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From missing the Afcon in January to qualifying for the 2018 World Cup with a game to spare and beating Argentina in a friendly game in November, Nigeria had a spectacular 2017.

The country's football federation president Amaju Pinnick also won a seat into the Caf's Executive Committee in March.

Soccer Square takes you back to these major events that shaped Nigerian football in 2017:
Super Eagles Qualified For The 2018 Fifa World Cup

Super Eagles Qualified For The 2018 Fifa World Cup

With a game to spare in the “Group of Death”, the Super Eagles overcame a stubborn Chipolopolo of Zambia 1-0 in October to book their place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

They qualified with 13 points after Fifa later awarded Algeria three points and goals from their last match of the qualifiers.

The 1994 African soccer kings were punished for fielding an ineligible player for the game, despite playing a 1-1 draw with the Desert Foxes.

Nigeria won four games, drew one and lost one (the match against Algeria in Constantine) during the qualification battle for Russia 2018.

With the qualification, Gernot Rohr’s side will be hoisting their flags for the sixth time in the global football fiesta billed for Vladimir Putin’s home country.

Their first outing was in 1994 in USA where Clemens Westerholf led them to a round of 16 finish.

The Mikel Obi captained side have not gone past that stage in the competition and will play in Group D alongside Argentina, Iceland and Croatia in 2018.

South Africa Beat Nigeria For The First Time In A Competitive Match

The Super Eagles lost 0-2 to South Africa in June during a 2019 Afcon qualifiers in Uyo.

That was the first time the side have lost to the Bafana Bafana in a competitive game. It was also the first loss for Head Coach Gernot Rohr since he took over the side in 2016, August.
Super Eagles Missed Second Consecutive AFCON Finals Eagles Missed Second Consecutive AFCON Finals

For the second time on a bounce, Nigeria missed out of the African Cup of Nations. They had missed the 2015 edition which was won by Ivory Coast after winning the competition in 2013 in South Africa.

The Super Eagles lost the ticket to the Pharaohs of Egypt after garnering 5 points in the qualifiers.
Cameroon were to later win the title in early February, beating Egypt!

Eagles Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme Diagnosed With Acute Leukemia

Wolverhampton Wanderers and the Super Eagles were dealt a heavy blow when number one shot-stopper Carl Ikeme was diagnosed of acute Leukemia in July.

The 31-year-old had returned some abnormal blood tests during his pre-season testing with the English Championship side.

And further medical investigation showed he was suffering from leukemia.

The club immediately began a course of chemotherapy in his lengthy fight against the disease.

The development left the three time African champions battling to find a suitable replacement in goal as they prepare for the 2018 Fifa World Cup.

Plateau United Crowned Nigerian Premier League Champions

The Jos-based side, after returning to the top flight in 2015, in September, won the Nigeria Professional Football League, the first time in the club’s history.

They had amassed 66 points to be crowned the 19th Nigerian soccer kings after beating Rangers International 2-0 at the Rwang Pam Stadium.

Plateau United got a prize money of N50 million and will represent Nigeria at the African Champions League.

CAf Amaju Pinnick Elected Into Caf Executive Committee

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (Nff), Amaju Pinnick, won a seat into the executive committee of the Confederation of African Football (Caf) in March.

The former Delta Football Association (FA) boss had beaten incumbent Moucharafou Anjorin of Benin Republic by 32 to 17 votes at the Caf elective congress in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in April.

The West African country is now making a return to Caf’s highest organ since the exit of Amos Adamu.

Pinnick (Western Africa Zone B) joined Musa Bility (Liberia and Western Africa Zone A) Faozi Lekjaa (Morocco and Northern African Zone) and Danny Jordaan (South Africa and Southern African zone) as members of the Caf Executive Committee.


Super Eagles Walloped Argentina In Friendly Game


Coming from securing a World Cup berth, the Super Eagles mauled two-time World Champions Argentina 4-2 in a friendly game in Russia in November.

The win, with Argentina playing without Lionel Messi, was the three-time African champion's second victory over the Albiceleste.

Both teams seven times with the South Americans winning five. Arsenal's youngster Alex Iwobi netted a brace with Kelechi Iheanacho and new boy Brian Idowu netted scoring a goal each.

Fifa Sanctions Nigeria Over Ineligible Player

Fifa punished Nigeria for fielding an ineligible player in their final World Cup qualifier against the Desert Foxes of Algeria in November.

The match in Constantine initially ended 1-1 but was overturned and Algeria awarded a 3-0 win.

The sanction did not affect Nigeria’s World Cup qualification as they had already clinched a place in Russia before the Algeria game.

Abdullahi Shehu played 90 minutes in Algeria even though he should have been suspended for picking up yellow cards in two previous qualifiers.

The defender was booked in the Super Eagles 1-0 win over Zambia in October that sealed Nigeria’s spot in Russia, having been shown a yellow card in the first leg of their second round tie against Swaziland in November 2015.

