₦airaland Forum

800metres Walk: Athletics Federation of Nigeria should choose Nigeria’s next President – Fayose NEWS DIGEST – Governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose has said with the recent declaration of President Buhari as fit to contest based on his 800metres (Eight Hundred metres) walk, the Athletic Federation of Nigeria should be allowed to decide the winner of the upcoming elections. In a Twitter post via @governorayodelefayose, he said: “May be the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) should be the one to choose president for Nigeria since being fit to be president is only determined by 800m walk.” . It will be recalled that the media aide of President Muhammadu Buhari has been reported to have said the current president is fit to contest after his 800metres walk during Sallah. This has generated wide reactions and debates . Presidential aspirants, Omoyele Sowore and Atiku Abubakar also released their own version of fitness. While Sowore pitched his tent with Marathon race, Atiku opted for his daily jogging routine.
https://newsdigest.ng/politics/2018/08/23/nigerias-next-president/

NEWS DIGEST – Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has hit out at President Muhammadu Buhari over what he described as spending public funds in London. He said this after President Buhari paid the medical bill of a Blind Corps member. In a Twitter post via his twitter handle @atiku, he wrote: “I commend @NGRPresident @MBuhari for paying medical bills of a blind corps member 5 months to the 2019 election, but I remind him that if he had invested the public funds he spends on his London medicals on public healthcare, he wouldn’t need to do this.” Atiku Abubakar is aiming to become Nigeria’s President by 2019 under the People’s Democratic Party. President Buhari at various occasions visited London for medical check-ups, a move that has always received condemnation and been a subject of debates.


https://newsdigest.ng/politics/2018/08/23/atiku-to-buhari/

Mankosi:
This teebills still can't accept the fact that he's no longer married to tiwa savage. Let him be a man for once and move on with his life. It's disgusting to see a fellow man behaving like a bitch nigga

people like you go dey blame that guy in Acrimony for moving on but will be advising Teebillz to move on

NEWS DIGEST – The Nigerian Senate President, Bukola
Saraki has hinted at leaving the All Progressives Congress
stating that he and his associates cannot stay in a party
where members are criminalised without just cause.
Saraki stated this while commenting on his recent
invitation by the Nigerian police in relation to the Offa
Robbery.
“This plot aimed at compelling me and my associates to
stay in a party where members are criminalised without
just cause, where injustice is perpetrated at the highest
level and where there is no respect for constitutionalism
is an exercise in futility and it will fail,” he said.
Mr Saraki has been a subject of defection rumor over a
long time and this may further fuel the rumor.

https://newsdigest.ng/politics/2018/07/23/saraki-leaves-apc/

NEWS DIGEST – There is an impending crisis in Ladoke Akintola University OF Technology (LAUTECH) as the management of the institution has increased the tuition fee for Major faculties to up to N300,000. According to a meeting held by the University governing council on July 5 and it’s resolution exclusively received by this newspaper, students from Medical faculty,Nursing are to pay 300,000 (Three Hundred thousand Naira) only as tuition fee , students of Faculty of Engineering and Technology will pay 250,000naira , while students from Faculty of Agriculture ,Basic medical Sciences ,Environmental sciences, Pure and Applied sciences will pay 200,000naira.
The University claims that this became necessary due to the Economic realities .
The statement of the university signed by the Registrar ,J.A Agboola and was sent to the University Vice Chancellor reads that scholarships would be worked on for indigent students while the new fees policy should take effect for new students from 100-400level. It would be recalled that the University has been thrown into finding crisis that led to several months of strike action before now although the University denied plans to increase tuition fee. This has caused some upset in the University as student groups this NEWSPAPER reliably learnt are discussing the latest development.
https://newsdigest.ng/metro/2018/07/20/crisis-looms-in-lautech/

The People Democratic Party in Saraki’s Ward of Kwara state, Ajikobi ward, has rejected the rumored return of the Senate President to the party stating that he should not bother returning.

The Secretary of the ward noted that if Saraki is to return he must come through the Ward and if the National Chairman of the party (PDP) Uche Secondus, wishes to take him back without consulting the ward and Ilorin-West in General, all Members of the People’s Democratic Party from that region will not hesitate to dump the party.

Isa AbdulKadri while speaking to News DIGEST said the decision of the party at the ward level which Senator Saraki must pass through to be accepted is to ensure that the Senate President is not accepted, according to him, Senator Saraki has the habit of always hijacking structures and the ward cannot take such ‘nonsense’.

“We have been following the rumor trending on the return of Senator Bukola Saraki but our ward here is not ready to accept him, we have decided to reject him and if the National Chairman takes him without bringing him to the ward because we learnt that that is what they want to do, we will reject it totally” he said.

Senator Bukola Saraki is rumored to have a plan on returning to the People’s Democratic Party after a fallout with the ruling All Progessives Congress leadership.

