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Rooney Tells Chelsea Stars To Challenge Maresca Over ‘Too Much Rotation’.
Former England international, Wayne Rooney, has called on Chelsea’s senior players to confront head coach Enzo Maresca over his continuous rotation policy, warning that the strategy could lead to unrest if the club’s results begin to falter.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to Nivo News, Rooney expressed his concerns following Chelsea’s 2-2 Champions League draw against Qarabag on Wednesday, a match in which Maresca made seven changes to his starting lineup. The Italian tactician has now rotated more than half of his squad in each of the club’s last five matches across all competitions.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the Manchester United legend stated that constant changes may prevent the players from developing on-field chemistry. “The players want to play, they want to build relationships,” Rooney said. “When you keep chopping and changing, then the players won’t be happy. I think that will come back to bite them. If they are winning, you can’t question it, but if not, then there have to be questions asked.”
Rooney advised team captain Reece James and other senior figures to address the matter privately with Maresca, emphasizing the importance of leadership in maintaining stability. “Most clubs now have a leadership group, and as a group, you have to question the manager,” he added. “It’s not about player power; it’s about concern for the team. If I were in that dressing room, I’d be saying, ‘I’m not happy with this.’”
Chelsea have already recorded a staggering 85 lineup changes in just 16 matches this season — the most in the Premier League.
Defending his approach, Maresca maintained that the rotation policy was essential to keep the squad fresh amid a congested schedule. “The selection is always made based on the plan we believe is right,” Maresca explained. “We had to rest players like Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Malo Gusto. They can’t play every three days, especially after the Club World Cup. When we win, nobody talks about it, but when we don’t, people start focusing on that.”
In the same podcast, Rooney also reflected on his earlier remarks about Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, admitting he may have been too harsh in his assessment. The former striker had previously accused the Dutch defender of “downing tools” after signing a new deal — a comment Van Dijk publicly dismissed as “lazy.”
Rooney later softened his tone, saying, “Maybe I was a bit unfair because I don’t know him that well as a person.” However, he maintained his view that Van Dijk’s performances this season have not met his usual high standards. “He’ll judge himself by those standards,” Rooney added. “When he looks back, he’ll know he hasn’t been at his best.”
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of three suspected kidnappers linked to the abduction of two medical doctors’ brothers in Auchi, Etsako West LGA.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The victims, Dr. Abu Ibrahim Babatunde and his younger brother, Dr. Tahir Abu Emhoye, were kidnapped on January 2, 2026, around 7:30 p.m. on City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi. While Dr. Tahir, a fresh graduate from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, was killed by the abductors, Dr. Babatunde, a housemanship staff at Edo University Teaching Hospital, Auchi, was released on January 15 after a ₦50 million ransom was paid.
The suspects—Saminu Kawujie, Idris Abubakar, and Sani Abubakar—were apprehended in separate operations. Kawujie was arrested on February 3 at Warrake Forest, Owan East LGA, during a bush-combing operation carried out by police, local hunters, and vigilante groups. Items recovered from him included two knives, two mobile phones, a UBA ATM card, and ₦20,250. Identification parades confirmed him as one of the abductors.
Idris Abubakar and Sani Abubakar were arrested on February 8 at the Specialist Hospital, Auchi. Both were identified as part of the gang, with Idris specifically linked to receiving the ransom for Dr. Babatunde’s release.
ASP Eno Ikoedem, the police spokesperson, said investigations are ongoing to dismantle the entire criminal network responsible for the Auchi kidnappings. Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika assured the public that all kidnapping cases will be pursued to completion, with continued intelligence-led policing and bush-combing operations across the state.
The Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, has been elected Chairman of the Progressive Speakers Conference, a forum of APC House Speakers nationwide.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Dangyatin assumed the position during the conference’s annual congress and executive elections held in Abuja. The body aims to enhance coordination among APC Speakers, promote party ideals, foster unity, and support democracy, peace, and national development.
Other key positions filled include the Ebonyi State Assembly Speaker as Deputy Chairman (South), the Nasarawa State Assembly Speaker as Deputy Chairman (North), and the Ondo State Assembly Speaker as Treasurer. Six zonal vice chairmen were also elected, including Ogun State’s Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide for the South-West zone and Plateau State’s Speaker for the North-Central zone. The new executive members are set to be sworn in on Monday, February 9, 2026.
Jigawa Governor Malam Umar Namadi congratulated Dangyatin, calling the election well deserved and expressing confidence that he would strengthen collaboration among APC members ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Professor Abayomi Fasina has officially stepped down as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking at FUOYE’s 10th Convocation on Saturday, Prof. Fasina highlighted the university’s growth under his leadership, noting that it has become the fourth most sought-after university in Nigeria and has steadily improved in national rankings.
“Our progress is reflected in the 20-point agenda and transformation blueprint we have implemented since I assumed office in 2021,” he said.
He also emphasized the university’s infrastructural development, including what he called the “Blue Roof Revolution,” and expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and others for their support during his tenure.
“As a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, you are already part of our success story. I am confident FUOYE will continue to thrive under your leadership,” Fasina added.
A total of 7,684 students graduated at the convocation, including 7,396 undergraduates—with 131 earning First Class honours—and 288 postgraduates.
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