6 Simple and Practical Ways to Ease Body Pain After a Workout

After a tough workout, muscle soreness and body pain are common. However, several effective strategies can help ease this discomfort and speed up your recovery. Here are six simple and practical ways to ease body pain after a workout:

1. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is essential. Hydration helps flush out toxins and supports muscle recovery. Make sure to drink water before, during, and after your exercise session.

2. Stretch It Out
Stretching your muscles after a workout can reduce stiffness and pain. Focus on stretching all the major muscle groups you used during your exercise. This helps improve flexibility and reduces the risk of injury.

3. Take a Warm Bath
A warm bath can work wonders. The heat helps relax tight muscles and improves blood circulation, which aids in recovery. Adding Epsom salts to your bath can enhance the soothing effects.

4. Use Ice Packs
Applying ice packs to sore areas can reduce inflammation and numb the pain. Use an ice pack for about 15-20 minutes on the affected muscles to help ease body pain.

5. Get a Massage
A gentle massage can help alleviate muscle soreness and improve circulation. You can use a foam roller or get a professional massage to aid recovery.

6. Rest and Recover
Giving your body time to rest is crucial for recovery. Ensure you get enough sleep, as it is during this time that your muscles repair and grow stronger. Rest days are just as important as workout days.

Easing body pain after a workout is essential for maintaining your fitness routine and overall well-being. By incorporating these strategies, you can enhance your recovery and continue to enjoy the benefits of regular exercise.

The Call to Uphold Our Faith

By Pastor (Dr) Senior Gabriel Okpako Uyeh, Vice President, The Apostolic Church Nigeria/Chairman, Lagos, Western and Northern Areas LAWNA Territory

In today’s world, many question the relevance of the Church and its role in their lives, asking, “What is the Church doing for me? What is Christ doing for me?” This is why we are now called to contend for the faith. Our forefathers in this Church stood firm in their beliefs: one fold, one shepherd; one faith, and that unity is what we must maintain as the Church.

1. One Baptism:
Baptism symbolizes our entry into the Body of Christ. We use water, whether from a typical source, a stream, or a river. The Bible tells us that unless we are baptized with water, we cannot enter the kingdom. Our current fellowship is of the Spirit, and although we should not force anyone into water baptism, it remains a vital step in our faith journey. Baptism signifies the renunciation of past beliefs and the acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. We are all baptized into the Body of Christ, with Jesus as the head.

2. One God and Father:
We worship one God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who appeared to Moses. This God is whom we must believe in and follow until the end. Understanding this unity is crucial as we prepare to pass our faith on to future generations.

Psalm 11:3 asks, “If the foundation be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” The Lord will establish us on the true foundation, Jesus Christ. As we fight for the faith, we must also prepare to contend for the faith of our fathers. How do we achieve this? By building ourselves in the most holy faith (Jude 20) and on the Rock, Jesus Christ, who is the truth. We must handle this truth well, as Proverbs 23:23 and Isaiah 55:1 urge us to “buy the truth and sell it not.”

3. Spiritual Purging from Sin:
We must decisively deal with sin through the blood and fire (Luke 3:17; John 15:2; 1 Corinthians 5:7). If we play with sin, it will play with us. An incident in the Bible where Phinehas averted a plague by removing sin (Numbers 25) serves as a reminder. Leaders, especially, must rise and stand against sin. Sin is delicate and must be addressed seriously within the Church.

4. Sacrifice of Self:
Romans 12:1-2 and Galatians 2:20 call for us to dedicate ourselves as living sacrifices. The devil cannot cast away devils; we must have power over sin. Paul said, “I am crucified with the Lord; leave me alone, because I have the mark of Jesus.” To have that mark, we must sacrifice ourselves.

5. Mortification of the Flesh:
The deeds of the flesh must be subdued and buried for the Spirit to reign. True worship must be ignited and rekindled. Our worship must be filled with the power of the Holy Ghost, not just routine prayers. Galatians 3:3 reminds us not to start in the Spirit and try to perfect ourselves by the flesh.

