Moises Caicedo Lone Goal Helps Chelsea Defeat Stubborn Pafos On Liam Rosenior UCL debut—-Moises Caicedo’s late goal gave Chelsea a vital 1-0 win against Cypriot minnows Pafos on Wednesday as the Blues moved closer to automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16.

Chelsea’s fourth victory from seven Champions League group stage matches lifted them into eighth place.

A win at Napoli in their final group game on January 28 would likely be enough to send Chelsea through to the last 16, depending on other results.

The Blues would face the unwanted stress of a play-off round if they finish outside the top eight.

Rosenior has won three times and lost once in his first four games since arriving from Strasbourg to replace Enzo Maresca, who left Stamford Bridge after mounting tensions with the club’s hierarchy.

It was far from plain sailing for Rosenior as Chelsea struggled to find a way past inspired Pafos keeper Jay Gorter before Caicedo made the breakthrough.

Optimistic Chelsea fans have noted their two Champions League triumphs in 2012 and 2021 came after they changed manager in mid-season.

But there is a long way to go before Rosenior can hope to emulate those iconic victories masterminded by Roberto Di Matteo and Thomas Tuchel.

Chelsea have been steady rather than eye-catching so far under Rosenior, with far sterner tests lying in wait in the surprise choice to replace Maresca.

Wake-up call

Rosenior made six changes from the 2-0 win over Brentford on Saturday, with injured England forward Cole Palmer absent due to a slight strain.

Brazilian veteran David Luiz, a 2012 Champions League winner with Chelsea, was on the bench for Pafos, who were far from overawed in their first ever match against English opposition.

Chelsea laboured for long periods and even when Enzo Fernandez had the ball in the net in the 18th minute, the midfielder’s close-range header was disallowed for a push.

Chelsea nearly gifted Pafos a shock opener when a wayward back-pass to Filip Jorgensen was almost intercepted by Anderson Silva, but the Blues keeper chested the ball away from danger.

Rosenior’s men had lost their momentum and Pafos went close when Jaja’s shot from just inside the area took a wicked deflection off Reece James and hit the post with Jorgensen rooted to the spot.

That near-miss served as a wake-up call and Caicedo’s blast was pushed away by Gorter before Benoit Badiashile glanced a header narrowly wide moments later.

Caicedo’s long-range drive forced another good stop from Gorter, who also repelled Jorrel Hato’s fierce strike just before half-time.

Frustration was mounting among Chelsea supporters and Rosenior made a double change at the break, sending on Robert Sanchez for Jorgensen and Estevao Willian for James.

Estevao nearly made an instant impact with a stinging volley that Gorter saved at full stretch.

Gorter was enjoying the game of his life and he denied Pedro Neto and Caicedo with two more fine saves.

To Rosenior’s immense relief, Chelsea finally found a way past Gorter in the 78th minute.

Pafos couldn’t clear a corner and Caicedo arrived to flick his header into the far corner from close range.

AFB

Ekiti Decide 2026: INEC Releases Final List of Candidates—-The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates cleared to contest the June 2026 Ekiti State gubernatorial election, setting the stage for a multi-party contest involving 12 political parties.

The list, signed by INEC National Commissioner, Rose Oraran-Anthony, shows that candidates will be vying for the governorship seat alongside their running mates, with qualifications ranging from primary school certificates to doctorate degrees.

According to the commission, the approved candidates include representatives of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and several other parties.

The incumbent governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, 58, will be contesting on the platform of the APC, with Monisade Afuye, 67, as the deputy governorship candidate.

The Labour Party is presenting Olajuyin Ikusayede Gbegbe Oyebanji, 67, as its governorship candidate, with legal practitioner Okumade Ayokunle Odumayo as his running mate.

Among the younger contenders is Abegunde Ayobami Blessing of the NNPP, aged 35, while the AAC has nominated Akande Oluwasegun Samuel, 36, with John Fajuyigbe Oluwasanmi as deputy.

Other candidates include Bejide Oluwadare Patrick (ADC), Ojo Ayodeji (ADP), Anifowose Joseph Olanrewaju (APM), Awogbemi Bidemi Olaiya (APP), Ayodele Olaniyi Olanrewaju Praise (PRP), Osinkolu Olusegun Ayodele (YPP), and Adetunji Victor Damilola (ZLP).

INEC’s document also highlights the wide disparity in educational backgrounds among the candidates and their deputies, a development that has already sparked conversations among political observers and voters in the state.

With the final list now public, political parties are expected to intensify campaigns ahead of the governorship poll, which is seen as a critical test of voter sentiment in Ekiti State amid economic hardship, governance concerns, and growing youth political engagement.

INEC has reiterated its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election, warning parties and candidates to adhere strictly to electoral laws and campaign regulations.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had fixed the governorship elections in Ekiti states for Saturday, June 20