The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Projects, SERAP, has reacted to President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive that suspension of Twitter be lifted based on certain conditions.
SERAP said it rejects the “conditional” lifting of the ban on Twitter.
The body urged the president to immediately and unconditionally lift the suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria.
According to SERAP, such a measure would allow Nigerians to exercise their right to freedom of expression.
In a tweet, SERAP wrote: “BREAKING: We reject ‘conditional’ lifting of ban on Twitter in Nigeria by the Buhari administration.
“President Buhari must immediately and unconditionally lift the illegal suspension of Twitter, and allow Nigerians to freely exercise their right to freedom of expression.”
Buhari on Friday announced that he had directed a conditional lifting of the ban placed on Twitter.
The president had disclosed this in his nationwide broadcast to Nigerians to mark the nation’s 61st independence.
He directed that the suspension of Twitter be lifted, only if the conditions by the presidential committee are met.
The Nigerian government had banned Twitter due to some of the activities carried out on the platform.
Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture had said Twitter was used to carry out activities against the corporate existence of Nigeria.
A woman has sustained severe injuries after she jumped off a moving vehicle to escape a rape attempt by the driver.
According to one Kiseng Mamasonya, who shared the photos on Facebook on Thursday, September 30, the driver had given her friend a lift but during the journey, he attempted to rape her.
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"Ladies be careful. My friend got a lift a ya lebowakgomo hospital ka 14:00. The driver wanted to rape her, luckily she managed to get out of the car while he was driving" she wrote
In a quest to stylishly obey IPOB order, most banks in the east were seen not hoisting the Nigeria flag. Recall, IPOB has warned that Nigerian flag must not be erected anywhere at the eastern states during independence celebration. See the photos below..
Dangote’s ex-lover, Allarounda says it’s her turn to tell her truth as the law suit against her gets dismissed.
Allarounda had taken to Instagram to cry out about being sued for refusing the money she was paid to stay silent about her relationship with the business mogul. According to her, Aliko Dangote sued her for refusing to be silenced with money. See her post below..
Whitemoney has revealed he will be getting married in a year or two.
He made this revelation to Pere in the on going big brother house.
Pere had asked him if he will be getting married and Whitemoney replied saying yes, but not now.
When probed about why he won’t be getting married now, Whitemoney said he needs to have a financial stability before he brings a woman into his house, and he will definetely sort this between a year or two and a woman can come.
About four months after President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the ban of social networking platform, Twitter, as the country celebrates its 61st independence, the ban has now been conditionally lifted. The President on Friday morning, stated he had directed a conditional lifting of the ban placed on the operations of app in Nigeria in June.
Buhari revealed this in his nationwide broadcast to Nigerians to mark the nation’s 61st independence. The President said,
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“Social media is a very useful platform that has enabled millions of Nigerians to connect with loved ones, promote their businesses, socialise, and access news and other information.
“However, recent events have shown that the platform is not just an innocuous platform for information dissemination.
“Rather some users have misused the platform to organise, coordinate, and execute criminal activities, propagate fake news, and promote ethnic and religious sentiments.
“To address these negative trends, the Federal Government of Nigeria suspended the operations of Twitter in Nigeria on June 5, 2021 to allow the Government put measures in place to address these challenges.
“Following the suspension of Twitter operations, Twitter Inc. reached out to the Federal Government of Nigeria to resolve the impasse. Subsequently, I constituted a Presidential Committee to engage Twitter to explore the possibility of resolving the issue.
“The Committee, along with its Technical Team, has engaged with Twitter and have addressed a number of key issues. These are National Security and Cohesion; Registration, Physical presence and Representation; Fair Taxation; Dispute Resolution; and Local Content.
“Following the extensive engagements, the issues are being addressed and I have directed that the suspension be lifted but only if the conditions are met to allow our citizens continue the use of the platform for business and positive engagements.
“As a country, we are committed to ensuring that digital companies use their platform to enhance the lives of our citizens, respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, cultural values and promote online safety.”