The Nigeria Football Federation was also fined US$6,000 for the oversight.


2017 was fantastic generally for Nigerian football. What event stood out for you during the year?

https://sokasquare..com.ng/2017/12/highlights-of-major-happenings-in.html

Human right lawyer Mike Ozekhome has described President Muhammadu Buhari as the most clueless and directionless in the country’s history.

He said this on Thursday in a statement he captioned “Expectations from President Buhari: Pursuing Trifles”.

According to him, Buhari’s government is spreading poverty, disillusionment, melancholy, hopelessness and sadness.

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“Expectations from PMB? That is a tall dream. Nigerians’ expectations, not mine, are that PMB should first form and put in place a serious government properly so called before we begin to talk of PMB giving Nigerians democracy dividends,” the statement read.

“This is the most clueless, most directionless, most irresponsible and most corrupt government in the history of Nigeria since the January 1, 1914 Lugardian amalgamation of Southern and Northern protectorates to form Nigeria.

“It is mostly a “one chance” cabalistic government of incredible opaqueness, unique privatization of corruption and a government that freely spreads poverty, disillusionment, melancholy, hopelessness, sadness, pains, blood, and pangs.

In addition, he noted that “For the first time in the sad history of Nigeria, Nigerians spent Xmas at petrol stations, queuing for fuel, while government officials are shamelessly diverting and selling available fuel to their cronies and highest bidders.

“This is a government that continuously “fights” corruption within itself with sweet smelling sasarobia perfume, whilst fighting so-called corruption of opposition and critics of government with insecticides, pesticides and herbicides.

“This government protects its corrupt officials involved in mind bungling larceny of $25billion dollars contracts, warehousing of 50b from TSA and shamelessly requesting for $1billion to fight a Boko Haram that it claimed to have defeated since December, 2015.”

https://www.concisenews.global/news/buharis-govt-most-clueless-in-nigerias-history-ozekhome/

Can Liverpool experience a turnaround with this new signing?

Liverpool on Wednesday completed the signing of Virgil van Dijk from Southampton for a world-record shattering £75m.

The latest Reds’ acquisition is £21m more than the world’s next most expensive defender.

Premier League rivals, Manchester City, hold the record for signing the most expensive defender when they signed Kyle Walker for £54 million in July, 2017, from Tottenham.

So, here are the five most expensive defenders in the Premier League:



5. Shkodran Mustafi



From: Valencia

To: Arsenal

Date: August 2016

Signing Fee: £35m



4. John Stones



From: Everton

To: Manchester City

Date: August 2016

Fee: £47.5m



3. Benjamin Mendy



From: Monaco

To: Man City

Date: July 2017

Signing Fee: £52m



2. Kyle Walker



From: Tottenham

To: Man City

Date: July 2017

Signing Fee: £54m



1. Virgil van Dijk



From: Southampton

To: Liverpool

Date: December 2017

Signing Fee: £75m

https://sokasquare..com.ng/2017/12/10-interesting-facts-about-liberia.html

The Nigeria Police Force says it would launch a radio broadcasting service in 2018 in order to enhance communication between it and the public.

The chairman and chief executive officer of the Nigeria Police Broadcasting Service, Edirin Wesley, said this on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to him, this will help in fighting crime in the country, pointing out that policing and national security would be its primary focus.

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“The NPBS has a whole package on crime reportage and emergency response such as the NPBS Television, NPBS Radio, NPBS Online, including the Emergency Command and Control Communication Centre,”Wesley said.

“The Nigeria Police Communication outfit would be replicated across the length and breadth of Nigeria and it would assist in tackling crime in the nation.”

In addition, he urged Nigerians to report criminal issues in ministries, agencies and departments to the police through the NPBS.
https://www.concisenews.global/news/nigeria-police-force-to-launch-radio-in-2018/

President Buhari during APC’s mega rally ahead Anambra governorship election (photo: State House)
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the federal government of lying to Nigerians to cover up graft going on with the current fuel scarcity in the country.

It also called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to tell Nigerians the truth regarding its handling of fuel related funds, particularly the circumstances surrounding the alleged diversion of fuel funds in oil subsidy payouts, rather than passing the blame.

The PDP said this in a statement on Wednesday, describing the present government as highly corrupt.

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“This APC government is not only grossly incompetent and corrupt, but also a champion in the use of lies and manipulations against innocent and unsuspecting citizens,” the statement read.

“We all know that it was convenient for the APC Presidency to promise Nigerians that it will no longer import fuel only because the PDP government had already laid the foundation including revamping the refineries and ensuring a domestic production of 5 million litres out of the 25 million litres daily domestic consumption.

“Sadly this incompetent APC government, in its almost three years, has not added one litre to the 5 million litres which the PDP administration was producing.

“Instead of improvements, the APC has wrecked the system and now pushing the nation to depend solely on importation, while engaging in heavy sleazes in hidden subsidy regimes.”

