Pacesetter FC explain status of kidnapped footballer

2026-03-04 - 08:07

...express concern about her safety Pacesetter Queens issued an emotional statement addressing reports of the alleged abduction of their former player, Ihotu John Rebecca, along the Benin Expressway in Edo State Rebecca was allegedly abducted by unknown gunmen, with her captors demanding a ransom of ₦20,000,000. In a statement shared on the club’s verified X account yesterday morning, the Oyo State-based side clarified that Rebecca is no longer under contract but stressed that her safety remains a major concern. “The Management of Pacesetter Queens Football Club wishes to address the reports currently in circulation concerning our former player, Ihotu John Rebecca, and the alleged security incident said to have occurred along the Benin Expressway in Edo State,” the statement began. The club confirmed that Rebecca was among the players released during the ongoing transfer window in the Nigeria Women’s Football League Premiership. “Rebecca, alongside several other players, was officially released during the most recent transfer window. For clarity and the avoidance of doubt, these individuals are not presently under the contractual structure of Pacesetter Queens Football Club.” Despite clarifying her contractual status, the club emphasised that its concern goes beyond football.