₦airaland Forum

The Nigerian Senate has approved a report
by its finance committee dismissing claims
by a former Central Bank governor that $20
billion (N3.2 trillion) oil revenues had been
diverted from government coffers.
The former CBN chief, Lamido Sanusi, had
accused the Nigeria National Petroleum
Corporation, NNPC, of failing to transfer the
amount to government treasury.
In a report published May, the Senate's
finance committee, which probed the
allegation, said it found no evidence that the
huge sum had been diverted or stolen, and
described Mr. Sanusi's claim as "incorrect"
and "misleading".
"There was never any unremitted $49.8
billion," the committee, headed by Ahmed
Makarfi, said.
The committee said funds not accounted for
by the NNPC- which must be paid to
government- stood at $927 million.
The amount includes $218 million; another $
262 million being expenses the corporation
could not satisfactorily defend in respect of
Holding Strategic Stock Reserve; Pipeline
Maintenance and Management Cost; and
Capital Expenditure; and $447 million being
balance of Royalty and Petroleum Profit Tax
to the federation account.
The Senate adopted the committee's
findings on Thursday, as its general
assembly considered full details of the
recommendations.
The decision let the NNPC and the petroleum
minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, off the
hook, albeit temporarily, as an independent
forensic audit authorised by the
government, is awaited.
At the debates Thursday, the Senate
President, David Mark, advised Nigerians to
refrain from hasty conclusions as the
committee had demonstrated that no
money was "missing", but only
"unaccounted" for.
"Based on the facts we presented, I want to
appreciate the details in this report," Mr.
Mark said. "Whether it is funds yet to be
remitted or funds yet accounted for, I think
we shouldn't play politics with it."
"As the committee pointed out, it's
unaccounted for and not missing," he
added.
Claims of the missing money became public
in a leaked memo from Mr. Sanusi to
President Goodluck Jonathan September
2013.
In the letter, the then CBN chief said as much
as $49.8 billion oil receipts was missing.
He admitted, later, the figure was less, but
said it would not be lower than $20 billion.
The federal government denied the
allegation, even before an investigation.
The government later admitted it could not
account for $10.8 billion, but a meeting
between the CBN, finance ministry,
petroleum ministry and other officials, failed
to reconcile the figure.
Mr. Sanusi was removed from office by
President Jonathan in February, accused of
"financial recklessness", in a move many
believed was to punish him for exposing
government corruption.
Under mounting public pressure, the
government announced an independent
forensic audit of the NNPC, a government
agency that constantly comes under
allegations of graft- many of not
investigated.
Despite ordering audit firm,
PriceWatersCooper, to carry out the probe,
the government has insisted no funds were
missing. In an interview in May, Mr. Jonathan
said if such an amount went missing, the
United States of America would have known.
But while the government failed to account
for the outstanding $10.8 billion for days,
leading to repeated reschedule of Senate
investigative hearings into the case, the
NNPC and the petroleum ministry later
claimed the money formed part of subsidy
payments for petrol and kerosene, and cost
for oil pipeline maintenance.
Asked to provide supporting documents,
officials took weeks to do so, prompting the
finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who
said she could not vouch for them, to call for
a forensic audit.
The outcome of the audit is still expected.
But the Senate said Thursday it accepted the
conclusions of the finance committee that
Mr. Sanusi's claims were misleading.
The Senate, however, rejected a
recommendation of the committee that fuel
subsidy be removed.
"On the case of subsidy, if subsidy has to be
removed, let us enlighten the people and
take a final decision," Mr. Mark said.

