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Chelsea captain Reece James makes his long-awaited return to the starting XI and is expected to feature in midfield as the Blues host Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. Moises Caicedo retains his ever-present record in the Premier League this season, while Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernández, and Alejandro Garnacho also start.

João Pedro leads the line once again for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, while academy defender Landon Emenalo earns a place on the bench alongside Romeo Lavia, who continues his comeback from injury.

Chelsea Starting XI: Robert Sánchez; Malo Gusto, Bashiru Acheampong, Benoît Badiashile, Marc Cucurella; Reece James (c), Moisés Caicedo; Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernández, Alejandro Garnacho; João Pedro.

Substitutes: Lucas Bergström Jorgensen, Gabriel Slonina, Jorrel Hato, Landon Emenalo, Romeo Lavia, Facundo Buonanotte, Jamie Gittens, Estevão Willian, Marc Guiu.

For Liverpool, Giorgi Mamardashvili starts in goal behind a backline of Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez. The midfield trio consists of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai, while Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, and Cody Gakpo form the attacking trio.

Liverpool Starting XI: Giorgi Mamardashvili; Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai; Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo.

Substitutes: Freddie Woodman, Jeremie Frimpong, Joe Gomez, Andrew Robertson, Wataru Endo, Florian Wirtz, Curtis Jones, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike.

Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) has evolved into a cultural juggernaut, driven not just by its contestants but by the fervent fanbases that propel them to stardom.

These dedicated supporters go beyond passive viewership, orchestrating voting campaigns, generating viral content, igniting trends, and shaping public discourse both online and offline.

Some fanbases have also turned housemates into enduring cultural figures, extending their influence long after the show ends.

1. Efe – Efenation

Season 2’s Efe, the charismatic Warri native, won hearts with his ‘Based on Logistics’ catchphrase. Efenation, coined in Week 1, became the dominant fanbase, overshadowing the smaller Efemily group. They organized street rallies in Abuja, dominated finale trends, and secured Efe’s 57.61% victory. Their support also kickstarted his brief music career, setting a standard for grassroots fan mobilization.

2. Miracle – Miracle Fans

Miracle’s pilot charm and versatility fueled his fanbase, #MiracleLegends. Their strategic hashtag campaigns, like #MiracleThePilot, drove his 38.17% win and amplified his post-show success, including aviation endorsements and media opportunities.

3. Cee-C – Spartans

The fiery Spartans kept Cee-C in the spotlight, clashing with rival Alexians. Their loyalty endured beyond the show, reportedly gifting her a house in 2023, proving fanbases can sustain a contestant’s brand for years.

4. Tacha – Titans

Titans tirelessly voted for Tacha during her embattled Pepper Dem season. After her eviction, they raised millions through GoFundMe and fiercely defended her online, cementing her influencer career and showcasing long-term fan devotion.

5. Mercy Eke – Mercenaries

Mercenaries powered Mercy Eke to victory in Pepper Dem (2019) and a runner-up spot in All Stars (2023). They fueled the #Merike ship, reportedly gifting her an SUV and funding trips, establishing a gold standard for fan loyalty and strategy.

6. Laycon – Icons

Icons transformed Laycon’s underdog story in Lockdown into a cultural wave. They set up physical voting stations with free Wi-Fi, securing a record-breaking 60% of final votes. Their efforts turned songs like Fierce into hits, showing how fans can drive lasting industry success.

7. Erica – Elites

Despite Erica’s disqualification, Elites sustained her relevance through campaigns and memes, fueling rivalries and bolstering her acting and social media career, highlighting fan resilience amid controversy.

8. White Money – Whitemoney Gang

Whitemoney Gang rallied behind White Money’s culinary flair and humor in Shine Ya Eye, ensuring his safety from eviction and boosting his online presence. They continue to promote his music and appearances.

9. Liquorose – Lions/LiquoLions

Initially drawn to her dance skills, Lions elevated Liquorose to diva status, maintaining her public profile long after the show.

10. Phyna – Phynation

Phynation’s support for Phyna’s raw energy and authenticity led to her Level Up win. Their backing continues to fuel her endorsements, reflecting the power of street-savvy fanbases.

