Give Benitez time, pleads record-breaker Ronaldo

on December 09, 2015

World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo claimed Real Madrid fans should get off coach Rafael Benitez’s back after a record equalling 8-0 mauling of Malmo in the Champions League.
Ronaldo set a new record for goals scored in the Champions League group stage by hitting four against the Swedish champions on Tuesday to take his tally in this season’s competition to 11.
Madrid have now won five consecutive games since being embarrassed 4-0 at home by eternal rivals Barcelona last month, but many of the home fans still booed Benitez at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Benitez was also in charge of Liverpool when they beat Besiktas 8-0 to set the benchmark for the biggest margin of victory in a Champions League game.
And Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer came out in defence of his coach.
“I don’t see the problem,” said Ronaldo.
“The fans express themselves as they want but the boss is doing a good job, he is adapting to Real Madrid and I think we have to give him time because in my opinion he is doing things well.”
Ronaldo also put Madrid fans at ease by distancing himself from rumours linking him with a sensational transfer to Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season.
His 11 Champions League goals have come in just four games against Shakhtar Donetsk and Malmo as he failed to find the net in two matches against PSG.
After Madrid’s 1-0 win at home to the French champions, Ronaldo was captured embracing both PSG coach Laurent Blanc and president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, but he insists he is happy in the Spanish capital.
“It is speculation that happens every year. I think people are used to this always surrounding Cristiano, but I am calm.
“I am happy at a club that has helped me a huge amount since I arrived here.”
On an ideal night for Madrid, troubled French striker Karim Benzema also registered his first hat-trick in five years.
Benzema will learn on Thursday if he is to be suspended from the French national team due to his alleged involvement in a blackmail scandal involving a sex tape of international teammate Mathieu Valbuena.
In contrast to the hostile reception he has received in his homeland, Benzema has been categorically supported by Madrid and he has repaid that faith with five goals in his last two games.
“There is a justice system and we have to see what it says before anything else,” Benzema said regarding his possible ban from the national team.
“This is a team (Real) that doesn’t leave you behind, in the good moments and the bad.
“They are all behind me, from the president down.”
Despite his off-field problems and a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for six weeks, Benzema is enjoying his best ever goalscoring start to a season with Madrid after 12 goals in just 13 appearances.
“This is one of my best years and hopefully it will continue like that,” he added.
“There is a bit of luck, hard work and patience. I have confidence in myself and I feel the president, my teammates and my family have confidence in me.
“I play for the people I love.”

Nigeria, Senegal fight over Rio Olympics ticket

on December 09, 2015 

Nigeria will today face hosts Senegal in the first semi-final of the U-23 AFCON with a ticket to the Rio 2016 Olympic football event at stake.
The winners of this tie will qualify for the Rio Olympics and the final of U-23 AFCON.
Both teams are not new to each other having met three times with a win each for them and a draw.
Their first meeting was at Abuja 2003 All Africa Games football event where Nigeria won 2-0 with goals from Emmanuel Izuagha and Emmanuel Okoduwa.
Senegal then took their pound of flesh at the first edition of CAF U-23 AFCON in Morocco in 2011 with a 2-1 win.
Their third meeting was at 2015 All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville in September, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
To reach the semi-final of U-23 AFCON, Senegal won all their three games, while Nigeria were also unbeaten, posting a win and two draws.
The Nigeria defence, who let in four goals in three games, must be wary of the Senegalese attack led by Moumodou Habibou Diallo as they have scored six goals, while Nigeria strike force led by Junior Ajayi have to work harder to get the goals against a strong Senegal defence, who have let in only a goal in three games.
The crowd will be behind the home team, whose confidence has been on a high since they struck gold at the AAG in Congo earlier this year.
Samson Siasia’s team will be without suspended skipper Azubuike Okechukwu and winger Stanley Dimgba, who is nursing an ankle injury.
Senegal will also be sweating on attacking midfielder Sidy Sarr, who was forced out by injury in the final group match against Zambia.
Dream Team VI defender Chizoba Amaefule has assured the defenders have grown in confidence after keeping a clean sheet in their last group game against Algeria and he is confident Nigeria will beat favourites Senegal to reach the championship final.
“Keeping clean sheet against Algeria has boosted our confidence and morale,” he said.
“Everybody is working harder and ready to do more. The semi-final against Senegal is not going to an  easy game,  but it’s a  game we must win to actualise our dream of coming here, which is to win the competition and qualify for the Olympics.
“I am ready for the game and  my teammates  are all ready to win the  game.”
Kick–off time is 4pm Nigerian time at the Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium in Dakar.

Bayelsa: Siasia sues for peace, says ‘we’ve lost our brothers, sisters’

on December 09, 2015

By Abiodun Alade
The Bayelsa state governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Movement (‎PDM), Moses Siasia, has called on Bayelsans to let peace reign in the state following the declaration of the governorship election inconclusive.
Siasia reminded other governorship candidates of the peace accord they signed before the election and their various commitments to a non-violent election with the Inspector General of Police and INEC chairman.

