Sport
Operation Enduring Peace Hosts Football Tournament Finale, Launches School Support Initiative in Mangu
The Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), on Sunday, October 19, 2025, held the grand finale of its Peace and Unity Football Competition and formally launched the distribution of writing materials to schools in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The colourful event, which attracted dignitaries from within and outside the state, marked another milestone in the military’s efforts to strengthen civil-military relations through non-kinetic approaches aimed at fostering peace and stability.
In his keynote address, the Special Guest of Honour and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army/Commander OPEP, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, said the initiative underscores the military’s commitment to promoting peace and unity through community-based engagements. He described sports and education as powerful instruments for building understanding, collaboration, and lasting harmony among communities.
Major General Oyinlola encouraged residents of Mangu to embrace the virtues of teamwork, tolerance, and discipline promoted by sports, while reaffirming the military’s dedication to protecting law-abiding citizens and maintaining peace in the area. He also urged community members to remain alert and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Earlier, the Commander Sector 2, Colonel S.O. Fagbemi, explained that the competition brought together youths from eight major ethnic groups in Mangu, providing a platform for friendship and unity beyond ethnic or religious divides. He assured residents of the military’s continued efforts to sustain security across the local government and its environs.
The Chairman of Mangu Local Government Council, Hon. Emmanuel Bala, lauded the GOC and the Nigerian Army for using sports as a unifying instrument, noting that the tournament has helped restore peace and confidence among the people.
Highlights of the event included two matches—the third-place contest between Hausawa Community and Sigdawa Youth, which ended in favour of Hausawa Community, and the final match between Mwaghavul Boys and Pyem Youth FC. Mwaghavul Boys clinched the championship title after a thrilling 8–7 penalty shootout. Winners and other participating teams received medals and cash prizes.
The ceremony also featured the official flag-off of the distribution of writing materials to schools in Mangu, further reinforcing the Army’s commitment to education, youth empowerment, and community development.
Liverpool can book a top-five finish in the Premier League table when they host Chelsea in Saturday’s early kickoff at Anfield.
Liverpool vs Chelsea betting tips
- Under 3.5 goals
- Both teams to score
- Liverpool to win
Liverpool vs Chelsea preview
Liverpool and Chelsea will get the ball rolling for this weekend’s round of Premier League fixtures as they clash at Anfield.
It is a big game for both sides, but for contrasting reasons as they bid to bounce back from defeats to Manchester United and Nottingham Forest respectively.
The reigning champions’ winning streak came to an end in an agonising 3-2 loss to Manchester United last weekend, shortly before the Blues’ 3-1 home reverse to Nottingham Forest – a sorry sixth straight top-flight defeat.
Liverpool are fourth in the Premier League table with 58 points, six clear of Bournemouth and seven above Brentford. They will qualify for the 2026-27 Champions League if they beat Chelsea and the Cherries drop points at Fulham.
A draw could also be enough depending on how Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton get on.
As for Chelsea, they will be desperate to end a run of six consecutive Premier League defeats and build some confidence ahead of next weekend’s FA Cup showdown against Manchester City.
Points seem a largely foreign concept to Chelsea in the Premier League right now, and they head to Merseyside as the most out-of-form team in the division.
The ninth-placed Blues are mathematically out of top-five contention, sitting 10 points adrift of Aston Villa with three games remaining.
However, they are just four points off Bournemouth in sixth, which could suffice for UCL qualification if Villa finish in the top five and win the Europa League, though they risk no longer being in contention if results go against them this weekend.
Liverpool vs Chelsea head-to-head
Chelsea beat Liverpool twice at Stamford Bridge in 2025, most recently a 2-1 success in October.
However, the Reds have won their last two meetings at Anfield, including last season’s Mohamed Salah-inspired triumph by the same scoreline.
Following their 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge in October, Chelsea are looking to complete the league double over Liverpool for the first time since 2013/14.
However, Chelsea have won just one of their last 10 away games against Liverpool (D5 L4), a 1-0 win under Thomas Tuchel in March 2021.
Liverpool vs Chelsea team forms
Liverpool Premier League form: 🟧🟥🟩🟩🟩🟥
Liverpool form (all competitions): 🟥🟩🟥🟩🟩🟥
Chelsea Premier League form: 🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥
Liverpool form (all competitions): 🟩🟥🟥🟥🟩🟥
Liverpool vs Chelsea team news
Liverpool are hopeful Alexander Isak and Alisson Becker will be available for selection after injury.
Both players missed the defeat at Old Trafford, with Isak suffering a minor groin issue. Arne Slot said last week that he expected the Swede to return against Chelsea, and Alisson is not thought to be too far away from a comeback.
However, the Chelsea game may come too soon for Mohamed Salah, who is likely to play at least one more game before bidding farewell.
Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are all long-term injury casualties, and Giorgi Mamardashvili remains sidelined.
As for Chelsea, the loss to Forest was overshadowed by the sickening head injury to teenage attacker Jesse Derry, who was stretchered off to warm applause from both sets of supporters after his collision with Zach Abbott.
Derry-Abbott was one of two head clashes at Stamford Bridge, where Robert Sanchez and Morgan Gibbs-White also crashed into each other, so Filip Jorgensen may be required in between the posts in the former’s place.
McFarlane is at least hopeful of having attacking trio Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens fit for the weekend, but Estevao Willian (thigh) and Mykhaylo Mudryk (doping ban) will play no part.
Liverpool vs Chelsea possible starting lineup
Liverpool: Woodman; Jones, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Frimpong, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Gakpo
Chelsea: Jorgensen; James, Colwill, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Pedro
Liverpool vs Chelsea prediction
Liverpool are not without their problems, but Chelsea’s Premier League season is ending catastrophically, and McFarlane’s men could return to scoreless ways on Saturday.
Arne Slot’s side had put together a three-game winning run prior to defeat at Old Trafford, and while a classic is surely not in store, given their fitness issues, they’re ahead of Chelsea who have lost their last six in the league.
FA Cup wins aside, the Blues have looked poor in recent weeks and we can’t see that changing here. Form suggests this should be a routine Liverpool win.
Correct score prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
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