It added that it is ridiculous for the federal government, “in its bid to cover for its ineptitude and oil subsidy corruption, to announce that it is the NNPC and not Nigeria that is paying for the so-called fuel subsidy?

“We, therefore, challenge the APC- Federal Government to come clean on these issues and stop telling lies to Nigerians who have suffered enough under its deceptive, inept, uncoordinated and wicked regime.”
https://www.concisenews.global/news/apc-fg-lied-nigerians-fuel-scarcity-pdp/

Ex-Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has alleged that the accident involving Yusuf, President Muhammadu Buhari’s son, is a sign from God asking his father to resign.

Recall that Yusuf Buhari suffered a head injury following a bike accident on Tuesday night.

However, Fani-Kayode has likened Buhari to the Biblical Pharoah who didn’t listen to God’s voice to let the Israelites go and then attracting evil to his people.

In a tweet on Wednesday, Fani-Kayode said the accident is a sign from God for Buhari to let Nigerians go.

“God told Pharaoh to “let my people go” Pharaoh asked who He was?

“God told him “I am the I Am, that I Am” and sent signs of His awesome power.

“It cost Pharaoah both his own life and that of his son.

“Signs have been sent. Next comes the axe. Let God’s people go!

“I pray that the son of President Buhari recovers quickly and I wish him well. I also pray for all those Nigerians whose loved ones were either murdered, met with an untimely death or tragedy over Christmas. May God grant us all peace and good health as we enter the new year,‎” he tweeted.

https://www.concisenews.global/news/buharis-son-accident-sign-from-god-says-ffk/

Former Ballon d’Or winner, Senator George Weah has been announced as the President-elect of Liberia.

Reports suggest that the 51-year-old former World Footballer of the Year swept thirteen (13) out of the fifteen (15) counties with his 73-year-old opponent Joseph Boakai getting only two (2) counties.

Pending his swearing in, Weah will be the 25th President of Liberia with a population of just over 3 million.

Here are some interesting facts about the former AC Milan and Chelsea forward:

*He returned to Liberia in 2003 after the ouster of then-President Charles Taylor.

*In 2005, he ran for Presidency but lost to incumbent Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Although he contested the result, the Congress for Democratic Change Candidate (CDC), dropped the case one month later.

*When the country went to the polls in 2011, the former Chelsea man contested, as vice presidential candidate with Winston Tubman.

The duo lost after the running-off polls.

*And continuing his political foray, Weah, in December 2014 ran for senator of Montserrado county under the CDC.

He defeated his closest opponent, Robert Sirleaf, winning 78 percent of the vote to Sirleaf’s almost 11 percent.

*Weah is called "King Weah" by Liberians.

*After a poor run at the 2002 Afcon, the former AC Milan forward quit the Leone Stars which he had partly sponsored and coached.

*He was named the African, European, and World Player of the Year in 1995 - the only African to have done so.

*Before winning the World Player of The Year, he had in 1989 clinched the African Player of the Year award.

*Weah was born in Monrovia, the nation's capital on October 1, 1966.

*Clubs he played for in Europe are:
- AS Monaco (1987–92)
- Paris Saint German (1992-1995)
- A.C Milan (1995–2000)
-Manchester City
-Marseille
- Chelsea

*Weah played 60 games for Liberia over 20 years, scoring 22 goals but never played at the World Cup. He took part in two Afcons.

http://sokasquare..com.ng/2017/12/10-interesting-facts-about-liberia.html

https://www.concisenews.global/news/what-you-need-to-know-about-george-weah/

Femi Fani-Kayode has alleged that members of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led cabinet behave like pimps and mafia dons.

He made the remark on Tuesday while reacting to Buhari’s comments over his (Buhari) age.

Buhari had on Monday admitted he did not know he was 75-years-old until he was told.

This has however not gone well with Fani-Kayode who has now labelled him, his cabinet and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as “lying fiends.”

“As President u claim that u cannot remember ur age. Next ur VP tells us that NNPC is not part of the Federal Government. What did we do to deserve these lying fiends and shady characters as leaders? They behave more like pimps, mafia dons and cult members than statesmen,” the ex-minister fondly called FFK tweeted.

https://www.concisenews.global/news/buhari-cabinet-behaving-like-pimps-fani-kayode-alleges/

Ex-Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has described former Vice president Atiku Abubakar as the All Progressive Congress (APC)’s greatest fear for 2019.

According to Fani-Kayode, hate comments from some APC governors have proven this, adding that they are deeply hurt by Atiku’s defection to the Peoples Democratic Party.

He noted that the attack from APC governors was as a result of fear of Atiku in 2019.

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“Judging by the way in which APC governors like Nasir El Rufai and Bello Masari are firing shots at@atiku two things are clear. Firstly that his exit from their dying party has hurt them deeply and secondly that their greatest fear is an @atiku bid for the Presidency in 2019,” he tweeted on Tuesday.