11. Wanni x Handi – EnergySquad

EnergySquad rallied behind the energetic twin DJs Wanni and Handi in the No Loose Guard season, drawn to their high-energy performances, DJ skills, and vibrant personalities. They dominated social media trends with hashtags like #WannixHandi and #EnergySquad, mobilising votes and creating memes that kept the duo in the spotlight, helping Wanni reach runner-up.

12. Kellyrae and Kassia – DoubleKay

DoubleKay fans championed the married couple Kellyrae and Kassia in No Loose Guard, celebrating their strategic gameplay, love story, and resilience. Through coordinated voting and management-directed campaigns prioritising Kellyrae’s win, they ensured high poll performances and propelled him to victory with 35.95% of votes.

13. Imisi – Imistars (Ijoba 606)

Imistars are ruling Season 10 with their love for Imisi’s wit and unique style. Active across X, Facebook, and TikTok, they’ve boosted her Instagram following to hundreds of thousands, driving real-time voting and engagement.

14. Koyin – Koyinator

Koyinator’s humor, memes, and relentless engagement keep Koyin trending, elevating his fashion and modeling career while proving fanbases remain pivotal in shaping BBNaija narratives.

15. Dede – Devass

Devass, the dedicated supporters of Dede (Precious Ashiogwu) in Season 10, have rallied with intense energy, dominating trends and polls.

These fanbases are more than just supporters, they are cultural forces, mobilising votes, creating viral moments, and driving conversations.

As BBNaija captivates Nigeria and its diaspora, these groups continue to shape its enduring legacy.

The Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations at the Edo State Sports Commission, Mrs Sabina Chikere, has commended the President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s effort towards transforming sports with the creation of the National Sports Commission, (NSC).

The top Edo State sports official, emphasized that the growth in Nigeria’s sporting firmament could not have been possible without the Renewed Hope agenda of the President, adding that the leadership of the NSC under Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General, Honourable Bukola Olopade, has helped in accelerating process.

Mrs. Chikere also commended on President Tinubu, on the creation of the National Institute for Sports, (NIS), led by the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Director General, Comrade Philip Shaibu.

‘The appointment of the former deputy governor Comrade Philip Shaibu as the Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), is another master stroke by Mr. President. As you know, the NIS is embarking on training the trainers who in turn will train our future world champions,'[i] she said in an interview with First ZealMediaCast Blog.

Mrs. Sabina Chikere, strongly believes that this move by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the drive by the NIS Director General will help the sports economy of Nigeria to blossom.

She further explained that the reward system put together by President Tinubu for outstanding athletes who bring laurels to the country has been a major boost for Nigeria athletes, adding the nation’s foremost citizen must intensify in his efforts to take sports to greater heights.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Chikere is also full of praises Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, for his unfaltering and unending support towards development in the state.

She stressed that since the assumption of office by Governor Okpebholo, the Edo State Sports Commission under Honourable Amadin Enabulele, has been fully funded.

Mrs. Chikere went on to highlight the strong bond in the State’s sports Commission, stating that it’s the reason behind the successful administration of sports in the ‘Heartbeat of the Nation’ as Edo is fondly called.

She listed some key sporting development already put in place by Govern Okpebholo which includes: setting up of the Sports Association board ;funding of the National Sports Festival and National Youth Games as well as the plans to establish a mini stadium in all 18 Local Government Areas.

Skit maker and streamer Adesokan Adedeji Emmanuel better known as Shank has reflected on his humble beginnings, sharing how he kicked off his skit making journey in 2020.

In a recent post, he revealed that back then, he didn’t even have up to ?1 million in his account.

He said he used to shoot music videos in a small room people jokingly called a ‘prison,’ and the filming was often interrupted by the sounds of hens and goats around the place.

Shank contrasted those modest beginnings with his current achievements, expressing gratitude for how far he has come in the entertainment industry.

He reflected on his journey, acknowledging that his growth and success could only be attributed to divine grace.

He said ‘I didn’t even have 1M in my account back in 2020, I was shooting videos in a small room people called a ‘prison,’ with hens and goats making noise in the background.

‘Time changes a lot of things. I am a product of God’s grace. God is too good to me, Aje.’

He further expressed gratitude, noting that God has been truly faithful to him.

