₦airaland Forum

SAUDI Arabia is considering banning Nigerian pilgrims along with those from several other West African countries  from participating in the annual hajj to Mecca and Medina in a bid to forestall the spread of the ebola virus.
 
Over the last couple of months, about 1,300 people have been infected with the deadly ebola virus disease (EVD) currently sweeping across West Africa. Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia have been the worst affected countries, with almost 800 people dying from the virus that has a 90% casualty rate and no known cure.
 
However, the virus recently came to Nigeria after an American-born Liberian Patrick Sawyer attended an Ecowas conference in Calabar and subsequently died in Lagos. Among those who have since contracted the infection and died are the Nigerian doctor who treated him and there are now genuine fears that the virus could spread among Nigeria's 170m people.
 
Yesterday, Saudi officials tested a man for the infection after he returned recently from a business trip to Sierra Leone. According to local health officials, the Saudi  man in his 40s, was at a hospital in the city of Jeddah after showing symptoms of viral hemorrhagic fever, which resemble those of the ebola virus.
 
Saudi Arabia's health ministry said it had taken precautionary measures, including isolating the patient at a specialist hospital and sending blood samples to an international laboratory in coordination with the World Health Organisation (WHO) for further checks. Following the development, Saudi authorities said they could ban pilgrims from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia from performing this year’s hajj taking place in October.
 
This would involve their embassies suspending the issuance of visas to pilgrims from the affected West African countries for the annual hajj pilgrimage. About half of Nigeria's population is Muslim and the country provides one of the highest number of pilgrims to the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina.
 
Ebola is one of the deadliest diseases known in humans with a case fatality rate of up to 90%. Last week, WHO's director general Margaret Chan, said that the virus was out of control but can be stopped with more resources and tougher measures.
 
She added that the outbreak is the worst since the virus was first discovered in 1976. At the moment, there are no effective treatments and no vaccine to protect against ebola, which is transmitted by direct contact with the blood or fluids of the infected, including the dead.
http://www.nigerianwatch.com/news/5015-saudi-arabia-considers-banning-nigerians-from-hajj-pilgrimage-in-bid-to-control-ebola

On August 4th, 2014 President Obama will welcome leaders from across the African continent to the Nation’s Capital for a three-day U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, the first such event of its kind. This Summit, the largest event any U.S. President has held with African heads of state and government, will build on the President’s trip to Africa in the summer of 2013 and it will strengthen ties between the United States and one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest growing regions. Specifically, the August 4-6 Summit will advance the Administration’s focus on trade and investment in Africa and highlight America’s commitment to Africa’s security, its democratic development, and its people.

http://abcuni.abcnews.com/now/stitched/mp4/98330877-5095-4ac9-9a8c-7cdcd3944274/00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000/f8de0ae7-aab1-4005-bf4a-71346bd47921/8208966a-df69-4b2b-afb8-b8da3171b10f/0/0/222/64262255/content.mp4

As the deadly Ebola epidemic continues to wreck havoc on West African countries, the Lagos state government on Sunday stepped up its surveillance to ensure infected nationals of affected countries sneak into Nigeria.
Officials of Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Federal Government  visited the General Overseer of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Prophet Temitope Joshua seeking his cooperation in ensuring Ebola victims are not brought to his church for healing.
The SCOAN, a popular international church reputed for its claims of divine healing is a popular destination for sick people all over the world including the West African countries currently battling the Ebola epidemic.
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, who led the delegation to the SCOAN, said the visit was in recognition that the church is an international Christian congregation whose members comprise of people from all over the world including the countries of West African sub-region already affected by the disease.
The commissioner added that the visit is one of the state government’s strategies of sensitizing faith-based organizations on the need to cooperate with the government to prevent the spread of the disease in the country by educating the worshippers to report health issues to medical experts.
Idris said the Federal and Lagos state government are working hard to prevent a spread of the virus into the country, the delegation has deemed it fit to educate and create awareness among the multinational congregation on the disease and how it can spread.
“We have our strategies that we intend to share with you. Again, we need to know the resources you have here because whether it is one or two cases, if they are allowed to get out, it is a major problem. We are here to work together on how to contain this disease,” Idris told the cleric.
Another member of the delegation and Director, Centre for Disease Control (CDC), Professor Abdulsalami Nasidi said the visit was to inform the Synagogue church leadership about the deadliness of the Ebola virus and to ensure that it does not escape into the country.
Nasidi, who is both an Epidemiologist and Virologist, said the meeting is a “positive engagement mission” saying the team is seeking the cooperation of the church in containing the virus.
“We are here to engage you positively, we know the powers of this House and your powers and we are duty- bound to protect you and your congregation. We have no doubt the power God has given you, we can’t do that, but we want to help and make it work stronger,” he said.

http://thenationonlineng.net/new/ebola-dont-accept-victims-lagos-urges-synagogue-leader/

Akins16ng: chelsea vs weder bremen on abudabi sport 2.any 1 receiving the station in nigeria should kindly giv sats and freq.pls.

confirmed?

Allahamdulliliah

The jaw-dropping event was caught on camera by animal rescuer Nitish Bambhaniya in the village of Billa the Indian state of Gujarat Wildlife expert Nitish Bambhaniya dashed 25 miles to the tiny village of Billa in the Indian state of Gujarat to photograph the huge snake's astonishing digestive feat.