The Nigerian Senate has approved a report
by its finance committee dismissing claims
by a former Central Bank governor that $20
billion (N3.2 trillion) oil revenues had been
diverted from government coffers.
The former CBN chief, Lamido Sanusi, had
accused the Nigeria National Petroleum
Corporation, NNPC, of failing to transfer the
amount to government treasury.
In a report published May, the Senate's
finance committee, which probed the
allegation, said it found no evidence that the
huge sum had been diverted or stolen, and
described Mr. Sanusi's claim as "incorrect"
and "misleading".
"There was never any unremitted $49.8
billion," the committee, headed by Ahmed
Makarfi, said.
The committee said funds not accounted for
by the NNPC- which must be paid to
government- stood at $927 million.
The amount includes $218 million; another $
262 million being expenses the corporation
could not satisfactorily defend in respect of
Holding Strategic Stock Reserve; Pipeline
Maintenance and Management Cost; and
Capital Expenditure; and $447 million being
balance of Royalty and Petroleum Profit Tax
to the federation account.
The Senate adopted the committee's
findings on Thursday, as its general
assembly considered full details of the
recommendations.
The decision let the NNPC and the petroleum
minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, off the
hook, albeit temporarily, as an independent
forensic audit authorised by the
government, is awaited.
At the debates Thursday, the Senate
President, David Mark, advised Nigerians to
refrain from hasty conclusions as the
committee had demonstrated that no
money was "missing", but only
"unaccounted" for.
"Based on the facts we presented, I want to
appreciate the details in this report," Mr.
Mark said. "Whether it is funds yet to be
remitted or funds yet accounted for, I think
we shouldn't play politics with it."
"As the committee pointed out, it's
unaccounted for and not missing," he
added.
Claims of the missing money became public
in a leaked memo from Mr. Sanusi to
President Goodluck Jonathan September
2013.
In the letter, the then CBN chief said as much
as $49.8 billion oil receipts was missing.
He admitted, later, the figure was less, but
said it would not be lower than $20 billion.
The federal government denied the
allegation, even before an investigation.
The government later admitted it could not
account for $10.8 billion, but a meeting
between the CBN, finance ministry,
petroleum ministry and other officials, failed
to reconcile the figure.
Mr. Sanusi was removed from office by
President Jonathan in February, accused of
"financial recklessness", in a move many
believed was to punish him for exposing
government corruption.
Under mounting public pressure, the
government announced an independent
forensic audit of the NNPC, a government
agency that constantly comes under
allegations of graft- many of not
investigated.
Despite ordering audit firm,
PriceWatersCooper, to carry out the probe,
the government has insisted no funds were
missing. In an interview in May, Mr. Jonathan
said if such an amount went missing, the
United States of America would have known.
But while the government failed to account
for the outstanding $10.8 billion for days,
leading to repeated reschedule of Senate
investigative hearings into the case, the
NNPC and the petroleum ministry later
claimed the money formed part of subsidy
payments for petrol and kerosene, and cost
for oil pipeline maintenance.
Asked to provide supporting documents,
officials took weeks to do so, prompting the
finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who
said she could not vouch for them, to call for
a forensic audit.
The outcome of the audit is still expected.
But the Senate said Thursday it accepted the
conclusions of the finance committee that
Mr. Sanusi's claims were misleading.
The Senate, however, rejected a
recommendation of the committee that fuel
subsidy be removed.
"On the case of subsidy, if subsidy has to be
removed, let us enlighten the people and
take a final decision," Mr. Mark said.

