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Jose Mourinho’s latest return to Stamford Bridge ended in frustration as Chelsea secured a narrow Champions League victory over his new club Benfica thanks to Richard Rios’ first-half own goal.

Such is the affection Chelsea fans have for Mourinho they serenaded him before and during the encounter.

Mourinho, who replaced former Wolves boss Bruno Lage 12 days ago, responded by waving to both ends of the ground.

But he would doubtless have preferred Benfica not to provide a present to their hosts as Colombian midfielder Rios could not get out of the way when Alejandro Garnacho sent Pedro Neto’s-far post cross fizzing back into the six-yard area, giving goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin no chance of keeping the ball out.

Their was frustration for the Blues though as well, with substitute Joao Pedro sent off in the sixth minute of stoppage time for a second yellow card, Chelsea’s third red card in four games.

Although they dominated possession and had more shots than their opponents, Chelsea hardly threatened the Benfica goal, with Garnacho wasting a couple of opportunities on his second start for his new club.

Teenage substitute Estevao Willian did eventually force Trubin into a decent save near the end as he stretched for a header.

It was Chelsea’s first victory in the Champions League since March 2023.

More importantly, it ended a poor sequence of results in a month where their only victory came in the EFL Cup at League One Lincoln and provides Enzo Maresca some breathing space before Saturday’s Premier League encounter with Liverpool.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has declared his complete retirement from politics, affirming that his new role as monarch now defines his focus and responsibility.

Receiving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Senate President Iyorcha Ayu, and other dignitaries, the former Oyo State governor reminisced about his political journey and camaraderie with fellow leaders.

Oba Ladoja emphasized that his decision to step away from politics was final, stressing that he would dedicate his reign to upholding justice and fairness across Ibadanland.

He said, ‘I am no longer one of you. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house.

‘Now that I am the Olubadan, I am no more interested in anything other than the Olubadan. You are welcome to my house

‘We started from SDP, we were in exile together, we were in PDP together. When I wanted to create an identity, I went to the Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back.

‘All the religious leaders said that the only thing the leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people. Ibadan people, Oyo State, Africa, and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice’.

Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate Kola has been handed a strict penalty for breaching the show’s confidentiality rules.

He was punished for disclosing details of a private conversation with Agent X on the red telephone, despite being warned not to share the content with fellow housemates.

According to Big Brother, Kola will not be allowed to speak until further notice and can only communicate using a writing pad during conversations.

The punishment was due to Kola’s decision to reveal some details of the conversation, which involved an offer of a luxury manicure and pedicure session worth N1 million, and he had turned down the offer.

Big Brother announced the punishment, stating that Kola must write down his thoughts and have his housemates read them aloud before responding.

Big Brother declared, ‘Kola, you discussed part of your conversation on the red telephone despite being warned that you weren’t to discuss it with any of your fellow housemates during the course of your stay in Big Brother’s house.

‘As punishment, you’re forbidden from speaking till further notice. For the duration of this punishment, you’re only to communicate by writing on the writing pad that Big Brother has provided, except when speaking to Big Brother.

‘Each time you’re involved in a conversation, you have to write on the writing pad, and the housemate you’re addressing must read your words aloud before responding, and that has to continue for the duration of the conversation’.

Liverpool suffered their second successive defeat as Galatasaray inflicted a Champions League loss on a thunderous night in Istanbul.

Head coach Arne Slot left talisman Mohamed Salah on the bench after Liverpool lost at Crystal Palace, but the Premier League champions failed to fire amid a constant cacophony of noise at RAMS Park.

And, to add to Liverpool’s misery, goalkeeper Alisson went off injured in the second half after pulling off a superb save from Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen.

Osimhen gave Galatasaray the lead after 16 minutes when French referee Clement Turpin adjudged that Dominik Szoboszlai had fouled Baris Alper Yilmaz.

The goal came just 17 seconds after former Tottenham Hotspur defender Davinson Sanchez had cleared off the line from Cody Gakpo.

Slot introduced Salah and Alexander Isak just after the hour in an attempt to salvage something but it was to no avail.

Liverpool thought they would get the chance to rescue a point when referee Turpin pointed to the spot after Ibrahima Konate went down, but the decision was overturned following a video assistant referee review.

The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) has announced that Nigeria will not be submitting any film for the International Feature Film category at the 2026 Academy Awards.

Although six films were submitted for consideration, the committee ruled that none met the standards required for global competition.

In a statement, NOSC Chairperson Stephanie Linus cited a lack of creative and technical intentionality in Nigerian films as the reason for the decision.

