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Life, a ‘transparent pearl’ (Shan Sa), is often recognized for its fleeting nature: ‘a flash of a firefly in the night’ and ‘the little shadow which runs across the grass’ (Crowfoot). Yet, Henry Longfellow offers a contrasting wisdom in age, noting: ‘as the evening twilight fades away, the sky is filled with stars, invisible by day’. This layered perspective, balancing life’s brevity with its eventual wisdom, echoes the Psalmist’s essential prayer: ‘Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom’.

The passing of Mrs. Josephine Olajumoke Ale (née Ogidi) on August 7, 2025, isn’t just a loss for her family; it’s a moment to reflect on what dedicated public service truly looks like and the extraordinary foundation it built for a generation. Ale’s life serves as a powerful argument for recognizing and reinvesting in the backbone of our nation: the committed, frontline civil servant.

Born on October 2, 1945, Ale dedicated her life to a path of profound community impact. After completing her vocational nursing and midwifery training in 1968, she embarked on a remarkable career that spanned medical institutions across the trenches of Kwara, Ondo, and Ekiti States. Through her tireless commitment, she personified the highest ideal of the Nigerian Matron before her exit in 2008, bringing skilled and compassionate care to even the most underserved towns.

Ale’s service spoke to a critical, forgotten truth: the quality of our public health system hinges not just on policy, but on personnel. Her ‘healing hands and compassionate spirit’ comforted countless lives in Labour wards and communities, demonstrating that local commitment was irreplaceable. In an era where brain-drain cripples our hospitals, we must re-examine how we support, incentivize, and celebrate those who choose to stay and serve where the need is greatest.

Beyond her professional life, Ale’s family life offers a compelling blueprint for successful parenting, a model that should be taught and promoted across Nigeria. Widow of the late Matthew Fadahunsi Ale, she was not just a supportive wife but a force of nature in guiding her children to ‘enviable status in their diverse endeavours’. This wasn’t accidental! The success was rooted in intentional, disciplined and consistent nurturing.

Olajumoke Ale was known by many names: Mama Ale, Aunty Jose, Eye Olu, Mama Nurse, Mama Senior, each reflecting a different facet of her remarkable personality.

While on this earth, the signature of life – defined by strength, courage, determination, perseverance, and inspiration – was vividly expressed in Ale’s journey, making her life the truest embodiment of purposeful existence. The fact that Eye Olu, even in retirement, did not experience the ‘old age poverty or penury associated with retirees in Nigeria’ proved that parental sacrifice and discipline, not just wealth, are the keys to intergenerational success.

A woman of powerful integrity, Ale was one of the most talented brains of her generation. She was resolute, committed, always going out on her own terms. Her life was marked by immense courage and a deep sense of patriotism. Mama Senior lived a simple, humble and frugal existence. Her sharp wit, mental fortitude, and undeniable connection with the people were a huge catalyst in setting her apart.

Mama Ale never lost her principles. She was never rancorous but loved her family. She transformed herself and her community in terms of moral investments. In reflecting on her life, we are reminded that the impact we have on others can transcend our lifetime, inspiring future generations to live with purpose and compassion.

Ale’s life encompassed an accommodating spirit, which allowed her to embrace and stoically endure the inevitable twists and turns of life with a Christian disposition. Mama Nurse needed no grand political stage nor towering monuments; her legacy was quietly but profoundly etched into the hearts she healed and the lives she elevated.

The story of her life is also a strong, silent argument against cynicism and resignation. It is a powerful reminder that the true wealth of a nation lies in the character of its people and the selfless work of its servants. Her death also teaches us salient lessons about our transient nature, a fundamental truth that we must confront without fear or despair.

C.S. Lewis was right: ‘When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure’. Ale’s memory will forever be a treasure, inspiring the living to live lives of purpose, service and love.

Her mortal remains were laid to rest in Igogo-Ekiti yesterday, October 3, 2025.

