THIS PHOTO OF PATRONIKING AND HIS NEW BORN BABY IS BEAUTIFUL

Singer, Patoranking may have welcomed a child with his British babymama recently as  shared a photo of himself carrying his child with his babymama looking on on Instagram.

Recall that, he also shared a photo with his supposed baby mama a few days back which he captioned;

 Daddy Yo  Thank God 

3 DIE IN MARKET PROTEST

Three people were killed on Saturday in a protest by Owerri natives following the demolition of the Eke Onunwa market by the state government.

But the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, could not confirm the casualty as he is out of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria  reports that the situation escalated when one of the protesters, a young man, was hit and killed by a stray bullet fired by security operatives deployed to maintain order in the melee which ensued after the demolition.

Following the death of the protester, Owerri natives proceeded to set fire to the property belonging to some residents.

This led to a fight between the residents and those protesters resulting in the death of two others.

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state had issued an evacuation order to the traders advising them to relocate to a new site to make way for development at the market site.

The efforts were resisted by the natives of the area who fought the relocation of the market by the state government.

However, the market was demolished in the middle of the night by bulldozers already stationed at the scene despite the efforts of the natives.

Military and police personnel have been deployed in Owerri to forestall further breakdown of law and order.

ACTOR EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER EDUCATIONAL SECTOR

Kanayo O. Kanayo has expressed his concern over the situation of the Nigerian educational sector, especially with the ongoing ASUU strike caused by the failure of the Federal Government to meet the union’s long-time demands.

The star of TV series “Professor Johnbull“, shared his thoughts via an Instagram post, insisting that both the Federal Governments and ASUU have equal roles to play in resolving the issues at hand.

He went on to explain that just as Universities are funded by NGOs abroad, ASUU should seek other sources of funding.

Kanayo added that the Government would do well not to play politics with ASUU as the future of Nigerian students depended on them.

Read his post below:

"Hello Proximate People, a great evening salutation. Dress the way you want to be addressed. I was just dressing up for Lectures before the ASUU strike. Does the Government sponsor the Education sector abroad? Why are there no strikes in the institutions in the West?

"Many non-Governmental organizations fund the sector and relieve the Government of the burden of the management and control of this critical sector. A poorly managed education sector will only produce half baked products.

"Government must not play Politics with ASUU, so also must ASUU also statutorily seek for other funding modules. Enjoy a pleasant weekend #OverAndOut."

Many celebrities have been vocal about their thoughts when it comes to the government's activities, especially in recent times.

MARCY DOLAPO ONI WELCOMES FIRST CHILD WITH HUSBAND

Media personality, Dolapo Oni and her husband, Prince Adegbite Sijuwade just welcomed their first child, a baby boy.

Marcy announced the good news on Instagram:

Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper! Thank you Lord for this gift you have given my husband and I. Prince Sijuwade is finally here. Thank you all for your prayers throughout this pregnancy. God will continue to bless you! #HappyMummy#Happydaddy #Mummyyo #Proudparents #Blessed #Issaboy

WRITINGGAMESNG CHANGED MY LIFE – OLADELE

A former NYSC corps member, Oluwasogo Oladele’s entry won the top prize at the first #WritingGamesNG ahead of 135 others

It is interesting how a single event can catapult you, swing you into a hitherto unexplored territory and change your perspective about life. Better still, it can challenge your life goals, and make you see the bigger picture; a picture you never imagined. Participating and subsequently winning #WritingGamesNG 2016 did exactly that to me.

It seems unbelievable that it is just a little over a year ago that I participated in the first edition of the #WritingGamesNG. That edition that was used to commemorate the 20th year of Nigeria’s unprecedented victory in the Men’s Football event of the Olympic Games at Atlanta ’96 came at the right time for me. So much has changed about me over the course of the past year, and it seems almost like a lifetime ago. While change is a constant phenomenon, the changes in perspective I have experienced are attributable to my experiences during and after #WritingGamesNG.

Being a struggling writer before the competition, #WritingGamesNG exposed me to writers, in Nigeria and outside. Meeting with the Goal.com Nigeria team was a special experience for me. I had the opportunity to interact with top sports writers who are always starting up critical discussions around football and its management in Nigeria. What better way to get motivated than meeting people who are concerned about the comatose state of sports in Nigeria, and fighting hard to resuscitate it.