6. Upholding Apostolic Heritage:
We must hold onto our Apostolic Heritage, which many have forgotten. The power of the Holy Ghost should not be disregarded in favor of mere education. Spiritual unity is crucial for our faith and life in Christ. Spirituality cannot be secondary; it must be primary.

As we conclude, let us ask ourselves: Are we ready to contend for the faith or hold it loosely? Are we prepared to receive new power during this Convention? To contend for the faith, we must do God’s will, not our own. We must hold the truth firmly, as hypocrisy and deceit have no place among us. Jesus, the truth, sets us free. Equip yourself from this Convention by seeking the power to contend for the faith.

TO BE CONTINUED

Ephesus: A Lesson in Balance and Love

The Church in Ephesus went beyond the limits in the pursuit of something right, and that led them into trouble. Their intention was to root out heresy. However, they went overboard, became intolerant and judgmental, and ultimately rooted out something more important.

Doctrinal purity is important. However, an excessive obsession with its pursuit can unwittingly lead to witch-hunting and an inquisitorial spirit. It is good to defend the faith, but we must first defend our love for one another. Our God is love, and Christians must reflect that love always. In fact, our Lord Jesus Christ said to us:

John 13:34-35: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

In the Lord’s reckoning, the Ephesians’ loss of brotherly love was no trivial matter. In his book, A Commentary on the Revelation of John, G. E. Ladd submitted that loss of brotherly love “is treated as though it involved a fall from the Christian life”. If the Ephesians did not repent of their lack of love, Christ said he would remove their lampstand (Revelation 2:5). This implied that they would cease to be the spiritual people of God, even though they might have claimed to do many mighty works in the name of the Lord (Matthew 7:22-23). Perhaps that is why Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church thus:

1 Corinthians 13:1: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”

What was the fate of the Ephesian church? In the vision of John, our Lord said:

Revelation 2:4-5: “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”

Despite the greatness of the city, and the fame of the Church, decay led to decline, until Ephesus became a by-word. The first fulfillment of biblical prophecy was in 260 AD and was directed at the most important symbol of sin in the city. The Goths first destroyed the famous Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World in 260 AD. Decades later, Emperor Constantine I rebuilt much of the city, but following the Edict of Thessalonica from Emperor Theodosius I, the temple was totally destroyed in 401 AD by a mob led by St. John Chrysostom. It is instructive to note, however, that it was well after the famous three Ephesian Councils of the 5th Century AD that Ephesus suffered the greatest destruction. Could it be that imminent judgment came upon Ephesus because the Church in the city could not stand in its place as salt and light?

To be continued…

Supreme Court verdict on LGs: Walking in govs’ moccasins

A popular Native American saying teaches the lesson of empathy by advocating that one needs to walk in another man’s pair of moccasins to know how he feels.

Simply put, the saying is asking one to put oneself in other people’s situations in order to know how they feel or why they react the way they do. This saying and its whole essence seem to explain one of the most important national discourses in Nigeria today— local government autonomy.

Since the Supreme Court gave its verdict on a case initiated by the Federal Government, which prayed the court to give an order compelling the payment of local government allocations directly to the 774 Councils in the country, opinions have been largely divided in the country. But most opinion givers seem ready to go for the jugulars of those who do not celebrate the judgment. That should not be the case.

The judgment had granted this prayer, while also giving an order that local governments without elected officials should not be paid monthly allocations, among other orders. While the public space has been abuzz with quotable quotes from latter day freedom fighters and momentary advocates of local government autonomy, those who do not see things their way have also had a field day condemning a judgment, which they described as being against the spirit of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

For those in the first group, local government autonomy had been long overdue. They noted that the judgment has freed the councils from the grips of governors, whom they have continued to rail against since the judgment was given. They decry the way and manner some governors have allegedly been spending councils’ funds and how they have reportedly been stifling governance at the grassroots. With the judgment, this group believes that council areas will now be able to serve the people better, providing developmental services that will make life easier for the people. They are entitled to hold these views and no one can castigate them for it.