Moses Siasia

“I urge Bayelsans to embrace peace and shun violence. We have lost souls in the course of this election. We cannot afford to lose our own brothers and sisters because of our ambition.
“The other governorship candidates must remember the peace pact we all signed before the poll. They must urge their supporters to embrace peace. Who will we govern over if there is violence and political instability in the land? How do we deliver electoral promises when violence is the order of the day?
“We must begin to look beyond do or die politics and develop our state, the glory of all lands,” he said.
He urged his supporters not to join those protesting on the street of Bayelsa or participating in violent activities.
“Our party members should not join those involved in violent activities. We are a party of ideas with plan for the future and therefore, we must set example for other parties to follow”.
He reiterated his earlier call for the disqualification of political parties involved in violent activites, electoral fraud from the December 5 governorship election.
“The violence in Southern Ijaw on Saturday and Sunday proves that the election was marred with violence and irregularities and I use this opportunity to once again call for the disqualification of political parties involved in the irregularities and violence because this show of character totally contravenes the electoral act.”

Niger to transfer 500 Boko Haram prisoners to Nigeria

on December 09, 2015

In its efforts to rid its prisons of the dreaded Islamist insurgents, the Niger Republic is set to transfer about 500 Boko Haram prisoners back to Nigeria, reports Reuters.

File Photo: Boko Haram prisoners

According to Reuters, judicial sources in the west African country informed that Niger has declared a state of emergency over the incessant reports of insurgency in an effort to improve security and has made hundreds of arrests.
A magistrate working on the case said: “Nigeria sent a working group here (to Niger) last week and the two sides have established an initial list of 500 detainees who will soon be transferred to Nigeria.”
The exact time when the prisoners, who are in detention centers of Kollo, Diffa and Koutoukale, would be transferred is still unknown.
Both countries form part of 8,700-strong regional taskforce dedicated to destroying a group that has killed thousands of people and displaced millions in its push to create an Islamic caliphate in the region.
However, the task force’s operations have stalled for logistical reasons, security sources say, and regional armies are instead seeking to counter the group alone.

Korede Bello, Yemi Alade take early lead on MTV #BaseNaijaHottestArtist

on December 09, 2015 

Mavin Records artiste, Korede Bello and Songstress, Yemi Alade are the early front runners on the ongoing MTV Base special, #BaseNaijaHottestArtist, which ranks the ten hottest performing artistes in Nigeria for the year 2015.
After a successful year that saw him release his international smash hit “Godwin” as well as the favourably-received duet with Asa “Somebody Great”, Korede Bello currently occupies the number two spot on the list which is being compiled by a panel of Nigeria’s most influential music and showbiz personalities including Olisa Adibua, Sade Ladipo, Omalicha, DJ Spinall, Osagie Alonge, Do2dtun and VJ Ehiz.
Multiple award winner and Afropop singer, Yemi Alade also occupies the number three position on the chart for her impeccable performances and monster tracks.
Other names on the chart include Cynthia Morgan, Phyno and Harry Songz. The chart is still subject to change and will be reshuffled during tomorrow’s final airing of the two-part special.

Biafra: ‘What can we do to make Igbo feel they belong,not alienated – Soyinka

on December 09, 2015 

By Our Reporter
Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has urged the Federal Government to employ more diplomacy in handling the agitation for the Republic of Biafra.

SOYINKA

Soyinka said statements like “Nigeria is indivisible”, “This won’t happen under my watch,” “Nigeria’s unity is non-negotiable” would not help matters.
The Nobel laureate spoke in an interview on Channels Television programme, Channels Books’ Club.
Agitation for the Republic of Biafra gained more traction recently following the arrest of Director of outlawed Biafra Radio, Nnamdi Kanu.
The protesters had taken over the Niger Bridge, Onitsha, Anambra State blocking traffic and it took the intervention of security agents before they could be dislodged, leaving some persons dead in its wake.
Soyinka asked President Muhammadu Buhari to approach the agitation in a more diplomatic way, pointing out that he had said earlier that Biafra cannot be defeated.
According to him, ”Once an idea has taken off, you may defeat those behind it in a war but that does not mean the end of the idea.”
But he lamented that he had been misunderstood at the time.
He said the attitude of the government should be to sit down with the  those leading the renewed agitation and ask: “What can we do to make the Igbo feel part of the country, what can we do to make them to feel that they belong and not alienated.
“This is what we are ready to push for in the overall governance content of the country. It is not to be carrying on that this will not happen under my watch; Nigeria is indivisible, Nigeria’s unity is non-negotiable, he stated”

Nollywood actress speaks about her marriage goals

Nollywood actress, Tonto DIke, recently took to Instagram to share what she considers her marriage goals.

• Published: 05.39
• Fu'ad Lawal

Tonto Dike-Churchill and her husband
(Instagram/Tonto Dike)

Nollywood actress, Tonto Dike, took to Instagram to talk about marriage success and the goals she'd like to attend. The woman, who has been married for a few months posted a mash up some old and and united Hollywood couples:

"My Goals isn't to lavish money,Work the streets like a Queen I truly Am,Brag about where I am now n you are not BUT BE A VICTOR IN WHAT I HOLD DEAR(my Home)Yours can be part of history too & a great inspiration to others..
Keep your Dirty & clean linens to yourself & Never let friends have a SAY IN YOUR HOME••If you can never entertain friends in your Home,Meet else where,Now that my friends is Wisdom••I tell myself I refuse to be one of the broken ones,I can't do it Alone that's why I invited my 3 greatest lover (The Father Son & the Holy Spirit)#mygoalsanddreams"

Actress pays to have lump removed from young Nigerian lady

Kate Henshaw paid the surgical fees for a young Nigerian lady to have her lump removed.