The greatest leap, however, was travelling to Uganda. It was a place where my perspective about writing got revamped. Writing is a craft and I learnt how to weave my way around it. At the Writivism Festival in Kampala, I was able to meet writers whose books I could have only dreamt of reading. Meeting writers like Michela Wrong (author of It’s Our Turn To Eat) and Oduor Jagero (Ghosts of 1894), felt like a young footballer meeting Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo for footballing tips.  Above other things, I got the motivation to push on as a writer, and to use my craft to fight for a better world.

DEMBELE SIGNING WILL HELP MESSI & BARCA AGAINST DEFENSIVE TEAMS LIKE ALAVES

The Catalans came through with a 2-0 win on the road, but their struggles in tight spaces highlighted the importance of bringing in the French forward

It was comfortable in the end. For the second weekend running in La Liga, Barcelona completed a 2-0 victory, this time at Alaves after beating Betis at Camp Nou last Sunday.

But, once again, there was the feeling that Lionel Messi needs more help in attack.

Soon, the Argentine attacker will have it, of course, after Barca paid an initial €105 million to bring in France forward Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund on Friday as a replacement for Neymar.

The trip to Mendizorrotza came too soon for Dembele to make his debut, but the pattern of the game did highlight the importance of bringing in a new forward to take some of the load off Messi.

With Neymar departed and Luis Suarez sidelined, Messi started alongside Gerard Deulofeu and Paco Alcacer, a front three that will leave most Barca fans somewhat cold after three spectacular seasons of the MSN trident.

Against an Alaves side with all 10 outfield players packed tightly within a 30-metre space in order to frustrate Barca's attacks, it took time for Ernesto Valverde's team to break through. And it was Messi, unsurprisingly, who made the difference.

The 30-year-old, who had hit the woodwork three times against Betis, saw a penalty saved late in the first half, but did open the scoring in the second with the aid of a slight deflection. He also added the second after a poor defensive error by Alexis.

Barca went on to have even more chances as the game opened up after that, but their difficulties in carving open a team defending deep and with many players behind the ball will be a slight concer

POGBA SHOWS ONCE MORE HE'S THE DOMINANT LEADER OF MAN UTD'S NEW DAWN

The midfielder was at the heart once more as United beat Leicester 2-0 at Old Trafford

When Jose Mourinho appointed Michael Carrick as Manchester United’s captain in the summer he refused to identify an understudy for the veteran midfielder. The Portuguese explained that, while the armband would be handed to somebody or other, with Antonio Valencia so far being given that honour, he expected a number of his players to act like leaders on the field.

In Paul Pogba, United have their leader in style if not in name. The 2-0 victory over Leicester City on Saturday was the latest exhibition of the Frenchman’s accession to the throne. One year on from the questions and the claims he was a waste of money at £89.5 million, Pogba is now the beating heart of everything good about Mourinho’s side.

With Nemanja Matic added to the midfield, Pogba has so much more licence to get involved in attacks than he had during his first full season with the club last term. And he is sure as hell using that space too.

That looked set to be the case when they were awarded a penalty in the 53rd minute following Danny Simpson’s handball from an Anthony Martial cross, but Romelu Lukaku saw his attempt from the spot brilliantly saved by Kasper Schmeichel.

They eventually got their goal when Marcus Rashford side-footed home from Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s right-wing corner, with Schmeichel seemingly caught flat-footed by Eric Bailly’s near-post run.

Rashford’s goal was United’s sixth to come in the 70th minute or later in their three league games so far, and Marouane Fellaini’s inadvertent goal eight minutes from the end made it seven. In 2016-17 they scored a grand total of just 13 in the same period while conceding nine as they often found themselves hanging on in the latter stages of the game.

This Is Why Actress Thelma Okoduwa’s Marriage Is Scandal Free

Edo-born actress and Computer Science graduate of University of Port Harcourt, Thelma Okoduwa-Ojiji, has revealed the secrets behind her scandal free marriage.

Recently, Inside Nollywood met the mother of one and bosom friend of Rita Dominic at a social gathering that brought together several movie stars. The ever glowing actress hinted that social media is a major cause of celebrity marriage crash.