However, the second group, which appears to be in the minority and has been less vociferous in their arguments, has governors, lawyers and other individuals who point out how the judgment of the Supreme Court has clashed with the provision of the Constitution in Sections 7 and 162. Among the individuals who have spoken out loudly in this group is Governor ‘SeyiMakinde of Oyo State. According to Governor Makinde, the judgment has created a constitutional lacuna and is certainly going to throw up many challenges that need to be looked at and solved.

The governor, who has never shied away from taking difficult decisions in challenging times, had immediately set up two committees comprising players in the local government system to look at how the challenges likely to be thrown up by the judgment can be addressed in a way that the people of the state will not suffer. Following his words and actions, however, many critics in the first group of those celebrating the judgment came for the governor, describing him as being against local government autonomy. Some even accused him of trying to review the Supreme Court judgment. But is this really the situation? No.

The premise for Governor Makinde’s position on the LG autonomy issue is clear. However, it will take individuals with open minds and the readiness to see things from other people’s point of view to understand where Governor Makinde is coming from and why he held the views he aired. It is not a secret that states and local governments in the country operate what is known as the State Joint Local Government Account. It is from this account that salaries, pensions and gratuities of local government workers, primary school teachers, Primary Health Care workers, Health Officers and retirees across the sectors are deducted from source based on agreed templates by the Joint Account Allocation Committee comprising states and the councils. There was a period in this country when these statutory payments were erratic and some council areas were unable to meet their obligations. There had also been days when some council areas claimed to have received zero allocations following the weight of salaries and pensions that they bore. Whatever and whoever brought about the State Joint Local Government Account as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended did well to address this challenge. Could Governor Makinde have taken the position he took because he didn’t want Oyo State to return to those days when some LG workers, primary school teachers, health workers and pensioners were owed salaries and pensions for months and gratuity obligations were unmet for years? Possibly.

In one of his engagements on the matter, the governor explained how he met arrears of gratuities dating back to 2012. The governor took office in 2019, meaning that local governments in the state had failed to pay pensions and gratuities of retired local government workers for years despite federal allocations. The governor explained how he paid billions to take care of the debts owed to the pensioners by past administrations. He also made it clear that the gratuity debts to be paid including arrears and those of workers that will retire between now and 2027 is about N55 billion. What happens to these gratuities and the toils of heroes and heroines who have retired across the 33 local governments once the autonomy takes effect and each council is to own and control its money solely? Will pensioners who are not indigenes of a particular council still be allowed to draw pensions from the resources of that council without hassles or will they move to the councils of their origin? Knowing how difficult things have been with indigene-settler challenges and other sundry issues, can the Federal Government guarantee the smoothness of the process? Please, do not wave this off, because that judgment, which Certified True Copy everyone has not seen, could not have taken care of these fears, because the court does not grant prayers that are not sought. Could these fears be one of the reasons driving Makinde’s viewpoint? Possibly.

It is also not a secret that governance has been largely trans-spatial in Nigeria, with the thin line demarcating the three tiers often crossed through different programmes, actions and policies especially when it has to do with infrastructure building and other matters. For instance, it is on record that there has been a little or no demarcation between the states and the local governments, unlike the dichotomy that exists between the Federal Government and the two other tiers. In that way, it was quite common for state governments to fix federal and local government roads than it is for the Federal Government to fix state roads. This is one area that Governor Makinde has succeeded greatly and had been praised for prioritising his people beyond dichotomies emplaced by the constitution. The Oyo State government fixed the 34km Oyo-Iseyin Road, a federal road, to everyone’s admiration and Governor Makinde was not criticised for it. In the same vein, about 33km of internal roads were rehabilitated and commissioned by the governor recently while others are still ongoing, to the admiration of residents. Governor Makinde’s reaction was clear in that the judgment passed on the matter should have affected states perpetuating the illegality of not conducting council elections, rather than states that have not flouted laid down rules like Oyo.