After being tipped off about the spectacle, he hopped on a motorcycle and sped to the scene, accompanied by a member of his team.

On arrival, he found the giant snake - an Indian rock python - was well on its way to devouring a nilgai, also known as a blue bull.
Nitish, who runs the Red Headed Vulture Nature Club, said: "I got a call in the morning for an Indian rock python.

"When we reached the spot, we saw this massive python. The python had hunted a baby blue bull and had already eaten 80% of the bull's body.

"It is on the edge of an open field, so lots of locals start gathering there."

Fearing the python would be a risk to children in the neighbouring villages if they let it go, a number of locals wanted to kill the snake.

However, as the crowd drew closer, the slithery reptile stopped swallowing the antelope and let go of its lifeless prey.

Mr Bambhaniya said: "Pythons do it so that they can shed body weight and escape faster.
"Meanwhile, we convinced the villagers not to kill the python and they agreed. Later we caught the python and handed it over to the forest department officials."

The python was released by the officials in a nearby forest, before slithering away to freedom.

SOURCE - http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/python-swallows-antelope-spews-out-3905288

Nyanya bombing mastermind, Aminu Ogwuche who was recently extradited from Sudan has vowed to continue with what he  termed as spiritual revolution at the least opportunity, as against expectations that  will become sober as a result of his ordeal and probably ask for forgiveness.

The suspected terrorist, who spoke in  fluent English language said  that he has no regrets for his dastardly act in the April 14, 2014 bomb blast that killed over 70 people and injured about 120 others at Nyanya area of Abuja, according to reports from National Daily. “I don’t deny that I am the executioner of the Nyanya bomb incident. I did it in order to draw government’s attention to our demands. We want our detained colleagues released and compensation paid to those of our colleagues who were killed by the federal troops during operations. We want Islamic rule in the whole of northern Nigeria. Western education is a sin against Allah. It’s time for dialogue between government and Boko Haram leaders for the way out of the deadlock,” he was quoted as saying.

Ogwuche was immediately taken into custody from the special flight which touched down at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 3 pm on Tuesday July 15, 2014. The flight arrived from Khartoum, Sudan, to hand the returnee fugitive over to Nigeria Security Forces for interrogation. On hand to receive him at the Presidential wing of the airport were spokespersons of the police, ACP Frank Mba, Department of State Services, Marilyn Ogar, Major General Chris Olukolade of the Army and coordinator, National Information Centre, Mike Omeri.

National Daily sources said Ogwuche had camouflaged as a student of Arabic language at the International University of Africa, Sudan, before eagle eyed security operatives uncovered and arrested him. He was extradited after nearly three months of intensed diplomatic and security engagement between the federal government and the Sudanese counterpart. National Daily learned that stringent efforts were being made to extradite other fugitive suspected terrorists from Sudan and other African countries. “This is a great break through for the security forces especially the International Police (Interpol).
The department of state services in Nigeria collaborated with the Nigerian police to achieve this feat. They got the Interpol to be involved in the intelligence and strategic planning which resulted in the arrest of Aminu Ogwuche. So, Ogwuche is right now with the State Security Services who are closely working with the police,” said an informed security source, adding: “His preliminary interrogation has began. We know it is the duty of the police to prosecute but we are talking about national security here. So far, Ogwuche is facing preliminary interrogation by a team comprised of SSS officials and the police. I can tell you that he was first detained at Abuja Interpol office before he was moved to an undisclosed DSS detention centre in Abuja. He is expected to be handed over to the Police for prosecution.

“The government must do something now or the bombing will continue. There is no regretting anything because we are fighting a just cause to liberate our people from western education and religion,” the light complexioned and gaunt looking suspected terrorist said. Ogwuche vowed not to forgive the federal government for waging war against Islamic fundamentalists in the country saying that Boko Haram highest echelon is prepared to contain government determined onslaught against terrorists. “Federal government has been trying without success to wipe out Boko Haram. They killed our leader, Muhammed Yusuf and hundreds of others yet we still exist. We are a force to be recognized. You ignore us at your own peril. We are particularly pained by the killing of hundreds of our members across the forest in northern part of the country. Although we equally killed federal troops, we will never forgive the federal government for the incessant killings. We are well armed to fight back and we will never surrender. Boko Haram is well funded and highly equipped organization with capacity to take over the whole country if it so desires,” Ogwuche ranted.

The Nyanya bomb blast mastermind boasted that he is still lusting to shed more blood of those he described as “infidels.” “If I am left alone, I will still kill those infidels who have refused to repent of their sins against Allah. This is my mission on earth. My mission is to wipe out infidels from the face of the earth. You call me bomb detonator, and I love that. I am ready to kill again. In fact, I enjoy killing people who are unbelievers; those deceived by western education and disobedient to Allah and his holy Koran. I don’t care what will happen to me now because if I die, I shall go to heaven for doing god’s work. I won’t beg anybody for forgiveness but I can assure you that my so called trial will not be an easy exercise. If I like, I plead not guilty in court to make things difficult for the federal government but inside my mind, I know I did the damn thing. It is my word against federal government evidence. I know a little bit about the intricacies of the law through the study of several law books. Nobody can push me around because I am not a fool,” said Ogwuche who was born in the United Kingdom.