“Everybody now wants to put online every issue they are going through. I don’t do that at all; I don’t put my family life out there. That’s why I have stayed scandal free for years. I have never had any negative thing said about me, either bad press or controversy. I’m not really a social media freak,”she said.

However, Thelma added that she doesn’t judge or condemn those that do so, because they have their lives to live. “It’s not just entertainers, social media and its fake lifestyle have taken over now. Everybody now shows off online, but I’m not that kind of person. The pressure is just too much; it makes people do what they don’t really want to do. It’s getting out of hand. Well, it’s the social media era, so we all have to deal with it. But I don’t judge those who do so; it’s their life.”

The Catholic Church in Akwa Ibom State is not happy with the resignation of a Reverend Father and has begun moves to sanction him.

The resignation of an ordained priest, Rev. Father Patrick Henry Edet, from the Catholic Church in Akwa Ibom State, has not been taken lightly as the church ordered him back or forfeit every privilege attached to the church.

Fr. Edet had announced his resignation about two weeks and also went on a private radio station in the state to announce that he was done with the church as well as announce it on some social media platforms.

A few days after that, Fr. Edet also made known his ministry, The Grace Family Global Outreach, giving a final indication that he was done with the Catholic Church.

But his action has been roundly condemned by the hierarchy of the church in the state with the Bishop of Uyo Diocese, His Grace, Bishop John Ayah, saying Fr. Edet's resignation has not been accepted as he cannot just wake up and decide to leave the church.

A journalist based in the state, Osondu Ahirika, in a letter personally written by Bishop Ayah dated August 12, 2017 wrote on the resignation of the priest to Pope Francis in Rome, with an attachment of the resignation letter, all privileges attached to priests have been withdrawn while he warned all Catholic Churches and members to dissociate themselves from him.

The letter which was read at the St. Patrick Catholic College, Afaha Inang, Uyo and other parishes in the Diocese, implies that any Catholic member who attends Fr. Edet's programs stand the risk of sanctions while awaiting an official reaction from Pope Francis.

A catechist at the St. Patrick who spoke to Ahirika on the resignation of Fr. Edet, said all the comments on social media about the matter were misplaced and misleading as people do not know the true position of the matter.

"Let those who make useless comments on social media continue, the Catholic Church is a church guided by discipline and no form of rebellion of any kind shall be entertained.

Even when Barr. Enoidem resigned his appointment as a Commissioner to contest an election as the legal adviser of PDP, he later returned to the cabinet because of course, his resignation letter was rejected by his boss, Governor Udom Emmanuel and he returned to the cabinet until others were dissolved.

So until the Pope accepts his resignation letter, he remains Rev. Fr. Patrick Edet. That is the cross he is bound to carry, after all, he took an oath to serve the church perpetual," the catechist explained.

.

Group denies oil minister's governorship ambition

The Conscience of the Niger (TCN) has warned those trying to discredit the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, by insinuating that he was interested in an elective office in 2019, to desist before they incur the wrath of God.

In a statement yesterday by its leader, Mr. Mitai Okeroghene, the group said it was not the first time the issue was being deliberately pushed out to test the waters.

He said it had been dismissed a few times by Dr. Kachikwu himself, but noted that the timing now reeked of mischief and must be addressed at once.

Okeroghene was of the opinion that those who want to discredit the minister knew what they were doing by churning out his campaign posters to make it appear as if he wanted to be governor of Delta State, knowing full well this has a lot of implications for his current posting.

He said, "Dr. Kachikwu is not stupid. He is a technocrat and not a politician and has not in any form or shape shown indications of wanting to contest election, and so, it stands to reason that those behind his posters flooding Abuja have a sinister plot to achieve and their message is also clearly directed at their target audience, hence, the choice of Abuja as their location for the posters.

"For the sake of argument, let us admit that Dr. Kachikwu has an interest in the governorship of Delta State, is Abuja the place to start pasting posters? What is the correlation between Abuja and Delta governorship? But, of course, they want to insinuate that he was seeking the Abuja blessing, which of course invalidates the whole idea.

"This is why we have come out to state for emphasis and for the umpteenth time that Dr. Kachikwu is not interested in the governorship of Delta or any other elective political office as he currently has a more challenging and critical national assignment, which he has been able to discharge creditably well in the last over a year in spite of the attendant challenges in that office."

