Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has praised the midfield partnership between Moisés Caicedo and Jordan Henderson following the Blues’ emphatic 5-1 victory over Bournemouth in the English Premier League (EPL) on Saturday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Alonso said the pair brought stability, balance and a better understanding of the game to Chelsea’s midfield, an area that had attracted concerns ahead of the encounter.

Henderson and Morgan Rogers both scored twice, while João Pedro also found the net as Chelsea returned from the international break with a commanding victory.

Speaking during his post-match press conference, Alonso was asked about the performance of Caicedo and Henderson and how effectively they worked together in midfield.

The Spanish tactician explained that although the two players possessed different qualities and positional attributes, they complemented each other well on the pitch.

“Both, in terms of qualities, are different, and in terms of positioning as well. I think that they help each other well and they give presence, they give stability.

“You know that they are going to be the ones that are going to be helping the rest, not just for their qualities because they understand the game.

“They can play in shorter spaces, but as well defensively, they give good balance,” Alonso said.

The Chelsea boss emphasised that strengthening the midfield was essential to the team’s continued development. He added that Caicedo and Henderson would be key figures in his efforts to establish a more effective unit.

“For me, it’s fundamental that we get that area strong and for sure with Moisés, Hendo played today, it was his second game,” he added.

Alonso also identified Romeo Lavia, Reece James and Valentin Barco as players who could provide additional options in midfield.

According to the manager, Lavia has already made useful contributions, while James has also featured in the middle of the park on several occasions.

Alonso said Chelsea would continue working to improve the department as he seeks to create a more balanced, dependable and competitive midfield capable of supporting the team’s ambitions.

;Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has dismissed the idea of relocating abroad, describing Nigeria as her home and the country that has shaped her life and career.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Buzz Day, Bello made the remarks during a panel discussion titled “20+ Years in the Media: Real Talk with Kike @7,” where she declared, “America trained me, but Nigeria made me.”

Responding to a question about what could inspire hope among young Nigerians building their careers in the country, the actress said she continued to see opportunities in Nigeria despite the challenges confronting the nation.

She explained that her previous experience living in the United States had not diminished her desire to remain in Nigeria, which she considers home.

Bello said, “I pray I never get the opportunity, as they call it, to go back. Yes, you’ll say because I’ve done it before. I’ve been there before. Yes, I agree with that. But because of the opportunities that I’ve seen in this country, and I am still seeing, I don’t ever want to go back. This is home, this is where it is.”

The actress acknowledged the difficulties many Nigerians face, particularly in the areas of electricity, education and healthcare. However, she encouraged young people to focus on personal development and make the most of the opportunities available to them.

She also advised aspiring professionals to remain authentic and dedicated to their chosen fields, noting that these qualities had helped sustain her career over the years.

According to her, young people should identify their talents, develop their skills and work hard to establish themselves.

She said, “Look within yourself, what do you have to offer? What is in your hands? Whatever it is that is in your hands to offer, study, learn and prove yourself worthy of it.

“For me to be here for so many years, first of all, I have to be authentic to who I am. If you lie, you keep having to remember the lies, if you tell the truth, it’s easy.”

Bello further highlighted the importance of faith in navigating life and pursuing personal ambitions, urging young Nigerians to “hold God tight” as they work towards achieving their goals

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared Kingsley Chinda, an ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Chinda, a former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, previously belonged to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before emerging as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the forthcoming governorship election.

His emergence as the APC candidate attracted attention among political stakeholders, particularly because reports of his defection to the ruling party had not received widespread publicity.

The development also drew scrutiny following the Supreme Court’s decision to restore Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026. The provisions address party membership registers and restrict political parties from presenting candidates who do not meet the stipulated membership registration requirements.

However, Chinda’s name appeared at number five on the 19-man list of candidates released by INEC on Saturday.

ADC Chieftain Questions Legality Of Chinda’s Candidacy

Meanwhile, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has challenged the APC to clarify the legal status of Chinda’s candidacy.

Eze questioned whether Chinda’s name was included in the verified APC membership register submitted to INEC within the legally prescribed period.

He made the remarks in response to the Supreme Court’s recent judgment affirming the validity of Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026.

The ADC chieftain described the ruling as an important judicial reaffirmation that political parties must comply with the law when conducting their internal electoral processes.

Section 77(5) stipulates that only party members whose names appear in the membership register submitted to INEC within the required period may participate in the relevant party exercise. Section 77(6) also prohibits the use of a different membership register for such an exercise.

In a statement made available to journalists on Friday, Eze argued that the central issue was no longer political propaganda but compliance with the law.

His challenge places renewed attention on whether Chinda’s emergence as the APC candidate satisfies the membership registration requirements upheld by the Supreme Court.