The captured fugitive terrorist who regaled his interrogators with gory tale of his exploits in the world of violence said he and hundreds of Boko Haram members were trained in Somalia and Pakistan in the science of terrorism. “I don’t deny that we have links with foreign terrorist groups. We have many friends as well as may enemies. It doesn’t matter if I am killed others will continue the struggle. There are millions of Boko Haram members in Nigeria and overseas. Was our great leader Mohammed Yusuf not killed, did his death lead to the end of the Boko Haram? We are determined to start a big jihad across the nation, first, wait and see. Our is something like spiritual revolution. When they arrested Kabiru Sokoto, they celebrated as if Boko Haram is all about Kabiru Sokoto. That is how they celebrated the death of Yusuf Mohammed. They will keep celebrating individuals while million agents of Boko Haram operate,” Ogwuche said.

National Daily learned that before he was extradited to Nigeria, Oguche has been in detention in Sudan since he was declared wanted by the Department of State Security which identified him as the mastermind of the Nyanya, Abuja bomb blast along with one Rufai Tsega who is still at large. Before his arrest and detention in Sudan by Interpol, the Department of State Security, had on May 11, 2014, announced a N25 million reward for any one who could give information that could lead to the arrest of Ogwuche and Tsiga. As SSS official described Ogwuche Ogwuche who was born in the United Kingdom as any army deserter who served in the Intelligence Unit of the Nigerian Army at Child Avenue, Arakan Barracks, Lagos, between 2001 and 2006. Five suspects, including Ahmed Abubakar, 43, Mohammed Ishag 30, Yari Sandu, 28, Anas Isah 22 and Adamu Yusuf, a cleric, 43, have already been paraded for their alleged involvement in the bombing. During his preliminary interrogation recently, Ogwuche was said to have disclosed that he specialized in assuming any character he wishes to assume. “I can become anything in other to hide my true identity. That is part of our training. While in Sudan, I camouflaged as a student to evade the security. I was surprised that they got me at last. I received part of my training in Somalia because there are so many knowledgeable foreign and local terrorist agents there. It is the same in Sudan but the difference is that in Somalia, you have a lot of caves to hide from security agents. I use to go to Somalia in order to meet other terrorists there,” Ogwuche was quoted by a security source as having said.
The unrepentant terror suspect also allegedly told his captors of how he usually sneaked into the country from his hide out overseas to unleash mayhem and escape without being captured. “We used to come in from Chad-Niger border and carry out our activities. But owing to security presence, we shifted to Cameroonian border in Mambisa. But the Army people will not allow us to rest. They killed a lot of our people there and we ran for our dear life,” said Ogwuche who talked about how he escaped from Nigeria after the Nyanya blast. “I had the arrangement ready, all the funds and logistics to enable me escape. Immediately after the blast, I was taken away from the apian way unknown to security operatives.” Earlier reports on the arrest of Ogwuche, indicated that the Sudanese authorities were reluctant to extradite him to Nigeria as a result of interference by a top Northern Emir among other interests. It was however, learned that it was in a bid to circumvent these ‘interests’ that the process of extradition of the suspect to the country was made top secret by security operatives until his arrival in the country yesterday afternoon. In line with the security ploy to keep Ogwuche’s extradition secret, the Police headquarters had sent an SMS inviting newsmen to cover the unveiling of a “Special Counter Terrorism equipment” at the airport, only for Ogwuche to be introduced as the “equipment.”

Commenting on Ogwuche’s extradition earlier in the day, the Sudanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Tagelsir Mahgoub, who was apparently not aware that the suspect was already in the country, said: “All the papers (for his extradition) were signed by the two parties (Nigeria and Sudan). “What we are waiting for now is for the Nigerian government to send a delegation that will come to our embassy to get their visas because everything has been concluded. “And I must say that there should not be any delay, because it will delay the whole process.” Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, MD Abubakar, while commending the personnel of the Nigeria Police Interpol Unit for a job well done, noted that the successful repatriation of the terror fugitive to Nigeria shows that the global coalition against terrorism championed by Nigeria is beginning to yield the desired result. “Following the conclusion of tortuous legal and diplomatic processes between Nigeria and the Republic of Sudan, the co-mastermind of the Nyanya Motor Park bombing in which scores of citizens died and hundreds wounded, Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche was Tuesday, 15th July, 2014 extradited to the country from Sudan where he had taken refuge. Aminu Ogwuche who was handed over to the Interpol Unit of the Nigeria Police Force by the Sudanese Authorities was flown into the country in a special flight from Khartoum which touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. It would be recalled that the terror fugitive who had long since been arrested in Sudan following an international red notice issued for his arrest by the Nigeria National Bureau of Interpol had not been repatriated to the country before now due to some necessary processes involved in transferring suspects from one country to another. Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche is a British born terrorist and Nigerian army deserter associated with the Boko Haram terror group and suspected of being one of the organizers of bomb attacks in the Nigerian capital Abuja. Ogwuche is the son of a retired Nigerian Army colonel and an indigene of Orokam, Ogbadibo LGA, Benue State, Nigeria. According to the Department of State Security, Ogwuche served in the Intelligence Unit of the Nigerian Army at Child Avenue, Arakan Barracks, Lagos, between 2001 and 2006 with service Number 95/104 and is reported to have deserted in 2006. Ogwuche is a student of Arabic Language at the International University of Africa, Sudan and studied for a degree in Business Science at the University of Glamorgan between 2007 and 2010 but failed to finish the course and was not awarded a degree. Ogwuche was first arrested in Nigeria in 2011 but released in 2012 Ogwuche was arrested by Interpol in Sudan on an international warrant in connection with the April 2014 Abuja bombing in the suburb of Nyanya, which killed 75 people on 14 April 2014 and the May 2014 Abuja bombing which killed 19 people on 1 May 2014. Ogwuche is also wanted in connection with the Chibok schoolgirl kidnapping. Ogwuche, served in the intelligence unit of the Nigerian Army between 2001 and 2006. The efforts by Nigeria’s security agencies led by the Department of State Security Services (SSS) to apprehend those behind the April 14 bomb blast at a motor park in Nyanya, Abuja, paid off with the arrest of a co-mastermind of the dastardly act. “Rufai Abubakar Tsiga, a Boko Haram leader, is the mastermind of the bombing of April 14, 2014 at El-Rufai Motor Park, Abuja.Tsiga was actively aided by a co-mastermind, AminuSadiq Ogwuche”, Ogar said. Earlier, the service had paraded five suspects Ahmad Abubakar (aka Abu Ibrahim/Mai Turare), Mohammed Ishaq, Yau Saidu (aka Kotar Rama) AnasIsah and Adamu Yusuf they confessed to been privy to the plot to bomb Nyanya. Ogwuche, the son of a retired army colonel, Agene Ogwuche, was reportedly arrested through the help of the Military Attaché to the Nigerian High Commission in Sudan with the help of international security operatives, National Daily Newspaper learned. Nigerians are anxiously waiting for the urgent extradition of other suspected terror-fugitives. Most importantly, Nigerians want an end to this carnage.