According to Okeroghene, the propensity to want to destroy others without any justification remains a major preoccupation of both the active and the passive players in this part of the world and invariably, the bane of underdevelopment in the country.

"Nothing can explain the attack on Dr. Kachikwu because as far as we are concerned, this is an attack on the career of a man who is focused and determined to make a change in the best way possible and as permitted within the limitations of his office.

"He deserves support and commendation and not to make him appear unduly ambitious or losing sight of his current brief.

"But if this is targeted at influencing the rumoured imminent cabinet reshuffle by those who find his ongoing reforms in the system discomforting or a move by those who want to mount pressure on him to run for Delta governorship, it is dead on arrival, because Dr. Kachikwu is not oblivious of the weight of the assignment on his hands and is leaving nothing to chance in making sure that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari succeeds," he said.

Okeroghene, however, said his group had begun investigations into those behind the move and that if they failed to desist from trying hard to discredit Kachikwu, they would go after those behind the attacks.

He said, "Is it a crime for a man to be adept at his work? It is surprising that after stabilising the sector and still cleansing it of its corrupt past, this is all that Kachikwu gets. But whatever creepy plans they are hatching, he is one man, who will leave government unblemished and very successful."

Lavish Photos From Toke Makinwa’s Sister White Wedding

Media personality Toke Makinwa‘s youngest sister Busayo‘s white wedding to her beau Stian Fossengen is happening today in Oslo, Norway.

As expected, big sis Toke has been sharing photos from the wedding on her Instagram page and Snapchat.

The lovely Busayo Makinwa got married traditionally to her Norwegian beau, Stian Fossengen few weeks ago in a fabulous ceremony at the Civic Center in Victoria Island, Lagos which had in attendance celebrities like Mo Abudu, Waje, Arese Ugwu, Eunice Omole, Olakunbi Tomori and Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi.

The Media Personality and proud big sister looked fabulous as she graced her sister’s wedding.

Here are the photos:

Sugar Chika Baptizes Her Baby In Church And She Is So Adorable

Nollywood actress Sugar Chika and her husband, Ejay has baptized their daughter, Princess Adaeze in Leicester Cathedral, United Kingdom recently.

She shared lovely photos from the event.

Check out more photos:

WHY RONALDO'S BAN CAN BE A GOOD THING FOR REAL MADRID

The Portuguese has received a five-match suspension after pushing the referee in the Clasico - but that is not necessarily bad news for his team

It is official: Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Real Madrid's next five matches. The Portuguese forward has received the suspension for pushing the referee in Sunday's 3-1 win over Barcelona at Camp Nou. It could have been worse, though, and it may actually be a blessing in disguise for Los Blancos.

Ronaldo returned to training later than his team-mates after appearing for Portugal in the Confederations Cup earlier this summer. The 32-year-old is, therefore, behind in terms of fitness and started on the bench as Real retained the UEFA Super Cup with victory over Manchester United in Skopje last Tuesday.

On Sunday, he was left out of the team again, coming on in the second half to score a wonder goal before being sent off minutes later after he was adjudged to have dived in the area. In his obvious frustration, the Portuguese pushed the referee in the back and the incident was mentioned in the official's match report.

Punishment for such offences varies between four and 12 matches, but Spain's Competition Committee handed Ronaldo a five-game ban on Monday, meaning he will miss the Supercopa second leg against Barca, as well as Liga fixtures versus Deportivo La Coruna, Valencia, Levante and Real Sociedad.

With a two-goal advantage to take into the second leg of the Supercopa, however, Madrid will be big favourites to claim the trophy as coach Zinedine Zidane has plenty of talent in reserve, with Luka Modric back from a ban and Marco Asensio in line for a start following his own sublime strike at Camp Nou.

As Zidane said of Ronaldo's suspension, "We can’t change it and we’ll try to win [the Supercopa] on Wednesday without him. Even with 10 men, we still fought and we believed in the win until the end."

FOOTBALL WORLD WISHES AUSTIN OKOCHA HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Mario Melchiot and Mutiu Adepoju led fans on social media to offer their well-wishes to one of Africa’s greatest footballer

For Austin Okocha, Monday is a special day as the former Nigeria clocks his 44th birthday.

As expected, social media has been awash with well-wishers for the former PSG and Bolton Wanderers midfield genius, who boasts of 75 international caps for the Super Eagles.