He is yet to officially declare his intention while stating that time will tell on his stay at the ruling All Progessives Congress.

https://newsdigest.ng/politics/2018/07/20/saraki-ward-rejects/

NEWS DIGEST – Nigerian University Students under the aegis of the Nigerian Universities Merit Awards (NUMA) is set to honor music Icon Olawale Ashimi popularly known as Brymo. The Awards which is the official University Awards for Nigerian Universities holds every year with the aim to honor outstanding students, brands and organizations across all Universities in Nigeria. The much coveted awards started in 2017. On why the organizers chose to honor Brymo, Farombi Oluwaseun, the media officer of the NUMA said: “The music of Brymo over the years has inspired Nigerian University students, he recently released an Album titled Oso project and it’s impact on students is very enormous. Mr. Farombi said Brymo deserves to be honored for his good music and his impact lyrics which has not waned over the years. On plans that have been mapped out to honor the music Icon, Mr Farombi said:
“The award ceremony would hold in ile-Ife, Osun state on August 11, over 30 Universities are expected to be present at the grand award ceremony”. Farombi Oluwaseun also enjoined Nigerian University students to keep celebrating Excellence and good virtues.

https://newsdigest.ng/entertainment/2018/07/18/students-honor-brymo/

NEWS DIGEST – Nigerian Senator, Shehu Sani has faulted the decisions of President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the 2018 Budget stating that he should have allowed his conscience to guide him rather than compulsion to sign.
He said the President shouldn’t have signed the document he considers to be full of infraction.
Senator Sani shared this view on twitter through his official Twitter handle @shehusani.
In his words: “The Pen for our signatures should be propelled and Controlled by the force of our conscience and not the Force of compulsion.The President should not have signed a document he considers full of infractions.Signature, grudgingly or happily is the Crown of Consent.”
President Buhari had complained about the additions to the 2018 budget stating that important projects were removed for less important ones causing a huge task in the implementation of the budget.
Mr Buhari also said he signed the Budget to avoid further delay in running the affairs of the Economy.

https://newsdigest.ng/news/2018/06/22/senator-faults-buhari/

High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Gudu, Abuja has sentenced former Governor of Plateau State, Joshua Chibi Dariye to a cumulative term of imprisonment of 16 years.

Dariye’s sentence followed his conviction on 15 counts on the offences of criminal breach of trust and criminal misappropriation. The court freed him on eight of the 23 counts contained in the charge on which he was tried.

Justice Olubukola Banjoko, in a judgment on Tuesday sentenced Dariye, a serving All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator, representing Plateau Central, to two years for misappropriation and 14 years for criminal breach of trust.

According to the judge, the sentences are to run concurrently, implying that Dariye may end up spending 14 years in custody.

Justice Banjoko, who commended the prosecution for a job well done, said the prevalence of corruption and criminality in the nation’s public space requires drastic measures if we must curb the vices.

https://newsdigest.ng/editors-pick/2018/06/12/ex-governor-14years-prison/

THE NEWS DIGEST Brings you the Video of the then 1993 election debate between late MKO Abiola and Alhaji Bashir Tofa who contested him.
This is as Nigerians commemorate the 25th anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993 Presidential elections adjudged to be have won by the late MKO Abiola.
States like Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Ogun have declared a public holiday in his honor.
Watch Video Below: 12: Watch MKO Abiola’s Presidential Debate against Bashir Tofa in 1993

THE NEWS DIGEST Brings you the Video of the then 1993 election debate between late MKO Abiola and Alhaji Bashir Tofa who contested him.
This is as Nigerians commemorate the 25th anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993 Presidential elections adjudged to be have won by the late MKO Abiola.
States like Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Ogun have declared a public holiday in his honor.
Watch Video Below:

https://newsdigest.ng/featured/2018/06/12/mko-abiola-debate/

zakim:
Too bad!

Only in Nigeria tho

NEWS DIGEST – There is currently no leadership in Kano State as the Governor of the state, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Deputy Governor Hafiz Abubakar and Speaker Abdullahi Atta are out of the Country, THE NEWS DIGEST can authoritatively report.
The deputy speaker of the House is also currently out of the Country.
With all principal officers out, the state is currently without any sitting governor nor acting Governor, thereby breaching the constitutional provisions that the state must not be left without a governor in instance that the sitting governor wants to leave the Country or would proceed on an official assignment .
The speaker who should have taken over reigns of affairs in absence of both deputy governor and governor is also not available while his deputy who should take over has also traveled.
This newspaper learnt that all the four leaders traveled to Mecca to observe Lesser pilgrimage.
When contacted the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Abba Anwar told this newspaper that the deputy governor is in town and he saw him yesterday (Friday) although he earlier acknowledged that the the deputy Governor had traveled already.
Mr. Abba said: “The deputy governor is around I saw him yesterday.”
However, he had earlier told this newspaper that all principal officials has traveled but the permanent secretaries and Commissioners are on seat.
He however backtracked when asked who the acting Governor of the state is, apparently understanding the implication of the question he said: “the deputy governor is around I saw him yesterday.”
However, in a picture posted on Facebook, the media aide of the deputy governor ,Farouk Musa had said that his principal (deputy governor) has travelled for lesser hajj and wished him safe return.
He posted: “His Excellency the acting governor of Kano is traveling to Saudi Arabia to perform Umra: May Allah accept our ibadah and return him back home safely” the post reads.
This contrasts the position of Mr. Abba (Governor’s media aide), who stated that he saw the deputy governor yesterday (Friday).

