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Chelsea 3-0 Barcelona: Estevao delivers statement performance in brutal Champions League routing

Chelsea executed a high-impact, confidence-building demolition of Barcelona on Tuesday night Champions League, setting a strong tone ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.

In a contest stripped of real jeopardy by the bloated league-stage format, the Blues still treated it like a marquee occasion, dominating from start to finish and showing a level of operational efficiency Barcelona simply couldn’t match.

Despite having three goals ruled out, Chelsea overwhelmed the Spanish champions, who were undone by their own errors and the brilliance of 18-year-old Estevao.

The Brazilian delivered a decisive second-half strike and outshone his hyped counterpart, Lamine Yamal, who endured a torrid evening on and off the pitch.

Chelsea take control as Barcelona implode

The evening’s turning point came courtesy of Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo, whose reckless two bookings before the interval crippled his side.

Already trailing to a Jules Kounde own goal, Barca’s discipline collapsed, handing Chelsea full command of the match.

Estevao, previously most effective from the bench, showed maturity beyond his years, repeatedly stretching Barcelona’s structure and dictating tempo on the flank.

His goal, a blistering near-post finish after outmuscling Pau Cubarsi and slipping ahead of Alejandro Balde, validated the hype surrounding him.

Liam Delap later added a composed third, securing his first Champions League goal after a successful VAR review.

Chelsea’s tally of three disallowed goals showed their territorial dominance. Fernandez twice put the ball in the net only to see both wiped out, and Santos suffered a similar fate just moments before Estevao’s breakthrough.

Barcelona outgunned, outpaced, and outthought

Hansi Flick’s side struggled to maintain coherence throughout. Defensive misalignments, porous midfield spacing, and an erratic press made them easy prey for Chelsea’s vertical transitions.

Yamal’s withdrawal late on, amid mocking chants from the home crowd, summed up Barca’s night.

Chelsea, meanwhile, showed depth and tactical flexibility. Enzo Maresca’s decision to deploy Pedro Neto as a false nine facilitated fluid rotations that constantly disrupted Barcelona’s defensive reference points.

Cucurella, Garnacho, James, and Santos all contributed high-impact moments, while Robert Sanchez survived a shaky early moment to settle well.

Momentum for Arsenal clash

Chelsea’s six-point gap to Arsenal remains, but the strategic value of this performance is undeniable.

Sunday presents another test when they face Arsenal in a title race encounter.

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It Feels Like Home – Nigerian Singer, Ayra Starr Confirms She Has Moved To New York (Video)

Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, the Nigerian music sensation, who is better known as Ayra Starr, has confirmed that she has relocated to New York City.

The singer shared the update during a video call with Buck n Regg, explaining that while she has always spent significant time in the city, the move is now formal.

“Um, like less than a, like less than two months… officially,” Ayra Starr said, adding that she has always felt connected to New York.

“I’m a New Yorker in my spirit. I feel it. New York reminds me so much of Lagos… there’s lots of Nigerians here, a huge African diaspora, so it feels like home.”

The statement confirms that Ayra Starr is not only traveling frequently but has also made New York her base, reflecting the growing presence of Nigerian artists in international music hubs.

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My 2021 Facial Injury Is Still Affecting How I Eat — Victor Osimhen Opens Up (Video)

Super Eagles and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has opened up about the lasting impact of the facial injury he sustained in 2021, explaining why he still wears a protective mask four years later.

In a video shared on X on Tuesday by user AsakyGRN, the 26-year-old told Turkish outlet Fanatik that nerve damage from the injury still affects his ability to eat.

“Now, I only eat on the right side of my face,” he said. “I can’t eat through the other side. The left side doesn’t function properly anymore.”

Osimhen sustained the injury in November 2021 during a Serie A match between Napoli and Inter Milan after a collision with Milan Škriniar.

He suffered multiple facial fractures, including a broken cheekbone and eye socket, and required 18 screws and a titanium plate during reconstructive surgery.

Doctors initially feared he could lose vision in his left eye. Although he recovered, he said he has continued to experience numbness, and limited movement on the left side of his face.

Recalling the incident, he said, “A cross came in from the wing. I went up for the header, and he pulled his head back. It wasn’t intentional, but I hit his skull with my chin and the bone shattered everywhere.

“They took me to a hospital in Milan. First, they checked with X-ray, then they ordered an MRI. The doctor said, ‘You need surgery.’ I refused at first — ‘There’s no way I’m having surgery.’ But it was the only way to continue playing football. I had no choice.”