Olajumoke Ale is survived by her children: Mrs. Funke Fashesin, Professor Omonike Ogbole, Dr. Olubunmi Ade-Ojo, Mr. Deji Ale, Mr. Kunle Ale, Mrs. Bosede Babatunde, and Mr. Gbenga Ale.

She is also survived by her sons-in-law: Mr. Oludiran Fashesin, mni; Professor Godwin Ogbole; and Professor Idowu Ade-Ojo; and her daughters-in-law: Dr. (Mrs.) Labake Ale, Mrs. Temitope Ale, and Mrs. Ejiro Ale. She was also blessed with many grandchildren.

Aunty Jose was predeceased by her son-in-law, Mr. Olumide Babatunde.

?May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant rest to Mrs. Josephine Olajumoke Ale’s soul and comfort her family!

The nation’s welding ecosystem may be on a rebound with the strategic alliance between key stakeholders like the Petroleum Training Institute, Nigerian Institute of Welding (NIW) and The Welding Federation (TWF).

Speaking at the maiden edition of the National Welding Road Show delivered online, Engr Bijimi Gaiya, Chairman, NIW CTC, shared experiences and challenges in his welding career from 1978 till date.

He highlighted salient points on how to build and sustain momentum in welding as a career. He expressed delight on the passion shown by students to learn more, and explained that the National Welding Road show is a first under NIW’s Rebuild, Reclaim, and Rebrand programme.

The National Welding Road show organised by the Nigerian Institute of Welding in collaboration with The Welding Federation of Africa engaged PTI welding community in an experience sharing session of some of the unique complements of TWF Welder training qualification syllabus which puts an African content welder step ahead in staying relevant and competitive.

The road show featured a no hold bar questions session with leading professionals in Nigeria’s welding industry on viable career paths, technical challenges in welding manipulations, and access to welder qualification and certifications.

Also Engr Grace Erhimona, former Director of PTI and Vice Chairman of NIW CTC, expressed her satisfaction with PTI in setting the pace again for other institutions to follow.

She attributed PTI leading status as being the offshoot of several capacity upgrade support from various intervention agencies such Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), and a host of others.

She called the attention of PTDF, NDDC and NCDMB on the gaps which organising this road show had revealed in PTI facility adequacy in such special process techniques as gouging, buttering, hard facing and a host of others.

Responding to questions from our correspondence, Ayo Adeniyi, Executive Director of TWF, expressed satisfaction on the turnout and outcome of the first stop of the roadshow.

He thanked the management of PTI under the leadership of Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji, Chief Executive Officer for consistently demonstrating vision and foresightedness in issues of national importance.

He also thanked Dr Jimba Bankole, former Director of PTI, Engr Grace Erhimona former Director of PTI, Engr Jerome Peter, Engr David Adidi of Delta State Polytechnic, Eddy Omonigho of the department of welding, Okpeh Onovughe, Otus Utuaghono and, Kingsley Oboh for sacrifices made to ensure the road show’s success.

The Nigeria Police Force has reacted to reports of a Federal High Court order directing it to maintain the status quo in the ongoing case concerning the enforcement of tinted glass permits, stating that it has not yet been officially served with the order.

Responding to a social media post by human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, who shared a copy of the order on X (formerly Twitter), the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified that the police had not received formal notification of the court’s directive.

Hundeyin wrote: ‘While we have not been officially served the court order you’re making reference to, let me, in the meantime, show point no. 8 (of the same order) since you left that part out and focused only on point no. 6. Nigerians deserve a complete picture, not a skewed one.’

Point 8 of the order reads: ‘Meanwhile, Reliefs 1, 2 and 3 are hereby refused.’

The reliefs referred to are those sought by the applicant, John Aikpokpo-Martins, on behalf of tinted glass car owners in Nigeria, in Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025 – John Aikpokpo-Martins v. Inspector General of Police and Nigeria Police Force. They include:

‘An order of interim injunction restraining the Inspector General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, their officers, men, agents, privies and/or contractors from implementing or enforcing the new tinted glass permit policy set to commence on October 6, 2025, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.’