Meanwhile in what seems like a "poorly
written script" a certain Mrs Ebiakpo
Rumson Baribote wife of former NFF board
member (Rumson Baribote) who as now
been banned from all football activities by
the Maigari led board.
Baribote through her l, T D Quidon Esq, filed
a Suit No PLD/J 342/2014, asking the court
to grant an Order of Interim Injunction
restraining the 2nd Defendant, (Alhaji Aminu
Miagari) and all the committees and
congress of the 1st defendant (the Nigeria
Football Federation) from further controlling,
commanding or managing the Affairs of the
1st defendant and all football matters in
Nigeria pending the hearing and
determination of the motion on notice for
interlocutory injunction filed in this case.
The Jos based court in granting the Order
on Wednesday July 2, 2014 stated “that
interim injunction is granted restraining the
2nd Defendant, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, and all
other purported members of the Executive
Committee and Congress of the 1st
Defendant (NFF) from further controlling,
commanding or managing the affairs of the
1st defendant and all football matters in
Nigeria pending the hearing, and
determination of the motion on notice.
the court also mandated the Minister of
Sports who also joined in the Suit to
“An order of mandatory injunction is
granted compelling the 4th defendant
(Minister of Sports) to "appoint a senior
members of the civil service in the 1st
Defendant (NFF) to command , control and
manage the affairs of the said 1st defendant
and the football matters in Nigeria pending
the hearing and determination of the
motion on notice in this matter”.
The Sports Minister responded swiftly by
appointing Lawrence Longyir Katken as
Acting Secretary General of the NFF.
Katken as However gone on to dissolve
some committees of the federation and he
also appointed an "adviser and heads of
departments"
One wonders why an "Acting Secretary
General of the NFF would take such actions
pending the determination of the Suit
before the Jos based court.
Justice Lot had fixed July 11, 2014 for
hearing on the Motion on Notice. so why not
wait ?
Another niggling question is the convening
of the "NFF Congress"
On the 5th of July Notice of an NFF
Emergency Congress was circulated. This
meeting was convened by Chairman of
Chairmen of Nigeria football, Chief Effiong
Johnson,
Question here is didn't the Injunction
restrain all NFF members from such
activities? and isn't this clearly a violation of
said injunction?
As it states that that
"interim injunction is granted restraining
the 2nd Defendant, Alhaji Aminu Maigari,
and all other purported members of the
Executive Committee and Congress of the 1st
Defendant (NFF) from further controlling,
commanding or managing the affairs of the
1st defendant and all football matters in
Nigeria pending the hearing, and
determination of the motion on notice".
All the Chairmen and Secretaries of the
Football Associations of the 36 States of the
Federation and the Federal Capital Territory,
Abuja were expected at the meeting.
But we know for a fact that Not all attended
or sent delegates.
The lagos FA for instance issued a statement
distancing itself from the said NFF
'Emergency Congress"
So how Valid is this Congress?.
While Not holding Brief for Maigari it is clear
that the actors of this "theatre of the
absurd" are so desperate to Kick him out
that they have thrown caution to the winds
just to achieve their goals.
Not caring that FIFA has very clear rules
surrounding third-party interference in
national football federations.
FIFA Emergency Committee decided to
suspend the NFF from all international
competition on Wednesday July the 9th.
According to a statement released on FIFA's
website, this suspension would not be lifted
until "the court actions have been
withdrawn," which could lead to the Nigeria
Under-20 women's team missing out on the
FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in August:
The FIFA Emergency Committee has decided
today, 9 July 2014, to suspend the Nigeria
Football Federation (NFF) with immediate
effect, on account of government
interference. Article 13, par. 1 and article 17,
par. 1 of the FIFA Statutes oblige member
associations to manage their affairs
independently and with no influence from
third parties.
The suspension will be lifted once the court
actions have been withdrawn and the
properly elected NFF Executive Committee,
the NFF general assembly and the NFF
administration are able to work without any
interference in their affairs. As a result of
this decision, no team from Nigeria of any
sort (including clubs) can have any
international sporting contact.
A few hours before this statement was
released by FIFA Ademola Olajire Spokesman
of the NFF had issued a statement
debunking news of Nigeria Suspension by
FIFA.
But now that the nation has been plunged
into this disgraceful situation one can only
but pray that the main "dramatis personae"
would think of a befitting end to this
unnecessary distraction.
It would be unfair for the Falconets to miss
out on their chance to represent their
fatherland after putting in some much to get
to this stage.
We must not forget also that the AFCON
qualifiers are due to start in a few months
time and it would not be nice for us to miss
a chance to defend our Trophy.
It happened under the then military regime
when we pulled out of the Nations Cup and
we hope that history would not repeat itself.

This is Brasil's world cup squad

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Toronto FC, on loan
from QPR), Jefferson (Botafogo), Victor
(Atletico Mineiro).

