitted Nigeria still lacks sufficient electricity, modern ports, and world-class roads due to past underinvestment, but vowed to correct this.

10. Improved Security Situation – He praised the armed forces for victories against Boko Haram, IPOB/ESN, and banditry, noting peace has returned to many communities in the North-East and North-West.

11. Youth Empowerment Measures – He called youths Nigeria’s greatest asset and highlighted programmes such as:

NELFUND: Over 510,000 students benefitted with nearly ?100bn in loans.

Credicorp: ?30bn loans granted for vehicles, housing, solar energy, and devices.

YouthCred: NYSC members accessing consumer credit.

iDICE: Multi-billion Naira programme to support digital and creative industries.

12. Support for Vulnerable Citizens – Over 8 million households have benefitted from social investment cash transfers.

13. Global Recognition of Reforms – Sovereign credit ratings improved, foreign investors are showing confidence, and the Nigerian stock market hit unprecedented highs.

14. Central Bank Policy Shift – Interest rates were cut for the first time in 5 years, reflecting restored macroeconomic stability.

15. Message of Hope Amid Hardship – Tinubu acknowledged inflation and rising living costs but insisted reforms were necessary to avoid bankruptcy and secure the future.

16. Call for Productivity and Patriotism – He urged Nigerians to produce more, patronise made-in-Nigeria goods, pay taxes, and reduce dependence on imports.

17. Unity and Shared Responsibility – He appealed for collaboration across federal, state, and local governments, stressing that everyone must play a role in nation-building.

18. Vision of a Self-Reliant Future – He assured Nigerians that ‘the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria’ is here, closing with a prayer for God’s continued blessing on the nation.

Singer Spyro has recounted an emotional encounter with his longtime mentor, veteran musician Faze, during a visit to his home.

According to Spyro, the meeting left him overwhelmed, prompting tears as he reflected on the profound influence Faze has had on his musical journey and personal growth.

He revealed that listening to Faze’s old songs after the visit stirred deep memories and inspired his resolve to create music that carries the same richness and emotional depth.

Sharing his experience on X, Spyro wrote, ‘Yesterday I lost every ounce of steeze and composure as Faze came to my house. When he left, I started playing old songs, and I lost it; I cried like a baby. Those were the songs that formed me, songs that moved my heart. This is what I feel the new generation music lacks, which is what I am trying to bring back with my new album, ‘The Men, the Boys and Your Guy.’

In response, Faze praised Spyro’s authenticity, describing him as ‘totally different and too real,’ and commended him for staying true to himself.

He replied, ‘Can’t lie.’ I’ve got so much for this young man. One very important thing you guys need to know is that this guy is totally different and too real. @spyro__official I want you to know really i appreciate you and appreci ‘HATE’ anybody wey nor like you (if there’s a word like that) you didn’t have to do what you did for me yesterday. You and I know what I’m talking about. Una kuku know say I nor like take but this one I must talk am later. God bless you. Much.’

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has thrown his weight behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the forthcoming Abuja Area Council elections, Christopher Maikalangu.

The election is scheduled for next February.

Maikalangu is the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). He defected recently from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and is seeking re-election for a second term in office.

Wike urged residents of Tunga Madaki and neighbouring communities to reciprocate the Federal Government’s gesture by voting for the ruling party.

The minister spoke during the kick-off of the construction of a seven-kilometre road with four-span bridges linking Tunga Madaki and eight other settlements.

He said the project was in fulfillment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and a response to the community’s long-standing demand for infrastructure.

Wike recalled that the road project stemmed from earlier negotiations during the acquisition of land for the construction of a second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The minister said that though the land belongs to the FCT, the Aviation Ministry had to pay compensation, during which the affected communities demanded road access as a condition.

He said: ‘It was quite unfair that a people would surrender their ancestral land for a national project like a second runway, yet they had no access road, even to the airport they gave up the land for.

‘So, I took the matter to Mr. President and he said: ‘Whatever they ask for, give it to them.’ Today, we are here to fulfill that promise.”

Wike promised that the road would be completed next June to coincide with the third anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration.

The minister hailed the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the project contractor, for committing to the timeline.

‘This is a government that listens, a government that keeps its promises. For the first time in your lives, you asked for one thing, and the government responded. That is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about.’

Wike lauded Maikalangu’s role in the project, describing him as an advocate for the community.

‘Maikalangu has never stopped reminding me about the promise made to you during the land compensation process.

‘He kept pressing, and here we are today. I am handing him over to you. Support him in the February 2026 elections so that by June, when the road is inaugurated, we’ll all dance together in celebration.’

The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) has said that former President Goodluck Jonathan will not enjoy a ‘free ride’ to the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2027.

Reacting to remarks credited to Professor Jerry Gana suggesting Jonathan’s possible comeback on the PDP platform, the GHSM National Coordinator, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, stressed that the PDP flagbearer would only emerge through an open and transparent process in line with the Electoral Act 2022.

