Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, his right-hand man Jose Angel Sanchez and Cristiano Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes are believed to have finalized Ronaldo exit from Madrid.

The men met on Wednesday evening to discuss the terms of a potential Estadio Santiago Bernabeu exit for CR7.

Angel Sanchez asked Mendes to present an offer worth 100 million euros in order to receive the blessing of Los Blancos' hierarchy and Mendes stated that he would indeed be able to do so, with Juventus the club ready to pay this price tag.

Going into the Wednesday evening meeting, there was still a chance that Ronaldo could continue to play for Real Madrid, but a potential salary increase was hardly even addressed and this, in the eyes of the player's entourage, was the final piece of proof that his only option is to leave.

His mind is now focused on Juventus, where he'll be expected to play for the next four seasons.

During the meeting, the manner of Ronaldo's exit was also discussed, with both the club and the player wanting the farewell to be positive and civil.

Read More Below

http://www.goalcountlive.com/ronaldo-to-juve-florentino-perez-and-jorge-mendes-discuss-players-exit/

Dr Paul Eneche of the Dunamis International Gospel Center, Abuja, has called on all Nigerians to rise and speak against the killings going on in Nigeria.

Eneche was speaking during a prayer meeting at the Church in Abuja when he called on Clergymen to join in calling the government to put an end to the killings in Nigeria.

Days ago, over 86 people were killed in Plateau state after suspected Herdsmen attacked a village.

Speaking about the incident, Eneche prayed against the people perpetrating evil in the country by unleashing God's judgement upon them.

"There are some agents of the devil in this nation who want this country to remain permanently in sorrow. Some of them are in power, some of them are in the security forces...By the acts and power of God, they shall be buried.". Eneche said.

He continued: "I have bad news for every Jihadist in power...whether you are from Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen; wherever your conspiracy is from...I am here to announce you came too late."

He also kicked against recent judgement where some farmers were sentenced to death for killing some herdsmen.

"Everybody who is a lover of freedom in Nigeria, rise and speak, rise and act. Where an agent of the devil can sit on the judgement seat and sentence five people to death for killing a terrorist on their Father's land. People who defended themselves.

Read More And Watch Video Below

http://www.nigeriannewsweb.com/video-plateau-dr-paul-eneche-unleashes-judgemental-prayers-against-killers/

One of the eyewitnesses has narrated how a tanker caught fire at the Otedola bridge area of the Lagos Ibadan expressway today, leaving many people dead.

According to the eyewitness, who is a commercial bus (danfo driver), the tanker, laden with petrol, was trying to ascend the bridge when the accident happened.

The tanker could not ascend properly and started descending before tumbling. It was said to have caught fire immediately it tumbled leaving many dead and cars burnt.

While narrating his ordeal to a group of sympathizers, the danfo driver, speaking in Yoruba, said:

"I escaped just now with passengers, this is a car key I'm holding (shows the crowd a key). I was just coming from Idumota.

Someone then asks for the whereabout of his car, he replies:

"It is burning over there...a yellow bus (commercial vehicle)...I was the one that saw what was happening and screamed before everybody scampered for safety.

"There were five vehicles separating the burning tanker and the vehicle I was driving."

See Video Below

http://www.nigeriannewsweb.com/video-i-was-luck-to-escape-eyewitness-describes-otedola-bridge-accident/

In what can only be described as a black Thursday, many persons have reportedly lost their lives and several vehicles burnt after a petrol tanker had an accident, going up in flames in the process.

The details of the incident are not very clear yet but many lives are reported to have been lost and many cars burnt.

According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), the tanker had a break failure and was loaded with PMS (popularly called petrol) when itcaught fire on the Otedola Bridge (inward Berger).

According to Lastma, the number of vehicles affected are over 20 and there is a stand still on the express as vehicles are advised to use all alternative routes .

See More Below

http://www.nigeriannewsweb.com/videos-many-dead-cars-burnt-as-tanker-catches-fire-at-otedola-bridge-lagos/

Argentina legend, Diego Maradona has been rushed to the hospital following Argentina's dramatic victory against Nigeria on Tuesday evening.

Maradona was an animated figure all through the match as he showed so much excitement when Argentina went ahead early in the game but was downcast after Nigeria equalized.

A late goal by Marcus Rojo saw Maradona go wild with the legend going to the extreme with obscene gestures after the goal.