• Ayomide O. Tayo

Kate Henshaw
(Instagram )

Veteran Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has a heart of gold.

The movie star, who lost her house to fire this year, paid the surgical fees for a young Nigerian lady to have her lump removed.

She sponsored the surgery to remove the lump from the breast of the young lady identified as Adejoke. Fortunately the lump was not cancerous.

Adejoke with doctors
(Instagram )

“God bless @k8henshaw for making one of her fans smile today by helping her pay her for the surgical removal of suspicious breast lump at my centre! Thanks Sis! V is for Victory!

“Thanks to the lovely Ms Henshaw @k8henshaw who paid for this lady's breast lump to be removed today! @ardehjorkeh and her mom were so relieved as it turned out to be benign and not cancerous!” wrote Dr. Femi who handled the surgery."

Dr. Femi and Kate Henshaw
(Instagram )

“Thanks be to God. It was my pleasure indeed. Hope to meet her someday… bless your hands” replied Kate Henshaw.

Kate Henshaw, and former Inspiration FM Wana Udobong will be the hosts of the 2015 Home Vida Awards.

The awards have been scheduled to hold on Friday, December 24, 2015 at the Victoria Plaza Hotel, Victoria Island.

Celeb couple takes baby boy, Saint West home

On December 7, KimYe took their son from the LA hospital where he was born to Kris Jenner’s home.

• Published: 27 minutes ago
• Ayomide O. Tayo

play Kanye West and Kim Kardashian at the Yeezy Spring 2015 R-T-W presentation at the 2015 New York Fashion Week

Entertainment power couple Kanye West, Kim Kardashian have taken their new son Saint West home.

On December 7, KimYe took their son from the LA hospital where he was born to Kris Jenner’s home. Kim and Kanye are staying with the mother of the Kardashian clan while their home is being remodeled.

Instagram

The celeb couple was spotted taking their son in a Range Rover with tinted windows.

A source speaking to US Magazine said “They are so ecstatic. Kim and Kanye are both so happy he's here, and Nori is already in love."

Kim Kardashian, Kanye and North West arrive Los Angeles Airport
(x17Online)

Yesterday Pulse revealed why Kim and Kanye decided to call their son Saint.

The name Saint was chosen because of the baby’s miraculous conception.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West 2015
(Splash News)

The 35 year old reality star had already revealed on her realty series ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians’ that she had difficulty trying to get pregnant for the second time. She tried various methods to help her conceive.

2015 10 prominent Nigerians who died this year

• Published:  2 minutes ago
• 'Jola Sotubo

In 2015, Nigeria lost a number of prominent citizens including royal fathers and politicians to the cold hands of death.

Some of the deceased passed away suddenly and unexpectedly while yet others went quietly.

Here are 10 prominent Nigerians we lost in 2015:

1, Abubakar Audu:

Prince Abubakar Audu
(thebreakingtimes)

All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu died suddenly on November 22, after contesting the elections on November 21 and being in the lead. Reports say he suffered a massive stroke which led to his death.

2, Adebowale Adefuye:

Adebowale Adefuye
(US Africa Relations)

The Nigerian Ambassador to the United States of America, Adebowale Adefuye died on Thursday, August 27, in Washington DC. Adefuye was said to have suffered a seizure while in his car and reportedly died before he could get medical attention.

3, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha:

Former Bayelsa State Governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha
(Nigerian Monitor)

Former Bayelsa State governor, Diepreye Solomon Alamieyeseigha died suddenly on October 10 after reportedly having a cardiac arrest. Current Governor, Seriake Dickson said later that Alamieyeseigha lost his life because he was harassed and forced to abandon the medical treatment which he was undergoing abroad.

4, Emir of Borgu:

Late Emir of Borgu, Senator Haliru Dantoro Kitoro III
(Daily Trust)

The Emir of Borgu, Senator Haliru Dantoro Kitoro III died on Friday, October 30, in a German hospital after a brief illness.

5, Emir of Gusau:

The Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Muhammad Kabir Danbaba died on March 5, 2015 after a protracted illness.
(Veooz)

 The Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Muhammad Kabir Danbaba, died on March 5, at the Nigeria Turkish Nizamiye hospital in Abuja after a protracted illness.

6, HID Awolowo:

Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo
(politicoscope)

Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, wife of foremost politician Obafemi Awolowo died on September 19 at the age of 99, just about 2 months before her 100th birthday.

7, Olu of Warri:

Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II is dead
(Sahara Reporters)

 The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II died on September 5, of yet undisclosed causes.

8, Ooni of Ife:

Late Ooni of Ife, Alayeluwa Oba Okunade Sijuwade.
(Politicoscope)

 The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade died in the United Kingdom on July 28 at the age of 85. He has been replaced by Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.

9, Oronto Douglas:

Late Oronto Douglas

The Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Oronto Douglas died in Abuja on Thursday, April 9, from cancer-related complications.

10, Tor Tiv:

Tor Tiv, Alfred Akawe Torkula
(The Guardian)

The Tor Tiv, Alfred Akawe Torkula, died on Monday, November 23, at the age of 71.

5 Star Music manager attends event in N450k tie

Soso Soberekon was recently spotted at the Corporate Elite event rocking a N450k tie.