Read more at TODAY: http://www.today.ng/news/well-never-forgive-the-government-we-are-well-armed-to-fight-back-and-we-will-never-surrender-nyanya-bombing-mastermind-ogwuche/

Brazil's football federation (CBF) has confirmed the appointment of Dunga as the new Brazil coach.

The 1994 World Cup-winning captain returns for what will be his second stint in charge of the Selecao, having spent four years at the helm between 2006-2010.

He succeeds Luiz Felipe Scolari, who left the post after failing to claim Brazil's first World Cup on home soil following a humbling 7-1 defeat to Germany in the semi-finals.

In Dunga's previous spell in charge of his country, he won 42 and lost just six of his 60 games, guiding them to the Copa America 2007 and Confederations Cup 2009 titles, but was criticised for his pragmatic approach.

The 50-year-old was fired from what was his first senior coaching role in 2010 after suffering a World Cup quarter-final defeat to the Netherlands.

Dunga’s only other experience in the dugout came at Brazilian club Internacional last year, but he lasted less than 12 months before being dismissed after suffering four straight league defeats.

His first Brazil squad will be announced in late August ahead of the Selecao’s Gillette Brasil Global Tour friendly fixtures with Colombia and Ecuador in the United States.

http://m.goal.com/s/en-ng/news/4976196?ICID=HP_BN_3

Baggies boost attacking options with fifth summer recruit

I can see that he really wants to be here"
Terry Burton
ALBION have signed Nigeria international striker Brown Ideye from Dynamo Kiev for a club-record transfer fee.

The 25-year-old has put pen to paper on a three-year contract, plus a further year’s option in the club’s favour, after agreeing personal terms and passing a Hawthorns medical.

Ideye will wear the No.9 shirt and becomes the Baggies’ fifth summer signing.

His undisclosed transfer fee surpasses the amount Albion agreed with Sunderland for Stephane Sessegnon last summer. 

The marksman, who boasts Champions League experience, arrives with a proven record having notched 74 goals in 182 career league appearances. 

Ideye will meet his new team-mates when they return from the club’s pre-season training camp in Sacramento, California.

Head coach Alan Irvine said: “Brown is a quality striker and I’m looking forward to working with him.

“He’s a strong, quick, powerful player who likes to get in behind defences and has plenty of Champions League and international experience.”

Ideye will meet his new team-mates when they return from the club’s pre-season training camp in Sacramento, California.

Technical director Terry Burton added: “When I arrived at Albion the recruitment department flagged Brown up as the man at the top of their wish list.

“It is a fantastic signing because of the quality and the potential of the player.

“I can see that he really wants to be here and that he really wants to be playing in the Premier League.

“He’s a dynamic player who likes to get in behind defenders and he has the pace to do so.

“He gets himself into good scoring positions in the box and if there are opportunities then he will get on the end of them.

“We’re looking forward to seeing him play for the club and scoring goals.”

The 5ft11in forward started his career in Nigeria with Ocean Boys before moving to Swiss outfit Neuchâtel Xamax after impressing at the 2007 Fifa World Youth Championship.  

He fired 23 goals in just 55 appearances for Xamax before moving on to Sochaux in France, where he helped his new club achieve a fifth-place Ligue 1 finish, scoring 15 goals. 

During his time with Sochaux, he made his international debut for Nigeria in a 2-1 defeat against South Korea in August 2010.

After being snapped up by Dynamo Kiev in July 2011, he netted 12 goals in his first season with the Ukrainian giants, as they finished as runners-up to Shakhtar Donetsk.

He netted 34 goals in 74 league appearances during his three seasons in Kiev.

