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UCL: Chelsea edge Benfica as Mourinho suffers Stamford Bridge return defeat

Chelsea secured their first Champions League win of the season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Benfica at Stamford Bridge, courtesy of a calamitous own goal from Richard Rios.

The result eased pressure on head coach Enzo Maresca, whose side had lost three of their last four matches.

Rios own goal separates the sides

The decisive moment came in the first half when Pedro Neto’s cross found Alejandro Garnacho who returned the ball into the box only for Rios to turn it into his own net.

It was a rare highlight in an otherwise tense contest, with Chelsea once again struggling for fluency in attack.

Benfica, managed by former Blues boss Jose Mourinho, threatened early as Dodi Lukebakio hit the post and later forced Robert Sanchez into a save.

Mourinho, making an emotional return to west London, was booked in the second half after protesting a free-kick decision.

Chelsea still unconvincing despite win

Maresca fielded a makeshift lineup due to injuries, starting 18-year-old Tyrique George in attack and handing Facundo Buonanotte a surprise start.

Despite flashes from Neto and Garnacho, Chelsea failed to create clear chances after the interval, while Benfica pushed for an equaliser.

The Blues ended the night with 10 men after substitute Joao Pedro received a second yellow card late on, continuing a troubling run of red cards in recent weeks.

For Mourinho, it was another frustrating night at Stamford Bridge, extending his record as an opposing manager at the ground to just one win in eight attempts.

For Chelsea, the three points provide relief but also underline the work Maresca faces in steadying an inconsistent side.

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UCL: Mbappé bags hat-trick as Real Madrid thrash Kairat Almaty 5-0

Real Madrid bounced back from their derby defeat to Atletico with a 5-0 thumping of Kairat Almaty in their Champions League league phase fixture at the Ortalyq Stadion.

Mbappé hat-trick leads the charge

The hosts nearly stunned Madrid in the opening seconds, but Thibaut Courtois denied a close-range header.

Madrid then took control, earning the breakthrough when Franco Mastantuono was fouled by teenage goalkeeper Sherhan Kalmurza. Kylian Mbappé converted the penalty with ease.

The Frenchman doubled the lead early in the second half with a delicate chip over Kalmurza, before completing his hat-trick in the 73rd minute after good work from Rodrygo and Arda Güler. It marked Mbappé’s fourth Champions League treble.

Camavinga and Díaz complete the rout

Eduardo Camavinga marked his return from injury with a well-taken header for Madrid’s fourth goal, while Brahim Díaz added a fifth in stoppage time, finishing off a pass from Gonzalo García.

The emphatic victory keeps Madrid’s Champions League campaign on track and restores confidence after their derby setback.

Xabi Alonso’s men now prepare to face Villarreal next in La Liga.

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2026 World Cup Qualifiers: South Africa’s Reaction After Being Deducted Three Points

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has reacted after FIFA deducted three points and imposed a fine on its national team, Bafana Bafana for fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March.

Recall that the ruling was given on Monday by FIFA.
South Africa had breached disciplinary rules by playing Mokoena, who should have been suspended after collecting two yellow cards earlier in the qualifying campaign.
Bafana had initially won the March 21 match 2-0, but FIFA overturned the result and awarded Lesotho a 3-0 victory.
The punishment dramatically shifts the Group C table. South Africa’s six-point lead over Nigeria has now been cut to three, while Benin Republic move top of the standings on goal difference.
SAFA, however, insists the sanction is both harsh and procedurally unfair. “As SAFA, we are deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome, noting that it was delivered by a single-member panel without reasons, and without affording the association an opportunity to present legal arguments,” the body said in a statement.
The association added: “We have requested written reasons for the judgment and intend to lodge a formal appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee within the prescribed 10-day period under FIFA’s disciplinary rules.”
With the appeal pending, South Africa face a tense end to the qualifiers. Hugo Broos’ men must now win their final two fixtures against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in October to strengthen their World Cup hopes.
Meanwhile, Benin Republic look set to profit most from FIFA’s ruling. They host Rwanda in their next match before a potentially decisive showdown against Nigeria. The Super Eagles, who also take on Zimbabwe in their penultimate game, must win to keep their qualification hopes alive.
The Group C race, once seemingly tilted in South Africa’s favour, is now wide open with just two rounds left to play.
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Mide Martins Isn’t a Wicked Woman – Afeez Owo Hails Wife

Actor and producer Afeez Owo has opened up about his unique relationship with his wife and colleague, Mide.

According to him, Mide is a wonderful partner who is neither strict nor “wicked” at home or in public.
Afeez stated this while speaking in a recent interview on Oyinmomo TV.
Afeez opened up about their 22-year marriage, revealing that the couple share unique and unconventional pet names.
He explained that their union thrives on balance rather than extremes of strictness or calmness, attributing their lasting relationship to God’s faithfulness and the equilibrium they have maintained over the years.
He said, “I call her Iya Alekuleja, and she calls me Baba Elere. Those aren’t the usual pet names like dear or honey, but it works for us because of the closeness we share.
Our marriage isn’t the kind where the husband has to be overly strict or the wife has to remain overly calm; we’ve built it on balance, and God has been faithful to us.
 