Atiku had earlier this month rejoined the PDP, citing APC’s failure to fulfil its campaign promises.

https://www.concisenews.global/politics/atiku-apcs-greatest-nightmare-for-2019/

Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed says the war against Boko Haram is not over.

He added that those criticizing the $1bn from the Excess Crude Account to fight the terror group, are uninformed.

Lai Mohammed said this on Tuesday in Lagos during a press conference.

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“There has been an unnecessary, uninformed and highly-partisan criticism of the $1bn which was recently approved by the Nigeria Governors Forum for the military to tackle the security challenges facing the country, including Boko Haram, illegal oil bunkering, kidnapping and cattle rustling,” the minister said.

“I said unnecessary and uninformed because everyone knows the role the military is playing in helping to tackle the numerous security crises facing the states, let alone the war against Boko Haram.”

He added that, “The fact that Boko Haram has been largely degraded does not mean the war is over. As we have said times without number, asymmetric wars like the one against Boko Haram, do not end with an armistice.

“It is therefore curious that some of those who have criticised the $1bn approval have hinged their argument on the fact that Boko Haram has been degraded.

“Perhaps also, the critics do not know that fighting an asymmetric war is costlier than fighting a conventional war. In any case, wars, especially the war against terror, are never fought with budgetary provisions.”

https://www.concisenews.global/news/war-against-boko-haram-not-over-lai-mohammed/

Minister of Communications Barrister Abdulraheem Adebayo Shittu says President Muhammadu Buhari is running a government free of corruption and greed.

He said this on Monday in Ibadan during the 50th birthday ceremony of Engineer Oluseyi Makinde.

According to the minister, Nigerians voted for Buhari because he is the only one they trust to lead the country out of its problems.

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He also noted that criticisms from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not reduce Buhari’s popularity among Nigerians.

“Nigerians voted for President Buhari because he was the only presidential candidate that could be trusted. The president is running a government devoid of greed and corruption,” Shittu stated.

“Although, the work ahead is enormous, I am happy that a lot of positive changes have occurred in the areas of agriculture, education, infrastructure and employment.”
https://www.concisenews.global/news/buhari-running-corrupt-free-govt-shittu/

Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed says the Federal Government is winning the war against corruption in the country.

He said this on Sunday at the launching of the Anti-Corruption Situation Room in Abuja.

According to him, the ACSR could not have come at a better time, adding that President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s fight against the monster is gaining momentum.

“ACSR could not have come at a better time. The Buhari administration’s fight against corruption is gaining momentum, and government is winning the war,” the minister said.

“But there is a challenge: There seems to be a feeling of numbness among the citizens about the conduct of those whose actions brought us here, those who looted the national treasury dry.

“Suddenly, these same people are engaging in revisionist history and blaming everyone but themselves for the mess their actions put the country into. Those who turned our treasury to their piggy bank are once again presenting themselves as the saviours of the nation.”

He thus called on Nigerians to join the fight against it, describing it as a duty.

Lai said, “the best time for Nigeria was when the proceeds of their corruption subsidized many and gave the illusion of economic boom. They are so emboldened as to say Nigerians are earnestly yearning for them.

“No contrition. No apologies. No shame. Just sheer bravado. Unbridled arrogance. revisionism. The Civil Society, the media and indeed all Nigerians owe it a duty not to allow Nigerians to forget, to say ‘Never Again’ to those who view Nigeria as nothing but a cash cow to be milked to death.”

https://www.concisenews.global/politics/buhari-winning-war-against-corruption-lai-mohammed/

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to back and pray for President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts to make the country better.

He made the call in his Christmas message on Sunday in Lagos.

“Today, Christmas Day, is one of the most precious days of the year for it celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ,” Tinubu said.

“Be you Christian, Muslim or just a human being with a soul that yearns for peace, compassion and hope, Jesus Christ belongs to all of us. His teachings are universal in application and speak of truths eternal.”

Continuing, the former Lagos State governor noted that Jesus, “spread compassion and charity and preached love and justice. There are no finer aims than these and we can do no better than to do all we can to follow his example.

“Let us all embrace and spread the gospel of love, tolerance and forgiveness this season and into the New Year. We must commit ourselves to peace and unity. Let us eschew all bitterness and bigotry.

“The challenges that face the country are difficult ones. But we keep the hope. We must learn from the example of Jesus who faced and overcame the greatest evil. So let us unite to overcome our challenges.

“We must support President Buhari and complement his efforts in his resolve to stimulate the economy and reposition the country.

“The president needs our support, understanding and prayers. We must fully break the terrorism of Boko Haram and completely put down the last vestiges of the terror.”

https://www.concisenews.global/politics/tinubu-urges-nigerians-to-support-buharis-economic-reforms/

The recurrent year-end fuel scarcity that is witnessed in the country has been described as a feeling like a deliberate attempt to “sabotage the celebration of Christmas”.

