Bayern hope to thrash PSG in Champions League final

Robert Lewandowski and his teammates celebrate with the trophy after the German First division Bundesliga football match FC Bayern Munich v Eintracht Frankfurt in Munich, southern Germany. - Bayern Munich were crowned German Bundesliga champions for the eight year in a row on June 16, 2020 after their away win against Bremen. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)


Bayern Munich can complete only the second treble in their proud history by beating Paris Saint Germain in Sunday’s Champions League final to underline their status as Germany’s super club.

Bayern have cruised to the Lisbon final, scoring 42 goals in their Champions League matches.

In all competitions, they are on a 20-game winning streak stretching back to early February.



“FC Bayern is a global football club that has an obligation to play at the top internationally. That is our focus,” said Bayern board member Oliver Kahn.

Since the turn of the century, Bayern have made the knock-out stages of the Champions League 19 times, reaching five finals and winning two of them, in 2001 and 2013.

In that time, they have won the Bundesliga 15 times.

Bayern last failed to win the German league in 2011/12, when Jurgen Klopp led Dortmund to the second of back-to-back titles.

They responded in 2012/13 with the first treble in club history – Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League titles – which they can repeat Sunday.

Such is their grip on German football that Dortmund, Bundesliga runners-up for the last two seasons, have given up promising to end Bayern’s domination.

“We don’t have to say anything more about Bayern Munich, because their opponents will no longer be beaten but destroyed,” grumbled Dortmund chief execurive Hans-Joachim Watzke in the wake of the 8-2 quarter-final drubbing of Barcelona.

Bayern are Germany’s richest club, with a turnover for 2018/9 of 750.4 million euros ($883 million) and an operating profit of 146.1 million euros.

The 2020 Deloitte Football Money League estimates that Bayern are the fourth richest club in Europe, behind Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United.

Building revenue has been a central element of club strategy under former president Uli Hoeness and current chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

Hoeness, a former Bayern and Germany striker, was at the helm for 40 years, interrupted by a brief stint in jail after being convicted of tax fraud in 2013.

He resisted selling stakes in the club to outside investors.

Main sponsors Audi, Adidas and Allianz, all companies with their headquarters in Bavaria, hold 8.33 percent each. The remaining 75 percent is owned by club supporters.

Through a transfer policy of cherry-picking – sometimes ruthlessly – from other German clubs and adding affordable foreign imports, Bayern have dominated the Bundesliga since the 1970s.

After Dortmund routed Bayern 5-2 in the 2012 German Cup final, the losers took note.

Bayern bought Dortmund’s rising star Mario Goetze in 2013.

They then added the striker who scored a hat-trick in the final Robert Lewandowski in 2014 and centre back Mats Hummels in 2016, as their Dortmund contracts expired.

They have already signed rising Germany stars goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel, on a free transfer, from Schalke and Leroy Sane from Manchester City for next season.

Bayern players are expected to show the same self-confidence exuded in the club’s Bavarian motto ‘Mia San Mia’, meaning “We are who we are”.

– Changing of the guard –

Head coach Hansi Flick, another former Bayern player, replaced Niko Kovac in November and has brought order and clarity.

“What sets him apart is his calm, level-headedness and his work with the coaching team,” said Bayern captain Manuel Neuer.

“He showed that not only in the Bundesliga and the Cup, but also in the Champions League.”

Even when the personnel change, Bayern roll on.

Rummenigge is grooming former club captain and Germany goalkeeper Kahn as his replacement.

Former Adidas CEO Herbert Hainer has replaced Hoeness as club president.

Hoeness may be gone but his presence will still be felt for years to come.

“I would be stupid if I didn’t get his advice from time to time,” said Hainer.

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Bayern hope to thrash PSG in Champions League final – Punch Newspapers

Bayern Munich can complete only the second treble in their proud history by beating Paris Saint Germain in Sunday

Gunmen attack Police station in Ibadan, kill corporal

Tragedy struck on Friday evening as some unknown gunmen attacked the Ikolaba Police Station in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, leaving a Police corporal on duty dead.

The News Agency of Nigeria gathered that the gunmen shot continuously into the Police station as they came into the premises.

The reason for the attack could, however, not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, Olugbenga Fadeyi, confirmed the incident.

He said investigation was ongoing to determine the cause of the attack.

“We just got information that the station was attacked, but I haven’t gotten the details of the officer allegedly killed.

“We have deployed men to the area and as soon as details are available, we will get back to you,” he said.