As at the time of this report it remains unclear on what fate of Kano state indigenes and residents would be as there continues to be a vacuum in the state and no leadership as at the moment.

https://newsdigest.ng/state-news/2018/06/09/leadership-vacuum-in-kano/

He has his damn right to his opinion
What else

NEWS DIGEST – The #EndSARS Campaign has began trending hugely on Twitter again.
The campaign which started months ago was rested after the Nigerian Police force through the inspector General of Police promised to end the menace of Special Anti-Robbery squad personnels (F-SARS).
Irked by the alleged continual killings and brutalization of people, Nigerians have taken to Twitter to relaunch the campaign.
The campaign is currently trending on Twitter.

https://newsdigest.ng/featured/2018/06/09/endsars-campaign-twitter/

NEWS DIGEST –
The Nigerian Government has declared that there would be no public holiday on June 12.
This declaration was made through the verified Twitter handle of the Nigerian Government @asorock.
The tweet reads:
“There have been questions regarding whether or not there will be a FEDERAL public holiday on June 12, 2018. The answer is NO. Presidential Order says June 12 “in FUTURE YEARS will replace May 29th as a National Public Holiday in celebration of Nigeria Democracy Day.”

The government tweet also cast doubt on if the public holiday will start from 2019 as it emphatically said that the Public Holiday replacing May 29 with June 12, will not start until future years with no mention of the holiday starting exactly in 2019.

It would be recalled that the Nigerian Senate had called for a public holiday declaration in celebrations of June 12 as Democracy day.

https://newsdigest.ng/news/2018/06/08/public-holiday-june-12/

NEWS DIGEST – The Nigerian Senate has ordered the payment of all allowances due to late Abiola Kashimawo as a way to honor him after declaration of June 12 as Democracy day by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Nigerian Senate resolved to: 1. Announce the results of the

elections; Ensure that all allowances and entitlements to the families of Chief M.K.O Abiola

and Prof. Baba Gana Kingibe be made available to

them; Declare June 12 a public holiday;

Speaking about the Federal Government move, Senate President Bukola Saraki said

”I am sure that all of us, in one way or the other, have

had the opportunity to interact with the man & we felt

that the country has not given him & his family the

recognition that they truly deserve. Let us leave it that

Chief MKO Abiola represented all of us.”

“We recognize the fact that the recognition of Chief

MKO Abiola and his contributions have been long

overdue. We must recognize this good intention.There

might be imperfections in how it was implemented,

but let us take the good intention behind all of this.”

https://newsdigest.ng/featured/2018/06/07/senate-mko-election-results/

In a tweet this morning, Lauretta teased the Former President to write another letter regarding the conferment of the honor on Kashimawo.

The tweet reads; “Dis boy Buhari no dey hear word. MKO? Gani Fawehimi? Dis boy don kill me be dat. Make I write anoda letta. “

The tweet which was tagged with Picture of Olusegun Obasanjo ,may be refering to various letters written to Buhari by the Former President on few occassions.

Mr Obasanjo a one-time friend of Incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari had accused the current leadership of failing to live up to expectations and failing to solve key issues facing the Country including insecurity , a claim the Presidency has always denied.

As part of the move to celebrate late Kashimawo Abiola ,June 12 was declared the new Democracy day by the Federal Government with an expected effect from 2019.

https://newsdigest.ng/news/2018/06/07/presidency-mocks-obasanjo/

NEWS DIGEST – Aide to Former President Goodluck Jonathan,Reno Omokri has slammed President Buhari over declaration of June 12 as Democracy day stating that Mr.Buhari is desperate to garner votes from the South West.

The NEWS DIGEST reported that President Buhari has announced that June 12, will replace the customary May 29, as Democracy day, according to him this move is to immortalise late MKO Abiola who he honoured with Grand Commander Federal Republic (GCFR).

Omokri wondered how Mr. Buhari who praised Late General Abacha would turnaround to declare honor for Abiola who, he said was killed by Abacha.

Reacting via his official Twitter handle @renoomokri,he said: “President @Mbuhari is a joke. In desperation for the Southwest vote, he has declared June 12, Democracy

Day a d given MKO Abiola a post humous GCFR.

“What hypocrisy! This was a man who served Abacha

while Abacha jailed Abiola.”

