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 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may contest the 2027 Ogun State governorship election without its candidate, Ladi Adebutu, and his running mate, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, following their omission from the final list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A review of the commission’s portal by Daily Trust showed that the list contained 13 governorship candidates and their deputies, but did not include the PDP flagbearer and his running mate.

The final list was signed by INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, and his running mate, Kudirat Abiodun Balogun, were included in the list.

Jimi Lawal, an ally of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, was also listed as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Other political parties with candidates on the list include the A, AA, ADP, APM, APP, BP, NDP, NNPP, NRM, SDP and YPP.

INEC’s omission of the PDP candidates comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election. However, the commission did not provide a reason for excluding Adebutu and Sowunmi-Kolapo from the final list.

INEC Also Omits Pantami From Gombe Governorship Candidates’ List

In a related development, INEC has also omitted the name of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, from the final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027, governorship election in Gombe State.

Pantami’s name had appeared on the provisional list released by the commission on August 29 but was missing from the final list of 16 cleared candidates.

The final list features Bala Bello Tinka of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Babayo Ardo Kumo of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).

Other candidates cleared by INEC include Zubairu Mu’azu Halilu of the Labour Party, Lamela L. Silas of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Ibrahim Jalo Abubakar of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and Adamu Mohammed Ma’aji of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), among others.

The commission has not stated why Pantami’s name was excluded from the final list.