A video shared online has shown the moment a mother of four scattered the wedding of her husband who abandoned them to marry another wife.
Narrating the story and what led her to take the drastic decision, the mother of four told Afrimax;
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“I am a mother of five children. One day I was working on the farm and I received a phone call that my husband who abandoned us years ago, was getting married to another wife.
After getting the information, I could not hold it so I rushed with my little children to ruin the wedding, then I called the media and asked them to cover the story of how I am going to ruin this wedding. I got to the church and foqrtunately I arrived when the pastor was about to pronounce them as husband and wife.
So in front of everyone, I grabbed my husband and I expressed my pain and sorrow. When they tried to stop me, I broke down in tears as I explained my story to them and how he abandoned me”
Amidst heavy criticisms, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has returned to his Oke-Mosan office, Abeokuta on Thursday.
Abiodun, who returned almost same time as the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, signed that anti-open grazing bill into law. Recall that the State House of Assembly has passed the Animal Grazing Regulation and Cattle Ranch Establishment Law on July 8.
Since then, Gov Abiodun did not assent to the bill, despite a resolution by southern governors that it should be passed on or before August 31.
As Abiodun returned to his table today, he assented to the bill during a Security Council meeting, calling on security agencies to swing into action immediately and enforce provisions of the law.
He said this is a subject matter that had been discussed along the length and breadth of the country and which “we southern governors have discussed and endorsed.”
“Cattle rearers have six-month period of grace before it becomes illegal in Ogun state for them to occupy unapproved public areas and private land with their livestock for grazing.
“The law also prohibits the act of moving cattle around public places by herders.
“A committee headed by the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina has been set up to midwife the implementation and enforcement of the new law.
“By implication, in six months, it will become unlawful to openly graze cattle or other livestock in the state,” Abiodun was quoted as saying.
It was reported that Nigerians called out Abiodun, his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele and Speaker Oluomo for jetting out of the country same time.
On Thursday, the New Nigeria People’s Party submitted a petition at the Assembly complex, asking the lawmakers to commence impeachment process against Abiodun and his Deputy.
Gov Abiodun is yet to comment about his foreign trip and the furore it generated.
Team News West Ham United Ryan Fredericks has been ruled out of the contest after picking up an injury against Manchester United in the cup tie last week. In addition, fellow right-back Vladimir Coufal is also a doubt for Thursday’s game, potentially posing an issue to David Moyes. Changes will be expected across the field, but the manager is expected to stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
Alphonse Areola, who did well against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup last midweek, should get a run-out ahead of Lukasz Fabianski in goal for West Ham. With Fredericks out and Coufal a doubt, young Ben Johnson should get the nod at right-back but Aaron Cresswell is expected to hold on to his spot on the left. Craig Dawson and Issa Diop should pair up at the heart of the Hammers’ defence.
The central midfield duo of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek is critical for West Ham’s gameplay and should, thus, be retained in the side against the Austrian outfit. There will, however, be changes in the final third of the pitch, with Manuel Lanzini expected to get a game as the No. 10 from where he will look to provide a goal threat while creating chances for his teammates.
Summer signing Nikola Vlasic ought to get a run-out as well, potentially from the left flank while Andriy Yarmolenko should feature on the right wing, with Pablo Fornals, Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma all being options from the bench. Michail Antonio remains the sole choice to lead the line for Moyes’ side.
Rapid Wien Christopher Dibon, Richard Strebinger, Oliver Strunz and Lion Schuster are all sidelined with injuries for Rapid Wien and will play no part in London on Thursday night. Manager Dietmar Kuhbauer is expected to set his team up in a 4-4-2 formation in front of goalkeeper Paul Gartler, who will be hoping to keep Michail Antonio & co. away.
Leo Greiml and Maximilian Hofmann will form the centre-back partnership who will have their hands full containing the pace and power of Antonio while Maximilian Ullmann ought to line up at left-back, where Andriy Yarmolenko could make life difficult for him. Filip Stojkovic should start at right-back for the visitors.