Happy birthday to you @IAmOkocha . I wish you all the good things of life. One love brother ⚽️🍰

KELECHI IHEANACHO WAS A VICTIM OF PEP GUARDIOLA…NOTHING MORE

Was the wonderkid unfairly treated at Manchester City, or was it just the wrong fit for player, club...and coach?

“Kelechi is just 17 years old and he’s a very important player for us in the future… I think he is a good talent.”

Those were Manuel Pellegrini’s words after Kelechi Iheanacho's impressive goalscoring debut for Manchester City in their preseason win over Sporting Kansas City in 2014.

The highly rated hotshot was subsequently integrated into the Citizens’ squad during the latter years of the Chilean’s tenure. The former Malaga and Real Madrid coach thought so highly of the forward’s potential that he placed him above Wilfred Bony in the pecking order for the 2015/2016 season—the attacker’s breakthrough year—where he found the back of the net on 14 occasions in all competitions.

However, everyone had it all wrong, and the forward’s distress—and subsequent stagnation in the Spaniard’s inaugural season—was somewhat heartbreaking.

A plethora of observers chipped in with their opinions regarding the 2016 Uefa Golden Boy nominee’s struggle last season, with views ranging from favouritism to even racial discrimination

Many may beg to differ, but the terse fact is the poacher just wasn’t the kind of player the manager desired.

In truth, Guardiola’s arrival at the Etihad ought to have sent alarm bells ringing with regards to Iheanacho’s future.

Throughout his managerial career, Pep’s desire for perfection has led to him chopping and changing until he gets players who fit into his style of play.

While most managers adapt to the players at their disposal, the Spaniard sticks staunchly to his philosophy and is not shy of jettisoning players who don’t suit his tactical needs, irrespective of ability or prior performances.

Kelechi was just a casualty of Pep’s needs. It’s a situation that played out at Barcelona with Samuel Eto’o and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who were both shown the door despite their quality.

After choosing to utilize the fast, mobile and incisive Eto’o in his first year at Barcelona, he discarded the Cameroonian in his second year, opting for the target man option in Ibrahimovic, but that was also abandoned after a year.

Guardiola finally settled on Messi as a ‘false nine’, with the attacker dropping deep and leaving the centre-backs with no one to contain.

70-year-old-man-and-his-67-year-old-boos-wedding-photos-are-awe-inspiring

If these wedding photos of a 70 year old man and his 67 year old boo does not inspire you and leave you teary eyed with a warm fuzzy feeling, then we don’t know what will. Murphy Wilson proposed to his woman, Lucinda Myers, she said yes, they defied all the odds and had themselves a proper wedding ceremony. The photographer who captured the moments Gianna Snell Photography shared these beautiful photos with caption below: “What God has for you, is for you!! It’s official!!! My celebrity clients, Murphy and Lucinda, who proved it’s never too late to find love, have tied the knot! On Saturday, July 29, 70-year-old Murphy Wilson and 67-year-old Lucinda Myers exchanged vows and said “I do” at the very place where their love began, the First Seventh-day Adventist Church in Huntsville, Alabama. Congratulations to this beautiful and inspiring couple!!! I feel so honored to have been chosen by God to have a front row seat to such a profound love that has literally captivated the world! It’s been an amazing ride seeing the their testimony of answered prayer touch so many people. God is amazing and I still believe that #Godaintdoneyet #murphyandlucinda#nevertoolatecouple#giannasnellphotography#whatgodhasforyouisforyou#whatgodhasforyou’‘ The couple left the pastors speechless as they kissed passionately

The anxious groom watches his woman as she is being walked down the aisle to meet him 

Why Yul Edochie Wants To Be The Governor Of Anambra State

Yul Edochie announced his intention to run for the Anambra State gubernatorial seat, the news greeted his fans with shock

While some presumed that the actor who took after his father, Pete Edochie could only be joking or using such to hype a new movie, he has maintained that he is indeed ready for the mantle of leadership, as his father gave him full support.

“Yes, my father and mother, siblings and even my wife gave me their full support. So, I’m ready for the task ahead. I’m not too young at all. I don’t see any limitations in my life. The current President of France is 39. Emir of Qatar is 35. The western world has realised the urgent need to fix the problems of the people and that urgent need must be met by young, vibrant, intelligent and decisive leaders like me.

