match at Stamford Bridge, with Nicolas Jackson proving to be the difference-maker.

The sole goal came in the 27th minute, courtesy of Jackson, who found the back of the net with an assist from Enzo Fernández.

The match, which concluded with Chelsea maintaining their lead through the second half, saw the home side dominate possession and create several chances, but they ultimately settled for a single goal.

The victory helped Chelsea solidify their position in the Premier League standings, where they now sit in fourth place with 60 points from 34 matches, having secured 17 wins, 9 draws, and 8 losses. Their goal difference stands at 19, with 59 goals scored and 40 conceded.

Everton, despite their efforts, couldn’t find an equaliser and remain further down the table, struggling to climb the ranks.

The Toffees have had a challenging season, and this loss adds to their woes as they look to regroup for their upcoming fixtures.

Meanwhile, at the top of the Premier League table, Liverpool lead the pack with 79 points from 33 matches, followed closely by Arsenal with 67 points from 34 matches.

Manchester City lead Chelsea by just one point, sitting in third with 61 points from 34 matches. Nottingham Forest round out the top five with 60 points, level with Chelsea but behind on goal difference.

The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed tremendous shock and deep sadness over the death on Friday of former President of the Nigeria Referees Association, Otunba Tade Azeez.

Otunba Azeez was reported to have given up the ghost at about 2.45pm on Friday, 25th April 2025, after a brief illness.

A nonplussed General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, could not easily comprehend when first notified of the demise of Otunba Azeez, who was also Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association during the tenure of former NFF 1st Vice President, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi.

“What? Are you serious? This is shocking; we didn’t even know that he was sick. Another big loss to the Nigeria football fraternity. Only a few days ago, we were mourning the death of former FIFA referee Bosede Momoh. This is devastating.

“There is nothing we can do other than to remember, with fond memories, his great contributions to the development of Nigeria football, which he did with utmost dedication, discipline, diligence and commitment. We pray that God will grant him eternal rest and also grant all those he has left behind, including friends, family, the refereeing community and the football family, the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Avuncular, vibrant, dignified and gifted with people skills, the 63- year- old was an eminent stakeholder in Nigeria football, and continued to contribute immensely to the game even after leaving office as NRA President, by accepting to be chairman of the top-of-the-range off-season football tournament, ValueJet Cup competition.

Azeez was a top referee in his days before retirement, and then became the leader of the Referees’ body, during which he midwifed transformative programmes that have firmly positioned the NRA to meet up with the demands of the technological era.

He was also in the thick of things during the remarkable Seyi Akinwunmi era in the Lagos State Football Association, which positively re-defined football development, improvement and sustainability in the State.