After the match, Maradona had to be attended to by the doctors and he was rushed to the hospital on suspicion of drug overdose.

See Video Below

http://www.goalcountlive.com/video-diego-maradona-rushed-to-the-hospital-after-nigeria-vs-argentina-match-ngaarg/

Coach of Nigeria Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr has kept faith with the players that won against Iceland as Ahmed Musa starts his second game of the world cup against Argentina.

Odion Ighalo also misses out on the starting eleven for the second time in a row as Kelechi Iheanacho is preferred to partner Musa at the front.

Nigeria XI: Uzoho, Omeruo, Balogun, Ekong, Idowu, Moses, Etebo, Ndidi, Mikel, Musa, Iheanacho

Read More Below

http://www.goalcountlive.com/just-in-nigeria-vs-argentina-musa-iheanacho-start-against-argentina/

Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has warned the security agents that the recent killings that happened in Plateau must not repeat itself.

Osinbajo made this remark during a condolence visit to Plateau assuring that the perpetrators would face justice.

The number two man met with representatives of different sides in the Plateau conflict and noted that the Military & Police have sent extra deployments to the troubled spots.

"I have left instructions that we don not want to hear that any of these killings, maiming or violence continue and I'm sure that the heads of security have taken that very seriously", Osinbajo said.

He also noted that the government was looking at medium to long term plans to put an end to the violence while also looking to integrate those affected back into the society.

Osinbajo also noted that killings of this kind must be condemned while noting that NEMA will provide relief materials to affected citizens.

Watch Videos Below

http://www.nigeriannewsweb.com/video-plateau-crisis-must-not-repeat-itself-osinbajo-to-security-agents/

Reports have revealed that Super Eagles of Nigeria might have released a wrong team sheet a day before the Iceland match so as to confuse their opponents.

A predicted starting line-up was released by popular Nigerian journalist, Colin Udoh on twitter on Thursday, with Udoh suggesting that coach Gernot Rohr would be making several changes to the team that played Croatia.

This came as a surprise to many twitter users as Udoh is one of the accredited journalist covering the world cup.

This was coupled with reports that Super Eagles coach was unhappy after the first match against Croatia after it appeared that the list of starting 11 had been leaked in the media.

It was suggested that this could have been the reason for the tweak in formation by the Croatians with Rohr left fuming by the leak.

The anger by the coaching team was well known to Udoh and so many were surprised when he released a predicted line-up announcing that Onazi and Echiejele would be starting the match.

Colin has however revealed that the starting line-up he released was a misdirection approved by the coaching team.

See More Below

http://www.goalcountlive.com/revealed-nigeria-leaked-wrong-team-sheet-to-confuse-iceland/

The day belonged to Ahmed Musa and rightly so as he scored two brilliant goals against Iceland to give Nigeria hope of qualification to the round of 16 at the FIFA world cup.

Nigeria went into the match knowing that a lose would make them the third African country to exit the group at the ongoing tournament.

A second half resurge by the Super Eagles not only gave Nigeria hope but is also good news for Argentina.

Lionel Messi's team face the reality of an early exit after a stunning 3-0 loss to Croatia on Thursday, but victory in their final Group D game against Nigeria could now send them through to the last 16.

Musa was one of the three changes made to the starting line-up by Gernot Rohr after Nigeria lost their opening game against Croatia and the forward repaid his coach's faith in him as he set the Volgograd Arena on fire.

The game started slowly with both teams being cautious. Gylfi Sigurdsson tested Nigerian goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho with an early free-kick which was comfortably parried away.

Sigurdsson could have done better minutes later as he fired a sixth-minute chance straight at the teenage goalkeeper, who dealt with a string of corners as both sides struggled for fluency in midfield.

But Iceland almost took the lead in the last minute of the first half, Alfred Finnbogason unable to get a decisive touch on Sigurdsson's dangerous free-kick delivered from the right wing.

Nigeria came into the second half looking like a different team as the coach made a substitution at half-time,bringing in Tyronne Ebuehi for Bryan Idowu and the impact was almost felt immediately.

Oghenekaro Etebo got into a good position and tested Iceland's goalkeeper, Thor Halldorsson just 14 seconds after the restart, with the goalkeeper easily saving.

That seemed like a warning of things to come though.

Iceland had a throw-in deep in the Nigerian half and was headed away by a Nigerian defender before Iheanacho started a counter by playing Victor Moses in.