One person died while four sustained varying degrees of injury in a fatal auto crash in Ihiala, Anambra state.

The crash, which occured on Saturday along Ihiala-Owerri Road, involved involved six vehicles.

According to an eyewitness, the trailer was on top speed when the driver suddenly lost control, colliding with the other five vehicles.

Confirming the incident, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Bridget Asekhauno said the injured were rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

‘The incident involved six vehicles, resulting in one fatality (1 male) and four injuries (4 males). A total of eight individuals (all males).

‘The vehicles involved in the crash included: Mack trailer, a Lexus 350 SUV with registration number YAB-131-DA, an Inveco truck with registration number ABC-693-XD, a Mitsubishi L300 truck with registration number JJJ-488-SQ, a Toyota Camry with registration number MKA-331-AA, an Inveco tipper with registration number HAL-604-ZX.

‘Tragically, one of the victims, the driver of the Lexus, was pronounced dead and has been deposited in the hospital’s morgue,’ she added.

Asekhauno sympathized with the deceased family and wished the injured quick recovery.

She emphasized the importance of defensive driving techniques and adherence to traffic regulations.

Her words, ‘We urge all drivers to exercise caution, drive within the designated speed limit, and maintain maximum concentration while driving.

‘The FRSC rescue team from RS5.34 Ihiala responded promptly, evacuating the injured victims to the hospital. They are also working to clear the scene and restore normal traffic flow.

‘The FRSC Anambra State Command appeals to motorists to be cautious and patient while driving, especially on highways.

‘We also encourage witnesses to report crashes promptly to our Command centers or through our toll-free number 122 for any road emergencies.’

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Prof. Jide Owoeye, has called for proactive strategic collaboration between private and public universities, industry, donors, and international academic institutions for the development of the continent.

He wants governments, private sectors, and regional bodies to continue to implement and refine frameworks (such as those under the Addis Convention and HAQAA) that ensure comparability, accountability, and transparency in higher education.

Owoeye, in a convocation lecture titled: ‘Quality of Education in Developing Countries: Collaboration in Africa and the Role of Private Universities’ delivered at the 13th Convocation of Protestant University, Rwanda, said Africa’s journey towards transformation, through quality education is not just a goal, but one that is dependent on the mechanism by which development becomes sustainable, inclusive and dynamic.

On policies and frameworks, he said: ‘Today universities have come to play a pivotal role in the development of nations.

‘Africa already possesses robust policy frameworks that underscore quality education as central to development.

‘Under Agenda 2063, the African Union defines one of its key goals as ‘Well-Educated Citizens and Skills Revolution underpinned by Science, Technology and Innovation’.

‘This goal envisions universal access to quality early childhood, basic, secondary, and tertiary education, alongside a substantial increase in qualified teachers and technical, vocational, and entrepreneurship skills. The Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2016-2025), aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), has likewise made clear that equity, inclusion, and quality must go hand in hand.’

He also encouraged private universities to invest beyond enrollment growth, because growth in numbers matched by investments in faculty development, infrastructure, learning technologies, research capacity, and curricular relevance is very critical.

Owoeye identified the strengthening of regulatory oversight in the education sector, quality assurance and collaboration between private and public universities as parameters for the transformation of Africa.

He wants an alignment of funding with quality imperatives because both private and public higher education will require more funding-‘not just for access, but to deliver quality: for research, for infrastructure, for teacher training, for quality assurance systems. Innovative financing (grants, endowments, industry-sponsored programmes) should be explored.’

In the area of monitoring of outcomes and ensuring accountability, he said robust metrics of graduate employability, research output, student satisfaction, learning gains should be tracked and published, while feedback loops must exist so institutions can adjust policies and practices in light of what works and what does not.

Stressing the powers of collaboration, he said private universities have demonstrated their potentials to supplement public institutions, to innovate, and to meet growing demand, but their full promise will be realised only when they do not act alone.

Underscoring the importance of inclusion and equity, he advised private universities to be mindful of access for less privileged or rural students; scholarships or financial assistance programmes can counterbalance high tuition fees and reduce inequality.