• Published: 06.49
• Fu'ad Lawal

Five Star Music manager Soso Soberekon wore a Hex tie out last night to the Corporate Elite event.

The price of the tie is put at around $1,898 (N450k).

In his company was current 5 star music rave, Harrysong.

Soso Soberekon was reportedly fired by 5 star Music following the failed Skibii death PR stunt, but apparently, he's still with with label.

Kcee had said at the time:

"Soso has been fired. I'm really very sad and annoyed and I blame my manager Soso Soberekon for this mess. As we speak now, he has been fired.

We’re still very angry at his unprofessional manner, and we have made it a must for him to apologize to everyone affected, especially to the Fans and Linda Ikeji who first broke the news.”

A statement by Harrysong much later showed Soso was still with the label.

Man correctly predicts name of couple’s son 6 months before he was born

@KillRudy correctly predicted the name of Kanye West’s son six months before he was born.

• Published: 53 minutes ago
• Ayomide O. Tayo

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian
(footwearnews.com)

Yesterday (December 7), Hollywood power couple Kanye West and Kim Kardashian revealed the name of their new born son as Saint West.

Of course as expected, the entertainment world reacted to the name. Some thought it was okay, while others thought it was ridiculous.

 

While the debate was raging on social media, an old tweet by @KillRudy made in June was stumbled upon.

@KillRudy correctly predicted the name of Kanye West’s son six months before he was born. You can see the shocking tweet below;

 

@KillRudy has responded to the attention he has gotten from his old tweet.

 

 

Kim K revealed her son’s name on her website yesterday Monday, December 7, two days after giving birth.

There have been a lot of speculations as to what the power couple would name their son, ranging from the outrageous to the dumb.

Kim Kardashian, North and Kanye WEst in Armenia
(Getty Images)

It was rumoured that the couple were against naming their son something directional (South, Easton, or, West) like their daughter, North West, but even more recently, the couple were revealed to be considering naming their new son after Kim's father, Robert Kardashian.

Find out why celeb parents named their son Saint

Kim, and Kanye name their baby son Saint because of his miraculous conception.

• Published: 4 minutes ago
• Ayomide O. Tayo

New parents Kanye & Kim
(Instagram )

So Mr. and Mrs. West finally revealed the name of their baby boy- Saint West yesterday (December 7)

While the world is not surprised that the high profile couple decided to give their son such an eccentric name, many people don’t know why they chose the name Saint.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West arriving at the party
(misspetite)

Now the full gist is out. According to US Magazine, Kanye and Kim had been calling their son Saint months before his birth revealed a source to the magazine.

The name Saint was chosen because of the baby’s miraculous conception. The 35 year old reality star had already revealed on her realty series ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians’ that she had difficulty trying to get pregnant for the second time. She tried various methods to help her conceive.

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian arriving at the birthday bash
(misspetite)

“I had this condition called placenta accreta. There were a couple little operations to fix all that, so that created a little hole in my uterus, which I think made it really tough to get pregnant again," Kim K told C Magazine in September 2015.

Kim and Kanye West

"It was a long road. I would go to the doctor in Beverly Hills every day at five in the morning to get tested to see if I was ovulating . . . I was trying everything: I did acupuncture and got a nutritionist to eat healthier, thinking that was an issue."

Saint West is Kanye and Kim's second child.

'I won't be at swearing-in' - Faleke

Bello was presented by the APC as Audu's replacement after Faleke's arguments and lawsuit seeking to be named the state governor.

• Dimeji Akinloye

James Faleke and late Prince Abubakar Audu
(Twitter)

The All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate in Kogi State, Hon. Abiodun Faleke, who asked to be declared governor of the state following Abubakar Audu's death, has vowed not to be be available for swearing in with the governor-elect, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on January 27, 2016.

Following the supplementary election which took place in the state on Saturday, December 5, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Bello winner of the state's governorship poll.

Bello was presented by the APC as Audu's replacement despite Faleke's arguments and lawsuit seeking to be named the state governor.

At a meeting of the APC stakeholders from Kogi West Senatorial District on Monday, Dec. 7, Faleke stated his resolve not to work with Bello, a decision he was said to have communicated to the APC national leadership days ago.

He said: “I will not disappoint Prince Abubakar Audu. I, James Abiodun Faleke will not be there for the swearing in if we don’t finish the case before the January 27, 2016.

“Nobody consulted me before making me a deputy to Bello. Bello too did not consult me. I have made my position known to the party leadership on this. I am not ready to betray and disappoint Prince Abubakar Audu.”

It was resolved at the meeting that he should pursue the legal option to its end.

The tenure of the present administration ends on January 27, 2016.

Court allows former Governor to travel abroad for treatment

Uche had urged the court to release Ohakim’s international passport to enable him to travel abroad for four weeks for medical treatment.

• Published: 05.24
• Pulse News Agency Local By NAN

EFCC confirms detention of former governors Ohakim, Nyako
(Thenationonlineng)

A prosecution witness, Mr Abu Sule, on Monday told a Federal High Court, Abuja, that was proxy to former Gov. Ikedi Ohakim of Imo to acquire N270 million edifice in Abuja.