Mr. Buhari had also alongside Abiola honoured late Gani Fawehinmi and former Presumed Vice President of the Country, Baba Gana Kinigbe.

https://newsdigest.ng/news/2018/06/06/buhari-reno-democracy-day/

VIDEO: Offa residents stage protest, ask IGP Idris not to politicize robbery
NEWS DIGEST – Residents of Offa in Kwara state have thrown their weight behind Senate President Bukola Saraki as they called on the Federal Government, Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris not to politicize the robbery incident.
The protesters who had placards bearing inscriptions in support of the Senate President kept chanting ‘Sai Saraki’ in a video Exclusively obtained by THE NEWS DIGEST.
It would be recalled that the Nigerian Police indicted Bukola Saraki in the ongoing investigation regarding the robbery incident.
Saraki has denied any involvement in the crime stating that the police is out to embarrass him.

Download video below

https://newsdigest.ng/news/2018/06/04/offa-residents-stage-protest/

NEWS DIGEST – Senate President, Bukola Saraki will honor
the invitation by the Nigerian Police, if he is served, his new
media aide, Olu Onemola has said on twitter.

Olu W. Onemola @ OnemolaOlu said:
“As someone that respects the rule of law and constituted
authorities, the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola
Saraki, has read the story going around on social media and
he will honour the invitation when served,” The tweet reads.

Senator Saraki is alleged to be involved in the Offa robbery
which happened weeks ago.

https://newsdigest.ng/news/2018/06/03/offa-robbery-saraki/

Kylekent59:
Why are you supporting mediocrity.



A footballer is suppose to win a match. Stop this your mediocre.

Or is it because they played England?
Nonsense.

Let them go and practice, with what I had seen 3min ago, our players aren't fit for this world cup

You can opt in na
not too late coach
yu saw the match,u didnt see the match
or you saw highlights aftr d match


d guys need to work truly but not so bad the way you make it look
if you didnt watch d match,read comments and let it slide
must you comment here?

Kylekent59:
I didn't even bother to watch the match.
I knew right from time Nigeria would loss the match

if you had watched,you would rather not have typed this poo
they lost but it wasnt really a bad match
Try to watch highlights when they show 8pm news on AIT as you normally do

vigasimple:
Nigeria football team just like their government, hyped up, No direction.

the guys tried,give it to them
first half was bad but they woke up

we will improve and i am sure Rohr has taken note of some weak points

NEWS DIGEST – A record label is a brand or trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. Also known as record company, its primary focus is to produce, manage, publish, distribute and promote the recordings under the copyright of the brand.


There are several people involved under one record label in various levels who have certain responsibilities distributed based on their experience such as producers, songwriters, distributors, manufacturers, and the artistes themselves.
There is no doubt that the Nigerian music industry is the most vibrant in West Africa. Many artistes spring up almost on a weekly basis. The Nigerian music industry has experienced a global appeal that makes international acts continually collaborate with their Nigerian counterparts.
It is not all rosy in the industry however, with the exoloitation of artistes by record labels increasingly rampant. It is not uncommon to find artistes who are signed to record labels but are still unable to pay their rent.
Many artistes are being cheated daily with opportunistic deals. Labels rely on them to make money. A lot of upcoming artistes get pressured into signing up any contract that comes around without seeking clarifications on the details, with the allure of the luxurious lifestyle they would be introduced into, blurring any sense of questioning. But the bitter truth is artistes don’t get free things from record labels. They will recoup double or triple the value of any thing they give.

The typical revenue allocation formula which most record labels use is as follows: Upcoming artists generally see between 20 and 30 percent revenue rates while seasoned professionals can bring in as much as 50 percent in revenue. However, there are some record labels which pay a meagre 10 to 15 percent revenue to upcoming artistes. This is a worrying trend.


There have been instances where fast rising Nigerian artistes were being cheated by their record labels and had to seek escape route elsewhere. In 2013, Wizkid parted ways with Empire Mate Entertainment (EME) Records owned by Banky W. During the conflict that led to Wizkid’s departure, it was discovered that he had been getting just 25 percent from whatever he got paid to perform at an event while Banky W and Segun Demuren were getting 50 percent. Osagie, Wizkid’s former manager, was getting the remaining 25 percent from the singer’s hard earned money. Wizkid demanded a 50-50 sharing formula which was rejected by Banky W, leading to the former’s exit.


Oluwadamilare Okulaja aka Durella the “king of the zanga” crooner was living a luxurious life off his record label’s funds, but the money was never his. Capitol city, his label were always going to make back their money. So they kept feeding him change while he made hits until he outlived his usefulness. When his rent expired he was kicked out because he couldn’t pay. The glamourous lifestyle he sang about wasn’t real for him after all. The record label had used and dumped him.