“22 years of marriage is no small thing. Ajoke, thank you for putting up with me. I swear to God, my wife is not a wicked woman, whether at home or in public”.
The couple has been married since 2003 and has two beautiful daughters together.
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How Being Nice Cost Me N18m – Ola of Lagos

Popular content creator, Ola of Lagos has opened up that he lost N18m because of his kindness.
According to him, being nice during a business deal left him coughing out N18m.
He stated that the incident taught him a bitter lesson.
He said, “I once did a business, not really out of pity but out of being too nice, and it left me with an ₦18 million debt. Imagine having to pull ₦18 million from your pocket to settle a debt you shouldn’t have incurred in the first place. It makes no sense,”
 
“That experience made me decide never to be too nice again. Of course, I still show love to the streets, but now I do it with sense,”
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When Will You Now Blow Into Marriage? – Singer Joeboy Shares Conversation With His Mother About Him Getting Married

Popular singer, Joeboy has shared a message he got from his mother about getting married.
He shared the message in a post on his Instagram page.
Taking to his Instagram Stories, he shared a video of a voice note his mother sent, expressing concern that he is still single.
In the audio, his mother acknowledged that he has attained success as a musician but asked when that success would translate into marriage.
 
“You have blown, but when will you now blow into marriage?” the concerned mum asked.
She went on to compare him to his colleagues, Adekunle Gold and Davido who are successful musicians and are married.

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Runs Girls, Influencers to Pay Tax – FG

The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele has revealed that runs girls will pay tax in the new tax reform laws.
According to him, this is because the new tax reform laws make no distinction between legitimate and illegitimate sources of income.
The reforms, signed into law in June, consolidate four major legislations: the Nigerian Tax Act (NTA), the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA), the Nigerian Revenue Service (Establishment) Act (NRSEA), and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act (JRBEA)
The NRSEA and JRBEA will take effect on 26 June 2025, while the NTA and NTAA will commence on 1 January 2026.
Speaking during a “Tax Compliance and Planning” session hosted by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and streamed live on YouTube on 26 September, Oyedele stressed that anyone earning income from providing services would be required to pay tax.
 
“If someone is rendering a service, such a person will pay tax. There’s this extreme example that you probably should not even say in a church, but just to bring it home, if somebody is doing runs with girls. They go and look for men to sleep with. You know, that’s a service. They will pay tax on it. One thing about the tax law is that it does not separate whether what you are doing is legitimate. It doesn’t even ask you. It just asks you whether you have an income. Did you get it from renting a service or providing a good, you pay tax? So if you give upkeep to anyone, they’re free. They won’t pay tax.”
 
He added that the reforms also extend to social media influencers and Nigerians working remotely for foreign companies, especially those paid in foreign currency.
Oyedele, however, emphasized that the new laws are designed to ease the tax burden on 90 per cent of Nigerian workers, reflecting the government’s broader efforts to generate revenue amid dwindling oil income and growing fiscal pressures.
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BBNaija 10: Kola Serves Punishment For Revealing Red Telephone Conversation

Biggie has revealed the punishment Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate, Kola will serve for breaking one of the show’s core rules on confidentiality.

On Monday, Head of House Jason Jae relayed Big Brother’s verdict stating that Kola would be barred from speaking until further notice.
Big Brother added that he is only allowed to communicate through a writing pad during conversations.
The disciplinary action followed Kola’s decision to reveal details of a confidential red telephone conversation, despite being warned not to share its contents with fellow housemates.
The private call involved Agent X offering Kola a luxury manicure and pedicure session at the cost of ₦1 million, to be deducted from the grand prize.
Kola, however, declined the offer.
“Kola, you discussed part of your conversation on the red telephone despite being warned that you weren’t to discuss it with any of your fellow housemates during the course of your stay in Big Brother’s house.
 
“As punishment, you’re forbidden from speaking till further notice. For the duration of this punishment, you’re only to communicate by writing on the writing pad that Big Brother has provided, except when speaking to Big Brother.
 
“Each time you’re involved in a conversation, you have to write on the writing pad, and the housemate you’re addressing must read your words aloud before responding, and that has to continue for the duration of the conversation,” Big Brother said.
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I Can’t Be Sharing Money – Bovi Opens Up On Split With Basketmouth (Video)

Bovi, a popular Nigerian comedian, has finally opened up why he parted ways with Basketmouth.
Speaking in a viral interview on social media, Bovi reflected on his collaboration with Basketmouth, revealing that they parted ways due to his perception of financial independence.
While stating that he could no longer be sharing money with his colleagues after collaborations, Bovi noted that the decision has granted him the opportunity to grow financially.
 
“Basketmouth and I are cool. Nothing happened. Interests changed. I wanted to focus more and spend more time with my family, and also to elevate myself.
 
“I easily get bored doing something for too long, so I try something else. As you know, I went back to TV because I wanted to build my own brand. When I host shows at Eko Hotels, it fills up. So, why should I go and share money? Why should we be many doing one show?” he asked.
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Spotify Names Burna Boy Top Afrobeats Artist of The Year

Nigerian star, Burna Boy has been named number one Afrobeats artist of 2025 by streaming giant, Spotify.
This followed the release of Spotify’s list of 2025 Top Afrobeats Artists.
The list is entirely occupied by Nigerians, with Burna Boy as number one.
The platform ranked Rema as number two and Wizkid as number three.
Asake and Roc Nation’s latest signee, Ayra Starr complete the top 5.
Davido, who is widely regarded as one of the “Afrobeats Big 3” along with Wizkid and Burna Boy, was conspicuously missing from the list.
Spotify also released the list of the countries consuming Afrobeats the most in the year.
The United States topped the list, followed by Brazil, France, United Kingdom, Germany, and Nigeria.

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