Sule gave the evidence at the resumed trial of Ohakim on charges of money laundering and false assets declaration preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The witness, who was been examined by the EFCC lawyer, Festus Keyamo, said Ohakim pressured him to buy the property in his (witness) name after providing the cash.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola adjourned the trial till Jan. 26, 2016 for the defendant’s lawyer, Awa Kalu (SAN), to cross examine the witness on the veracity of his testimonies.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the judge also granted the application of the defendant to travel abroad for medical treatment.

The application was argued by another lawyer on the defendant’s team, Chief Chris Uche (SAN).

Uche had urged the court to release Ohakim’s international passport to enable him to travel abroad for four weeks for medical treatment.

Keyamo did not oppose the application, but said that the defense should produce the defendant at the next date of hearing.

Ademola ordered the release of the passport on the condition that the defendant must, upon his return to Nigeria within 78 hours, return the passport to the court.

The judge also ordered that Ohakim`s surety must sign an undertaking to produce him at the next adjourned date.

He said the surety would be remanded in prison if he failed to produce the defendant, and would be made to take the defendant’s position in the trial.

Fuel scarcity:Prices of tomatoes, pepper, others soar in Lagos markets

on December 07, 2015

The persistent fuel scarcity, insecurity and foreign exchange restriction may have forced the prices of tomatoes, fresh pepper and chili pepper and other food items up by about 30 percent. Prices of the items had soared by 30 per cent in most markets in Lagos on Monday.  The survey showed that a big basket of tomatoes which previously sold for N9, 100 at the Mile 12, Iddo and Whitesand markets now sells for N13, 000.
A medium-size basket of fresh pepper now sells for N8, 000.00, from N5,600, while a basket of chili pepper goes for N12, 000 as against N8,500 it sold the preceding weeks. A jute bag of onions goes for N33, 000 from N25, 000, while a 25-litre keg of vegetable oil goes for N8,800 as against N8,200 previously.
At the Daleko Market, Isolo, the prices of the various brands of a 50-kilogramme bag of rice, which previously sold at N9, 500 now sells for ‎N12,000. Traders attributed the lingering fuel scarcity, insecurity, foreign exchange restriction and lack of storage facility as reasons for the increase in the prices of food items.
Mr Femi Odusanya, spokesman for Mile 12 Perishable Food Traders Association, said fuel scarcity had affected the movement and prices of goods to the Lagos market. “The number of trucks that bring goods to the market has reduced. “We get less than 10 trucks from the 40 trucks that usually bring goods to the market daily because there is no fuel to transport the goods to Lagos.
“The delay affects the goods as most of them rot before they get to the market. Traders usually add the expected margin to minimise their losses,’’ he said. Odusanya urged the government to address the issue of recurring fuel scarcity, post harvest storage of goods and improved mechanised farming to sustain food security.
Alhaji Tajudeen Saka, a butcher, attributed the increase in the price of livestocks to the insecurity in the north-east and cost of transporting cows to the southern parts of the country. He said: “The Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, the clash between Fulani herdsmen and some communities are factors that have affected the rearing of livestocks’’.
Mrs Iyabo Adebowale, a cloth seller at Docemo market, said sales had dropped. “We pray and hope that business activities will improve in the few days preceding Christmas celebration.’’

Former Senate President reacts to Court of Appeal verdict

Senator David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark (GCON), was President of the Senate of Nigeria from 2007 to 2015.

• Published: 04.00
• Chika Ebuzor

Senator David Mark
(Star Gist)

The former Senate President, Senator David Mark, while speaking to members of the Peoples Democratic Party Senate caucus, who paid him a visit, said he was confident that he will be re-elected.

Mark, in a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, said “The Appellate tribunal judgement came as a surprise to me. But I am happy there is opportunity for a rerun election. I can assure you that any day, any time, my people will vote for me.”

Adding that “Benue South Senatorial zone is totally a PDP arear. One Senator, the four House of Representative members, 10 out of 11 state House of Assembly members are all members of the PDP . So, clearly, there is no room for APC or any other party in my area."

“Be rest assured that under a free and fair contest , I have no challenger. My people would not be cowed or intimidated to do otherwise.

“I respect the ruling of the Appeal Tribunal , but let no one be deceived by any gimmick that the result of the election was declared while collation was still on. The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) returning officer Professor Latif Tiamiyu who announced the result three days after the election, a university Professor is alive,” Mark said.

Senator David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark (GCON), was President of the Senate of Nigeria from 2007 to 2015.

FIFAFIFA's Blatter facing fresh bribery allegations

Sepp Blatter faces fresh investigations from the FBI with the FIFA president having been linked to a $100million bribery scandal, according to the BBC.

• Published: 07.38
• Pulse Sports Agency International By Omni Sport

Sepp Blatter is facing a fresh probe from the FBI with the FIFA president having been linked to a $100million (£66.2m) bribery scandal, according to a BBC investigation.
A BBC Panorama documentary, titled 'Panorama: Fifa, Blatter and Me' to be aired on Monday, claims sports marketing company ISL allegedly paid ex-FIFA executive Ricardo Teixeira and the former president Joao Havelange.
In return for the payments, ISL was awarded television and marketing rights during the 1990s, but Blatter, who is currently suspended by FIFA, denies all knowledge of the bribes.
According to the Panorama investigation, the FBI is probing payments made from ISL to FIFA and officers have allegedly seen a letter from Havelange that revealed Blatter had "full knowledge of all activities" and was "always apprised" of them.
Blatter is planning to stand down as president of FIFA in February next year after 17 years at the head of football's world governing body.
The 79-year-old is currently serving a 90-day suspension from FIFA and will appear in front of an ethics committee later this month.
US attorney general Loretta Lynch confirmed last week that 16 more FIFA officials have been indicted following the arrests of CONCACAF and CONMEBOL presidents Juan Angel Napout and Alfredo Hawit in Zurich as a result of the ongoing FBI investigation into bribery and corruption.