After Kelly Hansome’s fallout with record label Kennis Music in 2012, these were his words: “Right from my last album, Maga Don Pay, Kennis Music has not paid me. They promised to get me a house, car and other necessary things I needed as stated in our contract but they didn’t. 70 percent of the shows I did were, as I was made to understand free. When I later found out that they have been collecting money from these people, they now assured me that they were going to pay me. They have being collecting money from them and claiming that the shows were all complimentary. 30 percent of the shows I did for Kennis came through my manager, Pental. Even the show they did for Glo…one laughter whatever, featuring Basket Mouth, they were paid, but nobody gave me a dime. Apart from that, Kennis used to block my shows. People who wanted me to do a show for them were turned down; they were often told that I was not in town, meanwhile, I’ve been in town since December 24 last year. Kennis has been chopping my money; why? What have I done to them? Is it wrong for me to believe their words?”

Frankly you are better off without an exploitative contract. Eva Alordia left Trybesmen barely a week after signing up with the outfit. Her management released a statement later; she didn’t like the hidden clauses in her contract. She has remained independent ever since.

The worrying trend of record labels exploiting upcoming artistes tends to lead to the latter seeking greener pastures elsewhere. After establishing themselves as household names in the music industry, majority of these artistes go independent and create their own record labels. The problem however is that when they establish the record labels and sign new acts, the newbies are made to pass through the same unfavourable revenue sharing formula.

This makes the exploitation of upcoming artistes by record labels a negatively cyclical trend

See more and Kizz Daniel's exclusive story below

https://newsdigest.ng/entertainment/2018/06/02/nigerian-record-labels/

NEWS DIGEST – Outspoken Islamic scholar, Shiekh Ahmad Gumi, on Thursday took swipe at President Muhammadu Buhari, following the release of the mugshot of a former governor of Kaduna State, Ramalan Yero, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC

In an audio clip obtained by DAILY NIGERIAN, the Islamic teacher said the president has lost support in the Southern part of country, and that only the “ignorant North” supports him.

“I was just shown the photo of former governor of Kaduna State holding card, showing he committed offence.
“This is wrong. We must tell them the truth.
“He should have torn the card and fought them. Nothing will happen. Only the court pronounces offence.
“Let me tell you this: The southerners have bidden bye to this administration. It is only you — ignorant (that support the administration).

“Even democracy is not in practice as there is violation of human rights.
“If Buhari’s offence were not forgiven, he would not have become president. The people forgave him.
“Let Buhari and (former President) Shagari be put on scale and see who really stole public funds,” he added.

https://newsdigest.ng/news/2018/06/01/shiekh-gumi-buhari/

NEWS DIGEST – Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of making derogatory statements about him and the National Assembly.
See Also: Dino Melaye dumps APC for PDP
He was referring to a statement credited to Mr. Buhari where he accused the National Assembly of non-performance, Mr. Buhari had also challenged members of the National Assembly to confront him on any project donE.
Mr Melaye described Mr Buhari’s statement as “unpresidential” and “unconstitutional.”
“He said that some of us have been in there and he doesn’t know what we are doing.
Read also: APC reacts to Melaye’s defection to PDP
“Such derogatory statement and insult on the National Assembly should not be allowed to go unnoticed,” he said.
Mr Melaye presented a copy of the statement in a compact disc to the National Assembly.
Mr Melaye, who survived a recall exercise, is officially a member of the president’s party, APC.
He, however, requested and was allowed to sit with the opposition PDP on Wednesday. He is yet to formally submit a letter decamping to People’s Democratic Party as at the time of this report.


https://newsdigest.ng/news/2018/05/31/buhari-national-assembly-melaye/

NEWS DIGEST – Youths under the aegis of Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) have blasted President Muhammadu Buhari for ‘deceiving’ Nigerians with “Change begins with You” slogan and N-Power project.
Comrade Isa Abubakar, National President of the Council, stated this while presenting an Award of excellence and medal of Bravery to Chief Executive Officer of Image Merchant Promotions Limited, Alhaji Yushau Shuaib for his contributions to end Boko Haram fight.
Comrade Isa also bemoaned loopsided appointments in the Nigerian major institutions stating that the children of the poor are been cheated in the selection processes.
“As Young people of Northern extraction we are aware that unemployment is a global problem but it is a very sad commentary that only the children’s of the elite always secured lucrative jobs/employment slot with the Federal Inland Revenue Service(FIRS) ,Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC) while the children’s of the poor are always being consoled with N-Power and that slogan called “Change Begin with you” and we say we want to end Boko Haram”.

Mr Abubakar lamented that despite several promises made by the Buhari-led administration many of the promises have remained unfulfilled.

https://newsdigest.ng/metro/2018/05/31/buhari-deceiving-nigerians/

See pictures of where the bill will be signed below
https://newsdigest.ng/news/2018/05/31/buhari-not-too-young-to-run/

NEWS DIGEST – President Buhari will today sign the Not Too Young to Run Bill into Law.
He announced this via his official twitter handle @Mbuhari today.
The tweet reads:
“Yesterday i hosted talented young Nigerians,who will soon travel to Russia carrying the passion and emotions of 180million. Today i look forward to welcoming to the state house another group of young Nigerians as i sign into Law the Not Too Young To Run bill “.