‘An order of interim injunction restraining the defendants from stopping, harassing, arresting, detaining, impounding vehicles or extorting motorists in purported enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.’

‘An order of interim injunction restraining the defendants from using the Parkway Projects account (No. 4001017918) to collect any fees for the renewal of tinted glass permits or to conduct any government business pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.’

Effiong had earlier posted excerpts of the court order, which restrained the police from taking further action on the enforcement of tinted glass regulations pending the determination of the case.

In the ruling, the Federal High Court sitting in Warri directed the police to maintain the status quo and respect ongoing judicial proceedings.

Confirming the development, lead counsel in the matter, Kunle Edun, SAN, described the order as ‘a major step in upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of citizens while the substantive issues are yet to be decided.’

No fewer than 100 registered Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) in Jigawa State have been consolidated under the Non-State Actors platform of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) to strengthen advocacy on inclusion, transparency and openness in government of state and local councils.

The move followed a general meeting convened by the newly formed OGP leadership in the state, led by Comrade Isah Mustapha, with the aim of repositioning the coalition and activating the third phase of the state’s OGP Action Plan.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Comrade Mustapha, who serves as the Non-State Actors co-chair, said the organisations agreed to collaborate around four key thematic areas: Fiscal Transparency and Accountability, Access to Justice, Climate Change, and Anti-Corruption.

‘The meeting was held in line with OGP’s principles of inclusion and transparency. We have begun the process of developing Jigawa State Action Plan III,’ he said.

According to him, invitations were sent via Google forms across various media platforms for interested organisations to register and select their preferred thematic areas.

‘As you can see, representatives of CSOs, CBOs, the private sector and the media are all here. Every organisation has equal opportunity to join, lead and contribute to the action plan. Since the OGP Step II leadership has ceased to exist, it became necessary to constitute a new and transparent leadership,’ he explained.

Comrade Mustapha said the platform has adopted an open-door policy to encourage participation, noting that registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the state or even a local government body is sufficient for membership.

He added that sensitisation sessions have been held on the principles and concepts of OGP at national and sub-national levels to help organisations align their interests with the agreed thematic areas.

‘The current leadership will not allow any interference. Members will abide by acceptable procedures and guidelines to form their leadership structures within the thematic areas,’ he stressed.

He revealed that while some thematic areas have one commitment, others may have two, depending on identified priorities.

‘Our plan is to revive Jigawa OGP and make it competitive at the international level. We also intend to establish strong OGP structures across the 27 local government councils to promote accountability, transparency and openness in governance,’ he stated.

Comrade Mustapha emphasised the need to monitor local government spending, contract awards and project implementation in light of financial autonomy at that tier of government.

He appealed to members for continued cooperation to position Jigawa as a model of inclusive governance and transparency in Nigeria and beyond under OGP Step III.

The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has been rated as the most transparent public institution in Nigeria. This is according to the 2025 Transparency and Integrity Index (TII).

In the report unveiled in Abuja by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI), NOSDRA led all 575 assessed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with a score of 78.84 per cent.

The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission came second with 78.21 per cent, while the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission scored 78.13 per cent to place the third most transparent agency.

However, most federal institutions scored poorly in the report, with many falling below the 50 per cent benchmark for average on openness, accountability, and compliance with statutory disclosure requirements.

While presenting the report, the Executive Director of the Centre, Umar Yakubu, noted that public institutions were statutorily required under the Fiscal Responsibility Act (2007), the Freedom of Information Act (2011), and the Public Procurement Act (2007) to publish information such as budgets, procurement details, recruitment policies, audit reports, and anti-corruption frameworks.

According to the Centre, the index was conceived to strengthen integrity mechanisms in Nigeria’s public sector by assessing whether MDAs publish vital information on their websites and portals as required by law.

The assessment focused on five key variables, namely, financial transparency, procurement, human resources and inclusion, control of corruption, and citizen engagement, with each attracting 20 per cent.