Has anyone also stopped to wonder whether the Oyo State governor, and indeed, those speaking against the judgment, are considering the sensitivity of LG autonomy without proper structures to ensure that people, who draw payments from the LG system, do not suffer unnecessarily? Has anyone asked why the Federal Government could not implement the judgment immediately and what according to the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, are the practical impediments to the judgment? Is anyone going to ask why the Federal Government had to set up a committee to look at the practicality of the judgment they are celebrating? Wasn’t that what Governor Makinde did that some people are criticising him for? Sadly, most Nigerians have not taken the time to ask the critical questions on why those who appear not to be jubilant on the Supreme Court judgment have been hesitant. No. It has been a season of pumping fists into the air over the judgment, though many of those celebrating the judgment do not know how the local government system works.

Can we, instead of joining the caravan solidarity, ask the Federal Government how it intends to handle all payments being made by local governments? Will the Federal Government now pay the salaries, pensions and gratuities of primary school teachers, health workers and pensioners? How will it handle the gaps in situations where some council areas have a high number of workers and some have less, gaps which the JAAC has been addressing smoothly? What happens with states that have created LCDAs, which is within their rights to do as shown by the judgment President Bola Tinubu got against the Federal Government, while he governor of Lagos State? Will the Ministries of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in states be scrapped and replaced by an agency of the Federal Government too, as the National Assembly is trying to with SIECs? And will the Local Government Chairmen no longer seek or need approval from states to make spending beyond a certain threshold or would Mr President become the approving authority in that regard?

What about chieftaincies, would the Federal Government now approve the installation and crowning of Obas too, since states are now being made the scapegoats for what can be described as a general Nigerian problem? These are the hard questions that Governor Makinde must have asked himself; the real questions that his colleague-governors must have asked, though some of them chose to be silent until the false structure and hopes being built by the recent judgment collapse.

Now, as they have done against my principal and governor of Oyo State, I expect those who read this piece and hold a different opinion to come for me too, but before anyone thinks of doing so, I would rather he/she helps us all to make sense of the kind of autonomy that Federal Government is seeking to grant Councils by weaning them off states, while tying them to its own apron strings.

Abstinence from Sex Not Solution to Cervical Cancer — Virologist

A clinical virologist, Dr. Adeola Fowotade, has addressed the misconception that abstaining from sex is sufficient to protect against cervical cancer and the human papillomavirus (HPV). Speaking at the 2024 scientific conference of the Nigerian Medical Association’s Annual General Meeting in Oyo State, Ibadan, themed “Vaccines: The Facts and the Myths,” Dr. Fowotade emphasized that HPV transmission is not limited to sexual contact.

Dr. Fowotade stated, “Our current understanding is that HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, however, it is important to note that HPV is a widely prevalent virus that can even be transmitted through non-sexual contact, such as touching surfaces.” She stressed that while abstinence from sexual activity may reduce the risk, vaccination is the most effective method of prevention.

“It’s something that can be transmitted from a mother to her child. Simply telling the child not to have sex is not sufficient to protect them from contracting this virus. The best way to protect them is by vaccinating them,” she added.

Dr. Fowotade highlighted the differences between vaccination and screening, stating that vaccination prevents HPV infection, while screening detects changes in the cervix caused by the virus. She also addressed several misconceptions about the HPV vaccine among healthcare providers, including concerns about side effects, infertility, and promoting sexual promiscuity.

“The HPV vaccine is not new. It has been in existence for more than seven years, but it only arrived in Nigeria last year. Countries like Uganda have success stories of people who have been vaccinated with the human papillomavirus vaccine and have gone on to have children even many years after,” she noted.

Dr. Fowotade pointed out that vaccines now cover multiple high-risk HPV types, including HPV 16 and HPV 18, which account for 70% of cervical cancer cases.