This was posited by the umbrella Christian body, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in a statement released by the director of legal and public affairs, Evang. Kwamkur Samuel, on Saturday.

Nigerians are currently groaning under the scarcity of fuel and the attendant effects such as fare hike, price hike, long queues and traffic standstills.

The statement read, “CAN is worried about the resurfacing of long queues at filling stations in Nigeria, after several increases in fuel price to ensure the availability of the product to all citizens.

“We are not only concerned that this seeming artificial scarcity happens mostly during Christmas period. We are also disturbed that everything is looking like an attempt to deliberately sabotage the celebration of Christmas by some people. We wonder why queues would suddenly resurface after all assurances and steps have been taken towards constant availability of petroleum product.

“We want to call on President Muhammadu Buhari, the Ministry of Petroleum (Resources), and other relevant stakeholders to take decisive measures towards ensuring that fuel is made available and accessible to all citizens within the shortest possible time at controlled price.

“Christmas season does not just happen; it is a worldwide annual celebration that is known to everyone. For authorities to behave like the season came suddenly and fail to take necessary measures to control the activities of saboteurs is unacceptable to the Church.

“We deeply view the negligence of relevant authorities to ensure fuel availability to citizens as deliberate and an attempt to exploit the citizens and particularly Christians who travel distances for the celebration.”

The federal government has blamed the scarcity on hoarding and sabotage prompting CAN to ask that culprits be found and sanctioned.

The body also asked that people remain safe and security-conscious even as they celebrate. They told Christians to keep in mind the plight of “the persecuted church in Adamawa, Kaduna, Borno and all other parts of Nigeria in our prayers and gifts”.

The statement closed with CAN wishing all Nigerians a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

https://www.concisenews.global/news/fuel-scarcity-christmas-deliberate-sabotage-can/

The Senate on Thursday postponed deliberation on the proposed withdrawal of $1bn from the Excess Crude Account by the Executive to fight insurgency and other security concerns across the country.

The action followed an observation by the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, that deliberation on the matter was slated for Thursday and expressed surprise that it was not listed on the Order Paper.

The Senate thereafter moved the matter to the next legislative day, after its recess, following the absence of Senator Sam Anyanwu (PDP-Imo East) who was meant to present the motion on the floor.

In his remarks, Senate President Bukola Saraki, assured the lawmakers that the matter would be treated as a matter of priority upon resumption, adding that it would be listed as the first item for consideration.

The National Economic Council had last week in its meeting chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, agreed to withdraw one billion dollars from the ECA to be used in tackling insecurity in the country.

https://www.concisenews.global/news/senate-postpones-deliberation-on-1bn-boko-haram-fund/

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will enter the New Year as the 51st best footballing country, according to the latest ranking released by Fifa on Thursday.

The Nigerians also dropped to 9th in Africa.

They were ranked 41st in the November rankings, but the lastest ranking have seen the Nigerians move ten spots to 51st in the world.

Germany, Brazil and Portugal retained the top three places in the latest FIFA rankings released Thursday.

There was little movement in the FIFA charts with Argentina and Belgium completing the top five and 2018 World Cup hosts Russia placed 64th.

FIFA rankings in Africa as of December 21; 1. Senegal 2. Tunisia 3. Egypt 4. Congo DR 5. Morocco 6. Burkina Faso 7. Ghana 8. Cameroon 9. Nigeria 10. Algeria

FIFA rankings in the World;

1. Germany

2. Brazil

3. Portugal

4. Argentina

5. Belgium

6. Spain

8. Switzerland

9. France

10. Chile

https://www.concisenews.global/news/nigeria-drop-51-fifa-ranking/

Myndd44, Lala

Man Sues Best Friend For Failing To Impregnate Wife After 75 Attempts

A Tanzanian man dragged his best friend to court for failing to impregnate his wife in spite of allowing him have access to her 75 times.

The man identified as Darius Makambako 30 and his wife Precious 28 had become tired of being childless in their six-year marriage after an unnamed doctor told the couple that the man was sterile.

Darius, a member of the Tanzania Police Force specifically traffic department, claimed he hired the services of his neighbor and friend Evans Mastano, 32, a fellow police officer who looked like him to impregnate his wife.


Before Evans was hired, Darius said that they considered his looks but most importantly the fact that he was already married with two lovely daughters before paying him 2,000,000 Tanzanian Shillings for his services.

But, after 75 attempts the beautiful plan failed as Evans was unable to impregnate the woman.

According to reports, Precious a nurse at a private clinic had decided to go on a three months leave (from March to June 2016) in order to dedicate quality time to making a child with her husband’s best friend but he failed to impregnate her.

When she failed to get her pregnant on the 10 month, Makambako insisted that Evans have a medical examination, which proved he was also sterile.

This result surprised everyone except Evans wife, Angela who confessed that he was not the real father of their two daughters but his cousin, Edward.