Defenders: Marcelo (Real Madrid), Daniel
Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (AS Roma),
Maxwell, Thiago Silva (both Paris St-Germain)
, David Luiz (Chelsea), Dante (Bayern Munich),
Henrique (Napoli).

Midfielders: Paulinho (Tottenham Hotspur),
Ramires (Chelsea), Willian, Oscar (both
Chelsea), Hernanes (Inter Milan), Luiz Gustavo
(Wolfsburg), Fernandinho (Manchester City).

Forwards: Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk),
Neymar (Barcelona), Fred (Fluminense), Jo
(Atletico Mineiro), Hulk (Zenit St Petersburg).


Lets analyse the team

Julio Ceaser...last season, he couldnt even usurp the goalkeeping calamity Robert Green from the QPR starting 11 so he had to go on loan to America in search of first team football and all the back up goalkeepers are all untested at this level...in 2002, Brasil had Dida...

In the defence, they have the world class Thiago silva, Alves, and David Luiz( who Mourinho couldnt trust in the centre of Chelsea's defence). Then, they have Marcelo who played second fiddle to Fabio Contrao last season, the Faded Maicon and Maxwell, the inexperienced Henrique and the untrustworthy Dante...remember Roberto Carlos, Cafu, Lucio, Luisao in 2002?...

Their midfield is a place of great concern too. Ramires, Paulinho, and Gustavo didnt have the best of seasons last season. Fernandinho and Willian both had a fantastic season but they are yet untested at this level in international football...Oscar had a poor end to his otherwise good season...and Hernanes...well, i havnt even watched him play before...

Perhaps its in the foward position that they have their greatest concern...apart from Neymar and Hulk(who plays in the relatively uncompetitive Russian League), the others,are all not up to scratch...Fred wont even displace Emenike from the Super Eagles starting 11...Jo is not just good enough...Bernard is fast and lively but thats all he is, he's nowhere near worldclass...in 2002, they had Ronaldo(the real one), Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho...God have mercy!!!


But put together and with Scolari as manager, this group of players were rated favourites to win the world cup...compare this team with the 2002 team that won the world cup and you find out that it is like asking a Carmel to run as fast as a Horse...
My question now is, do you think this present team(filled with inexperienced albeit talented players) are overated?

Germany striker Miroslav Klose is the record
scorer in World Cup history after netting his
16th finals goal in the semi-final against
Brazil.
The 36-year-old Lazio striker put his country
2-0 ahead in Belo Horizonte.
He was level with former Brazil striker
Ronaldo after scoring against Ghana earlier
in the competition.
Klose is only the third player in World Cup
history to score in four separate World Cups.
His 23 World Cup appearances are the third
highest in history.
Klose is Germany's leading goalscorer with
71 goals in 135 appearances and his
country have never lost in a game he has
scored in.
How do you see that?

(1) Thibaut Courtois should be Chelsea
number one

Right now, Courtois just might be the
second best goalkeeper in the world. Only
Manuel Neuer is more obviously excellent
on a more impossibly consistent basis.

(2) Eden Hazard is not world class - yet

He's the next in line to the Messi/Ronaldo
throne, the most likely young superstar to
ascend to the game's zenith - but as the
World Cup laid painfully clear, he's still
some way short.

(3) Diego Costa is not a cause for alarm(or
is he?)

He scored 36 goals, won the La Liga title,
reached the Champions League final and
was a wrecking ball of awesome for 10
solid months. On the other, he's only
scored more than 10 goals in a season
twice in his career, he looked dreadfully
wooden-footed at the World Cup and
brings back uncomfortable memories for a
fan base haunted by Fernando Torres and
Andriy Shevchenko.

(4) Jose Is Right, Romelu Lukaku is not the
answer

For West Brom, sure, for Everton, definitely,
but for Chelsea, probably not. Lukaku is too
much of a risk. Brutal and dominant when
on form, he still looks too raw and
technically poor to shine at the very
highest level.