Emanuel Aiwu and Srdjan Grahovac ought to line up in the midfield pivot positions. The duo should largely stay deep and play behind the ball to try and keep West Ham at bay while trying to release the two wingers, Kelvin Arase and Marco Grull, to try and exploit the Hammers on the break.
Ercan Kara and Taxiarchis Fountas should form the strike-partnership for the Austrian giants.
Team News Tottenham Hotspur Steven Bergwijn and Ryan Sessegnon are the only absentees, as Nuno Espirito Santo does not have any new injuries to contend with. With no suspensions either, the manager is likely to field a typical Europa Conference League team, as he has done in the three games in the competition so far.
There certainly will be many alterations from the North London Derby, with Pierluigi Gollini, Joe Rodon, Cristian Romero, Bryan Gil and Oliver Skipp all expected to walk into the lineup.
Nuno might choose to rest Heung-min Son, who has probably been their brightest player this season. Dele Alli could also be dropped in favour of Giovani Lo Celso, while Harry Winks could get an outing in Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s midfield spot.
In attack, Harry Kane might retain his place as he tries to find his goalscoring rhythm after enduring a tough start to the season. Gil and Lucas Moura are expected to provide support in attacks from wide areas.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Gollini; Tanganga, Romero, Rodon, Davies; Winks, Skipp, Lo Celso; Lucas, Kane, Gil
Mura Ante Simundza could name a similar lineup from the first matchday against Vitesse. There will be slight changes, though, especially at the back. Centre-half Matic Marusko, who unusually wears the no.9 shirt, is available again after a suspension and could come back into the lineup.
Maruska should replace Zan Karnicnik in defence. Matko Obradovic should be keeping his place between the posts, with a back four to shield him. Klemen Pucko, Marusko, Jan Gorenc and Klemen Sturm are all pencilled in to start in defence.
A midfield five is what the manager likes to field, with Alen Kozar, Tomi Horwat, Ziga Kous, Mitja Lotric and Ziga Skoflek all playing there to support top-scorer and striker Amadej Marosa upfront.
Former BBNaija housemate, Alex Asogwa has surprised her Father on his Birthday.
According to the BBNaija star, she stated that the last time she saw her father was on January 2021, and today she went to his working place to surprise him as he clocks a year older.
In the video, It is seen that Alex Visited her dad as she brought a Huge cake which was decorated with different colors.
A Nigerian national who played the role of a drug trafficker in the south Indian movie ‘Singam 2’, was caught by the Bengaluru police for allegedly peddling drugs. Soon after the news spread on Thursday, Twitterati’s reacted to it by posting several memes and funny comments.
According to the reports, the Nigerian named Chekuwame Malvin played the sinister role, a henchman of the antagonist Danny Sapani in Tamil blockbuster flick ‘Singam 2’ starring Suriya and Anushka Shetty.
It is reported that Malwin was caught redhanded by the police when the accused was allegedly peddling narcotic substance to students and some businessmen in the city. The police recovered 15 grams of MMDA commonly known as “ecstasy” or “molly”, 250 ml of hashish oil — all worth Rs 8 lakh along with mobile phones and cash of Rs 2,500. A case has been booked against the accused under section of Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985.
Malwin had also acted in the movies like Kannada film ‘Anna Bond’, ‘Paramathma’ including Kamal Haasan’s 2013 box office hit ‘Vishwaroopam’ and Bollywood film ‘Dilwale’. It is learned that the Nigerian has been living in India with a medical visa and he also underwent a month of training at a film institute located in Mumbai.
Meanwhile, it was a field day for some of the trollers as the news spread on social media. A social media user commented, “Hari sir, the most real director ever.”
The husband of one of the evicted Big Brother Naija housemate, Tega, has warned the public to desist from referring to him as her husband, as he also has a name.