Angela told the Dar-es-Salam Today News that she was forced to secretly sleep with his first cousin for these two children after realizing that her husband could not impregnate her for two years.

Makamboko, however, is suing Evans for breach of contract in an effort to get his money back, but Evans is insisting that he did not guarantee him any results when they signed the contract.

In another interview Evans confessed , “Mrs Makambako (Precious) is very beautiful and extremely nice in bed, but I am sad I failed to impregnate her after 75 attempts.”

https://www.concisenews.global/tabloid/man-sues-best-friend-failing-impregnate-wife/

Former Arsenal star Thomas Rosicky has retired from active football on Wednesday at 39 after a 19-year career that saw him spend ten in North London.

In a career largely punctuated by injuries, the former Czech international played 246 games for Arsenal after joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2006.

“After careful consideration I have realised I am no longer able to fully prepare my body for what the professional football requires,” Rosicky said at a press conference to announce his retirement.

“I would like to thank Sparta for raising me, for being the first step in my career in big clubs, and for allowing me to say goodbye at the place I love the most.

“I knew it was coming. It was harder and harder to prepare for matches, my mind still wanted to play but my body refuse

“Recently my mind also stopped working this way. I had a great football career, I loved football and I would definitely go through it again.”

The midfielder bagged 28 goals for Arsene Wenger’s team during his spell in London.

https://www.concisenews.global/news/former-arsenal-star-rosicky-retires-football/

The Nigerian Army troops serving under the Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno State have killed 20 suspected Boko Haram members.

They also recovered cache of deadly weapons from the terrorists.

According to a statement by the Deputy Director Public Relations, Colonel Timothy Antigha, on Wednesday, the soldiers arrested 17 of the suspected sect members

They also rescued over 100 people from the insurgents’ stronghold.

See more photos of the recovered items on:

https://www.concisenews.global/news/army-kill-20-boko-haram-members-recover-arms-photos/

Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium have been infested with rats with officials battling to deal with the issue.

It was gathered that council hygiene inspectors had raised an alarm after their visit to the venue.

The inspectors had found ‘extensive evidence of mouse activity’ across ‘all four levels of the stadium’.

According to local reports, mouse droppings were found under and behind ovens, under pipework in pot wash areas and under shelving units.

Staff at the North London side’s ground were unaware of the development with the officials using torchlight to show them.

“The health, safety and security of our fans is always our first priority and we were therefore very disappointed to learn of these deficiencies in October 2016,”an Arsenal spokesman said.

“Upon receiving the report, we immediately implemented a series of measures to address the areas of concern.

“We are confident in the steps we have taken in the last year and continue to work with external experts to ensure that we are taking the right actions moving forward.

”The Gunners say they are confident they have dealt with the issue after implementing a series of measures to tackle it.

“They say they are continuing to work with external companies to ensure they are ‘taking the right actions moving forward.’”
https://www.concisenews.global/sports/arsenals-emirates-stadium-suffers-mice-infestation/

Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku has spray-painted his his Rolls Royce into Manchester United’s red and black colours.

It was gathered that the £250,000 car was initially painted white and black.

The 24-year-old has transformed his previous white and black motor, into red and black all over.

This move might curry the favour of United fans after the striker missed a clear chance at the death of time in the 2-1 derby loss to Manchester City.

Lukaku has scored in back-to-back wins against Bournemouth and West Brom, halting a run of four Premier League games without a goal.

https://www.concisenews.global/news/lukaku-sprays-royce-rolls-into-manchester-uniteds-colours-photos/

A University don Cyriacus Ajaelu has alleged that over 65 per cent of Nigerian graduates lack focus and don’t know how to face life challenges.

The Clinical Psychologist at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka said this on Tuesday.

According to him, most of them are not ready to face challenges in the labour market and thus look for shortcuts.

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He thus urged tertiary institutions to open counselling centers to guide the students.

“Nigerian universities should have counseling psychologists to help guard graduating students on where that fit them to start something doing,” he told NAN in Awka.

“There is no country in the world where hardship doesn’t exist; our students here graduates with about 65 per cent of them not knowing what to do for living.”

Speaking against the backdrop of the World Migrants Day declared by the United Nations on Dec.18, he urged youths to shun illegal migration.

According to him, “It was the same United Nations (UN) that declared free movement of all citizens of the world, but travelling without a mission can be regrettable.”

He also urged the government to tap into the expertise of intellectuals to tackle the challenge.

Ajaelu stated that, “In advanced countries they listen to their experts on matters of national interests, here in Nigeria experts’ views are taken with disdain.

“As soon as government starts taking experts’ views seriously, then there is hope for the survival of the nation and our youths’ future should not be toyed with.”

https://www.concisenews.global/news/nigerian-graduates-dont-focus-don/

rusellweb:
https://i1.wp.com/fstrends.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/wp-1513592526914-678x381.jpg?resize=678%2C381

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has expressed surprise that he was nicknamed “Igwe,” meaning king, by Nigerian fans.