(5) Chelsea's scouts are great, but the
club's strategy is questionable

It happened too often to be coincidence.
Impressed by that young Nigerian
speedster in the Super Eagles' defence?
That's Kenneth Omeruo, he's a Chelsea
player. Who's that fleet-footed winger
dancing rings around the Germans? That's
Christian Atsu, he's a Chelsea player. But
will they ever "really" play for Chelsea

Mikel Obi kicked against the introduction of
Ramon Azeez in place of the injured Ogenyi
Onazi during the round of 16 match against
France, a top team official has said
Almeria midfielder Azeez was preparing to
come in for the injured Onazi, when within
moments coach Stephen Keshi asked
Reuben Gabriel to come in instead for the
Lazio youngster.
“Mikel made it very clear to Keshi that he did
not wish for Ramon to play alongside him in
the midfield and that was why Azeez was
asked to sit down and in his place Reuben
was brought in,” a top team official
said

Extralarger: Bro I go just pack enter grave, but bros o, them fit bring better lifestyle come sef. Think am na'

no peace in the grave if such a thing happens...even the people in the grave will be running for their dear lives...

Extralarger: But abeg, wetin wan cause the riot? Abi U guys are planning to plant bomb in heaven? No just carry the Almighty God name play, U dy mad sef?

i was just wondering what will happen on earth if so many angels fall like lucifer did...nobody is playing with God's name o although some "hollier than thou" people here(especially one grossly unintelligent fellow @shininglite) think otherwise...

Apatheist: Your god Jehovah abi na Yahweh.
he'll take heaven with him.
As he did after the Tower of Babel incident.
You're familiar with it, right?

i asked what will happen on earth, not in heaven...

Apatheist: He will relocate again-- like he did after the Tower of Babel incident.

who will relocate?...

shininglite: fool be careful wat u wish for,God is jst so merciful bcuz dis ur comments wud hav killed U..

i'd rather not call you a fool(although i definitely see you as one)...You are a perfect example that man can truly exist without a brain...you have the right to remain silent so, better delete this your silly comment from this thread or...

ammyluv2002: So you and God are now mates ba? You just don't type things because you have data to do so....Yes! God is very merciful but don't mock Him or take Him for a ride cause He can consume you. Please don't joke with Superior being, you might not have the same grace with other people. Please, let's learn to leave other people with their belief, it doesn't make sense to make fun of people's belief just because you don't agree with them.

you really have a very weird way of understanding things...so after reading this post, you found it insulting?
You must be a joker...
For your information, this post wasnt meant to be insultive(with respect to God) and it ISNT...and i (strongly) believe in God so, am not writing from the stand point of an atheist...
So if you think i was trying to insult God, then you need orientation on literature comprehension...

I bet there will be pandemonium on earth and even the dead will run out of their graves and flee for their dear lives...

...Everyday we hear of violence in Syria, Iraq, Nigeria, Sudan, Ukraine etc...all these things are happening on earth just because one angel(lucifer) revolted in Heaven...so what if riot(like that unn riot some yrs bk) breaks out in Heaven nko...what will happen on earth

The Edo State government has rescinded its
decision on a planned competency test for
teachers in the state, and has recalled the
936 teachers who were sacked over
certificate discrepancies and age
falsification.
Governor Adams Oshiomhole said yesterday
at a meeting with the teachers' union and
the Nigeria Labour Congress that
government's earlier decision to conduct
the competency test was borne out of its
commitment to uplift the standard of
education in the state and the discovery that
some teachers were not qualified or up to
date with recent teaching methods.
"Our insistence on the competency test must
be seen in this light. However, having
listened to all suggestions and consultations
with various groups, government has
agreed to set aside the competency or
assessment test in order to re- assure Edo
workers that it has no intention to sack
anyone", he said.
He said in place of the test, government
would introduce training and re-training
programmes for teachers and other civil
servants with welfare packages during such
trainings.
"On the teachers with falsified age
declaration with criminal intentions to cheat,
government has resolved to pardon them
and retire those whose records show that
they are above 60 years while those below
60 years are to return to the classroom with
their names returned to the payroll and will
benefit from the training programmes.
Following investigation, the alleged ghost
workers in Ovia North East LGA who were
found to have actually been on ground will
have their two months pending salaries
paid," he added.
Responding, the NLC, TUC, and NUT thanked
the governor, saying the prolonged crisis in
the leadership of the organised labour as it
affects teachers and workers in the state
would now cease. They promised to
continue to support his administration.