The NEWS DIGEST had earlier reported that the President promised to sign the bill few days ago.


https://newsdigest.ng/news/2018/05/31/buhari-not-too-young-to-run/

NEWS DIGEST – As the dust settles on the various club competitions around the world of football, attention swifty turns to the biggest football competition on the planet- the World Cup. Russia 2018 is the 21st edition of the FIFA World Cup which is scheduled to take place between june 14 and july 15 2018.
Theoretically, each of the 32 teams can lift the vaunted trophy but realistically, we have the genuine contenders, the dark horses and the pretenders. As we gear up for the hugely anticipated event, the draws can be broken down and analytical guesses can be made to which teams will advance to the Round of 16. Group A (FIFA rankings) Russia (66) Saudi Arabia (67) Egypy (46) Uruguay (17)
Russia isn’t close to having the talent of a semi-final team, but at home, the hosts are always dangerous. Nobody thought South Korea would make the semis in 2002. While Russia is more likely to go out in the group stage than make, say the quarterfinals, never underestimate the power of being the host.
Saudi Arabia made every World Cup from 1994 to 2006, and in the last three of those, the team never finished higher than 28th. They arrive Russia with the oldest team on paper as their average squad age is just below 29 years. They are in Russia to enjoy the views alone.
Egypt is the most successful national team on the African continent, having won the Africa Cup of Nations seven times. It’s the third time the North African country will participate in the World Cup (1934, 1989, 2018). With Mohamed Salah a doubt for the event, the Pharoah’s chances are close to non-existent. Only a miracle can take them past the group stage. Uruguay was the second best team in South America during World Cup qualifying stage. The South Americans boast of star power in Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani in attack; Jose Gimenez and Diego Godin both belonging to Atletico Madrid, make for a solid consistent center back pair and it is a new generation in the midfield with some youngsters who have really made an impact at their clubs, not least Rodrigo Betancur in Juventus and Gastón Pereiro in PSV. Expect Uruguay to make noise in Russia Advancing: Uruguay, Russia.
Group B Portugal (4) Spain ( Morocco (42) Iran (36) Portugal conquered Europe and are now looking to make a statement on World’s biggest scene. In their previous World Cup appearance, they failed to progress from the group after miserable matches against Germany and the United States. However, they matured and started to play at a higher level more accurate to their material available. Their European qualifiers campaign was excellent and even surpassed brilliant Switzerland, which shows this team’s character. And then there is Cristiano Ronaldo. His determination will play a huge part in the performance of the Portuguese. Spain is back after that horrific display in Brazil. Julen Lopetegui is still undefeated as manager, with a row of impressive results (12 victories out of his first 16 games in charge). The team is stacked offensively, in the midfield, and boast of arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. Spain looks like a team poised to go all the way.
Morocco went through the African qualifiers without conceding a single goal with the impressive goal difference of 11-0. Mehdi Benatia is the captain of the side, flanked by Nabil Dirar on the right, both representing big clubs in Juventus and Fenerbache respectively. That said, there’s not a lot to be excited for the North African Country having been pitted against big guns. No chance! Iran has made back-to-back World Cups for the first time ever. Only once, out of 12 matches, in four different tournaments have they ever recorded a victory (against the U.S. in 1998). They went undefeated through the Asian qualifiers with 6 victories, 4 draws and only conceded two goals. That is the bright side. However, the thought of facing Portugal and Spain is enough to make Iran surrender even before a ball is kicked. If they can win a game, it would represent a decent tournament.
Advancing: Spain, Portugal Group C France (7) Australia (40) Peru (11) Denmark (12) France is a team enviably stacked in all positions. Spoilt with multi-talented players, Didier Deschamps had no space to accommodate players like Alexandre Lacazette, Anthony Martial, Kinsley Coman, Adrien Rabiot. These are players who would arguably walk into the starting 11 of most European top clubs. Scoring goals shouldn’t be a problem for France and if the defense can find consistency, there is no reason why they shouldn’t be heavily involved in the trophy negotiation.
Australia is a team with players past their prime. Mile Jedinak (33), Mark Milligan (32), James Troisi (29) and Robbie Kruse (29) are possibly making their last major appearances in this tournament. Australians are just happy to be there. Four straight World Cups is a tremendous accomplishment. However there is no strong reason to believe they are not in Russia as tourists. Peru is the least fancied of the South American teams represented in Russia. Back in the World Cup for the first time in 36 years, the Peruvians shouldn’t be upset to see this team out in the group stage. They are just happy to be back- something many Peruvians probably thought they would never see again. Denmark will hope star player christian Eriksen is at his best in Russia just as he was in the play-offs. Apart from the Spurs talisman, an eye should be kept on Pione Sisto who is entertaining to watch with his agile body movement and quick turns and also links up well with Eriksen. They both held key roles in Denmark’s road to the World Cup. Also, Kasper Schmeichel in goal will keep them in matches though there’s a lot more to be desired.