Bonucci: Juventus can contend in Champions League

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci hopes the Serie A champions can repeat last year's heroics in the Champions League

• Published: 11.54
• Pulse Sports Agency International By Omni Sport

Leonardo Bonucci believes Juventus have what it takes to make an impact on the latter stages of the Champions League, even if he feels they are not at the same level as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The Serie A champions made it to the final of the competition last season, where Barca eventually proved too strong, winning 3-1 in Berlin, and Bonucci is hoping for a similarly impressive campaign this term.
Juve have already booked their ticket for the knockout stages and will clinch top spot in Group D if they get at least a draw against Sevilla on Tuesday.
"We have to go to Sevilla and focus only on our own result. Finishing top of the standings could give us a favourable draw in the first knockout round and for that reason we have to come back with a positive result on Tuesday night," Bonucci told the official Juventus website.
"In Europe, we're perhaps not quite at the level of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid but, with a touch of luck, our usual discipline and a few moments of magic from our younger players, we can make our mark on the Champions League again this season."
Juve will be hoping Paulo Dybala can lead the way against Sevilla following his fine performances in recent weeks, with many comparing the young Argentine to compatriot Carlos Tevez, who left the Turin giants to re-join Boca Juniors in the off-season.
"They are very different players when you look at them. Carlos was the focal point of our team, while Paulo is only 22 years of age," Bonucci said.
"But he has immense quality and he'll only continue to blossom if he's given the space to grow.
"I have no doubt that he will be a key part of this Juventus side for a long time to come."

Arsenal's Champions League fate in own hands - Ramsey

Aaron Ramsey says Arsenal's Champions League fate is in their own hands as they travel to Olympiacos needing to win to qualify for the next round.

• Published: 07.47
• Pulse Sports Agency International By Omni Sport

Aaron Ramsey has called on Arsenal to create enough opportunities to beat Olympiacos by the two clear goals that would seal qualification for Champions League knockout round.
Arsenal are three points adrift of second-placed Olympiacos and must win by either two clear goals or score at least three times in Greece on Wednesday to give themselves a chance of finishing in the top two in Group F top two.
Ramsey, whose Arsenal lost their opening two fixtures in the group, said: "We will always create opportunities – just hopefully we can stop Olympiacos, keep a clean sheet and grab a couple of goals ourselves.
"It was never going to be easy after the start we had in Europe but we have done well to come back into the position that we find ourselves in and it is in our hands – we know what we have to do."
Ramsey was on target in Arsenal's 3-1 Premier League win against Sunderland on Saturday after playing in his preferred central position.
The Wales midfielder added: "We have been here a few times before. It is really difficult, we have come up short a lot of the times in Europe. But we know what we have to do and we believe we have enough quality to create the opportunities and score.
"Hopefully we can do that and keep a clean sheet. It is a different situation, we have to go out there and win 2-0 and that will be enough."

Manchester United coach says Suarez or Aguero would score for them

Luis Suarez or Sergio Aguero would be able to convert the chances created by Manchester United, according to Louis van Gaal.

• Published: 08.19
• Pulse Sports Agency International By Omni Sport

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes his side would score more goals with Luis Suarez or Sergio Aguero leading the line.

Van Gaal has come in for criticism for his side's lack of adventure in recent weeks, with chants of 'attack, attack, attack' again heard during Saturday's goalless Premier League draw against West Ham.

But the Dutchman insists his players are creating enough chances and believes Barcelona frontman Suarez or Manchester City striker Aguero would be capable of making those opportunities count.

"The question is would Luis Suarez or Sergio Aguero score if they were here?" Van Gaal said to BBC Radio Manchester.

"That is a question mark and you never know. I think they would, though.

"We have created enough chances to score, so that was not the problem."

United have failed to score in three of their last six top-flight matches and have now dropped to fourth in the table.

FIFA confirms kick-off times

The committee came to these times at the first day of their meeting in Zurich

• Published: 11.47
• Steve Dede

FIFA Executive Committee has approved the kick-off time for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The committee came to these times at the first day of their meeting in Zurich.

Opening match of the World Cup will be played at 18. 000 Moscow time (UTC +3) while that of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup will be played at the same time.

Taking into account time zone considerations, the FIFA Executive Committee also amended the 2018 FIFA World Cup match schedule accordingly by swapping the following matches between Kaliningrad and Ekaterinburg: Match #21 and #26, #32 and #36, #44 and #45.

2017 FIFA Confederations Cup
(FIFA)

The next step in the development of the match schedules will be the assignment of kick-off times to matches, factoring in such considerations as daily temperatures and local time zones.

Updated versions of the match schedules should be approved in March 2016, during the meeting of the Organising Committee for the FIFA World Cup.

The final match schedules, which will include the participating teams, will be unveiled after the FIFA Confederations Cup Draw, in November 2016, and after the FIFA World Cup Final Draw, in December 2017.