acenazt: Up Chelsea. I Remember the night at Allianz Arena,the FA against man u n liverpool,the matches we called barca's bluff

those were the nights when we died and rose again...the agony during the matches were terrible but the celebrations at the end of those matches, nothing can compare...

Rival fans always say Chelsea fans make a
lot of noise...but they dont understand...Ch
elsea Fans are the most passionate fans in
club football right now and we are always
proud to represent the club anywhere we
are...in contrast,
Man City dont even have legitimate fans for
any comparison
Arsenal fans have lost faith in Arsene and
his team since their trophyless run and
they are afraid to reveal themselves to
avoid further embarrassment.. .
Liverpool fans have all vanished(some are
now supporting Barca or Real or even Man
City) since their club vanished from the top
four
Man Utd fans are our closest rivals but they
dont have those emotional nights that we
have(except for that Solkjear goal in 1999
and perhaps that Champios league finals
win against Chelsea)...but we have that
Lampard's double at the Reebok Stadium
(that won us our first league trophy), those
fiery nights against Barca(starting right
from the days of Ronaldinho till now), that
Didier Drogba's extra time strike that won
us the FA cup against Man Utd, that night
at the Alians Arena, the night we
overturned Napoli, and so many other
nights...those were the Nights we all died
as one in fear(as our team tried to
withstand heavy battering by the
opposition) and resurrected again as one
in joy/glory(when we finally won AGAINST
ALL ODDS). Thats why we are so
passionate...
Thats why we are the most united fans
you can ever see, thats why we are Chelsea
Fans, we suffer and rejoice together as
one with the manager(Special One) and
the players(Frankly DidierTerryAshl
eyCech)...
So stop hating......... ............... .....cos we dont
give a damn

A US football referee has died after being
punched by a player during altercation
following his sending off.
According to witnesses and police, John
Bieniewicz, 44, suffered fatal head injuries
when he was allegedly struck by the
offending player during a park match in the
US state of Michigan on Sunday.
He was left unconscious on the pitch until
medical staff and authorities arrived, but
after spending two days on a life support
machine he was pronounced dead in
hospital on Tuesday.
Baseel Abdul-Amir Saad, 36, has been the
man accused of the attack and is in custody
charged on assault with the intent of
causing great bodily harm.
According to the witnesses that were
present, Saad had complained about a
decision made by Bieniewicz and was
dismissed from the field of play for his
dissent.
Saad reacted badly to this and is alleged to
have hit Bieniewicz while he was reaching
for his card before leaving the pitch and
driving away.
One player Scott Herkes told the Detroit Free
Press: “The ref did nothing to provoke this
attack,”
“I have never in my life seen something like
this.”
Another player Matt Tunstall, 41, said “John
had no idea it was coming.”
Efforts were made by players to perform CPR
on the pitch and revive Bieniewicz but they
were in vain.
According to those close to Bieniewicz, he
was an experienced referee, a caring
husband and a dedicated father to his two
children.
Saad is currently being held by the Wayne
County Prosecutor’s Office and they say say
‘the charges will be reviewed and amended
when appropriate confirmations are made
and other necessary documentation is
received.”
A statement released by Saad’s attorney
said: “Our hearts are saddened to learn of
the passing of John Bieniewicz. May God
bless him and his family members as they
deal with this loss,”
Adding: “Mr. Saad is presumed innocent
unless and until a fact finder determines
differently. As tragic as this event is, we
must keep open minds and listen and wait
for all the facts of this case to unfold.”
The preliminary examination is set for July
10 at the 16 District Court in Livonia.

wellmax: No, but you need English.

madame, You may want to explain that statement...