As a way of kicking off the suggested partnerships, Lead City University is offering full tuition scholarships to graduates of Protestant University of Rwanda who might wish to undertake their Post Graduate programmes in Nigeria.

In his response, the Chancellor of the University and President of the Presbyterian Church of Rwanda Revd (Dr) Pascal Bataringaya, appreciated Prof Owoeye for the convocation lecture and the promised scholarship.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Jos, the Plateau State capital, to attend the burial ceremony of Nana Lydia Yilwada, mother of Prof. Nentawe Yilwada, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The President, who arrived around 2 pm proceeded to the COCIN Headquarters Church, where the funeral service for the late matriarch is underway.

There was heavy security presence across the city, with personnel from the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Federal Road Safety Corps stationed along major routes and around the venue.

The tight security measures were to ensure the President’s safety and maintaining order throughout the visit.

In preparation for the visit, the Plateau State Government earlier announced temporary road closures across parts of Jos and Bukuru metropolis, with alternative routes provided for motorists.

The affected routes include Mararaban Jama’a through Bukuru Expressway, Dadin-Kowa to Plateau Hospital Roundabout, and Hillstation Roundabout to COCIN Headquarters/Central Bank Road.

The Steering Committee of the Southwest Citizen-Government Engagement Summit has announced the postponement of the event originally slated for October 9-10, 2025.

The summit will now hold on October 29-30, 2025, at the International Conference Centre (The Dome), Akure, Ondo State.

All invited participants are expected to arrive on October 28, 2025, ahead of the two-day programme themed ‘Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future.’

The Chief Host of the summit remains Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State.

Announcing the new dates, the Chairman of the Steering Committee, Dr. Akin Onigbinde (SAN), said the postponement was to ensure the summit provides a truly meaningful platform for engagement between citizens and government.

‘The additional time will enable us to conduct comprehensive consultations with all participating ministries, agencies, and stakeholders; ensure optimal logistical arrangements that facilitate substantive dialogue; and coordinate effectively with all six Southwest state governments and participating institutions,’ Onigbinde explained.

He apologised for any inconvenience the adjustment might cause, assuring stakeholders and the public of the committee’s commitment to delivering an impactful, inclusive, and productive summit.

The summit, convened by Afenifere in partnership with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, will feature six thematic sessions on Fiscal Reforms and National Planning, Economic Development and Job Creation, Social Services and Social Development, Infrastructure and Transportation, Human Capital Development, and Security and Governance.

Participants will include Southwest governors, federal ministers and appointees of Southwest origin, federal legislators, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations, private sector players, youth and student bodies, women groups, and other key stakeholders across the region.

Afenifere, the foremost Yoruba socio-political organization, is known for its advocacy on regional interests and democratic governance, while DAWN Commission serves as the technocratic institution driving regional integration and development in the Southwest.

The postponement was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday, October 4, by the group’s Media Relations Officer, Segun Balogun.

There is heavy presence of security personnel in Jos, as ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s to Plateau.

A Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who monitored the situation on Saturday, reports that personnel of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), and the military were stationed in strategic locations.

Tinubu is visiting the state to attend the Burial of Mama Lydia Yilwatda, mother of Prof. Nentewa Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A statement by Mr Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, says that Tinubu will afterwards meet with Church leaders in the state.

Mr Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in the state, told NAN that the presence of security personnel was ensure that the president’s visit was successful.

‘Security personnel were deployed to basically ensure that the visit of the President is smooth.

‘As I speak, all the security chiefs in the state are moving round to ensure tight all lose end and ensure no one takes the law into their hands.

‘Some major roads, particularly the ones leading to the Headquarters of the Church of Christ of Nations (COCIN) where the funeral service will take place were temporarily closed.

‘We appeal to Plateau residents to cooperate with the security agencies to give a president a rousing and rancour free welcome to Plateau,’he said.

NAN also reports that the deceased, 83, would be interred at Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of the state.

The President of the Alumni Association of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Temitope Elijah Arogundade, has urged members of the university community to prioritise peace and the institution’s image, as the substantive Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, resumes office on Tuesday, 14 October 2025.

Professor Fasina had applied in April to embark on a part of his accumulated leave for research purposes, and this was granted at an emergency meeting of the university’s Governing Council.