Musa darted into the box and controlled a cross from Victor Moses before thumping an unstoppable drive into the roof of the net, with Musa becoming the Super Eagles' top scorer in the history of the tournament courtesy of his third World Cup goal.

Musa almost grabbed a second minutes later with the crossbar denying him but he was not be stopped on the third attempt.

Read More Below

http://www.nigeriannewsweb.com/video-nigeria-2-0-iceland-musa-stars-in-famous-win-goals/

Celia Cuccittini, mother of Argentina's captain, Lionel Messi, has slammed critics of her son, saying their criticism 'hurts'.

Argentina were favourite to win their first game at the world cup but could not breakdown a stubborn Iceland team with Messi cutting a frustrated figure throughout the match.

The Barcelona star was subject to intense criticism after the match especially given the stellar performances of his rival, Cristiano Ronaldo the previous day.

"For those who criticise him, they should have seen him suffer and cry [for Argentina], as we have," she explained in an interview with Channel 13.

"The criticism hurts you.

"He is the first one who wants to win.

"His dream is to win the World Cup, it's one of his most desired goals.

See more Below

http://www.goalcountlive.com/lionel-messis-mother-claps-back-at-critics-for-hurting-son/

The coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Gernot Rohr has assured Nigerians not to entertain any fear as the team would not lose their match against Iceland.

Rohr stated this during the pre-match press conference ahead of Nigeria's second group game vs Iceland.

While answering a question from a journalist over his future with the team should the Super Eagles lose and crash out of the world cup, Rohr said:

"For me, it's not a question to lose this game. I think that we will not lose this game so I don't ask this question myself...but I'll tell you we will not lose."

The coach also waved away criticism from current Manchester United boss, Jose Mourinho over the best position for captain John Mikel Obi.

Read More Below

http://www.nigeriannewsweb.com/we-wont-lose-against-iceland-super-eagles-coach-gernot-rohr/

President Muhammadu Buhari did not hide his displeasure as he slammed the National Assembly for making 'illogical' changes to the 2018 budget proposal submitted to it.

President Buhari had submitted the proposal in November 2017 with the hope that the budget would be passed by December/January.

However, delebrations on the budget by the National Assembly extended the time by another six months. By the time the NASS were sending the budget back to Buhari, they had already N508billion deleting some projects and adding some.

Buhari, has however slammed the lawmakers for reducing the allocation for important projects like securing of all Unity schools in the country and funding for the University in the Niger Delta region.

"I am concerned about some of the changes that the National Assembly has made to the budget proposals that I presented," Buhari said.

He continued: "The provision for security infrastructure in the 104 Unity Schools across the country were cut by 3 billion Naira at a time when securing our students against acts of terrorism ought to be a major concern of government.

"The Take-off Grant for the Maritime University in Delta State, a key strategic initiative of the Federal Government, was cut from 5 billion Naira to 3.4 billion Naira."

Buhari slammed the Legislators for adding new projects without taking into consideration the ability of the different Ministries to execute such projects.

Read More Below

http://www.nigeriannewsweb.com/buhari-slams-national-assembly-over-changes-made-to-2018-budget/

President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the 2018 Appropriation Bill into law following months of deliberation.

The Presidency had revealed last week that they expect the bill to be signed this week and President Buhari assented the bill on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, FCT.

It would be recalled that Buhari had submitted a budget proposal of N8.612 trillion to the National Assembly in November 2017.

The lawmakers had, however, increased the proposal by N508 billion, bringing the total figure to N9.12 trillion.

Read More Below

http://www.nigeriannewsweb.com/finally-president-muhammadu-buhari-signs-2018-budget/

Arsenal midfielder,Jack Wilshere has confirmed that he would be leaving the North London club by the end of June, bringing a stay of 17 years at the club to an end.

Wilshere, who joined the club academy when he was just 9 years old, has been a constant face and a fan favourite at the Emirates.

He was particulary loved by immediate past coach, Arsene Wenger, who stood by him despite his injury but the departure of Wenger at the end of the season must have been one of the contributing factors for the midfielder's departure.

A statement on the club website read:

"Since joining our Academy more than 17 years ago aged just nine, Jack has been a tremendous player for the club and a much-loved member of the Arsenal family.

Read More Below

http://www.goalcountlive.com/jack-wilshere-announces-departure-from-arsenal/

Many have questioned if Manchester United forward, Romelu Lukaku is really 25 years old as he claims but the striker has now revealed that he faced such questions even at the age of 11.