He added, “I still feel numbness and sometimes pain. When I smile, only one side of my mouth moves fully. Eating is the biggest daily reminder; food falls out if I try to use the left side.”

 

Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 15 appearances across competitions this season.

The protective mask, originally prescribed after surgery, has remained part of his equipment due to the lasting effects of the injury.

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Strike: ASUU NEC To Review FG’s Final Terms On Wednesday

The National Executive Council of the Academic Staff Union of Universities is set to meet on Wednesday to determine the union’s next steps following the conclusion of renegotiations conducted by the Federal Government-appointed committee led by Yayale Ahmed, The PUNCH reports.

In a last-minute effort to avert a fresh ASUU strike, the government’s renegotiation team reconvened talks with the union on Monday.

The meeting, which began yesterday, is expected to formally conclude today (Tuesday), according to a senior ASUU NEC member who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions placed on media engagement during the negotiation process.

“The renegotiation meeting started on Monday and will end on Tuesday. After that, NEC will meet and determine our next steps by Wednesday. Everyone will know the outcome then,” the NEC member said.

ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the Federal Government elapsed on Saturday, heightening anxiety across public universities.

The union has repeatedly threatened a full-scale strike, accusing the government of a “nonchalant” attitude towards its longstanding demands.

The demands include the review of the 2009 ASUU–Federal Government agreement, payment of outstanding salaries and earned allowances, and the release of funds for university revitalisation.

Despite these grievances, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who is currently out of the country, insists that the government has met the union’s demands.

Speaking to State House correspondents two weeks ago, Alausa reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s directive that no strike should occur in public universities, stressing that negotiations were ongoing.

“As I told you, the President has mandated us that he doesn’t want ASUU to go on strike, and we’re doing everything humanly possible to ensure that our students stay in school,” he said.

“We’ve met nearly all their requirements and have returned to the negotiation table. We will resolve this.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress has declared its support for ASUU, warning that it will “fight alongside the academic community” if the government fails to address the union’s demands.

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I Want Nine Kids – BBNaija Star, Liquorose Reveals, Offers Fresh Glimpse Into Her Private Life

Roseline Omokhoa Afije, a former Big Brother Naija housemate, who is popularly known as Liquorose, has shared her vision for family life, highlighting aspirations that showcase her personal growth and openness.

In an interview on the Off the Top podcast with VJ Adams, on Tuesday, she said, “I want nine kids,” surprising fans with her candidness about future plans.

The conversation went beyond her public persona, offering fans a rare glimpse into her private life, her plans, and the next chapter of her career.

During the podcast, Liquorose reflected on her evolving views on marriage, maintaining that as a young woman, she imagined a quiet, private wedding.

“Growing up, I used to be that girl who could get married, and nobody would know.

“At one point, I thought… I want a two-week wedding. I want something loud because it’s going to be a lot. Liquorose is taken! Officially. I have to do that,” the 30-year-old actress admitted.

Her celebration plans are carefully thought out, as she revealed she wants to mark the end of singlehood with several days of festivities.

“I have to party for like five days before the wedding. Party as a single girl, just have fun. I want something loud,” she explained.

She also emphasized the importance of a private moment reserved just for her and her partner.

“But I would have one celebration for myself that nobody will even have to see. It would just be me and whoever the person would be. Just me and him,” she added.

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BREAKING: CBN Retains Interest Rate At 27%

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria has opted to keep the benchmark interest rate steady at 27 percent.

CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, announced the decision on Tuesday following the apex bank’s 303rd MPC meeting in Abuja.

Cardoso stated that the committee also resolved to keep all other monetary policy indicators unchanged.

He noted that the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) remains at 45 per cent for commercial banks and 16 per cent for merchant banks, while the 75 per cent CRR on non-TSA public sector deposits was equally maintained.

Cardoso added that the Liquidity Ratio was retained at 30 per cent, and the Standing Facilities Corridor was adjusted to +50/-450 basis points around the Monetary Policy Rate.

The decision comes as Nigeria records its seventh consecutive month of declining inflation, which eased to 16.05 per cent in September 2025.

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Why I Couldn’t Take Part In BBNaija 2025 – Chidimma Adetshina Opens Up (Video)

Chidimma Adetshina, former Miss Universe Nigeria, has revealed why she was unable to join the 2025 Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show, despite previously expressing interest.