In 2013 Ideye helped Nigeria clinch their third Africa Cup of Nations title, scoring in the 4-1 semi-final victory over Mali.

In total he has five goals for the Super Eagles, having been capped on 24 occasions.

http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/albion-sign-brown-ideye-in-club-record-transfer-1768950.aspx

West Bromwich Albion are set to shatter their transfer record with the £10million signing of Nigeria international striker Brown Ideye.

The 25-year-old, who is currently contracted to Dynamo Kyiv, held talks with Albion officials this morning, before undergoing a medical.

His move will be subject to a work permit being granted but Albion hope to announce the deal on Monday, if not earlier.

The forward has scored 33 goals in 74 games for the Ukranian giants, also netting five in 23 for his club.

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/west-bromwich-albion-set-shatter-7456997

Fifa lifted the suspension that was imposed on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on 9 July 2014 on account of interference.

More to follow...
Yayyyy Yayyy

SOURCE:
http://m.goal.com/s/en-ng/news/4962440?ICID=HP_BN_2

Mario Gotze's winning goal in extra time ensured coach Joachim Low's side will earn the biggest share of the $576 million prize fund, up more than $150 million from the 2010 World Cup. Spain earned $30 million of the $420 million pot for winning the tournament in South Africa four years ago.

Argentina will be paid $25 million for finishing as runners-up in 2014, while each of the 32 nations that reached the finals in Brazil have earned at least $8 million.

The fund includes payments to clubs worldwide and an insurance policy to cover injured players' salaries.

Before the tournament, the DFB has promised all 23 players in the squad a bonus of 300,000 euros ($408,000) for winning the title, Germany's fourth in World Cup history and the first to be won by a European side in the Americas.
SOURCE:
http://www.espnfc.com/fifa-world-cup/story/1949319/germany-earn-35-million-us-dollars-for-world-cup-win

A three-year-old girl declared clinically dead by doctors who woke up at her own funeral has died.

The tiny child from Zamboanga del Sur in southern Philippines 'died' on Friday and her family quickly arranged a funeral.

During the Mass a relative heard movement and lifted the lid of the coffin and saw the youngster's head move.

Her father immediately grabbed his daughter from the coffin and gave her a cuddle. However, the story does not have a happy ending and the child has now been pronounced dead again.

Dr Mary Silyne Asor-Cabahug, the Municipal Health Officer of Aurora, used a cardiac monitor to assess the condition of the girl today but found no signs of life and confirmed that the child is dead.

Dr Cabahug advised the child's parents to bury her as soon as possible to prevent diseases.

Footage of the amazing moment was captured by a mourner on a camera phone and uploaded onto the internet.  

Police senior inspector Heidil Teelan said the girl had been suffering a severe fever for several days and was taken to a medical clinic. 

He said: 'During that time, the attending clinic personnel and physician confirmed that the young patient had no more pulse and was clinically dead last Saturday morning about 9am.  

According to the Philippine Star the hospital told the family to take the girl home and prepare for a funeral service. 

Inspector Teelan said that while they were not the proper authority to confirm the medical case, but based on the accounts of the child’s parents, he could reveal that the girl experienced severe fever for days and was taken to the clinic in the town for medical attention last Friday.

He said one of the mourners spotted the girl move her head while they were inspecting the coffin.  

He said: 'This prompted them to check and confirmed the girl had pulse and was alive.

'We really can not make confirmation on the status of the girl but based on the observation of the police personnel I deployed it appear the girl remained in a state of comatose in their house.'

SOURCE:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2691398/A-remarkable-wake-Dead-Filipino-toddler-wakes-FUNERAL-mourner-spotted-moving-inside-coffin.html

Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel is praying for the release and safe return of the kidnapped girls of Chibok, Borno State, who have been held for more than 90 days by the Boko Haram sect.

More than 200 secondary school girls were taken from their dormitory as they prepared for their final exams in April in the north eastern Nigeria town.

The Chelsea star was pictured carrying a cardboard with the popular #BringBackOurGirls hash tag on his club’s official Twitter account on May 14, but spoke about the issue publicly for the first time on Monday.  

“I wish I knew where those girls are, I would go there, pick them up and bring them back but it’s out of my hands,” Mikel said, while responding to a question by Goal at a soiree by Amstel Malta in Lagos.

In August 2011, Mikel’s dad was kidnapped in Jos but released after about 10 days in captivity. It is such positive ending he hopes will happen to the girls of Chibok.

“We will keep praying and keep hoping that [the girls] are all safe and they will return to their families,” said the midfielder, whose appearance in an Amstel commercial chronicled his early struggles as a young footballer.

The 27-year-old helped Nigeria reach the second round of the World Cup in Brazil before losing 2-0 to France.

He was named man of the match in their first game against Iran but came under criticism after the final match against Les Bleus where he struggled to impose himself on the encounter.

http://m.goal.com/s/en-ng/news/4959665?ICID=HP_HN_1

Argentina icon Diego Maradona feels Lionel Messi did not deserve to win the Golden Ball following his performances at the World Cup.

The Barcelona star beat the likes of Thomas Muller, Arjen Robben and James Rodriguez to the prestigious individual award after scoring four goals in seven performances at this summer's tournament and guiding his team to the final, yet Maradona feels the 27-year-old only won it for commercial reasons.