Professor Magbagbeola Dairo, Dean-Elect of the Faculty of Public Health at the University of Ibadan, emphasized the critical role of healthcare workers in combating vaccine hesitancy. He called it a tragedy when doctors do not believe in vaccines and urged Nigerians to take advantage of available vaccines, particularly the HPV vaccine for girls.

“Vaccines are safe, effective, and have reduced the morbidity and mortality of common infectious diseases in Nigeria. We need to educate ourselves and give out the appropriate information for society,” Professor Dairo stated.

He also mentioned that vaccination of children under two years in Nigeria is mandatory, with non-compliant parents facing fines or imprisonment under the Child Rights Act, including in Oyo State.

Dr. Happy Adedapo, Acting Chairman of the Oyo State NMA, expressed concerns about health practitioners resisting vaccines despite their proven efficacy. “Vaccines are safe. We want people to embrace vaccination. People should put their trust in the science behind vaccination. With the advent of science, there is evidence that vaccines are good for health,” Dr. Adedapo explained.

He addressed the issue of side effects, clarifying that they result from the body adjusting to the vaccine and building immunity against specific organisms.

ADC’s Kachikwu Urges Protesters to Halt Actions, Warns Opposition

Former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has called on protesters to cease their actions, emphasizing that the ongoing unrest is resulting in the needless shedding of innocent blood. Kachikwu highlighted that among the 19 victims of the protests, none were children of politicians or wealthy individuals. He urged those aggrieved to wait for the next presidential election to address issues of bad governance.

Kachikwu also admonished the opposition to offer constructive solutions to the country’s problems instead of inciting violence and seeking the overthrow of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s democratically elected administration.

In a statement made in Abuja, Kachikwu emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration among leaders to tackle the nation’s issues. “We can’t continue killing ourselves. Our streets flow with the blood of the innocent. Over 19 killed in this scam of a protest, all for what? No child of any politician or big man was killed. Just the poor, average Nigerian. Only their family members will cry and mourn for them quietly while those who have made billions from this scam laugh to the bank,” he lamented.

Kachikwu acknowledged the severe hardships faced by Nigerians, with many struggling to afford basic necessities. He called for a roundtable of equity, justice, and fairness to address these challenges and urged President Tinubu to adopt a more inclusive approach in governance. “It is not Tinubu’s problem alone and Tinubu must stop acting like he can do it all by himself. He must show leadership and reach out across party lines to get the best and the brightest to a solution roundtable,” Kachikwu advised.

He further criticized the opposition for merely opposing without providing tangible solutions, stating that a progressive opposition should engage in constructive debate and offer alternative solutions. Kachikwu condemned attempts to undermine the democratic process, likening it to a coup.

Kachikwu also addressed the controversial issue of fuel subsidy removal, arguing that the fraud associated with the scheme should be addressed rather than punishing over 200 million Nigerians. He called for the prosecution of those who abused the subsidy scheme and recommended making it fraud-proof while suspending its removal temporarily.

Reflecting on the broader political landscape, Kachikwu urged President Tinubu to consider national interest in all appointments and to avoid the perception of favoritism. He noted that Tinubu has the potential to succeed if he adopts a more inclusive and less insular approach to governance.

Kachikwu concluded by stressing the need for a unified national effort to address the country’s challenges and called on all Nigerians to return to God for guidance and strength. He warned against the ongoing blame and hate game, advocating for a collective move towards healing and reconciliation.

Why Nigerian Entertainers Stayed Away from Nationwide Protests

As Nigeria faces widespread protests, the country’s celebrities have expressed a range of opinions, revealing a deep divide in their perspectives. While the protests have succeeded in drawing government attention to various issues, the perceived apathy of some celebrities toward the current protests, in contrast to their active participation during the 2020 EndSARS movement, has concerned some fans.

The 2023 elections, which saw Bola Tinubu emerge as the country’s president, marked a critical juncture, leading many entertainers to question whether Nigeria can achieve meaningful change. Celebrities who did not support Tinubu’s presidential ambition appear unperturbed about the country’s current situation and have opted to stay quiet.