In August 2024, the beauty queen disclosed her intention to join this year’s BBNaija edition.

But she eventually missed out on the show, which wrapped up in October with Imisi emerging winner of the N80 million cash prize and a brand new SUV.

In a video shared via her X page, Adetshina revealed that her manager stopped her from joining BBNaija’s 10th edition because she was still Miss Universe Nigeria.

The beauty queen disclosed that she plans to participate in the 2026 BBNaija edition. She added that she enjoyed her stay in Nigeria and hopes to return soon.

“I really enjoyed my stay in Nigeria, and even now, like I said, once I get my documents sorted, I am going back. Nigeria was really great for me,” she said.

“The eight months I spent there were amazing. I feel there is more to explore; there are so many opportunities in Nigeria.

“I also want to do Big Brother next year. I wanted to do it this year, but my manager said I couldn’t because I’m still Miss Universe Nigeria.”

In November 2024, Adetshina revealed plan to take a break from pageants to focus on her education, modeling, and acting career.

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You Will Regret Not Signing Me – Controversial Singer, Portable Tells Olamide

Portable, the controversial Nigerian singer has publicly called out rapper Olamide, claiming that the hitmaker will one day regret not signing him.

The hitmaker claimed that Olamide neglected him and would come to regret his decision not to sign him to his record label YBNL.

“You will regret not signing me. I believe in God, my phone, and sub. Any disappointment is a blessing, Zazuu, I am blessed internationally, I get fan base,” he wrote.

“If you forget me my own God no go forget me God bless Skepta my Helper wey carry me from where them stop.

“When my time comes you no fit stop me.

“Olamide Bado go regret why him no sign me or carry me alongside again just because I fight for my own right.

“God of Zazuu is coming for you people too those who dey block my ways i believe i can fly star don’t beg to shine God Sent my Helper to me I international so I can be big more than them.”

“Love who love you Support those who support you them fit carry you a trabaye make them still dey hate on you because you no be mumu. If you spoil me for who love me you go die young.”

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I Had No Blueprint While Coming Up As An Artist, I Had To Build A Structure For Myself – Wizkid New Claim (Video)

Wizkid, the world-famous Nigerian singer, has stirred controversy after stating that he had no blueprint during his rise to fame, despite having launched his career under Banky W’s record label.

The Ojuelegba crooner made the statement in a snippet of his upcoming HBO documentary Long Live Lagos.

“There was no blueprint for me. I had to build a structure for myself,” he claimed.

His comment sparked debate on social media, with many insisting that it not only downplayed Banky W’s impact on his career but also disrespected the great Nigerian musicians who paved the way for the new generation of artists.

Wizkid, however, admitted elsewhere in the documentary that Fela Kuti inspired him to pursue music.

“Fela Kuti was instrumental to why I believe I could really make music,” he said.

Some of the reactions on X include:

Franko_Nero wrote: “I still vividly remember the day that Bankole [Banky W] announced on a show that he wants to introduce a boy wonder, a germ in the making. Today, this ungrateful child is claiming otherwise. If Banky knew that today would come, I am sure he would have chased him far away.”

Arhcent said: “This guy is erasing the role Banky W and EME played in his career. The person Banky picked from school into the studio is saying ‘I had to build a structure for myself.’ God sees all.”

Duke of Isoko wrote: “If he never built a structure, Banky probably wouldn’t have noticed him. This dude came out with his own style of music, dressing sense, etc., but I understand that English is a problem in this place.”

Sir Dickson opined: “People are debating this with reference to Banky’s impact in his life. There is no real context to that. I believe he was speaking about his style of music. He reinvented himself. Wiz has never denied Banky’s impact, nor can he. Let’s calm down.”

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I Am Not Shy, I’m Just Laid Back – Nigerian Rapper, Olamide Addresses Misconception (Video)

Olamide Baddo, the famous Nigerian rapper, has addressed the misconception that he is shy.

Speaking in a recent interview with Ada’s Room, Baddo explained that he isn’t shy but laid back.

“One thing I wish people could understood about me is I am not shy, I am just laid back,”he said.

The host asked: “What is the difference between shy and laid back?”

Olamide responded: “Shy is when you don’t have the confidence and the charisma to stand people or look them in the eye or have conversations with them.

“But being laid back is you just don’t want to be bothered. People think I am shy but I am not.”

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