Former Kano Pillars midfielder dies after slumping during match

Haruna also known as Chacha was playing in a match between Kano Professionals and a selected amateur side in a friendly when he died

• Published: 10.00
• Steve Dede

Abdul Haruna dies after slumping during match (Pillars)

Former Kano Pillars midfielder Abdul Haruna died on Sunday, December 6 after he slumped during a football match.

Haruna also known as Chacha was playing in a match between Kano Professionals and a selected amateur side in a friendly when he died.

Abdul Haruna
(Twitter)

It was said that Haruna fell down unchallenged and was immediately rushed to the nearby hospital before he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

 

“Abdul Haruna died Sunday while playing in a friendly match between Kano Professionals and a selected amateur team in Kano. He was moving the ball when he slump and die on the pitch,” Kano Pillars media manager Idris Malikwa said.

“This is a huge shock to the entire football family in Kano, we never expected this.

Abdul Haruna (left)
(Bongdaso)

He said Haruna fell down unchallenged and was immediately rushed to the nearby hospital before he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

Haruna who also once played for Heartland is survived by a wife, Surayya, whom he married in 2012 and a baby son.

He has been buried this morning, Monday, December 7.

Fans attack singer for not showing baby’s face

Tiwa Savage shared a picture of her son’s feet, and did not reveal his face which got a negative feedback from her fans.

• Published: 09.24 ,
• Ayomide O. Tayo

Tiwa Savage
(Instagram/JoyceJacobBeauty)

A day ago (December 6), Mavin Records first lady and new mum Tiwa Savage came under heavy attack from her fans who wanted to see her baby’s face.

Tiwa Savage shared a picture of her son’s feet, and did not reveal his face. This photo got a lot of her fans on Instagram angry. In the comment section below of the photograph, they blasted the pop queen.

Tiwa Savage's son's feet
(Instagram )

Nice 0 Paris Saint-Germain 3

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice as runaway leaders Paris Saint-Germain recorded a sixth straight Ligue 1 triumph over Nice.

• Published: 00.04

Paris Saint-Germain got back to winning ways in Ligue 1 as a goal in each half from Zlatan Ibrahimovic helped them see off 10-man Nice 3-0 at the Allianz Riviera.

Having seen their run of nine straight league victories come to an end with a 0-0 draw at Angers on Tuesday, Laurent Blanc’s side responded in style to open up a 16-point gap at the top of the table.

Back in the team after sitting out the midweek fixture, Ibrahimovic laid on the first for Edinson Cavani before making it 2-0 from the spot, with Niklas Hult sent off for the hosts after denying the Swede a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Ibrahimovic's second of the night arrived 15 minutes after the break, ensuring PSG would record a sixth straight league league triumph over their opponents.

Nice had actually looked dangerous when it was 11 against 11 – Hatem Ben Arfa had three long-range attempts with his favoured left foot, while Mathieu Bodmer headed a great chance straight at Kevin Trapp in the visiting goal.

However, PSG seized control of the game in a crucial 10-minute period before the interval.

Cavani broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, tapping into an empty net after Ibrahimovic had unselfishly driven the ball across the face of the goal to find his unmarked team-mate, rather than take on a tricky shot with his left foot.

When Cavani tried to return the favour just before the break, the Swede was denied a simple tap-in at the far post due to Hult dragging him down inside the area.

After Hult was shown a straight red card, Ibrahimovic converted the penalty, doubling PSG's advantage and leaving Nice in damage control mode.

Benjamin Stambouli headed over the crossbar when left all alone from six yards out straight after the half-time break, while Angel Di Maria saw a shot deflected wide when Yoan Cardinale had been left completely wrong-footed by the touch off his own player.

The third did eventually arrive just after the hour, Ibrahimovic this time deciding to go for goal from a tight angle with his right foot. Stood a yard off his line expecting another cross, Cardinale was unable to stop the low drive going in at the near post.

However, the striker missed out on the chance to help himself to a hat-trick, Blanc withdrawing him with 13 minutes remaining. He was whistled off by the home crowd, though the wry smile on his face suggested he did not mind the cat calls one bit.

Key Opta stats:

- Nice have won only one of their last 11 Ligue 1 games against Paris Saint-Germain (D2 L8).
- PSG are unbeaten after 17 Ligue 1 games for the second time in their history. The last such instance was in the 1985-86 campaign.
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic is now the top scorer of all time in Ligue 1 for Paris with 87 goals scored.

'I'll win FIFA election if it is fair'

Prince Ali bin Al Hussein believes he will win next year's FIFA presidential election if the ballot is carried out properly.

• Published: 01.32

Prince Ali bin Al Hussein believes he will win next year's FIFA presidential election if the ballot is carried out properly.

Having lost to outgoing suspended president Sepp Blatter in May's vote, Prince Ali is standing again in February's election after Blatter laid down his mandate on June 2, just six days after nine FIFA officials were indicted on charges of racketeering conspiracy and corruption.

Blatter has since been handed a provisional 90-day ban from all football-related activities by FIFA's ethics committee.

His suspension came after a criminal investigation was opened into allegations he sold a World Cup TV rights contract to former FIFA official Jack Warner in a deal that was unfavourable for FIFA and that the 79-year-old made a disloyal payment of two million Swiss francs to Michel Platini, who - along with general secretary Jerome Valcke - was also given a provisional ban following the corruption claims.