The entrepreneur, who is the CEO of his firm took to his Instagram story to issue the disclaimer on Wednesday, September 29th.
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“You all should stop addressing me as Tega’s husband. My name is Ajeboh CEO,” Ajeboh, wrote.
Tega during her stay in the Big Brother Naija House, was in the publci for possibly the wrong reasons, so they say.
She trended several times over her intimate affair with a fellow housemate, Boma. Tega, a mother of one, also received several scathing attacks on social media after her rump with Boma went viral on social media.
Amid the backlash, the reality star had said she would move on if her marriage crashes after she left the show.
AJ had also said he would forgive Tega if she was remorseful for her actions in the TV show.
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“I am surprised and I didn’t believe that was my wife. Tega is a god-fearing woman. She has never for one day disobeyed me or even tried to…Mehn! This is a different Tega I am seeing,” AJ had said at the time. “I know she knows what she did was very bad but she needs us more than ever. I don’t think I should abandon her because she needs me. If she comes back and says she is really sorry, I will give her a second chance.”
The Katsina Police Command has recorded another breakthrough with the arrest of a bandit kingpin who confessed to have lost count of people he has killed or kidnapped.
50 years old Surajo Mamman, popularly known as ‘Kutaku’, said he is the second in command to Sani Muhidinge, a wanted notorious bandit on government watchlist hibernating in Rugu forest, between Katsina and Zamfara States.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP. Isah Gambo, paraded the notorious bandit alongside others before newsmen on Wednesday at the state police headquarters.
“I have been involved in kidnapping and other banditry related crimes for a very long time now. I cannot remember the exact number of people I have killed or kidnapped but they are many.
“Actually, I didn’t really see anything wrong with my involvement in the act until I was arrested. But my eyes are opened now.”
He further confessed to have participated in so many attacks, kidnapping and cattle rustling in villages at Dan Musa, Safana, Dutsinma and Batsari LGA of the state.
Nigerian male barbie, Bobrisky has been reportedly sent packing from the US Embassy.
According to a Gist Lovers Blog, the controversial crossdresser was turned back while trying to run from Nigeria on Tuesday morning, 28th September 2021.
He is alleged also to be running away from people he is owing.
The report further revealed that Bobrisky was questioned on his source of income, and he revealed has been selling skincare products for the past eight years.
The blogger added that Bobrisky was spotted at the US embassy in a red dress while advising those having a business with Bobrisky to collect their money before he escaped.
He wrote;
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“Hello tueh tueh, Biko o I no fit settle fight o, if Idris is owing you please get your money before he run comot o, information reaching vawulence headquarters now be say Bob was sighted at the US embassy this morning. Them reject am.
“Him say he get costmetic line say him dey sell hair join. Say him dey do skin care business for the past 8 years too. According to our source, he was wearing a red bubu, collect your money o Bobo wan raun o, I come in peace. Make Una collect Una money o,Igi Ewedu oni wo pawa o.”
More facts have emerged on how gunmen on Monday evening kidnapped three individuals in coordinated strikes at different locations in Lagos state.
The masked men, who were armed, invaded a worksite in the Ajah area and whisked away a retired Air Vice Marshal (AVM) and former Chief of Logistics of the Nigerian Air Force, Sikiru Oladimeji Smith.
A prominent pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and insurance broker was taken alongside his wife around Dopemu in the Agege area of the state on their way home.
The driver was thereafter forced into one of the cars used by the kidnappers suspected to be stolen, the Nation reported.
In an SOS voice note shared by his driver, Corporal Odiji, the retired AVM engaged in a struggle with the gunmen before he was subdued and taken away in a boat.
He was quoted as saying:
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“Good evening house. Please, this is an emergency. I am Corporal Odiji, attached to AVM Smith. “Oga was just moved from the site we were working. Some gunmen wearing masks just came, pulled him out of the site.
“They shot everywhere and took him away. I was nearby where he asked me to fix his vehicle. I am his driver.
“As I was coming back, I saw them where they went on a boat through the water. I was not armed.