Barca are already struggling to fit Neymar
and Messi into the same team...Neymars
world cup performance so far has proved
he can be very deadly when he is the pivot
of a team, which is not so for him at
Barca...
Suarez is also the pivot of the Liverpool
team. He enjoys a free role behind/beside
Sturridge...
At Barca, Messi enjoys the freedom to roam
and he is mostly exempted from defensive
duties so as to enhance his offensive
play...that freedom can only be granted to
one player in a team...giving it to two
players will remove/destroy the balance of
the team...
Liverpool will no doubt insist on Barca
meeting the buy-out clause which is in the
region of £60 - £80 million...with that kind
of transfer fee hovering over his head,
Barca cannot afford for Suarez to play
second fiddle to anybody in the team...that
means Luis Enrique will have to find a way
to fit Neymar, Suarez and Messi into the
same team...that may prove to be more of a
disaster than a blessing to the catalan
side...
So my question is, Do Barca need Suarez?

Despite playing so well against their more illustrious European oponents, Nigeria and Algeria crashed out of the world cup...they were the only two African sides to make it into the round of 16 after Cameroon, Cote D'Ivoire(perpetual under achievers) and Ghana(flattered to deceive) crashed out in the group stages...Even though both teams(Nigeria and Algeria) gave their all, there is a limit to the things you can do(even if you try your possible best)...
Poor leagues, shambolic administration, lack of exposure, indiscipline, inexperienced coaches etc are just a few of the problems hindering African football...

My question now is, will an African team ever be able to win the World Cup?

Speaking to Dermot Murnaghan on Sky
News Sir Elton agreed that gay clergy should
be allowed to get married.
He said: "These are old and stupid things. If
Jesus Christ was alive today, I cannot see
him, as the Christian person that he was and
the great person that he was, saying this
could not happen.
"He was all about love and compassion and
forgiveness and trying to bring people
together and that's what the church should
be about."
Sir Elton revealed that he and David Furnish
had plans to get married next year.
But revealed it would be a quiet affair in
contrast to the couple's lavish civil
partnership.
He explained: "I don't think we can get
married until next year.
"However, when we do do, it will be very
quiet and off the cuff - we had our big
shebang when we had our civil union."
He also revealed his thoughts about the
Pope - describing him as a "wonderful" man
whose tolerance was an example to the
Church of England.
Sir Elton hoped to raise £500,000 for the
charity SportsAid after performing at Stoke
Park in Buckinghamshire.

Super Eagles skipper, Joseph Yobo has
suddenly found himself in the middle of the
war front over pecuniary matters that some
of his colleagues are barring their fangs on
him for not supporting them.
The Eagles who play France on Monday in
Brasilia in the second round of the World
Cup dumped training on Thursday to
demand the bonus payment promised them
for reaching the second round and also
their 30% appearance fee from the FIFA
largesse.
Inside sources said that Yobo counselled the
players that appearance fee from his past
experience, having played in three World
Cups for Nigeria, normally comes three
months after the tournament. The players,
we gathered, did not take kindly to that and
labelled him a stooge of the NFF, who has
turned his back on the team he leads.
Some members of the Nigeria Football
Federation said that they were embarrassed
by the blackmailing acts of players after
agreeing in the presence of Senate
President, David Mark that appearance fee
would be paid when FIFA remits such after
the World Cup.
Also, former players like Victor Ikpeba and
Nwankwo Kanu were said to have told the
players that appearance fee does not come
until after the World Cup.
‘’I’ve played in two World Cup finals and on
both occasions, we were paid our
appearance fee by the NFF about 3-4
months after the World Cup. So I am
surprised by the demand of the players. I
hope this is not a ploy by the players to tell
us that they intend to lose their game
against France on Monday”, the former
Prince of Monaco and a member of the
Technical Committee of the NFF said.
Ikpeba’s account collaborates with the wise
advice of Yobo, which made players think he
had jumped over to the NFF.