“Public office shouldn’t be a retirement place. And for me, politics is not and shouldn’t be a do or die affair. I believe God has destined me to win. If God changes his mind and gives it someone else, I’ll congratulate him and offer myself in any capacity. I can fix the people’s problems. We all want a good life for the masses,” he told Inside Nollywood in a telephone chat.

When asked if he has been threatened by any opposition party to back down in his quest to govern Anambra State, the Royal Castle star said he has never faced any objection since he made his intention known to the public.

“I haven’t received threat of any sort. After all, I mean well for my people. What prompted my decision to run for Anambra governorship is the poor condition of the masses in the state. People are dying of poverty, starvation, and politicians do not care. All they do is steal money that they do not even need. Becoming a governor, for me, is my own way of giving back to the people. I want to give the masses the good life they deserve and which they have been denied. 

“For me, governance should be about fixing the people’s problems, giving them a good life, and eradicating poverty; anything short of this is a failed government,” he assured.

THE LATEST RUMOURS FROM MAN UTD, CHELSEA, ARSENAL AND ALL THE TOP TEAMS

Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer stories from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and beyond throughout the ongoing summer window

Chelsea are preparing to table a record-breaking £54 million bid for Juventus full-back Alex Sandro.

If a deal goes through, then the Brazilian will become the most expensive defender in world football.

Manchester United and Chelsea are prepared to meet the £36 million buy-out clause in the contract of Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto, reports Don Balon.

Both of the Premier League heavyweights have been monitoring the 25-year-old for some time and are now ready to make their move.

Southampton would rather sell Virgil van Dijk to Chelsea than Liverpool, according to The Sun.

The £50m-rated defender is wanted by both Premier League clubs, but the Saints do not want to deal with Liverpool after they allegedly made an illegal approach for van Dijk earlier in the transfer window.

NEYMAR PROVES TO BE PSG'S MAN TO WATCH - EVEN IN THE STANDS

The world's most expensive player will not make his bow for Unai Emery's men for at least another week, but he is a figure already loved at the Parc

He did not even take to the field to kick a ball in anger, yet Paris Saint-Germain’s opening fixture of the Ligue 1 season contrived to be centred around Neymar. The 2-0 victory over Amiens became a mere sideshow. 

The world-record €222 million capture from Barcelona was presented to supporters prior to the game but, aside from a few tricks with the ball, PSG fans will need to wait at least another week before capturing a glimpse of their new hero in action. 

Nevertheless, Paris is gripped with Neymar fever that has now spanned the full 48 hours since his arrival was declared from Barcelona. Reports in the local media suggest that PSG sold an astonishing 10,000 Neymar strips in their city centre boutiques, but the greatest manifestation of the enthusiasm for the 25-year-old arrived before Saturday’s Ligue 1 curtain-raiser. 

Amid fireworks, the deafening chant of his name and an electric atmosphere that suggests PSG’s fans believe they are embarking on something very special, the 25-year-old Brazil international received a welcome befitting of the world’s most expensive player. 

Neymar was forced to watch on from the stand as Unai Emery’s side got off to a winning start against little Amiens, a club who secured promotion to the top flight for the first time with literally the last kick of last season. Their total budget of €25m represents the wage of PSG’s new star for only half the season.

Speaking to the media in the aftermath of an incredible presentation, which had whipped the home crowd into a frenzy, he expressed only one regret.

“I wanted to play but it’ll happen at the right moment,” he told the media.

Nevertheless, the visitors equipped themselves well in a defensive manner before finally succumbing to a goal from Edinson Cavani, who gave notice to his new South American colleague that he will take some dislodging from becoming the club’s top scorer this season.

fter missing an early chance, the Uruguayan showed a smart touch and quick feet to create space in the box before bobbling a shot past Regis Gurtner in the visiting net. The goal arrived four minutes before the break, with the hosts under threat of having a really complicated encounter against the minnows.

True to form, Neymar, who had offered some simple but well-executed French as he spoke to the crowd before the game, did not put a foot wrong. With cameras pinned on him, he was seen off his feet and vehemently celebrating as his new team-mate found the net.

Another goal arrived late on from Javier Pastore, who tapped home a Cavani pass, but it was largely academic.