“So, I ran to the site and found Oga’s glasses and where he struggled with them before they took him off.
“Please, somebody should pass the message. They went from Blenco area in Ajah and rode towards Ikorodu area on the water.”
In a post on its social media platform, Eons Intelligence wrote: “The couple kidnapped in Dopemu area of Agege, Lagos was whisked away in their car while their driver moved into another car believed to be stolen. “Update this morning is that the gunmen have released the wife, to source for the ₦50million ransom demand brought down from the initial ₦100million.”
Meanwhile, sources close to the pastor’s family confirmed that the woman was released on Tuesday morning by the kidnappers who dropped her at the residence.
“They took both husband and wife captive and demanded ₦100m ransom within hours of kidnapping them. But early this morning, they dropped the woman near their house with an instruction to source for ₦50 million ransom in order for her husband to be released. “They also warned her that they were watching her closely. The way it happened, we are suspecting that they might have targeted the family. Their driver was forced into another vehicle suspected to be stolen while the kidnappers took over the couple’s car.
“At the moment, the pastor’s wife is still very shocked and confused. She isn’t talking to anyone because she’s also afraid. We are just praying for the safe return of her husband,” a source said.
Date: Wednesday 29th September, 2021 Time: 8:00 pm Stadium Allianz Stadium Referee Jesus Gil (Spain) Goal Scorer:
Team News
Juventus Massimiliano Allegri has been handed a double blow on the team news front ahead of the visit of Chelsea. In the UEFA Champions League Group H game on Wednesday, the Juventus boss could be bereft of the services of as many as four first-team players.
The major absentees for the hosts are Alvaro Morata (hamstring) and Paulo Dybala (thigh), both of whom sustained short-term injuries this past weekend. The attacking duo will now miss the last two games ahead of the international break and will only return in two weeks’ time.
The absence of Morata and Dybala means Allegri’s attacking resources are severely depleted, with the three starting players pretty much picking themselves. Federico Chiesa, who has recently been linked with Chelsea, and Moise Kean are certain starters while Dejan Kulusevski ought to pip Federico Bernardeschi for the spot on the right flank.
As for the midfield unit, the onus will be on Manuel Locatelli to set the tempo of the game while helping Juventus assert their control over Chelsea. The Italian international ought to have Rodrigo Bentancur and Adrien Rabiot for company in the middle of the park, with the duo being workhorses in midfield for the hosts.
At the back, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci are expected to pair up at the heart of the Juventus defence, with Danilo and Alex Sandro likely to be the two full-backs. Finally, in goal, Mattia Perin could be preferred ahead of Wojciech Szczesny once again, especially with the Pole struggling so far this season.
Chelsea Like his counterpart in the Juventus dugout, Thomas Tuchel has a fresh fitness issue hampering his preparations ahead of the trip to the Allianz Stadium. On Wednesday, the Chelsea manager will have to make do without four first-team players.
Reece James sustained an ankle injury this past weekend against Manchester City and will play no part for Chelsea at Juventus. The English international has joined Mason Mount (knock) and Christian Pulisic (ankle) on the sidelines. The fourth and final absentee for Chelsea is N’Golo Kante, who is self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19.
However, Jorginho ought to be fit enough to start despite sustaining a knock on the weekend. The Chelsea vice-captain will line up alongside Mateo Kovacic in the middle of the park, with Tuchel set to revert to the usual 3-4-3 formation following the catastrophic failure of the 3-5-2 against City.
In the absence of James, captain Cesar Azpilicueta will take up the right wing-back slot, with Marcos Alonso a certainty on the left flank. Azpilicueta’s vacant spot in the three-man central defensive unit will likely go to Thiago Silva, who will join Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger at the back while in goal, Edouard Mendy will start ahead of Kepa Arrizabalga again.
Finally, in attack, the additional spot will likely be occupied by Kai Havertz, who will start on the right side of the three-man unit, with Timo Werner starting on the left flank while Romelu Lukaku will lead the line for Chelsea against Juventus.