Many entertainers, faced with potential repercussions of taking a stand, have decided to stay away from the protests. This decision is influenced by a desire to avoid controversy, potential backlash from fans, or fears of professional consequences. The reluctance of these public figures to engage with the protests highlights the challenges celebrities face in balancing personal beliefs with public expectations and potential consequences.

A prominent entertainer from the South East, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “Nigerians chose the leader they want, and everyone should face the consequences of their action. I think it is unfair to drag some of us into any protest even if we all feel the same way about the government. I didn’t expect anything from this government, and I am not going to come here and start postulating about this policy or that policy. It is four years, after that, we will speak on the next line of action.”

While some celebrities voiced skepticism about the nation’s future, doubting the efficacy of political and social efforts to bring about positive transformation, others have adopted a more patient stance. They advocate giving the current government time to implement its economic recovery policies, arguing that these measures need time to yield results and that premature judgment may hinder potential progress.

Notably, some celebrities explained their decision to distance themselves from the protests, citing past experiences such as the 2020 EndSARS movement, which they believed failed to produce significant outcomes. Many of the 2020 protesters remain in jail, and the government has yet to provide compensation to the families of those allegedly killed by security forces.

Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy articulated his reason on X (formerly Twitter), recalling how his music was rejected by protesters in 2020. “The fight in me died on this day. Ogun go d***y, anybody wey call my name this time around,” he wrote, expressing a sense of resignation.

Paul Okoye, formerly of the music group P-Square, expressed his frustration, stating, “I have nothing more to say about the situation of the country and would never be part of any protest again because Nigerians deserve what they get.”

Tonto Dikeh took a somewhat neutral stance, emphasizing her personal freedom in political matters. “If politics will make you unfollow me, please go ahead. I have no hard feelings; I wouldn’t stop supporting to make this country a great place. One thing I wouldn’t do is stress about what you think of my opinion and of my choices or even block my comment section. God bless you all with love and light,” she posted.

Her remarks, however, drew sharp criticism from her followers. One fan commented, “What’s all this na? Can you just hand over this phone to your manager? Without followers, you are nothing, without fans even the government will not recognize you. That you have enough food in your house, just like I do doesn’t mean you should deny the fact that people are suffering.”

Another fan suggested that Dikeh might be seeking political favor, saying, “I understand you are struggling to get SSA appointment but allow your conscience to speak for you.”

In a separate instance, Toke Makinwa faced backlash for implying that some protesters were using the opportunity to loot businesses. Although she clarified that this was not her intention, her comments and perceived indifference sparked further criticism. Her followers accused her of being out of touch with the realities faced by many Nigerians.

On the other hand, comedian and activist Mr. Macaroni took a firm stand against the government’s response to the protests. He criticized the authorities for disrupting peaceful demonstrations, arguing that the protests are always peaceful until state-sponsored thugs intervene. “This is proof that the protests are always peaceful and with good intentions until state-sponsored thugs are sent to disrupt the protests. The Police, in their complicity, will ignore the infiltrators and start to attack peaceful protesters,” he asserted.

Mr. Macaroni emphasized that the government’s responsibility is to listen to the people’s grievances and protect peaceful protesters, not suppress them. He warned against attempts to rewrite history, as seen with the EndSARS movement, and stressed the importance of allowing citizens to express their frustrations through protest.

Yemi Alade also weighed in, promoting a song from her new album, “Rebel Queen,” which calls for peace and love in Africa. “Dem-don-cråzy or Democracy? We all deserve better standards of living and the means to afford basic amenities of life. Food, water, electricity, etc.”

Similarly, Big Brother Naija Level Up winner Phyna called for an end to bad government. She stated that she stands for a new, better, and greater Nigeria and joins hands with the great citizens of the land to push for the betterment of its citizens. Phyna noted how she is a Nigerian and not an enslaved person as she went on to sing the former National Anthem. In her caption, she stated that we all deserve better living standards and the means to afford basic amenities of life such as food, water, electricity, and more.