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Gunmen attack Police station in Ibadan, kill corporal – Punch Newspapers

Tragedy struck on Friday evening as some unknown gunmen attacked the Ikolaba Police Station in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, leaving a Police corp...

Ondo: INEC releases final list of gov candidates


The Independent National Electoral Commission has published the final list of candidates for Ondo State Governorship election scheduled for October 10.

National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC, Mr. Festus Okoye, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Okoye said the list was published at INEC’s state and local government offices in Ondo State, adding that it was also available on the commission’s website and social media platforms.


He noted that as at of 6 pm on August 18, which was the deadline for the withdrawal and substitution of candidates, only four political parties substituted their earlier nominated candidates.

He noted that the commission held its weekly regular meeting on Thursday and deliberated on the conduct of the Ondo governorship election scheduled as well as other outstanding elections.

“It will be recalled that on July 31, the Commission published the provisional list of candidates for the Ondo governorship election comprising 17 political parties.

“In accordance with Section 35 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and as provided in the timetable and schedule of activities released on Feb. 6, withdrawal and substitution of candidates ended at 6 pm on Aug. 18.

“Four political parties that earlier made valid nominations have substituted their candidates.


“The African Democratic Congress, Action Democratic Party and the Peoples Democratic Party withdrew and substituted their deputy governorship candidates, while the Zenith Labour Party substituted both its governorship and deputy governorship candidates.

“Consequently, the Commission has published the final list of nominated candidates in our state and local government offices in Ondo State. The list is also available on our website and social media platforms,” he said.

Okoye advised political parties, candidates in the election and members of the public to check the final list of candidates and be guided accordingly.
(NAN)

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Ondo: INEC releases final list of gov candidates – Punch Newspapers

The Independent National Electoral Commission has published the final list of candidates for Ondo State Governorship election scheduled for October...

Lukaku Heartbreak Just Another Chapter In Sevilla’s Europa League Love Story

The Belgian forward opened the scoring in Cologne but also had a major part in Sevilla’s winner that sealed a 3-2 victory for the six-time champions

Antonio Conte had argued before Friday’s Europa League showdown with Sevilla that when it comes to finals, “we only remember those who win”.

Everyone connected with Inter, though, will probably never forget what unfolded on a dramatic night in Cologne.

Romelu Lukaku, for example, is made of stern stuff; he has known his fair share of struggle in his life. But this 3-2 defeat is likely to weigh heavily on his mind for a long time to come.

He had dreamed of playing for Inter since watching Ronaldo inspire the Italian club to victory in the 1998 final with a mesmerising display against Lazio.

By opening the scoring against Sevilla, he equalled his idol’s record of 34 goals in a debut season at San Siro.

Lukaku, though, also concluded the scoring, unluckily deflecting an overhead kick from Diego Carlos into his own net with just 16 minutes remaining.

That the Brazilian shouldn’t have even been on the field only added insult to injury.

It was Diego Carlos who had taken Lukaku down in the area as he raced away from the Brazilian just five minutes into the game.

Remarkably, the defender was only shown a yellow card by referee Danny Makkelie – despite cynically denying Lukaku a clear goalscoring chance.

Despite the injustice, Lukaku and Inter will probably still end up blaming themselves for this defeat.

After all, with the game tied at 2-2, Lukaku squandered a one-on-one with Yassine Bounou, with the former Manchester United forward shooting straight at the Sevilla goalkeeper.

Of greater significance, though, was the fact that Inter struggled to truly exert themselves on the proceedings.

It was Sevilla who dictated the game and dominated possession for the majority of the 96 minutes of play thanks to their superior ball-retention in midfield, with Ever Banega once again proving hugely influential.

The Rojiblancos’ greater pedigree in this competition undoubtedly played a part, too. Six times they have played in a Europa League or UEFA Cup final; six times they have ended up lifting the trophy.

Those victories may have come across different eras, with different players and coaches, but Julen Lopetegui’s side exhibited the same mix of quality and stubbornness as previous winners.

Just like the semi-final against United, Sevilla simply refused to be denied by what they must feel at this stage is their trophy.

In addition, Luuk de Jong scored arguably the best headed brace you’ll ever see in a final, and it was no coincidence that the Lukaku own goal stemmed from Inter’s inability to once again deal with a Sevilla set-piece.

Lopetegui deserves credit for not only uncovering a previously concealed weakness in Inter’s set-up but also the way in which he has recovered from his traumatic spell in charge of Real Madrid.