‘With due respect, Professor Jerry Gana is entitled to his enthusiasm about the return of former President Jonathan. However, only PDP delegates to the national convention can pick the party’s flagbearer, and ultimately, God Almighty will determine the outcome, not a few party stalwarts,’ Hamzat said in a statement.

Hamzat argued that Nigerians are yearning for progress, not a return to the past, warning that Jonathan represents an ‘old order’ many citizens are ready to consign to history.

‘The Jonathan era cannot be painted as a perfect time. It was a period when the diversity of our nation began to be deeply mismanaged, rekindling ethnic tensions and religious bigotry, a legacy that has unfortunately worsened under subsequent governments,’ he added.

He also revisited Jonathan’s foreign policy record, faulting Nigeria’s decision in 2011 to break ranks with the African Union and support NATO’s intervention in Libya. He described the move as a ‘strategic blunder’ that destabilized the Sahel and aggravated insecurity across Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and other West African countries.

On domestic governance, the GHSM leader insisted that Jonathan still has questions to answer on corruption allegations that trailed his administration, particularly the infamous Dasukigate arms procurement scandal.

Hamzat, however, affirmed that the PDP remains a democratic platform where no aspirant, including former presidents, should expect automatic endorsement.

‘If President Jonathan desires a return to Aso Rock, he must be ready to square up with nationally unifying aspirants such as Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim in an open and transparent primary,’ Hamzat declared.

He maintained that Nigerians deserve fresh leadership and a new vision to tackle the nation’s challenges, insisting that ‘the only way forward is forward, not backward.’

MTN Group has taken up a call to action from Nigeria to support the collection of datasets of African languages. These are required to develop the continent’s own large language models (LLM) to power AI-driven solutions for Africa’s 1.5 billion people, who otherwise risk being sidelined by the global AI ecosystem.

Speaking on ‘The Y’ello Chair Vodcast: Your link to the African continent’, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr Bosun Tijani said to leapfrog AI in Africa, a collaborative public/private effort was urgently needed to fund the academic research into the continent’s many languages. He challenged MTN Group – which has operations in 16 markets, 15 of them in Africa – to mobilise resources for this.

‘We like these kinds of partnerships. Challenge accepted,’ said MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita in the vodcast, which was filmed on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. It was hosted by Angela Wamola, who is the head of sub-Saharan Africa for the GSMA mobile industry association.

The vodcast followed the launch of the Nigerian Atlas for Languages and AI at Scale (N-ATLAS). This is an open-source multilingual LLM designed to understand and generate Nigeria’s diverse voices, digitising and preserving the country’s linguistic richness and creating datasets for AI solutions.

More than 500 languages are spoken in Nigeria, the continent’s most populous country.

N-ATLAS is a public/private initiative of the government of Nigeria and Awarri Technologies.

The ATLAS framework is open and available to other African countries, providing a platform for innovation in local languages and in so doing, transform education, health, commerce and governance.

‘We have to avoid the risk of Africans being a digital underclass,’ Mupita said of the work to ensure that citizens didn’t feel excluded on the continent where there are more than 2 000 languages and most are poorly represented in the global AI ecosystem.

He said the digital economy was the ‘best bet’ to ensure that citizens have dignity, hope and opportunity.

‘The outcomes we want are that people are digitally included, economically included and that they have dignity. This dignity point for me is very important because poverty can include all sorts of indignity, but embracing technology should take all that away,’ he said.

The Y’ello Chair Vodcast is a platform where leaders and changemakers share insights, challenge norms, and drive Africa’s digital future. For episode 2, see here [insert link once vodcast is uploaded].

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu ‘to urgently disclose details of the selection and appointment process for the successor to Prof. Mahmood Yakubu whose tenure as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will end in November 2025.

SERAP urged him ‘to disclose the number and names of candidates for INEC chairman and whether the Council of State has been consulted or would be consulted in making the appointment, as constitutionally required.’

SERAP also urged him to use the opportunity of the appointment of a new INEC chairman to reconsider your appointment of at least three alleged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the INEC and to nominate non-members of a political party as replacement.

Professor Mahmood Yakubu will leave office as INEC chairman in November, having completed his two-term tenure of 10 years. President Tinubu is expected to appoint his successor soon, subject to a Senate confirmation.

In the letter dated September 27, 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: ‘The selection and appointment process for Mr Yakubu’s replacement cannot and should not be ‘a closed shop.’ A transparent and accountable process would serve legitimate public interests.’

SERAP said there is a strong correlation between transparency in the selection and appointment process of INEC chairman and the ability of the commission to perform its constitutional and statutory duties in an independent and impartial manner.

According to SERAP, ‘INEC plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s democratic process. Openness and transparency in the selection and appointment process would improve public trust in the commission’s independence and impartiality and citizens’ participation in the electoral process.’