Earlier this week the United States Department of Justice announced the indictment of a further 16 officials, while attorney general Loretta Lynch revealed eight individuals linked to FIFA had pleaded guilty to charges.

Prince Ali will is set to contest the election against Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, Jerome Champagne, Tokyo Sexwale and Gianni Infantino.

And, speaking at a National Press Club lunch in Washington DC, Prince Ali said: "I am running for the FIFA presidency because I believe that football deserves a governing body that is worthy of the game, I'm running because I want to see the day when the questions for a FIFA presidential candidate at a national press conference club luncheon are about football and not about controversies.

"The main meeting room for the executive committee is three stories underground, grey and with no natural light. That setting was symptomatic of FIFA's entire approach to governance and its outlook. I want to work with member associations to build a structure and a culture at FIFA that is outward looking and operates in accordance with practices that fit with the 21st century.

"As a first step, we need to adopt principles of good governance and transparency in actions and not just in words.

"I will immediately take steps to publish the minutes of executive committee meetings, making sure they are accurate and institute proper disclosure of financial information, I will also make public the full findings of the Garcia report [into corruption in football]. 

"These steps cannot be called reform, nor be seen as an achievement, they are the most basic set of acceptable norms of good governance today.

"At the end of the day I believe that if things are done correctly and each national association has the right, without pressure, to make their own decisions, then I think I will be the candidate who wins this election."

La Liga Report: Valencia 1 Barcelona 1

Santi Mina earned Valencia a 1-1 draw against La Liga champions Barcelona as new coach Gary Neville watched from the stands.

• Published: 01.17

Santi Mina struck four minutes from time to earn Valencia a 1-1 draw against La Liga champions Barcelona as new coach Gary Neville watched from the stands.
Neville has been appointed as Nuno Espirito Santo's replacement in a somewhat surprising move and watched on as Voro and brother Phil Neville presided over a gutsy display that saw Santi Mina cancel out Luis Suarez's opener late on.
Nuno resigned his post following last week's abject defeat to Sevilla but interim boss Voro witnessed a determined display at the Mestalla, even if his side rode their luck in the first half with Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar all missing first-half chances.
Former Manchester United and England man Neville officially takes charge from Sunday and looked set to do so against the backdrop of a defeat after Suarez scored for a seventh game in succession in all competitions.
The striker enraged Aymen Abdennour and Valencia fans moments earlier with an apparent stamp but the Mestalla erupted when Paco Alcacer brilliantly brought down a long ball on his chest before turning Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano and playing in Santi Mina.
The young forward finished calmly past Claudio Bravo, ending Barca's six-game winning streak in La Liga and giving Neville a positive foundation to build on.
Barca sit two points clear at the top after dropping points again at the Mestalla while Valencia will approach Neville's debut in the Champions League against Lyon on Wednesday in high spirits.
Amid an electric atmosphere at kick-off, the game began at frenetic pace, Danilo's effort squirming wide for the hosts, who were without suspended pair Joao Cancelo and Javi Fuego.
Barca replaced the injured former Valencia player Jeremy Mathieu with Jordi Alba and gradually grew into the game, Lionel Messi volleying Neymar's delivery over the crossbar before the Brazilian shot over when clear on goal.
Voro's men remained disciplined to frustrate Barca inside the opening half-hour, although Neymar continued to pose problems for right-back Ruben Vezo, squaring for Messi, who shot straight at Jaume 26 minutes in.
Valencia will perhaps feel aggrieved not to have been awarded a penalty when Gerard Pique tangled with Enzo Perez inside the box, referee Santiago Jaime uninterested.
Suarez joined Neymar and Messi in missing the target before Aderlan Santos got the crucial touch on Messi's cross to deny the Uruguayan a simple tap-in prior to half-time.
Suarez angered Abdennour early in the second half with an apparent stamp, referee Jaime taking no action, before the Barca man clattered into goalkeeper Jaume Domenech much to the home fans' annoyance.
And it was the former Liverpool striker who broke the deadlock just before the hour when he latched onto Messi's lofted pass before holding off Abdennour to finish at the near post.
Domenech should perhaps have done better while there were shades of offside when Messi played the pass but Valencia almost levelled when Pique was forced into an erratic clearance after Dani Parejo's effort was charged down.
Suarez again remained in the thick of things when he barged into Abdennour as Neymar and Rodrigo de Paul went close at either end but it was Santi Mina who played the decisive role as he stroked home the equaliser with four minutes remaining.
Danilo saw a powerful drive well saved by Bravo as Valencia set about finding a winner but Neville will instead begin his first full coaching role off the back of a hard-earned point.

Key Opta stats:
-Luis Suarez has scored in his last seven appearances for Barcelona in La Liga (10 goals).
-Paco Alcacer has been involved in more goals than any other Valencia player in La Liga this season (three goals, three assists).
-Javier Mascherano has played his 150th La Liga game for Barcelona. He is the current player in the competition with the most games without scoring.
-Luis Suarez has scored 13 goals in 13 La Liga appearances this season.
-Santi Mina has scored his first goal for Valencia in La Liga.
-Messi, Suarez and Neymar have scored 31 out of the 34 Barcelona goals in La Liga so far this season.