A review of the report showed that out of 575 public institutions assessed, only six crossed the 50 per cent average threshold.

Apart from the earlier listed agencies, Development Bank of Nigeria (62.60 per cent), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (54.12 per cent) and Bank of Industry (51.29 per cent) were ranked 4th, 5th and 6th respectively.

Conversely, over 400 institutions scored within the range of 36 and 10 per cent, with no evidence of publishing basic governance information online.

More alarming was that about 100 institutions recorded below 10, while nine institutions scored zero.

This means that they failed to publish any of the required information on budgets, procurement, staffing, or anti-corruption policies.

Many of these included federal colleges, polytechnics, teaching hospitals, and river basin authorities.

For instance, Nigerian Coal Corporation, Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board, Federal Medical Centre Katsina, Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, Baga, Hadrian-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, and Metallurgical Training Institute Onitsha scored zero in the ranking.

Also, key ministries fared poorly. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development were graded zero.

The Ministry of Power (21.0 per cent), the Ministry of Works and Housing (14.50 per cent), Ministry of Health (14.50 per cent), and Ministry of Defence (14.50 per cent) ranked low, which further highlighted persistent opacity in sectors critical to Nigeria’s development.

The Imo State Government has demolished a notorious hideout at Control Fly-Over, Owerri, which security reports confirmed was being used by bandits as a base of operations.

The flyover was commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, but was taken over by hoodlums who converted it to a parking bay, smoking joints and a brothel.

However, the government, just a few hours after issuing a public notice, moved swiftly to safeguard the landmark project and guarantee the safety of commuters and residents around the strategic gateway.

The demolition exercise was carried out by the Office of the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, headed by Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, in collaboration with security agencies.

According to intelligence, the location, which also operated as a brothel, had long served as a meeting point for armed criminals who planned kidnappings, robberies, and other violent crimes from the spot.

During the operation, a large cache of arms and dangerous weapons were recovered by security operatives and handed over to the appropriate authorities for investigation and prosecution. Several suspects were also arrested for further questioning.

In a related enforcement, commercial vehicles that attempted to convert the under-bridge of the newly commissioned Control-Assumpta Fly-Over into illegal loading bays were impounded.

The state government announced that the operators involved will face immediate prosecution, stressing that no misuse of critical infrastructure will be tolerated.

Residents who gathered at the scene welcomed the demolition and arrests, describing the measures as timely and in line with the governor’s resolve to match infrastructure development with stronger security.

Many said the site had been a persistent threat to safety in the area and praised Governor Hope Uzodimma for not only building but also securing Owerri for the people.

Speaking after the operation, Nze Nwaneri emphasised that the government would not allow criminal elements or illegal activities to undermine public safety. ‘The directive of His Excellency is clear: there must be no safe haven for criminals or lawbreakers in this state. Wherever they are identified, we will act immediately,’ he said.

The government pledged to sustain similar operations across the state until all identified criminal hideouts and illegal practices are eliminated, he said.

Women’s national team wrestling coach, Purity Akuh, has pledged total commitment to the development and growth of wrestling after securing a seat as the South West zone representative seat in the board of Nigeria Wrestling Federation(NWF).

Speaking to journalists after the election, Purity vowed to support wrestling in the South West after he pulled the available six votes from the six states in a dominant fashion.

The UWW Educator noted that sports is a veritable instrument of reducing crime and unemployment if optimally pursued, hence his total drive to see it develop in the South West

‘As you know, sports generate big foreign exchange for countries all over the world. This and many other embedded issues surrounding and affecting sports, particularly in wrestling, will be addressed passionately and with all sincerity of purpose,’ he stated.

He thanked the President Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Honourable Daniel Igali, who was his national team coach in his wrestling days and the entire wrestling family for counting him worthy to be elected as NWF board member.

Purity also appreciated the governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the state Honourable commissioner for Sports Development for their overwhelming support

Assuring that the experience he acquired as a wrestler and having gone through technical trainings to be certified as UWW Educator will be made manifest, bringing to the NWF board technical insights among other qualities.