This will be the fifth meeting between Juventus and Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League, with both teams recording one win each in the previous four (D2). Juventus won their most recent meeting in the competition – a 3-0 victory at home in the group stage in 2012/13. Juventus have won 11 of their last 12 UEFA Champions League group stage matches, losing the other 0-2 against Barcelona in October 2020. They have kept seven clean sheets and their last three have all ended 3-0, against Dynamo Kiev, Barcelona and Malmo FF. Since the start of last season, Chelsea have only conceded four goals in 14 UEFA Champions League matches (W10 D3 L1), keeping 10 clean sheets and never conceding more than once in a game. All 10 clean sheets have been kept by Edouard Mendy in 13 appearances, the second quickest a goalkeeper has ever reached 10 clean sheets, behind only Keylor Navas (11 games). Chelsea have lost each of their last four away games against Italian opposition in the UEFA Champions League, with each defeat coming against a different side – Inter Milan in 2009/10, Napoli in 2011/12, Juventus in 2012/13 and AS Roma in 2017/18. Romelu Lukaku scored on his UEFA Champions League debut for Chelsea, having also done so for Manchester United, becoming only the second player to score in his first appearance in the competition for two English clubs after Mario Balotelli for Manchester City and Liverpool. The only two players to score in their first two Champions League games for Chelsea are Didier Drogba and Michy Batshuayi.
Date: Wednesday 29th September, 2021 Time: 8:00 pm Stadium Old Trafford Referee Felix Zwayer (Germany) Goal Scorer:
Team News
Manchester United Manchester United will have to make do without the services of club captain Harry Maguire who picked up an injury in the Aston Villa defeat last weekend. Luke Shaw was also injured in that game and is unlikely to future either. Marcus Rashford and Adam Diallo are the other two injury-related absentees for the Red Devils. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is suspended after his red card against Young Boys.
David de Gea is a certain starter in goal after showing impressive form in the new season. Raphael Varane ought to be in line for a change of partners, with Victor Lindelof expected to come in for the injured Maguire. Diogo Dalot should slot in at right-back in Wan-Bissaka’s absence, while Alex Telles should feature on the left.
Scott McTominay will have a key role to play in the middle of the park, cutting out counter-attacks from the visitors. He should be paired up alongside Paul Pogba, with the Frenchman tasked with providing the chance-creation for the 20-time English champions. He will share the creative burden with Bruno Fernandes, who will line up as the No. 10.
The attacking unit should comprise Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho out on the flanks, with the latter hoping to find some form after a difficult start. Cristiano Ronaldo will spearhead the Manchester United attack with the likes of Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani providing options from the bench.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): de Gea; Dalot, Varane, Lindelof, Telles; McTominay, Pogba; Greenwood, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo
Villarreal Villarreal have a number of injury issues to deal with for their trip to England as the likes of Samu Chukwueze, Dani Raba, Gerard Moreno and Yeremi Pino are set to miss out while Francis Coquelin is ruled out due to suspension. Juan Foyth, who picked up an injury against Real Madrid at the weekend, has returned to training and is likely to be available.
Emery will set his team up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Geronimo Ruill manning the goal for the Yellow Submarine. With Foyth fit, he should get the nod at right-back, while Alfonso Pedraza ought to feature ahead of Alberto Moreno at left-back. Raul Albiol and Pau Torres should pair up at the heart of the defence.
Etienne Capoue will be tasked with keeping a close watch on Bruno Fernandes and limiting his output on the ball while the attacking thrust from the centre of the park ought to come from Dani Parejo and Manu Trigueros.
Moi Gomez and Arnaut Danjuma, who has been linked with Liverpool, should start as the wingers on the right and left sides, respectively and will pose a major threat going forward for Manchester United. Paco Alcacer will be the man leading the line for the La Liga giants.