She, however, acknowledged the progress made so far and the growing awareness of international standards, while stressing the need for further development in the industry.

‘While Nigerian films have no doubt shown significant improvement and growing awareness of IFF standards, there is still a deficit in creative and technical intentionality that will improve their competitive potential for global awards,’ she said.

The committee plans to take proactive steps to encourage filmmakers to create with the Oscars in mind.

‘This is why the NOSC will be taking more proactive steps to encourage filmmakers to create with the Oscars in mind,’ Linus stated.

Linus encouraged Nigerian filmmakers to study previous International Feature Film-nominated works to deepen their understanding of the category’s expectations and strengthen future submissions.

The NOSC has formally communicated its decision to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, expressing regret that no Nigerian film was deemed suitable for the category this year.

The International Feature Film award is presented annually by the Academy to a feature-length motion picture produced outside the United States that contains at least 50 per cent non-English dialogue.

The Kaduna State Council of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has commended Governor Uba Sani for implementing the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for health workers in the state.

The commendation was contained in a letter jointly signed by the state chairman, Comrade Ishaku Yakubu, and the state secretary, Comrade Christiana Bawa, and addressed to the governor.

According to the association, the decision to effect the salary structures was an act of fairness and magnanimity that has rekindled the hope of many dedicated nurses in the governor’s administration and in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

NANNM stated that Governor Sani had not only demonstrated genuine commitment to the welfare of nurses and other health workers but had also reaffirmed his passion for strengthening healthcare delivery in Kaduna State.

It noted that the implementation of both CONHESS and CONMESS came at a time of competing demands on the state’s resources, yet the governor placed a premium on the well-being of health professionals.

‘This visionary leadership has boosted morale, improved productivity, and positioned Kaduna State as a model of labour-friendly governance,’ the council declared.

The body maintained that such interventions would go a long way in improving healthcare outcomes in the state, as motivated workers are better positioned to deliver quality service to citizens.

The nurses and midwives, while applauding the governor’s action, pledged continuous loyalty, dedication, and professional excellence in service of Kaduna State as their contribution to his transformative agenda in the health sector.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and the former PDP National Chairman, Iyorcha Ayu, on Tuesday visited the Bodija residence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

The delegation, which arrived around 12:20 p.m., was warmly received by the monarch, who personally led them into his inner chamber.

Their visit came days after they were absent from the coronation ceremony of the Olubadan, held last Friday.

They said they were at the palace to formally congratulate the new monarch.

Elders from the Niger South Senatorial District, under the auspices of Niger-South Senior Stakeholders’ Forum (NSSF), have called for the completion of the Baro port and the exploration of hydrocarbon potential in the Bida Basin, along with other federal government infrastructure projects in the zone.

The elders claimed that completing these projects would unlock economic opportunities, boost trade competitiveness, and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, thereby addressing unemployment and stimulating regional development.

At an expanded meeting where the forum engaged with experts and political officeholders from the zone, the lawmaker representing Bida-Katcha-Gbako Federal Constituency, Saidu Musa Abdul, identified a lack of political will from past administrations, an inadequate funding framework, and insufficient cooperation among critical stakeholders as factors impeding the revitalization of Baro port.

Abdul, who is the chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on the Rehabilitation and Operationalisation of Baro Port, expressed disappointment that six years after its inauguration, the port remained non-operational.

Abdul said, ‘We are still where we are; nothing is happening at the level of the port. The access roads have not been provided. The rail corridor is not working. The capital region has not been done.

‘For a journey that is not supposed to last more than 30 minutes, we spent close to four hours.’

The lawmaker said his committee has devised ways to bring all critical stakeholders and sectors related to the Baro port together to work in harmony, ensuring its full operationalization.

‘Our major challenge was that in the past, people were not working together. But as we are progressing as a committee, even before we do our final report, we already have the buy-in of critical stakeholders. We are working with the Ministry of Blue Economy, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Transport, the National Inland Waterways (NIWA), and the National Hydrographic Agency.

‘So we were moving at the same pace with all critical stakeholders. This is what you didn’t get in the past. NIWA and, by implication, the Ministry of Transport were then busy doing the procurement and installation of equipment without carrying along all the critical stakeholders.

‘But what we have today is different. We have virtually everybody under the same umbrella today. And we are sure this is what will propel Baro port into reality.

‘On the issue of capital, we are putting all things together. We are coming up with a funding framework that will not be too burdensome for the government.

The lawmaker described the meeting with members of the NSSF as a welcome development, which provided a platform for him to engage with constituents and elders, and receive valuable guidance, information, and advice.