While some entertainers chose to stay away from the protests, citing disillusionment or personal beliefs, others actively voice their support or criticism. This split reflects the complex landscape of Nigerian society, where opinions on governance, justice, and social change are deeply polarized. As the nation navigates these challenges, the voices of celebrities will continue to play a significant role in shaping public discourse.

Pau Victor’s Quickfire Double Secures Barcelona’s Victory Over Real Madrid in El Clasico

Rising Barcelona star Pau Victor stole the spotlight with a stunning 12-minute brace, leading his team to a 2-0 victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid and earning the MVP award for the fixture.

The match, held at MetLife Stadium, was briefly interrupted due to lightning and heavy rain. After a 70-minute delay, the game resumed to the relief of over 80,000 fans and millions of viewers worldwide.

Despite the break, Real Madrid struggled to regain momentum, and Barcelona capitalized with Robert Lewandowski and Pau Victor combining skillfully inside the box. Alex Valle delivered a precise cross, which Lewandowski headed down for Pau Victor to convert from close range, putting Barcelona ahead in the 42nd minute.

After halftime, Pau Victor came close to doubling his tally with a powerful shot saved by Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois. Shortly afterward, Lewandowski assisted Pau Victor once again with a well-placed pass from Valle, allowing Pau Victor to score his second goal by slipping between Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao.

Real Madrid’s Nico Paz set up a dramatic finish by scoring a header with eight minutes remaining. However, after nearly three hours of play, Barcelona emerged victorious, with Hansi Flick celebrating a successful first Clasico as Barcelona’s manager.

Martin Braithwaite Eyes Espanyol Purchase After Tense Exit

Martin Braithwaite, recently released by Espanyol, is reportedly planning to buy the LaLiga side following a fallout with the club’s management, according to MARCA.

This surprising move comes after his departure from Espanyol earlier this summer.

Having now signed with Brazilian club Grêmio, Braithwaite initially expressed a desire to leave Espanyol in 2023 when the team was relegated to the Spanish second division. Despite staying to help Espanyol secure promotion back to LaLiga, his relations with the club’s management deteriorated, leading to the activation of his contract’s exit clause and his release as a free agent.

During his time at Espanyol, Braithwaite delivered a notable performance in the Segunda Division last season, scoring 22 goals and providing three assists in 43 matches.

Braithwaite’s career has had its share of ups and downs. He struggled to make an impact during a challenging stint with Barcelona, which led to his transfer to Espanyol. His tenure at Barcelona was marked by limited success, following an unsuccessful period with Middlesbrough and a brief but costly spell with Leganés before Barcelona’s unexpected acquisition.

Now, the 33-year-old forward’s intention to purchase Espanyol seems driven by a desire to address his grievances with the club’s administration.

Protests Persist in Kano Despite Presidential Appeal

KANO — Hundreds of protesters continued their demonstrations in Kano on Sunday, persisting in the nationwide outcry against hunger and poor governance.

This wave of protests occurred just hours after President Bola Tinubu addressed the nation, urging the youth to suspend their protests, assuring them that their voices had been heard.

The Kano State government partially lifted its 24-hour curfew, allowing residents a six-hour window (from 8 am to 2 pm) to alleviate the curfew’s impact.

The demonstrators, primarily youths, gathered in areas such as Bakin Zuwo and Koki in Dala Local Government Area, Sharada in Kano Municipal, and Gadon Kaya in Gwale Local Government Area.

Protesters were seen waving Russian flags, expressing a desire for intervention from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

An eyewitness in Bakin Zuwo, Malam Salisu, reported seeing a large group of protesters around 10 am. “They were holding the Russian flag and protesting against issues like insecurity and hardship,” he said.

Another resident, using the handle @Tkr__khalifa on X, posted a video of the protest at Bakin Zuwo. The caption read, “Hunger protest continues in Kano for the fourth day. This follows the hopeless speech by the President of the country.” The protesters were chanting, “koya gyara sai ya sauka,” meaning “whether he adjusts or not, he must go.”