Lukaku revealed that he was questioned by an opponent's parent while he was still an 11-year-old playing for the Lièrse youth team.

"...one of the parents from the other team literally tried to stop me from going on the pitch. He was like, “How old is this kid? Where is his I.D.? Where is he from?”

"I thought, Where am I from? What? I was born in Antwerp. I’m from Belgium. My dad wasn’t there, because he didn’t have a car to drive to my away games. I was all alone, and I had to stand up for myself." Lukaku said.

Well, the parents certainly got the young Lukaku on fire that day as he thought to himself.

“Oh, I’m gonna kill your son even more now. I was already going to kill him, but now I’m gonna destroy him. You’re gonna drive the boy home crying now.”

Lukaku took to football knowing that it was the only way he could help his family overcome poverty. He could vividly remember adding water to a box of milk because they didn't have enough money to buy milk for another week.

The family was not just poor, they were broke. Lukaku couldn't watch any football match for years because the cable TV the family owned had to be sold during the trying period.

A 6-year-old Lukaku however made a promise to his mother that he was going to change the situation of the family.

“Mum, it’s gonna change. You’ll see. I’m going to play football for Anderlecht, and it’s going to happen soon. We’ll be good. You won’t have to worry anymore.”, he said.

However, he couldn't sign a professional contract until he was 16 so he made sure he was noticed even before 16 so as to ease the process. At the age of 12, he already had 76 goals in 34 games.

Read More Below

http://www.goalcountlive.com/romelu-lukaku-talks-about-struggle-with-poverty-age-issues-racism/

Nigerian defender, Leon Balogun has opened up on some of the struggles he faced on his way to achieving his dream as a professional footballer.

In an article on the player's tribune, Balogun discussed his mixed heritage, his visit to a witch - which helped him heal - and his journey with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The defender, who has a Nigerian father and a German mother, revealed that even though he never met his grandmother before, he spoke to her on phone with his father helping with translation as his grandmother could only speak Yoruba.

The news of her death left him terribly sad as it threw up more questions than answers in his journey to finding his roots.

"Because I had never met her, my dad didn’t tell me right when it happened. He actually waited a few days — that’s how distant my relationship was from her," Balogun said.

He continued: "She only spoke Yoruba. So when we talked on the phone when I was little, my dad would try to translate for us. He had never taken me to Nigeria, for reasons he didn’t make clear to me, and I only ever saw photos of my grandma."

"When my dad told me, he pulled me aside in our home. I have this vivid memory of the feeling — like, this terrible, terrible feeling of sadness. I crawled up the stairs, sobbing my eyes out. I cried for an hour. My mom had to come to my room and ask me what was wrong … she couldn’t understand why I was so sad, either."

It was not until a visit to a witch five years later that he discovered that the death of his grandmother held the key to what was to come regarding his future

Read More Below

http://www.nigeriannewsweb.com/the-death-of-my-nigerian-grandmother-left-me-terribly-devastated-leon-balogun-talks-about-family-super-eagles-and-his-visit-to-a-witch/

Group D had been tagged a tricky group and Nigeria kick-of their FIFA 2018 world cup campaign underway against Croatia.

Four years ago, Croatia were knocked out of the world cup in the group stage while Nigeria couldn't make it past the Round of 16 stage.

Both sides would look to put all that behind them when they face off at the Kaliningrad stadium with Croatia boasting of technically gifted players in midfield.

Croatia and Nigeria are equally accustomed to playing on the front foot, so both are sure to take the initiative with a view to kick-starting their campaign. As a result, entertainment looks guaranteed.

The Vatreni can call on Real Madrid's Luka Modric and Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic in what is set to be an exciting partnership in midfield.

Juventus' Mario Mandzukic is expected to lead the line while Liverpool's Dejan Lovren will lead from the back.

Meanwhile, Nigeria would hope to count on the experience of their captain, John Mikel Obi and Chelsea's wingback, Victor Moses.

Read More Below

http://www.goalcountlive.com/preview-croatia-vs-nigeria-eagles-look-to-impress-in-first-match/

It is a never ending rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, one that has left the two players going for years and setting incredible benchmarks.

But it seems Messi has finally been able to get the better of Ronaldo when it comes to earnings and income.