‘I want to thank the governor of my state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the commissioner and my mentor, Daniel Igali, for the tremendous support I have received and the people of South West in supporting this mandate. Gratitude is not enough to express how elated I am to serve at this capacity.’

Members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Mogajis in Ibadanland, Senators, politicians, were among those who attended the coronation jumat thanksgiving service of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

The event, held on Friday at Central Mosque, Oja’ba, Ibadan, was part of the weeklong activities for the coronation of Oba Ladoja.

Recall that Oba Ladoja, a former Senator and former governor of Oyo State, was given Staff and Instrument of Office as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, by Governor Seyi Makinde last Friday at the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan.

In his remark at the coronation jumat thanksgiving, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abubakar Agbotomokekere, urged residents and indigenes of Ibadanland to support the new monarch to have a successful reign as Olubadan.

The cleric said people should not distract the monarch so that he can focus on the progress and development of the ancient city.

He described Oba Ladoja as a leader, well respected man, whose pedigree and antecedent speak volumes in and outside Ibadanland.

He said, ‘Individuals must see themselves as a leader, a leader starts from the family, a leader should be accountable for the way he or she leads.’

Highlights of the event include a prayer for the successful reign of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland and the presentation of gifts to Oba Ladoja.

Dignitaries at the event include the President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole, President of Ibadan Mogaji’s, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and Senator Sharafadeen Ali.

Others are: Senator Fatai Buhari; Former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin; former lawmaker, Soji Akanbi; former Secretary to the Osun State Government, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade; and the Coordinator of Ibadan Compound Peace Initiatives (ICPI), Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, among others.

Chelsea vs Liverpool takes centre stage in the Premier League on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Stamford Bridge, as both clubs look to return to winning ways following recent setbacks.

The Blues are desperate to rebuild momentum after inconsistent results under Enzo Maresca, while Arne Slot’s Reds, currently top of the table, are eager to avoid a third straight defeat for the first time in the Dutchman’s reign.

Teams’ Form and Recent Performances

Chelsea

Following a promising start to the 2025/26 Premier League season where they won two of their first three games which put them second on the league table, the Blues are currently struggling for form as they have won just two of their last six matches in all competitions. But Chelsea vs Liverpool in a fixture that Stamford Bridge fans want their team to make bold statement and get back to winning ways.

A draw with Brentford at the G-tech Community Stadium was followed with back-to-back defeats to Bayern Munich and Manchester United before they claimed a win against League One side, Lincoln City, in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Enzo Maresca’s side suffered another defeat, this time in the league against Brighton and Hove Albion before securing a 1-0 victory over Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Club World Cup winners are presently placed 8th in the league standings.

Liverpool

Though currently top of the log, the Reds are without troubles of their own.

After winning all of their first seven matches across all competitions, Arne Slot’s side are winless in their last two after suffering a defeat to league flyers Crystal Palace before Galatasaray, inspired by Nigeria international Victor Osimhen condemned them to yet another loss in the Champions League.

This is the first time Liverpool will suffer two consecutive defeats since Slot succeeded the charismatic Jurgen Klopp as the Reds boss.

With Chelsea vs Liverpool up next, the Dutchman will be looking to avoid another defeat which won’t only dent his impressive record so far, but could also dislodge them as the league leaders.

Chelsea vs Liverpool: Head-To-Head Record

Chelsea and Liverpool have met 197 times across all competitions with the Reds winning the most with 86 victories to the Blues’ 65 while 46 matches have ended in draws.

The defending Premier League champions also hold an impressive record against the west Londoners as they have suffered just three defeats in their last 19 meetings. Liverpool defeated Chelsea in each of the four finals they met within that period.

The last game between these two sides saw Maresca’s team record a 3-1 win at the Bridge which boosted their chances of making the top four at the end of season. The Reds had almost nothing to play for in the encounter as they already had the league title sewn up just before the clash.

