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Barcelona fire four past Viktoria Plzen.

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Barcelona capped off their Champions League campaign with a 4-2 victory over Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Blaugrana entered the game with nothing more than pride on the line after their drop to the Europa League was confirmed last week, while Plzen were guaranteed to finish bottom

As a result, Xavi fielded several youngsters in his starting XI, with Barcelona opening the scoring after just six minutes.

While not one of those youngsters, Marcos Alonso scored his first career goal in the competition, Ansu Fati‘s strike from distance proving too hot for Jindrich Stanek, with the Spaniard sliding in to score from close range.

Plzen supporters were vocal in supporting the home side but their spirits were dampened just before the half when the Blaugrana doubled their lead.

Jordi Alba burst down the left and chipped a ball over the top that found Ferran Torres in the middle to ram home. Initially ruled offside, the goal was later given following a VAR review.

The home side were handed a lifeline when Pablo Torre fouled Tomas Chory in the penalty area, with the 27-year-old striker stepping up to fire home past Inaki Pena.

Barcelona’s Ferran Torres, right, vies for the ball with Plzen’s Lukas HejdaPetr David JosekAP

Barcelona restored their two-goal advantage minutes later, Ferran Torres combining with Raphinha after a wonderful run before sending his first-time effort through the legs of Stanek.

Plzen made things interesting, Chory heading home his second of the night in the 63rd minute, before Barcelona wrapped up proceedings with 15 minutes remaining.

A great ball from Raphinha set up Pablo Torre, who fired home his first Barcelona and Champions League goal after some expert control and a delightful finish.

Plzen came close to scoring a third in the closing stages, but Erik Jirka‘s strike was expertly saved by Inaki Pena, before touching the upright.

Europa League aim

With Barcelona ending their Champions League campaign in style, coach Xavi has stated the club’s aim is now to win the Europa League.

“The overall evaluation of our group campaign has to be negative,” Xavi said after the game.

“We had qualification in our own hands and didn’t manage it. We didn’t take our opportunities.

“Now we are candidates for the Europa League. it’s a beautiful competition and we will fight to win it.

“First half I liked how we played. Even so we conceded too many goal chances to them. Defensively we are suffering more than normal. In attack we were good.

“Young Pablo [Torre] played well. For him and the attacking midfielders it was a difficult match they had to attack spaces and that’s not his primary strength.

“He’s got other notably qualities but he fully understood what the match required, scored our fourth and then went off but we feel it’s going to be muscle-cramp and not more.”

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Akpabio Camp Row Deepens As APC Chieftain Rejects Suspension Report.

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, Chief Edet Ben, has denied involvement in the alleged suspension of Mr. Eseme Eyiboh, Special Adviser to the Senate President on Media and Publicity, from the party in Ward 9, Esit Eket Local Government Area.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ben, who serves as an Ex-Officio member of the party in Ward 9, threatened legal action against those behind what he described as the forgery of his name and signature on documents claiming Eyiboh’s suspension.

In a sworn court affidavit, Ben described the purported suspension process as fraudulent and non-existent.

He stated that no meeting was held on April 22 to discuss or approve any disciplinary measures against Eyiboh or any other party member, adding that he neither attended nor endorsed such proceedings.

Ben also alleged that his name and signature were falsely inserted into an attendance list linked to the alleged suspension exercise.

He subsequently disowned both the attendance document and the suspension letter reportedly sent to APC leadership at the chapter and state levels.

In his notice, Ben demanded the immediate removal of his name from the documents, a public retraction, and an end to any unauthorised use of his identity.

He warned that failure to comply within 24 hours would result in legal action.

The controversy follows an announcement by a faction within the ward claiming Eyiboh had been suspended over alleged anti-party activities.

Meanwhile, a grassroots political group, Ward Nine New Era (WNNE), has strongly condemned the move, describing it as malicious, baseless, and invalid.

The group argued that the action appeared targeted at a key political figure who had recently mobilised grassroots support for major APC leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno.

WNNE also questioned the legitimacy of the ward executives behind the move and insisted that due process was not followed.

The group urged party members and the public to disregard the suspension, maintaining that it lacked credibility and legal standing.

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2027: Association Throws Weight Behind Tinubu’s Re-election Bid.

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Members of the Integrated Association of Consolidated Wood, Planks and Material Sellers have embarked on a solidarity walk in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The march, which commenced from the association’s secretariat in Ikotun, passed through Isolo, Ejigbo, Igando-Ikotun, and Egbeda-Idimu Local Government Areas, as members mobilised support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to journalists during the exercise, the association’s president, Sunday Olusesan Adewunmi, praised the President’s performance and called on Nigerians to back his second-term ambition.

“We are ready to support President Tinubu and mobilise for the next general election. He has been doing well, and we believe he deserves another term to consolidate on his achievements,” he said.

Also speaking, the market chairman, Fatai Adekeye, urged critics of the administration to recognise areas of progress despite ongoing economic challenges.

He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to mobilising votes for the President in 2027, particularly across Alimosho and surrounding communities.

“President Tinubu has done a lot, and we believe the current challenges will yield long-term benefits. We are working collectively to ensure his re-election,” he stated.

A trader, Aishat Alabi, also encouraged residents to support the All Progressives Congress, expressing confidence that the party would secure victory in Lagos State in the next election.

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FUTO VC Commends Tinubu, Uzodimma For Driving Education Reforms

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The newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Prof. Ikechukwu Nosike Dozie, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for what he described as ongoing transformation in Nigeria’s education sector.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Prof. Dozie, who has officially assumed duty as the 9th substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution, said the policies and support from both leaders have created a favourable environment for growth, innovation, and development in tertiary education.

He made the remarks shortly after his appointment at the Senate Chamber, where he expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in him and pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessors while introducing new reforms.

“I commend President Tinubu and Governor Uzodimma for their commitment to repositioning education in Nigeria. Their leadership has provided the necessary framework for institutions like FUTO to thrive,” he said.

He assured stakeholders that his administration would prioritise academic excellence, research advancement, and infrastructural development to improve the university’s global standing.

Prof. Dozie also promised to fast-track ongoing projects and introduce reforms aimed at improving teaching and learning outcomes.

“My vision is to take FUTO to greater heights by promoting innovation, strengthening industry partnerships, and ensuring our graduates remain globally competitive,” he added.

His appointment followed what the university described as a transparent and rigorous selection process conducted by its Governing Council.

Before his emergence, he served as Vice Chancellor of Kingsley Ozumba (KO) Mbadiwe University, Ogboko, in Imo State.

Expressing joy over his new role, Dozie said he remains committed to advancing the institution’s founding vision while consolidating past achievements.

“The vision is to reposition this university into a truly world-class institution. That is what I have come to do with the team on ground,” he said.

He further pledged continuity, stability, and progress, stressing that his leadership would build on previous efforts while expanding academic frontiers.

The outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oti, expressed gratitude for her tenure, describing it as peaceful and inclusive, while reflecting on her journey with the institution.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Jack Tilley-Gyado, commended the outgoing VC for her achievements and confirmed Prof. Dozie’s appointment, describing the selection process as fair and credible.

The event was attended by members of the university governing council, staff, students, and other stakeholders.

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