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Barcelona secures important win after two consecutive defeats Barca were only just able to edge Girona, 19th, thanks to Araujo’s late goal.

Pedri Gonzalez slotted Barcelona ahead early on but Axel Witsel equalised with a superb overhead kick for a Girona side who came close to securing a deserved point.

“Sometimes you have to win games like this — we missed a lot of chances and they did too,” Fermin Lopez told DAZN.

“We fought until the end and we got that second goal… it was a chaotic second half but I think we deserved the win and we got it.”

Barca coach Hansi Flick brought Lamine Yamal back into the starting line-up after he recovered from the groin injury which kept him out of Spain’s recent World Cup qualifiers.

The teenage winger also missed the 4-1 thrashing by Sevilla in Barcelona’s last La Liga outing, which the Catalans were only just able to bounce back from.

With several players including striker Robert Lewandowski out injured, Flick handed a league debut to 17-year-old forward Toni Fernandez.

In line with the protest organised by the Spanish footballers’ association against Barca’s match against Villarreal in December which has been moved to Miami, both sets of players stood still for 15 seconds after the whistle blew for kick-off.

Barca took the initiative and earned a 13th-minute lead through Pedri after Jules Kounde and Yamal combined well.

The winger fed Pedri, who dribbled into the box and casually passed the ball into the bottom right corner.

Girona, who finished in the top four two seasons ago but have struggled ever since, soon found a way back level.

Witsel produced a stunning overhead kick to equalise in the 20th minute and shock the hosts.

The visitors poured forward and found holes in Barcelona’s high line several times to create danger.

Barca goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny made a fine save to deny Vladyslav Vanat as he charged through on goal.

Cristian Portu struck the post after getting in behind Barca’s defence and then Bryan Gil blazed off target after darting through one-on-one yet again.

Marcus Rashford struck the crossbar with a free-kick at the other end before an entertaining battle reached the interval.

Honours even

Pau Cubarsi bundled home for Barca after an hour but the goal was ruled out because of a foul by Eric Garcia in the build-up.

Flick made a surprising double change, withdrawing star players Yamal and Pedri despite chasing the game, perhaps with Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Olympiakos in mind, as well as next weekend’s Clasico.

Paulo Gazzaniga made an excellent save at his near post to thwart Rashford as Barca turned the screw, with substitute Lopez making a notable impact.

Rashford wanted a penalty when Vitor Reis caught him in the face with a swinging arm in the box but the referee waved away Barca appeals.

Flick sent on centre-back Araujo as a striker in the final stages in desperation and the Uruguayan delivered deep in stoppage time, finishing off Frenkie de Jong’s cross to snatch three points.

Araujo ripped off his shirt in celebration as Barca claimed a victory which seemed improbable after a flat second half display.

“We feel that we played a great game… (but) we had four or five clear chances and should have scored more to kill the game,” Witsel told DAZN.

“It’s hard mentally to let in a goal like that, but we have to think about the first half (we played)… and keep that in mind for our next match.”

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Alpha Morgan Bank Reinforces Commitment to Education at Redeemer’s University Business School Commissioning

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Alpha Morgan Bank Reinforces Commitment to Education at Redeemer’s University Business School Commissioning

Alpha Morgan Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to education and institutional development through its support for the commissioning of the Redeemer’s University Business School.

 

The Business School was officially inaugurated by Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye, at the commissioning ceremony attended by distinguished guests including Her Excellency, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo; the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of Redeemers University, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe; the Vice Chancellor, Professor Shadrach Olufemi Akindele; and other notable dignitaries.

 

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Alpha Morgan Bank reiterated the  Bank’s commitment to supporting institutions that drive intellectual growth and national development.

 

As part of its broader focus on knowledge sharing and thought leadership, Alpha Morgan Bank will host its Economic Review Webinar in May 2026, bringing together experts to share insights on key economic trends and opportunities.

 

The Bank’s involvement reflects its continued dedication to empowering institutions and shaping the future of business and leadership in Nigeria.

 

 

Read more about Alpha Morgan Bank on www.alphamorganbank.com 

 

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Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch

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Olowu Kuta's Olori On 60th Birthday
Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch Eminent personalities across the Nigeria stormed the TFK Event Centre, Bala Mohammed Way, Guzape, Abuja, to celebrate the 60th birthday of Olowu Kuta’s Olori, Queen Jumai Amoke and her Foundation Launch on Saturday 28, March 2026. From former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai rtd, to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Olofa of Offa, HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi. Even top businesswoman and socialite, Chief (Mrs) Bola Shagaya, was in attendance. Other dignitaries were newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police and former AIG Zone 2 , Lagos , Adegoke Fayoade, Major General Abdumalik, Major General Samuel Adebayo rtd (Fmr CDI); Major General Anthony Omozoje rtd (Fmr Copp); Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi (Asiwaju of Offa and CEO Radisson Hotel Nigeria; Dr Waheed Olagunju, former managing director of Bank of Industry,  Oniba of Iba,  Lagos State, HRM Oba Dr Suleiman Raji ; Justice Falola, Olu of Ile-Ogbo , Oba Adetoyese amongst many traditional rulers and captains of industry too numerous to mention. Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Host, Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON , Tegbosun iii, who is also the husband of the celebrant commended Queen Jumai for ‘ her slender arms full of kindness’ to establish such humanitarian Foundation, ‘Amoke Children and mother in Need Foundation’ at a time Nigerians are going through economic crisis occassioned by the global meltdown. Olowu also commended her steadfastness and love for the less privileged and downtrodden. The monarch refrenced the task before his wife’s humanitarian gesture said her best is yet to come. ” Olori Amoke Jumai, I celebrate you. You will celebrate 70, 80, 90 and continue to shine as you continue to put a smile on people’s faces. I love you, “Olowu Kuta added. To Lt Gen Buratai, a former army chief and former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, the reward of hard work is more work. Buratai, who also doubles as Balogun Agba of Owu Kuta, a chieftaincy title reserved for a generalismo congratulated Queen Jumai for attaining the age of 60 in good health. The retired army General said he’s not surprised by the turn out of eminent personalities across the country to celebrate the Olowu Kuta’s Olori because she merited it through her hospitality to all, adding that Allah the most merciful, most beneficial would accept all her act of ibadah. The minister of Justice, Prince Fagbemi, was full of praises for Queen Jumai for deeming it fit to have a place in her heart to accommodate the needy and less privileged in ‘our society.’ Prince Fagbemi urged the guests to contribute generously to support the Foundation in order to continue to alleviate poverty and put a smile on the faces of the people. ” I congratulate you on your 60th birthday and Foundation Launch. I wish you many happy returns of the day and many more fruitful services to the country and motherland”, Prince  Fagbemi added. The celebrant, Queen Jumai who was grining from ear to ear thankfully said she was excited by the turn out and the response of the people to her foundation. Queen Jumai, however, promised to continue to use her resources and donations received for the good of the needy and less privileged in the society. ” I want to appreciate my own Kabiesi Olofa of Offa , for his presence and im I’m using him as a point of contact to all other Kabiesis present here, the minister of justice and Attorney-General, you’re welcome, sir; Mrs Bola Shagaya, I salute your enterprise, Lt Gen Buratai,  I’m grateful, sir; DIG Fayoade, Justice Falola and other dignitaries too numerous to mention, I thank you, all.  To my darling husband, Kabiesi Olowu , I thank you immensely for your support. And to my family and friends, I thank you , all. E se pupo!”, she said.

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