"Messi? I would give him heaven if possible," Maradona said during his show on Telesur.

"But it's not right when someone wins something that he shouldn't have won just because of some marketing plan."

Maradona then went on to voice his disappointment with Argentina's 1-0 defeat in Sunday's final against Germany following Mario Gotze's goal in extra-time.

"I feel sorry for my country. Mario Gotze's goal really hurt. There's a huge sadness in my heart that we lost the final.

"All things put together, I think Argentina deserved at least penalties. That Germany won was the result of a misunderstanding in the Argentine defence."

The 1986 World Cup winner also had his say on Alejandro Sabella's decision to replace Ezequiel Lavezzi with Sergio Aguero at half-time and argued that the Argentina boss got things wrong.

"I don't understand the substitution of Lavezzi. He was phenomenal down the wing. Kun Aguero didn't have the same impact. It was not his tournament."

http://m.goal.com/s/en-ng/news/4958068?ICID=HP_HN_1

Nigeria World Cup revelation Michael Babatunde has come under the radar of Stoke City, according to the player’s manager.

The 21-year-old impressed against Bosnia-Herzegovina and set up Ahmed Musa’s first goal against Argentina before an injury to his hand curtailed his further taking part as the Super Eagles reached the second round.

The future of the Volyn midfielder has come under speculation since the end of the tournament and Stoke have now been claimed to be interested in the lad.

A source told Goal that the English Premier League side is hoping to convince the young Nigerian via his compatriot Peter Odemwingie who has become an influential part of their set up.

When contacted the agent handling Babatunde confirmed that Stoke representatives have called to indicate their interest to sign the Volyn player for the new Premier League season.  

“It is true that Stoke City have made enquiries about Michael Babatunde and they have been calling for some days now,” the player’s agent Nureni Makanjuola told Goal.

“But nothing has been agreed on. There are other clubs from other parts of Europe that have been showing interest in the player to join them. We will make it public when we decide on where the player would go eventually,” he said.

http://m.goal.com/s/en-ng/news/4958127

The lecturers had been on strike since October.
The Academic Staff union of Polytechnics, ASUP, has suspended its 10-month-old strike.
The strike, which started in October, was suspended on Saturday morning at the National Executive Council, NEC, meeting of the union held in Abuja.
The National Publicity Secretary of ASUP, Clement Chirman, confirmed the suspension of the strike to PREMIUM TIMES.
He said all striking lecturers have been directed to resume work on Tuesday.
The ASUP NEC meeting was held two days after the leadership of the union held a ‘fruitful’ meeting with the new Education Minister, Ibrahim Shekarau, who was sworn-in by President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday.
The ASUP NEC consists of all chapter (polytechnic) chairmen of the union and the national executives.
Details later…
http://www.premiumtimesng.com/?p=164787

Burna Boy’s mother Bose Ogulu has been played the role of manager since his rise to fame from the start of his career, but the professional relationship between the two has evidently been terminated. Burna overtly declared the new development on Twitter just a few Hours ago, stating that the time has come for his mother to be his mother and his manager to be his manager.
As seen in the Tweet, bookings and inquiries are to be directed to an email that suggests he may be managing himself or employed another manager by himself henceforth. Maybe he should take his own advice and stick to music while another person manages him

http://hiphopworldmagazine.com/2014/07/12/burna-boy-sacks-mum-as-manager/

Algerian referee Djamel Haimoudi will handle the World Cup third place match between Brazil and the Netherlands on Saturday night.

The 43-year-old was in charge of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations final match between Nigeria and Burkina in Johannesburg.

The Super Eagles won that encounter 1-0 and goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama attempted to carry the referee on his shoulders at the final whistle out of sheer joy.

Haimoudi has already officiated three matches at the World Cup - the group-stage matches Australia v. Netherlands and Costa Rica v. England as well as Belgium v. USA in the Round of 16.

He will become the first African to handle a third place match in the history of the competition. It will be a fitting close to the competition for Algeria who reached the second round for the first time in Brazil.

Haimoudi will be assisted by Redouane Achik of Morocco and Abdelhak Etchiali from Algeria.


http://m.goal.com/s/en-ng/news/4951556?ICID=HP_HN_5

OSOGBO—The multi-million naira newly completed ultra-modern High School, Ejigbo constructed by the Osun State Government collapsed in the early hours of yesterday.
Though no life was lost, collapse of the structure has been a source of concern to the state government.
It was gathered that the project which was billed for commissioning tomorrow by Governor Rauf Aregbesola had earlier been inspected by government officials few days ago.
The state government in its official reaction to the development through a statement by Mr Semiu Okanlawon, Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy yesterday said “the state government regrets to inform members of the public the suspect incidence of the collapse of the Main Hall of the newly completed ultra-modern High School, Ejigbo State of Osun.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/07/newly-completed-school-hall-collapses-osun/

Former Nigeria star Etim Esin has disclosed that Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel is not worthy of putting on the is not worthy wearing Nigeria's number 10 jersey following his below par outing at the ongoing 2014 Fifa World Cup.
Esin who wore the country's national team respected jersey number between 1988 and 1992 lambasted Mikel after his disappointing display that led to the country's exit in the round of 16 to France.

"Mikel was a big flop in Brazil. He wears Nigeria’s No.10 jersey but he did not show he is worthy of wearing it at the big stage like the World Cup,” Esin told NigeriaNewsWatch.