The letter, read in part: ‘Transparency in the process would also ensure that competent and impartial people are appointed and reduce the risks of conflict of interest. It would allow Nigerians to scrutinise, monitor, and engage with the process.

‘In electoral management, perception matters greatly. It is more important for the selection and appointment process to be objective and fair and to be seen to be objective and fair.

‘The manner in which elections are managed, including how officials managing elections are chosen, would contribute significantly to the sustenance of a democratic culture in the country.

‘A transparent selection and appointment process would strengthen democratic and electoral processes. Making the procedural details public would improve public confidence in the process.

‘Secrecy in the selection and appointment process would be inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations. It would undermine the independence, autonomy and accountability of INEC and the right of Nigerians to a free and fair election.

‘Electoral body is independent where it has administrative and financial autonomy; and offers sufficient guarantees of its members’ independence and impartiality.

‘Openness and transparency in the selection and appointment process for Mr Yakubu’s replacement and the appointment of a competent, independent and impartial chairman would also help to address the perception of bias which characterised the operations of INEC including during the 2023 general elections.

‘Section 154(1) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] provides that the Chairman of INEC ‘shall be appointed by the President and the appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.’

‘Subsection 3 provides that in exercising his powers to appoint a person as Chairman of INEC, ‘the President shall consult the Council of State.’

‘Section 153(1) (f) of the Nigerian Constitution provides that ‘There shall be established for the Federation the following bodies, namely – (f) Independent National Electoral Commission.

‘Under Section 6(4) of the Electoral Act 2022, ‘The appointment of a Resident Electoral Commissioner shall be in compliance with section 14 (3) of the Nigerian Constitution.

‘The nomination, confirmation and appointment of the alleged APC members as RECs for INEC is a breach of Section 6(4) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Section 156(1)(a) and Paragraph 14 of the Third Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution.

‘Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nigeria is a state party guarantee the right of every citizen to participate freely in the government of his/her country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives.

‘The combined effect of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act and international standards is the requirement that elections must be organized by a truly independent and impartial electoral body.

‘The status, powers, independence of INEC, and the impartiality with which it acts and is seen to be allowed to act, are fundamental to the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and effectiveness of citizens’ democratic rights. INEC ought to be the primary guarantor of the integrity and purity of the electoral process.

‘Your government has the constitutional responsibility to ensure openness and transparency in the selection and appointment of INEC chairman. The credibility and legitimacy of elections depend mostly on the independence and impartiality of those appointed to manage the process.

‘Without an independent and impartial INEC, the democratic rights of Nigerians would remain illusory.

‘Anyone to be appointed as INEC chairman must clearly be non-partisan, independent, impartial and neutral. INEC chairman and other officials ought to be able to discharge their legal duties and implement the Electoral Act without fear or favour.

‘Nigeria’s electoral body must enjoy independent from direction or control, whether from the government or any other quarter. It must be accountable to the electorate, and act accordingly.

‘We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.

‘Public perception of the independence of INEC is also essential for building public confidence in the electoral process. Where Nigerians have doubts about the independence of INEC, they are more likely to have less confidence in the electoral process, thereby undermining democracy.

‘The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities.

‘These constitutional provisions, international standards and commitments impose a fundamental obligation to ensure transparency and accountability in the selection and appointment process for a new INEC chairman.

‘According to our information, the tenure of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu will end in November 2025, having completed his two-term tenure of 10 years. His successor is expected to assume office immediately.’

‘SERAP also notes that messrs Etekamba Umoren; Isah Shaka Ehimeakne; Anugbum Onuoha; and Bunmi Omoseyindemi were part of the ten persons nominated by you and confirmed by the Senate on 25th October, 2023 as RECs of INEC.’

Super Eagles attacker, Paul Onuachu has described his stunning bicycle-kick strike in Trabzonspor’s dramatic 4-3 victory over Fatih Karagmrk last weekend as one of the goals of the season.

The Nigeria international was the star of the seven-goal spectacle at the Atatrk Olympic Stadium, netting twice – first with a spectacular overhead kick and later from the penalty spot.

Speaking after the game, Onuachu expressed delight at both the win and his personal contribution.

‘First of all, I’d like to congratulate my teammates on the three points. I’m happy the team won, and even happier that I scored,’ he told Fanatik.

Reflecting on his wonder goal, the towering forward said it brought back memories of a previous strike.

‘I watched the goal again, and it reminded me of the one I scored against Konyaspor. Between the two, I’d say the Konyaspor goal was better. This one was purely instinctive – I had to decide quickly, and luckily it turned into a good shot and a good goal.’

Onuachu’s brace takes his tally to five goals in seven league appearances for Trabzonspor this season who are third with 14 points from seven games.

Trabzonspor hosts Kayserispor in their next Super Lig tie on Friday.