The onus is now on Inter to show similar character. In fairness to the players, they kept battling until the end, and Alexis Sanchez had a shot cleared off the line, which only intensified their sense of misfortune.

Conte was more upset than anyone by Diego Carlos avoiding a red card for his foul on Lukaku and he was apoplectic after seeing the same player escape punishment for an alleged handball in the area moments later.010:42

However, the coach has little time for hard-luck stories.

“History,” as he pointed out beforehand, “is written by the winners.”

And this was just latest chapter in Sevilla’s remarkable love affair with the Europa League.

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Lukaku heartbreak just another chapter in Sevilla's Europa League love story - Orient Daily News

The Belgian forward opened the scoring in Cologne but also had a major part in Sevilla’s winner that sealed a 3-2 victory for the six-time champions Antonio Conte had argued before Friday’s Europa League showdown with Sevil

No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
Matthew 9:16‭-‬17 KJV

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*DOMINION MANDATE DAILY DEVOTIONAL*

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020

*PARTNERSHIP IN MARRIAGE*

*BIBLE READING: GENESIS 1:26-30; ECCLESIASTES 4: 9-11; 1PETER 3:7*

*“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Genesis‬ ‭2:24‬ ‭(NKJV).*

God designed marriage to be a partnership between a husband and wife. Husbands, God intended for your wives to be more than your housekeepers, your sex toys, your personal slaves, or baby-sitters for the children you bore together. God designed your wives to be co-rulers in the partnership of life. It is God's intention for a husband and wife to be a formidable team. Marriage was designed for both spouses to live their lives together, to fulfill the dominion mandate.

This was why in the beginning, God said, that it is not good for the man to be alone. The only thing that was not good after God finished the work of creation was that the man was alone. God then created the woman and gave her to Adam to help him not just to till the ground, but to do life together.

Although his reputation with regards to his marriages is very ungodly, King Solomon is known as one of the wisest and richest men that ever passed through this earth; he was accurate in his assertion that life cannot be done alone (Eccl. 4:9-11). For Husbands and wives to have exponential profit for their labour, they must not do just marriage, but life together.

In 1 Peter 3:7, we are told that Husbands and wives are co-inheritors; this means that they are in a partnership in which assets and liabilities are owned and owed equally. When Husbands and wives treat themselves as equals and value their partnership in life, they become a powerful team, anything less than this, will hinder the grace of God in their lives. When a wife is treated less than an equal partner, she can become discouraged and bitter regarding the marriage. Once bitterness sets in, it will obstruct the flow of God's grace, which will hinder the effectiveness of the team.

Husbands, it is very critical for you to see your wives as co-partners, and co-inheritors in life. In Ecclesiastes 9:9, Solomon called your wife your portion in this life. Marriage is like an aircraft with two engines; remember, that both engines are of equal capacity. When Husbands and wives see themselves as a unified team, their prayer life becomes powerful and effective but when they are disunited, their prayers will be powerless and ineffective.

Certain roles in marriage are not really cast in tablets of stone, it is the interplay and interchange of roles that leads to a formidable and a winning team.

*PRAYER POINT
Father, I receive the grace to function as an effective team player in my marriage.

Bayelsa Governorship: Diri Files 12 Grounds Of Appeal Against Ruling

Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa state, on Tuesday, filed 12 grounds of appeal before the Court of Appeal in Abuja to challenge the tribunal judgement that sacked him from office and ordered the Independence National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct a fresh election in the state within 90 days.

In the notice of appeal he filed through his team of lawyers led by Chief Chris Uche, Governor Diri urged the appellate court to set aside the majority judgement of the Bayelsa state governorship election petitions tribunal, which nullified his election and uphold the minority verdict.

The tribunal had, in a majority judgement by two out of the three-man panel of justices, voided the outcome of the gubernatorial election that held in the state on November 16, 2019, over the exclusion of one of the registered political parties, Advanced Nigeria Democratic Party, ANDP, in the contest.


Two members of the panel, Justices Sikiru Owodunni and Yunusa Musa, said they found merit in ANDP’s contention that it was unlawfully excluded from participating in the governorship election by INEC, despite the fact that it fulfilled all the statutory requirements.

Justice Musa, who read the lead judgement in the matter, upheld the petition, saying the tribunal was satisfied that INEC illegally excluded ANDP and its governorship candidate, King George, from the election. He held that INEC lacked the powers to disqualify ANDP’s candidates after it failed to act on a letter the party wrote to be allowed to substitute its deputy governorship candidate.