The former France striker said this during his visit to Nigeria over the weekend.

He was hailed “Igwe” by fans as he arrived the Landmark Centre Hall, Lagos, as a guest in the Guinness Made of Black campaign.

According to the former Barcelona star, his ex-teammate Kanu Nwankwo did not inform him he was dubbed such name.

“[Nwankwo] Kanu never told me,” Henry said.


He also said that Kanu was the best African player he had played with due to his technical ability.

“First of all, let me say Lauren (Etame Mayer, former Cameroon international) was very good and I love Lauren to bits. But if you go down to technique, I have to give it to Kanu,” Henry confessed.

“It’s just the truth. Kanu was an underrated player, so humble, nice guy, everything about him was positive.

“We all know that famous turn (Kanu’s dribbling style) that he had, even watching him on television, I was learning (Kanu’s dribbling style). He was always good and a good guy, too.

“Like I said, if we go down to technique, Kanu was very good. Kolo Toure was very tough, Lauren had good technique too until he was moved to right-back.”

http://fstrends.com.ng/2017/12/kanu-never-told-called-igwe-nigeria-henry/

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Op and copy and pasting are 5 and 6



Kanu Didn’t Tell Me I Was Called ‘Igwe’ – Henry



Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has expressed surprise that he was nicknamed “Igwe,” meaning king, by Nigerian fans.

The former France striker said this during his visit to Nigeria over the weekend.

He was hailed “Igwe” by fans as he arrived the Landmark Centre Hall, Lagos, as a guest in the Guinness Made of Black campaign.

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According to the former Barcelona star, his ex-teammate Kanu Nwankwo did not inform him he was dubbed such name.

“[Nwankwo] Kanu never told me,” Henry said.

He also said that Kanu was the best African player he had played with due to his technical ability.

“First of all, let me say Lauren (Etame Mayer, former Cameroon international) was very good and I love Lauren to bits. But if you go down to technique, I have to give it to Kanu,” Henry confessed.

“It’s just the truth. Kanu was an underrated player, so humble, nice guy, everything about him was positive.

“We all know that famous turn (Kanu’s dribbling style) that he had, even watching him on television, I was learning (Kanu’s dribbling style). He was always good and a good guy, too.

“Like I said, if we go down to technique, Kanu was very good. Kolo Toure was very tough, Lauren had good technique too until he was moved to right-back.”

Also, he called Victor Ikpeba a big brother. The duo played at French side Monaco and Henry says the Nigerian helped him settle well when he joined the side.

“I remember when Ikpeba came back from the Olympics with his shiny gold medal, I was really happy for him,” Henry said about Nigeria’s victory at Atlanta ’96.

Henry equally praised the Super Eagles team to the 1994 World Cup.

According to him, “They were my introduction to Nigerian football because I saw (Samson) Siasia and (Stephen) Keshi, may his soul rest in peace, play in France.”

Henry had been in Kenya a day before arriving in Lagos. He praised Africans for their passion for the game.

https://www.concisenews.global/news/kanu-didnt-tell-me-i-was-called-igwe-henry/

Former AC Milan star Kaka has revealed his saddest day in football was in 2005 when AC Milan lost to Liverpool in the Champions League final.

He also said he would have been a Pastor if he had not taken up a career in football.

The Brazilian who won the World Cup in 2002, retired from football on Sunday at 35.

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And speaking about his personal life, the former Real Madrid midfielder said his saddest football moment “Was the 2005 Champions League final against Liverpool.

“When you go 3-0 up you should win the game. It should never have gone to penalties. It really was not meant to be for us that night.”

The English team had come from 3-0 down to beat the Italians via penalty shootout.

In addition, he noted that he is a very religious person and would not have minded becoming a christian clergy if he were not a footballer.

“An evangelical pastor. I have always been very religious. That is why I wear my ‘I belong to Jesus’ shirt during games and why I point to the sky after scoring a goal,” Kaka told FourFourTwo magazine. “It is my way of showing everyone where my heart is.”

Kaka also wished he had won the Champions League with Real Madrid and the World Cup on home soil.

“Actually, it would have to be two! I wish I’d won the Champions League with Real Madrid and the World Cup at the Maracana,” he said.

“To win the World Cup at home is the dream of every Brazilian.”
https://www.concisenews.global/news/my-saddest-day-in-football-brazils-kaka/

Super Eagles star Victor Moses has been dropped in the final shortlist of players for the 2017 Caf/Aiteo African Footballer of the Year Award.

The Chelsea wing back was initially in the 30-man shortlist for the award but failed to make the cut when the 11 finalists were named on Monday.

Sadio Mane of Senegal, Pierre Aubameyang of Gabon and Mohamed Salah are all gunning for the continent’s top prize.

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Kanu Nwankwo was the last Nigerian to win the coveted award in 1999.

But it was not all gloomy for Nigerian football as Super Falconets’ Asisat Oshoala is still in the running for the female version of the award.