The five meetings in European competition between Manchester United and Villarreal have all ended in draws, with four of them goalless, except for last season’s UEFA Europa League final (1-1), which the Spaniards won 11-10 on penalties. The four UEFA Champions League clashes between Manchester United and Villarreal have all finished 0-0, making it the most played fixture in the history of the competition to see no goals scored. Manchester United are winless in their last seven games against Spanish teams in the UEFA Champions League (D3 L4), with their last such victory coming against Real Sociedad back in October 2013 (1-0). Villarreal are unbeaten in their last 16 major UEFA European games (W12 D4) across the Europa League and Champions League, the longest current run of any side. The only Spanish team to have a longer run of unbeaten games in UEFA European history is Espanyol between September 2006 and November 2019 (20 in a row). Cristiano Ronaldo will break Iker Casillas’ record for UEFA Champions League appearances if he appears in this match, setting a new record of 178 games. However, Ronaldo has never scored against Villarreal in four previous appearances against them in the competition, only facing Lille and Benfica as often without finding the net (also four games against them).
Benfica Benfica will have defender Lucas Verissimo available after his European ban and should slot straight in the back-three. Nicolas Otamendi and Jan Vertonghen are expected to play alongside each other at the heart of the Benfica defence.
Adel Taarabt is available for the Champions League as his lengthy domestic ban does not affect European competitions. Haris Seferovic is one who the Portuguese side will miss for this encounter, as he remains out injured at least until the international break. Jorge Jesus looks unlikely to break momentum in this squad and retain most of his domestic starters.
Meaning, Roman Yaremchuk is likely to continue leading the line in attack in Seferovic’s absence. Jesus will retain the shape of his side with a front three and a midfield pivot. The likes of Alejandro Grimaldo and Gilberto will take their customary wing-back positions against Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Pizzi and Everton are pushing to start in wide areas, but like other positions, Jesus remains sceptical to make untimely changes given the importance of this particular clash. This could lead the manager to name Darwin Nunez and Rafa in wide areas in support of Yaremchuk.
Barcelona Ronald Koeman still has to function without long-term absentees Martin Braithwaite, Ousmane Dembele, Jordi Alba and Sergio Aguero. Alejandro Balde is also uncertain to play with their respective injuries. Pedri and Sergi Roberto have been passed fit, but Koeman will be wary of starting with them straightaway.
Sergino Dest is likely to continue at left-back in Alba’s absence, while Oscar Mingueza will play on at right-back. Frenkie de Jong should slot straight back into midfield after a domestic ban that saw him miss the win over Levante. Sergio Busquets should be his partner in the centre. Ronald Araujo and Gerard Pique should keep their places in central defence, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal.
As de Jong comes back in midfield, Gavi is expected to slot on the right side of the attack, with Philippe Coutinho likely to play behind striker Luuk de Jong. Memphis Depay will continue on the left side of the attack as Barcelona aim for their first group win in this edition of the Champions League.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): ter Stegen; Mingueza, Araujo, Pique, Dest; Frenkie de Jong, Busquets; Gavi, Coutinho, Depay; Luuk de Jong
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Key Stats
Benfica have kept a clean sheet in five of their last seven games in the Champions League. Benfica are unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions. Benfica are unbeaten in their last five matches in the Champions League Benfica have not scored in any of their four previous meetings with Barcelona in the Champions League Barcelona have kept a clean sheet in their last four games against Benfica in all competitions.
The British High Commissioner in Nigeria, Catriona Laing, has said Nigeria’s major problem is corruption.
She said the country is blessed with the human and material resources needed for its desired development but was being tied down by pervasive corrupt practices.
Laing spoke when she visited the country home of former House of Representatives member, Prince Ned Nwoko, at his country home in Idumuje-Ugboko, Aniocha North Local Government area of Delta State.
The high commissioner said Nigeria has sufficient resources that should be harnessed for its future advancement in different areas of endeavours.
She said: “The tragedy of Nigeria is corruption, otherwise the country is enormously blessed with human and material resources for the needed development.”
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