In his presentation, a consultant on Baro Inland Port, Prof. Mustafa Zubairu, noted that the port has, at present had a capital asset of N66 billion and is capable of creating 800,000 jobs and 300,000 smart homes.

He highlighted business opportunities at Baro port, including ferry services, barge operations for bulk commodities and containers, aggregation centers for agricultural produce and solid minerals, commodity processing facilities, tank farms, modular refineries for PMS and biodiesel, and boat courses.

NIWA Area Manager (Niger-Kwara), Akapo Adeboye, noted that Baro port should be viewed as a business opportunity, and encouraged indigenes of the area to start investing in the various opportunities available, even before full operationalization.

He identified areas such as the sand business, which he said would help harness the water resources and generate income for investors.

Earlier in their remarks, the Chairman of NSSF, Alhaji Ibrahim Liman, and the Secretary-General, Dr. Mohammed Santuraki, stated that the organization was formed to protect and advance the developmental and political interests of the Niger-South Senatorial District, highlighting the challenges faced by the zone.

They noted that the meeting was convened to synergize with professionals on the issues surrounding Baro Inland Port and Bida Hydrocarbon exploration, to ensure they become a reality soon.

On the Bida Inland Oil Basin, the Forum acknowledged the various investments made by the Niger State Government, especially the current government, but fears that all this will come to nothing if the state does not fully secure the interest and commitment of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), its frontier service division, and the federal government.

This, according to the forum, is because all matters relating to oil exploration and development are exclusive to the Federal government.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Arise Television anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who was killed during an armed robbery at her Katampe residence in Abuja on Monday, September 29, 2025.

In a condolence message signed by its Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the NUJ described Maduagwu as a brilliant and dedicated journalist whose professionalism and poise left a lasting impression on colleagues and viewers.

The Council extended condolences to her family, friends, and Arise Television, stressing that her untimely death highlights Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.

It also urged the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies to conduct a thorough forensic investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.

In honour of her memory, the NUJ urged members of the media community to reflect on the values Somtochukwu upheld: integrity, excellence, and service to society, while offering prayers and support to her grieving family.

‘Though her life was brief, her impact was profound. May her legacy continue to inspire courage and truth in journalism.’

The NUJ FCT Council prayed for strength and comfort for her loved ones, and called on journalists across the country to remain united, vigilant, and supportive of one another during this period of collective mourning.

The Chairman Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, has felicitated President Bola Tinubu, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and all Nigerians as the nation marks her 65 years of in independence.

Asadu, the traditional ruler of Edem Ani Ogugwu Ancient Kingdom in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, also felicitated with Enugu Governor Peter Mbah and the good people of Enugu State.

The traditional ruler conveyed his felicitations in a statement to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

Asadu, also known as the Ogadagidi of Edem Ani Ogugwu ancient kingdom, extolled the unwavering spirit of Nigerians whose sacrifices and dedication continue to sustain the nation’s unity and progress.

He also hailed the courage of Nigeria’s founding fathers and celebrated the resilience and diversity that characterised the strength of the nation.

Asadu, who is the immediate past Chairman of South East Traditional Rulers, commended the ongoing efforts to reposition the economy, strengthen democratic institutions, and foster national renewal.

He urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to remain steadfast in love for the country, united in purpose, and committed to the shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

Asadu, who is member Board of Trustee Council of Traditional Leaders of Africa (Nigeria Chapter), prayed for God’s wisdom, strength, and protection for President Tinubu, Governor Mbah and others at the corridors of power, as they steer the affairs of the nation and called for continued peace, equity, and development across all parts of Nigeria.

‘On behalf of Enugu State Traditional Rulers and the good people of Edem Ani Ogugwu ancient kingdom, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to His Excellencies, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Governor Peter Mbah, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.

‘Sixty-five years ago, our beloved country attained the priceless gift of sovereignty, setting us on a journey of unity, peace, and progress.

‘Today, as we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we pay tribute to the resilience, industry, and enduring spirit of the Nigerian people whose sacrifices and hopes continue to drive our nation forward.

‘I commend the dedication to national renewal, economic transformation, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. These efforts reflect a commitment to the Nigeria of our dreams, one where equity, justice, and prosperity are shared by all.”

According to him, the anniversary is a solemn reminder that the task of nation-building belongs to every Nigerian.

‘Let us therefore remain steadfast in love for our country, united in purpose, and unwavering in our collective resolve to overcome current challenges and secure a brighter future for generations yet unborn.

‘May the Almighty God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, guide our leaders, and grant us lasting unity and prosperity.

‘Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria!’ Asadu said.