"He rose to the occasion in South Africa but in Brazil he was not committed and ended up as a monumental disaster.

"Look at how other players who wore No.10 jerseys for their respective countries have been playing including Messi, Neymar, Sneijder and the young chap from Colombia, James Rodriquez.

"He failed to carry Eagles along as the pilot of the team. Have you seen a No.10 that did not make a goal attempt let alone of scoring. Jokes apart, Mikel has not shown he deserves to wear our No.10 jersey."

He however called on the former Flying Eagles midfielder to improve his game and follow the path of the country's legends like Henry Nwosu and Austin Okocha who shone wearing the jersey number during their active days for Super Eagles.

"He should go and watch the video clips of Henry Nwosu and Jay Jay Okocha including my humble self and get some tutorials on how they played as Nigeria’s No.10. You must be special to wear the No.10 jersey and for me, has not done anything special.

"While Musa and Osaze were busy taking all the free kicks and corner kicks he was idle strolling in the pitch. As soon as Onazi was stretchered out, he was exposed.

"I don’t have anything against Mikel, when he came into limelight I was one of the first person that tipped him for greatness but I am amazed that he has yet to live up to expectations and I am highly disappointed.

“There is no doubt that he is a good player having shown his qualities in the past, but he has to raise his game at the moment considering the fact that he plays for a big club like Chelsea or else he would continue to warm their bench. I am giving him this advice for his own personal interest,” he concluded.

http://m.goal.com/s/en-ng/news/4938224?ICID=HP_HN_2

Chelsea Football Club can confirm an agreement has been reached with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of Diego Costa, with Chelsea meeting the buy-out clause for the Spanish international.

http://m.chelseafc.com/news-display/COSTA-AGREEMENT-REACHED/3943327

President Goodluck Jonathan will travel to Brazil to watch the Super Eagles if they make it to the quarter-finals.
Nigeria have to get past France to reach that stage, but captain Joseph Yobo says with the additional incentive from the president, the players will be even more motivated to reach that historic landmark.

"He assured us when he called that he's behind us and if we beat France and qualify for the quarter-final, he will come and visit us and watch the next game," Yobo told KickOffNigeria.com.

"That's a very big motivation for us to know that the president will come and visit us. It's better than money and we are determined to go there and fight and give our best.

"It's a morale booster."

The game kicks off at 1pm local time (5pm Nigeria time) in Brasilia on Monday.

http://www.kickoff.com/worldcup2014/news/46138/president-goodluck-jonathan-to-watch-nigeria-super-eagles-in-quarter-final

Stars of the FIFA U17 World Cup-winning squad, skipper Musa Muhammed, Kelechi Iheanacho and Dele Alampasu have been named among 30 players who will participate in the final 2015 African Youth Championship (AYC) qualifier against Lesotho.
The naming of the Flying Eagles squad followed a two-week rigorous screening exercise at the FIFA Goal project of the Abuja National Stadium.
The Flying Eagles will host Lesotho on August 16 with the return leg match in Maseru a fortnight later and the overall winners advancing to the 2015 African Youth Championship to be staged by Senegal..
There are also some players from the Nigeria Premier League like; Obinna Nwobodo of Enugu Rangers and the Sunshine Stars duo of Olulayo Seun and Adeniji Tunde.
 
The full squad:
Goalkeepers:
Joshua Enaholo (MFM Lagos), Adamu Abubakar (Flash Gombe), Olorun Leke (Giwa FC), Dele Alampasu

Defenders:
Musa Muhammed (Besiktas Turkey), Ifeanyi Nweke (Riverlane Youth Club Enugu), Mustapha Abdullahi (Spotlight Katsina), Zaharadden Bello (Dabo Babes Kano), Prince Izu Omego, Adebayor Ademuluwa, Wilfred Ndidi

Midfielders:
Olulayo Seun (Sunshine Stars), Chidiebere Nwakali (Manchester City England), Wasiu Jimoh (Kwara Academy), Musa Yahaya (Tottenham Hotspur England), Bernard Bulbwa, Ifeanyi Matthew (El Kanemi Warriors), Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Chisom Eze, Akinjide Idowu, Abdullahi Alfa

Strikers:
Taiwo Awoniyi (Kalmar Sweden), Sulaiman Abdullahi(El Kanemi Warriors), Segun Alebiosu (Kwara United), Adeniji Tunde, Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City England), Obinna Nwobodo (Enugu Rangers), Isaac Success (Granada, Spain), Alhassan Ibrahim (FC Hearts), Abubakar Lawal (Sokoto United).

http://dailytrust.com.ng/sports/27877-muhammed-iheanacho-alampasu-makes-flying-eagles-list

The 24th Nigeria University Games Association, NUGA, earlier scheduled to hold in 2013 will now hold from February 12 to 22 at the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, Osun.
A NUGA council member, Cecilia Arinye, disclosed this on Friday via telephone.
Ms. Arinye said that the Games, earlier scheduled for October 12 to 22, 2013, were postponed indefinitely due to the six-month strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.
She said that the new date was to give hope to the student athletes and to reawaken the Games.
“It is good news that the impasse has ended. The athletes who had undergone preliminaries since June and July, will now be able to exhibit their skills at the competition. Some of them hope to use the event as a launching pad to the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, so, staging the event in February before the Commonwealth Games will be an advantage,” she said.
She noted that, in the past, many student athletes had used the competition to get to the bigger stage in various sports, and that chances were still available for the upcoming ones.
Ms. Arinye, who is also the NUGA Zone F Co-ordinator, comprising the universities in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States, said that necessary logistics had been put in place to welcome contingents to the Games.
According to her, the host university was ready for the Games, having put in place structures and sporting facilities for the event.
She called on athletes to be law abiding and to make the best of the opportunities provided by the platform to launch themselves into world reckoning.
The last edition of the competition was held at the University of Benin in 2010.