Advancing: France, Denmark Group D Argentina (5) Iceland (22) Croatia (18) Nigeria (47) Argentina has as much talent as any other genuine contender. We wont mention Lionel Messi. Oh we already did. However there are problems at the back and the goalkeeping department looks suspect. Argentina finished third place behind Uruguay and Brazil in the South American World Cup qualifiers. However, the truth behind that position is 4 losses and 7 draws, which is not too impressive if you wear the Argentinian jersey. They are grade 2 contenders. Iceland won the group consisting of Turkey, Croatia and Ukraine, and will participate in their first ever World Cup in Russia. The Icelanders surpassed expectations in EURO 2016 having tied with Portugal in the group and dumped out England.This team isn’t super skilled by any stretch of the imagination but are a proof that passion and determination can take you farther than you ever imagined. Don’t be surprised to see Iceland in the knockout stage. Croatia will once again decorate the stadiums in Russia with the colours of their fantastic jersey. Croatia has been a quite turbulent football nation with internal battles in the football association, supporter problems, and coach issues. However with players like Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mateo Kovacic and Mario Mandzukic, they have what it takes to smuggle a ticket to the Round of 16. Nigeria is undoubtedly blessed with talent, as well as a good number of players bringing European exposure to the table. However the goalkeeping department is very weak. To enjoy a good run in the tournament, the defenders must be at their absolute best to mask the shortcomings of the glovesmen. Advancing: Argentina, Croatia
Group E Brazil (2) Switzerland (6) Costa Rica (25) Serbia (35) Brazil was arguably the best team in the World Cup qualifying stage having dominated the most challenging region. Brutally slaughtered 7-1 by Germany in the semi final of the 2014 World Cup right in their backyard, the feared Americans arrive Russia with a point to prove. Also, they dont seem to run out of talents. It makes perfect sense that Brazil is one of the favourites to lift the coveted trophy. Switzerland is ranked 6th by FIFA. Ignore that. We all know the formula FIFA uses is not an accurate representation of which are the best teams in the world. The Swiss almost missed out on the tournament after they were ousted by Portugal and needed to negotiate a hard-fought play-off against Northern Ireland to squeeze a ticket into Russia. On the bright side, they have sparks of quality in their squad and good physicality in Granit Xhaka, Brelim Dzemaili, Stephan Lichsteiner and Fabian schar. With the first ticket to the Round of 16 already bequeathed to Brazil, Switzerland can claim the second.
Costa Rica clinched a spot in Russia after securing second place in the qualifiers, with Mexico finishing top. The lack of youth is obvious, as Costa Rica has one of the oldest squads on paper, just behind Saudi Arabia in that category. They have a safe pair of hands in Keylor Navas but with no obvious star-man in the final third, Oscar Ramirez’ men have an uphill task in maneuvering the group stage. Serbia’s confident qualification – in which they only lost once – makes the team with Nemanja Matic in central midfield a potential threat. They have a solid base of players and offensively Dusan Tadic, Adem Ljajic, and Filip Kostic make for a technically gifted trio. Similarly to many Balkan teams, the technical level of Serbia is high and the defensive work rate likewise. Serbia will be brutally tested in Russia however progression is not out of the cards.
Advancing: Brazil, Switzerland Group F Germany (1) Mexico (15) Sweden (23) South Korea (61) Germany is Germany. They’ve made the quarterfinals every year since the 1982 World Cup, making at least the semis in the last four, finishing second in 2002, third in 2006 and 2010 and winning the 2014 edition. With four World Cup trophies, they are the second most successful team in the tournament. In the European qualifiers, Germany was the only team to win all matches, with an astonishing goal difference of +39. As the current title holders, there is pressure and a favorable reputation on the Germans to defend their title. It is historically very difficult to do so- the last time that happened was in 1958 and 1962 when Brazil won twice in a row. The squad is as always very talented and anything less than a semifinal would be regarded as a disappointment. Mexico confidently won their qualifying group with a 5-point margin which solidified their place in the World Cup. Mexico certainly feels like a mature team but without clear superstars. Regardless, they cant be disregarded. El Tri should be one of the most unpredictable teams in the competition.
Sweden will miss the presence of enigmatic forward- Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Life after Ibrahimovic is clearly bright after all. Sweden qualified to World Cup through the playoffs, where they beat Italy 1-0 on aggregate. Having also beaten France in the qualification phase, there are tons of momentum in the Swedish camp and the Swedes can stand up tall against the very best on a good day. The lack of individual quality is evident, but they are more of a unit than a one-man team. South Korea has traditionally always possessed great work ethics, but lacking the overall killer instinct in front of goal. They do have a new poster boy after icon Ji Sung Park retired. Nowadays the people of South Korea have their hopes on Tottenham’s Heung-Min Son. Also, Ki Sung-yeung holds down the midfield well. With coach Tae Yong Shin yet to win a competitive fixture since his appointment in the summer of 2017, he remains a huge question mark in this team and how he sorts his personal woes will determine how far the Asians will go.