Key Players To Watch In Chelsea vs Liverpool

Chelsea

Joao Pedro

Pedro is a player Liverpool need to watch out for ahead of this Chelsea vs Liverpool matchup. The Brazilian is a prolific goal scorer who can operate from a central role or drift wider, utilizing his quick movement and dribbling ability.

Although, the 24-year-old is yet to score or provide an assist in the games he has played against the Reds, his five goal contributions this season is the highest among his teammates.

Enzo Fernandez

In the absence of Cole Palmer, Enzo has assumed the role of a playmaker from a deeper position. The midfielder has been able to influence play with his excellent passing range and ability to resist press while also disrupting opposition attacks and protecting space ahead of the defence.

The Argentina international also has eyes for goals as he already netted three and provided an assist so far.

Liverpool

Hugo Ekitike

Ekitike is arguably Liverpool’s best performer since his high-profile move from Eintracht Frankfurt. The France international has netted five goals in all competitions which is the highest for the Reds.

Ekitike’s off the ball movement, link-up play and ability to drop deep have also been instrumental for Liverpool this season.

Ryan Gravenberch

Gravenberch is a deep-lying playmaker, who is known for his technicality and agility to drift past opponents with smooth dribbling, deft passing and the willingness to progress the ball up the pitch.

The Dutchman has shown his ability to create from deep as he has two goals and as many assists to his name this campaign.

Team News: Chelsea vs Liverpool

Chelsea

Cole Palmer is out of this massively anticipated Chelsea Vs Liverpool due to a lingering groin issue which has effectively ruled him out of Chelsea’s last three matches.

Andre Santos and Tosin Adarabioyo are expected to miss this game as Maresca previously stated the duo won’t be back until after the international break.

Wesley Fofana is not available to play against Liverpool as he is recovering from concussion he sustained in the Carabao Cup win over Lincoln City.

The Blues will be without Trevoh Chalobah following his dismissal against Brighton.

Romeo Lavia is back in contention after fully recovering from a muscle injury.

Liam Delap, Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo are long-term absentees and therefore won’t feature in this mouthwatering Chelsea vs Liverpool.

Liverpool

Alisson Becker is not expected to be in goal Chelsea vs Liverpool following an injury in their loss to Galatasaray in the Champions League.

Ekitike is a doubt after also being forced off on Tuesday night. Slot is expected to provide an update on the Frenchman in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

Following his inability to travel with the team to Turkey, Federico Chiesa is also a doubt for this clash after suffering a knock in the Reds’ 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.

Summer signing, Giovanni Leoni is effectively out of the trip to London following an ACL rupture. The young Italian has successfully undergone surgery and will start his road to recovery.

Chelsea vs Liverpool: Possible Starting Line-ups

Chelsea (4-2-3-1):

Sanchez; James, Badiashile, Acheampong, Cucurella; Caicedo Enzo; Estevao, Buonanotte, Neto; Pedro

Liverpool (4-2-3-1):

Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Isak

Antoine Semenyo scored twice as Bournemouth came from behind to beat Fulham in stormy conditions and move up to second in the Premier League table.

Ryan Sessegnon had given Fulham the lead when he ran onto a through ball from Samuel Chukwueze before clipping the ball over Cherries keeper Djordje Petrovic.

But Bournemouth levelled when Semenyo got the ball on the left wing, beat several players and stopped the ball going over the byeline before slotting a shot through Bernd Leno’s legs from a tight angle.

Then substitute Justin Kluivert got the ball in the centre circle, charged forward and unleashed an unstoppable strike from 25 yards to put Bournemouth ahead.

As Fulham pushed forward for an equaliser in stoppage time, Semenyo capped a superb individual night with his second goal – to go with an assist – after finishing off an emphatic counter-attack.

Until the 70th minute, the game looked as if it was going to end in an instantly forgettable goalless draw as both sides struggled to create much in the wind and rain of Storm Amy.

Bournemouth are now second in the Premier League table, just one point below Liverpool – although everyone else has yet to play this weekend.