Rather than approving the 11-month leave requested by the vice-chancellor, the end of which would have coincided with the termination of his five-year tenure of office, the Council only approved six months, asking him to resume in October.

Shortly before applying for leave, the university’s Governing Council exonerated Professor Fasina of the sexual harassment allegation levelled against him by a female former Director of Works on the campus, Engineer Folasade Adebayo.

The university’s branch of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) had accused the VC of sexually harassing one of its members, forcing the governing council to set up an independent committee to probe the development.

However, led by Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, the Council cleared the VC of all allegations, and chided Engineer Adebayo for secretly recording her conversations with the VC, saying it was a deliberate ploy to blackmail the VC into confirming her as substantive Director of Works.

The matter had generated uproar at the time, and many felt the VC had embarked on a leave to calm frayed nerves while the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics, Professor Olubunmi Shittu, was appointed as acting vice-chancellor.

But the university’s Public Relations Officer, Foluso Ogunmodede, has consistently clarified this belief, saying it is erroneous for anyone to claim that Professor Fasina went on leave over any allegation.

‘Let me clarify that nothing caused the VC’s decision to go on leave. He only went on his accumulated research leave. Pure and simple! Whatever issues anyone is talking about were duly addressed and resolved before he embarked on leave. So if people are now tying his leave with any matter, that is incorrect,’ Mr Ogunmodede had said in a recent media chat.

Therefore, ahead of the VC’s resumption, the alumni president urged all stakeholders to allow peace to reign on the campus, saying Professor Fasina has contributed significantly to the growth and development of the 14-year-old institution.

Speaking with journalists at the weekend, the president said Professor Fasina’s tenure is expected to end in February 2026, saying the ongoing process to select his successor should be allowed to go on peacefully.

Mr Arogundade said, ‘As alumni, we are the ambassadors of FUOYE. Enough is enough – we must begin to portray our university in a very good light. Going forward, there must be peaceful coexistence because it is only under a peaceful atmosphere that we can make progress.

‘There is no doubt that Professor Fasina has done well. It is very obvious to everybody. As one of the pioneer students of this university, I know what I am saying. We know where we were before, and we know where we are now. So, when he returns, we expect him to consolidate where necessary so that FUOYE can continue to align with its vision.

On the succession process, with a new vice chancellor expected within five months, Arogundade said the alumni body was confident in the university’s Governing Council to produce a worthy vice-chancellor.

‘We would want a personality that can continue from where we are now and take the university to greater heights. I believe the process will be free and fair,’ he said.

He also appealed to fellow alumni to remain united in advancing FUOYE’s reputation. ‘Many of our members are doing wonderfully well within and outside the country. We must continue to raise the flag of the university high and contribute to its development,’ he urged.

Since he assumed office in February 2021, Professor Fasina has steered the university into an era of peace, growth, and innovation.

He inherited a campus riddled with unrest but quickly restored stability by introducing regular management and senate meetings, fostering participatory governance, and prioritising staff and students’ welfare. The result has been four years of uninterrupted harmony in the university community.

Academically, his tenure has witnessed remarkable expansion. FUOYE has achieved successful accreditation in all 60 exercises conducted and secured approvals for dozens of new programmes, ranging from Medicine and Surgery to Cybersecurity, Journalism, and Forensic Accounting.

The creation of new faculties, departments, and the FUOYE Business School reflects his vision of aligning the university with global trends. Student enrolment has surged to over 40,000, making FUOYE the fourth most subscribed university in Nigeria in 2025 JAMB.

Professor Fasina has prioritised welfare and infrastructure, promoting over 2,000 staff, providing shuttle services, improving hostels, and constructing new facilities such as the Student Union Building, Freedom Park, and multiple directorates and institutes.

ICT development has been transformative on the campus, as it is evident in the internet bandwidth that tripled, with fibre connectivity extended across campuses, and FUOYE’s ascension in Webometrics from 76th to 17th in two years.

The university has also excelled in sports, ranking among the best in Nigeria and Africa, while strengthening community ties through scholarships, land donations, and partnerships with other institutions.

Through these strides, Professor Fasina has repositioned FUOYE as one of the fastest-growing, most vibrant, and most peaceful universities in Nigeria.