Advancing: Germany, Mexico Group G Belgium (3) Panama (55) Tunisia (14) England (13) Belgium are their own enemy. With one of the most talented squads in Europe, there is no reason why the Red Devils shouldn’t be slugging it out with the big guns in Russia. Roberto Martinez and his team will be intensely under the microscope in the tournament. Kevin De Bruyne recently questioned his tactics. Also, the former Everton boss surprisingly left buccaneering all-action midfielder – Radja Nainggolan out of the World Cup squad. Belgium will hope to make the headlines for the right reasons in Russia. Panama arrives at the World Cup with the cheapest squad out of all teams, which is not very surprising as they make their first-ever appearance. The most optimistic fan wouldn’t back them to claim more than a point. They are just happy to be here. The Panamanians are in Russia to enjoy the weather and exposure. That’s all. Tunisia is yet to survive the group stage, in spite of participating in five World Cups. The Carthage Eagles qualified without losing a single game. But their opponents – the Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya and Guinea – were not the strongest competition. Defeating Belgium and England will be more difficult. England claims to have the best league in the world but that’s a matter for another day. However, when the time comes where the country has to go toe-to-toe with other national teams, the perennial underachievers hide under the category of dark horses. They were disgracefully farmed out of EURO 2016 by Iceland- their second worst humiliation in history since were knocked out of the 1950 World Cup by USA in Brazil. Dont be surprised if The Three Lions lose sanity again.
Advancing: Belgium, England Group H Poland (10) Senegal (28) Colombia (16) Japan (60) Poland arrives Russia as one of the most predictable teams in the tournament. It is not a secret that Robert Lewandowski is the face of the Polish national team. The real question is whether Poland can find more creative solutions when going forward because opponents have understood that many balls will go to Lewandowski and will generally cope well with this being figured out. Versatility will be needed in an extremely even group with technical Colombia, quick and physical Senegal and experienced Japan in the mix. Senegal return to the World Cup after a 16-year exile. Their last appearance came in South Korea/Japan 2002, where they beat Sweden with the golden goal to progress. Coach Aliou Cisse was part of the team back in 2002, and now he has guided his nation back to the World Cup. With nearly twice as many points as the runners-up in the qualifiers, Senegal certainly stormed their way into World Cup with convincing performances. The team around star player Sadio Mane, has a good chance of reaching the next stage. Colombia finished 4th in the South American qualifiers, showing good defensive performances especially. This is a squad with a fantastic coach in Jose Pekerman, who got them to the quarterfinals of the last World Cup. Radamel Falcao is back in fine form, Juan Cuadrado continues to shine at Juventus and the defense has young, hungry talent in the likes of Yerry Mina and Davinson Sanchez. And of course there is James Rodriguez. Los Cafeteros shouldn’t have trouble getting out of this group.
Japan have experience both on the pitch and the touchline. Defenders Sakai, Nagatomo, and Yoshida have over 220 international appearances combined. Also, the attack is led by Okazaki with over 100 international appearances, as well as Kagawa, Honda, and Konno with nearly hundred each. Led by experienced Bosnian coach Vahid Halilhodzic, there is a solid base of leadership in the team. It would be interesting to see the teams that make it out of this group which happens to be the most balanced of all. Advancing: Colombia, Senegal
https://newsdigest.ng/opinion/2018/05/29/russia-2018-preview/

…Says would decide on strike action soon
NEWS DIGEST – As Nigerians continue to celebrate Democracy, The National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Biodun Ogunyemi has labeled the President Buhari led administration as the worst since 1999.
In a chat with THE NEWS DIGEST, Prof. Biodun said the Government’s performance in relation to Education has been very bad and worrisome despite the Government’s claim of having interest in the sector. “President Buhari has not performed impressively, we only decided to lay low because we felt our negotiations will bring something positive but that did not materialize, unless the Government wakes up, it would become the worst in terms of Education since Nigeria’s return to Democracy,” ASUU President said.
On what his Union plans to do to bring Education back to life, the ASUU Scribe said: “We have been negotiating over the year and we are fed up, our members will make that decision on what they plan to do.”
When asked how soon such decision would be taken, Prof Biodun said “We meet periodically and I must say that we will take that decision at our next meeting but I cannot reveal when exactly is our next meeting”. There has been continued concerns about the Education sector in Nigeria with increasing clamor for more budgetary allocation to the sector and more monitoring of funds pumped into various institutions.
https://newsdigest.ng/news/2018/05/29/buharis-government-ASUU-president/