She needs to see off competititon from Gabrielle Aboud of Cameroon and South Africa’s Chrestina Kgatlana for a hat trick of wins.

Also, Super Eagles Technical Adviser Genort Rohr is still in contention for the Male Coach of The Year.

He will battle Hector Cuper (Egypt) and L’Hussein Amoutta (Wydad Casablanca).

Rohr led the three-time African kings to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

https://www.concisenews.global/sports/moses-dropped-2017-caf-awards/

Charles Idahosa, an aide to ex-Edo governor, Adams Oshiomhole, says Atiku Abubakar’s exit from the ruling APC will not hinder the party’s progress.

He, however, admitted that the Turaki Adamawa was not a pushover in Nigeria’s political setting.

“Atiku is not a pushover. The political machinery of the late Yar’Adua is very awesome and still intact,” he told Vanguard.

“But Atiku as I speak today cannot be a threat to APC or President Muhammadu Buhari if the president decides to run which I believe he will do.

“We must understand that it is easier to destroy than to build. Buhari is taking Nigeria through a building process and he is doing a great job.”

Also, he noted that the 2019 election would be hard for the APC. Idahosa admitted that it would not be easy like the 2015 election.

He said: “Yes, it is going to be a very difficult election. There is no doubt about that. I have been part and parcel of these things for a long time, so I understand the political narratives in these areas you mentioned.”


https://www.concisenews.global/news/atiku-no-threat-to-apc-oshiomholes-aide/

Another batch of stranded Nigerian migrants in Libya has arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday evening.

The return of the 249 Nigerians was facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the European Union (EU).

The returnees arrived aboard an Afriqiyah Airbus A330-300 with Registration Number 5A-ONR.

They were received by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

At least 3,000 Nigerians have voluntarily returned from the North African nation through the IOM supported programme in the last few months.

On Tuesday 387 of them returned from the volatile country where they had been stranded on their way to Europe.
https://www.concisenews.global/advertorials/249-stranded-nigerians-return-libya/

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Kaduna Division, has told the Kaduna state government to halt its planned sacking of 21,780 teachers.

The Kaduna government had said it would sack the teachers after they failed a competency test.

But the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) dragged the state government to court, asking it to stop the government from sacking the teachers over the test written in June.

Head of the teachers’ counsel, Samuel Atum, had filed a motion of “interlocutory injunction”, seeking stay of action pending the outcome of the case.

However, Justice Lawal Mani granted the application pending the determination of the substantive suit and adjourned the case to February 6th, 2018.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the court session, the plaintiff’s counsel lauded the court for graciously granting their prayers.

“I have confidence that the government will comply and obey this order,” the plaintiff’s counsel said.

“This is democracy and the premise of democracy is the rule of law, so we expect nothing more than absolute submission by the state government to comply with the order of the court.”
https://www.concisenews.global/news/industrial-court-halts-el-rufai-teachers-sack/

The Federal Government says it has paid the whistle-blower that provided information which led to the recovery of N13bn from an Ikoyi apartment.

The money was recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on 12 April , 2017.

It was gathered that the whistle-blower was paid N421m by the government, and his lawyer, Yakubu Galadima, confirmed the development on Wednesday.

Galadima lauded the government for paying the money and joked that his client did not run mad as insinuated in some quarters.

“My client confirmed to me that he had received a credit alert from the Federal Government. He travelled out of the country this morning (Wednesday morning),” the lawyer told Punch.

“He has been paid the first instalment but there were many tax deductions. Yes, we are happy. I will give you more details later but I can confirm now that he has received some money.

“As you can see, my client did not run mad as predicted by Prof. Itse Sagay.”

https://www.concisenews.global/news/fg-pays-ikoyi-whistle-blower/

Bigwig of the ruling All Progressives Congress Bola Tinubu has rubbished a report that he may emerge as President Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate for the 2019 election.

A national daily had reported that the former governor of Lagos state was being considered as the president’s running mate to boost the ruling party’s chances in the Southwest.

But Tinubu described the report as false, adding that it is a “classic case of utterly and irredeemably-fake news.”

Tinubu, through his media office, said: “There is no empirical or logical basis for this mischievously speculative story. Is it even conceivable, as the story recklessly insinuates, that Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo would be considering returning to full church work rather than run with his boss, President Buhari, for a second term if the latter so decides without as much as discussing such a sensitive issue with his party and with Asiwaju Tinubu?

“In any case, is this story not entirely unwarranted and indefensible as the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket has an electoral mandate of four years out of which it has spent only over two years and a half years?

“For the avoidance of doubt, Asiwaju Tinubu has absolute confidence and faith in both President Buhari and Vice-President Osinbajo, who have been working hard harmoniously in offering inspirational leadership to Nigeria at a most critical period in her history.”

https://www.concisenews.global/featured/headline/buhari-running-mate-report-fake-news-tinubu/