Renowned Nigerian Prophet T.B. Joshua has declared 2014 as a year of ‘crossing the bridge’, prophesying it to be a year of destiny where corruption would be corrected in Nigeria as corrupt leaders would go down.
It was an electric atmosphere in The Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) where large crowds thronged to usher in the New Year 2014. T.B. Joshua came out around 11pm to deliver his much anticipated prophetic message in a broadcast beamed live via the churches popular television station Emmanuel TV.
He first counseled believers to stay steadfast in faith despite the challenges that would arise in the coming year. “We are tempted so that we may pray the more. Afflictions are meant for our spiritual benefit,” he encouraged the congregants and television viewers.
Moving on, he spoke about what was to be expected in the New Year, attendees listening with rapt attention and scribbling notes as he spoke. “This New Year 2014 is not like any other year in the past. It is a year of crossing bridge. To cross the bridge, you need to grab onto faith,” he began. “This is not going to be easy for the mighty. Many of the mighty will fall. Pray for them. The rich, famous and popular people – many will fall this 2014 because crossing the bridge is not going to be easy; they need God. Many of them believe it is their own making to be great in their own area of expertise.”
He went on to decry the effect this ‘fall’ would have on the business world as, according to him, “98% of businesses and companies are owned by these people.” Specifying a field of business that would especially be affected, he said the airline industry would face multiple challenges, leading to an unprecedented rise in ticket prices, particularly noting that African airlines would be most affected. Joshua further declared 2014 to be a year of destiny for those would ‘follow the ways of the Lord’. “Many people that are not known will be rise by destiny,” he prophesied.
Talking about the current Nigerian political situation, Joshua said, “There will be a leadership tussle on who will lead and who will be presidential candidate in APC which will affect them as a political party. They should be vigilant. Many are with them in flesh but not with them in spirit.” Talking about the current crisis Nigeria’s ruling party PDP are embroiled in, the prophet stated that they would ‘pay any price to unite’ but that the issue of who would be the presidential candidate would cause challenges.
“Many of the key leaders in political parties will go down in 2014,” Joshua then announced to the somber audience. “If many key leaders go down with 2014, what will now happen in 2015? Pray for 2015 to be fulfilled. The beginner is not the owner but the finisher.”
He then stated to thunderous applause that 2014 would see a positive improvement for the nation in the area of corruption. “What will happen in 2014 will result in the correction of the corruption in Nigeria because many corrupt leaders will go down in 2014.”
Joshua then prayed for the congregants who all lit candles to symbolize the dawn of the New Year. “God has promised that 2014 is the year of destiny. Your destiny cannot be changed. This New Year, your destiny cannot be tampered with. I command your dream to come true, your dream to come to fulfillment, in Jesus’ name.”
SOURCE :http://premiumtimesng.com/letter/tb-joshuas-shocking-2014-prophecy

Kano schools are expected to close for the Xmas break between December13 and 14.
The Kano State Taskforce on Private Schools on Tuesday sealed six private schools which vacated before the approved date for the academic session.
The taskforce Chairman, Baba Umar, who said this when he spoke to journalists in Kano, said all schools were expected to vacate for Xmas break between December13 and 14.
He said the decision to seal the affected schools was taken after they flouted the state government’s order.
“We went out today only to find out that some schools have already closed for Xmas break before the approved time,’’ he said.
He listed the affected schools as Isioma Memorial School, Albright International School, Renewal School, and Ivory Nursery school, all in Kwakwaji.
The others are Depot Group of Schools, Dakatar, and Abije Academy, Hadeja Road.
“It appears that some proprietors of schools in Kano are bent on disrespecting lawful instructions,’’ Mr. Umar said.
Mr. Umar warned other school proprietors against violating the academic calendar, and reaffirmed the commitment of the taskforce to ensure sanity in the sector.

http://premiumtimesng.com/regional/151257-kano-seals-six-schools-flouting-vacation-order.html?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=kano-seals-six-schools-flouting-vacation-order

Istanbul (AFP) - The Turkish Football Federation has
summoned Ivorian internationals Didier Drogba and
Emmanuel Eboue for paying homage to Nelson
Mandela after a league game, news reports said on
Sunday.
Drogba, who plays for Turkish giants Galatasaray,
removed his club shirt after a match on Friday against
SB Elazigspor to reveal a T-shirt that read "Thank You
Madiba".
His teammate Eboue also honoured the South African
anti-apartheid hero, who died aged 95 on Thursday,
with a T-shirt that said "Rest in Peace Nelson
Mandela".
The federation said the two players faced disciplinary
action for breaching a ban on wearing political slogans
and messages on T-shirts, according to the Milliyet
and Hurriyet daily newspapers.