However, in a dissenting judgement, chairman of the tribunal, Justice Ibrahim Sirajo, affirmed governor Diri’s election after he dismissed the petition for being statute-barred. Justice Sirajo said there was evidence that ANDP was disqualified from the election for fielding an ineligible candidate.

He noted that the party nominated an underaged deputy governorship candidate, who admitted that he was 34 years old, instead of the 35 years age bracket the constitution stipulated.



Justice Sirajo said there was equally evidence that the party failed to substitute the candidate till the statutory window for such substitution elapsed.

Meanwhile, in his appeal, a copy of which was sighted by Orient Weekend, Governor Diri prayed the appellate court to set aside the entire majority decision of the tribunal (per Hon. Justice Yunusa Musa and Hon. Justice S. M. Owodunni) and to dismiss the 1st respondent’s petition.

He further urged the Court of Appeal to, “uphold the minority judgement of the chairman of the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Hon. Justice Muhammad I. Sirajo, which clearly appreciated the law and correctly applied the same to the facts and rightly dismissed the petition.”



Listing some of the particulars of error in the judgement against him, Governor Diri maintained that the petition by ANDP challenged its alleged unlawful exclusion from the election that was conducted on November 16, 2019.

He argued that the cause of action of the 1st respondent, ANDP, crystallised on November 16, 2019, the election day, when it claimed to have realised that INEC, indeed, did not place it on the ballot.

In his second ground of appeal, Governor Diri argued that Justices Musa and Owodunni erred in law when they held that ANDP’s candidates were validly nominated. On particulars of errors, he told the appellate court that ANDP forwarded names of underaged candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

He contended that the two justices, in the majority judgement, erred in law when they held that INEC unlawfully excluded ANDP’s candidates.

Governor Diri argued that the majority judgement was legally defective as it held that ANDP had the locus standi to maintain its petition, adding that it was wrong for the tribunal to hold that the complaint the party canvassed in its petition was not a pre-election matter.

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Bayelsa governorship: Diri files 12 grounds of appeal against ruling - Orient Daily News

Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa state, on Tuesday, filed 12 grounds of appeal before the Court of Appeal in Abuja to challenge the tribunal judgement that sacked him from office and ordered the Independence National Electoral Commission, INEC, to cond

Coup: Jonathan leads West African leaders to Mali Saturday – Report

Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, will lead other West African leaders to coup-torn Mali on Saturday “to help the search for solutions”, AFP reports.

Mali’s elected President, Ibrahim Keita, was overthrown on Tuesday by mutinying troops, who took him as well as Prime Minister Boubou Cisse and other senior officials into custody.

The coup has sent shockwaves around West Africa, sparking fears that one of the region’s most volatile states, and a front line in the fight against jihadism, could collapse.

Earlier on Tuesday before the coup, Jonathan while briefing Nigeria’s President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), said Mali’s main opposition group, M5, was adamant on its call for the resignation of Keita.

Keita, who later appeared in a state television broadcast on Wednesday, declared the dissolution of the government and National Assembly and said he had no choice but to resign with immediate effect.

“If it pleased certain elements of our military to decide this should end with their intervention, do I really have a choice? (I must) submit to it, because I don’t want any bloodshed,” the 75-year-old said.

The United Nations, African Union, Economic Community of West African States, amongst others, had since condemned the coup.


ECOWAS on Thursday announced that it would dispatch a high-level delegation “to ensure the immediate return of constitutional order”. It also demanded that Keita be restored as president and warned the junta that it bore “responsibility for the safety and security” of the detainees.

But according to an AFP report on Friday, Jonathan, who is ECOWAS Special Envoy to Mali, alongside 14 other leaders in the regional bloc, will be in the Malian capital of Bamako on Saturday for peace talks with the junta leaders including Assimi Goita who has declared himself head of the junta.

Reacting to the request for a meeting with the leaders, a junta official told AFP, “We will receive the ECOWAS delegation with pleasure… it is important to talk to our brothers.”

Meanwhile, the United Nations human rights officials visited Keita and other detained officials on Thursday while the junta on Friday said it had released two detainees, retaining 17.

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Coup: Jonathan leads West African leaders to Mali Saturday – Report – Punch Newspapers

Kayode Oyero Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, will lead other West African leaders to coup-torn Mali on Saturday "to help the searc...