Rightly, the both players have been the sport’s top two highest-paid players since 2014, and in the three years prior, were among the top 3, behind celebrity athlete David Beckham.

For the first time this year, Messi edged out Ronaldo for the No.1 spot (and ranked No.2 among all athletes in the world behind boxer Floyd Mayweather) with earnings of $111 million.

Thanks to a contract extension he signed in November that commits him to Camp Nou through June 2021, he hauled in $84 million in salary and bonus before taxes, a 50% bump over last year.

For perspective, his playing wages alone would rank him just behind former teammate and No. 3 top earner, Neymar, who made $90 million after transferring to Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

For comparison closer to home, his paycheck is twice the combined paychecks of teammates Luis Suarez (no. 7 on our list with $26.9 million total earnings, $19.9 in salary and bonus) and Gerard Pique (no. 17 with $20.8 million total earnings, $17.5 million in salary and bonus).

Read More Below

http://www.goalcountlive.com/messi-overtakes-ronaldo-as-highest-paid-footballer-in-the-world/

Cristiano Ronaldo has continued to break records and he became only the fourth player in history to score at four World Cup tournaments after he scored a double against Spain.

Ronaldo was the architect of the first goal of the game as he got the better of Spain's Nacho and was brought down in the box by his club teammate.

He dusted himself up and buried the resulting penalty, sending De Gea the wrong way.

Spain seemed to get back in the game following a fine goal by Diego Costa but Ronaldo stepped up to the plate thanks to an error by De Gea.

A shot by Ronaldo from the edge of the box was expected to be easily gathered by the Man Utd goalkeeper but he fumbled the ball, directing it into his own net instead.

The game is still on

See Goals Below

http://www.goalcountlive.com/video-cristiano-ronaldo-has-scored-two-goals-against-spain/

Cristiano Ronaldo would be eager to take to the field when Portugal square up against 2014 world champions, Spain on Friday night in the world cup classic.

In the days leading up to the tournament, Spain were seen as undoubted favorites going into this match - and the competition in general - but an eventful week has left many wondering if the team would still be strong enough to carry that tag.

First, Real Madrid announced that they had agreed for the Spanish head coach, Julen Lopetegui to be the club's new coach in the coming season. This was followed by the Spanish federation announcing the sack of the coach one day later.

But Spain would look to put all this behind them as they take on portugal in what is only the second-ever meeting on football’s greatest stage between the old foes, after a tense Round-of-16 duel in South Africa from which the Spaniards emerged victorious (1-0).

All in all, the two countries have met on 35 occasions, with Spain boasting 16 wins to Portugal’s six.

La Roja, who had built up significant momentum prior to their arrival in Russia and appear to have found the perfect balance between youth and experience, may therefore have a slight advantage.

Read More Below

http://www.goalcountlive.com/preview-portugal-vs-spain-ronaldo-looks-to-shine-against-la-roja/

After weeks of back and forth, French striker, Antoine Griezmann has announced that he would be staying at Atletico Madrid after the world cup.

Griezmann has been the subject of a transfer saga that had Barcelona and Manchester United waiting to snap the striker from the hands of Atletico.

The Frenchman was expected to make an announcement about his club future on Wednesday but he left journalists and fans alike, disappointed when he noted that even though he had made his decision, he was not ready to reveal it.

However, a documentary was broadcast on Thursday evening which showed him mulling over the decision over the past few months, concluding with the announcement that he would be remaining at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano.

"I have decided to stay," he stated, at the end of 'The Decision', a programme shown on Movistar+, one similar to that of LeBron James when he announced he'd join the Miami Heat in 2010.

Read More Below

http://www.goalcountlive.com/antoine-griezmann-confirms-he-is-staying-at-atletico-madrid/

Real Madrid have officially unveiled Spain's former coach, Julen Lopetegui as its new head coach.

Lopetegui was officially presented at the club today as the Basque boss signed a contract which ties him to the club for the next three seasons.

Florentino Pérez and several members of the Board of Directors welcomed him to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Following the signing of the contract, Lopetegui was presented with a replica of the stadium, a watch and a shirt displaying his name.

The former Real Madrid man has had an eventful week, first with news breaking on Tuesday that he was said to take over as Real Madrid coach in the new season.

Read More Below

http://www.goalcountlive.com/photos-real-madrid-unveils-julen-lopetegui-at-santiago-bernabeu/

Russia's hero, Denis Cheryshev might not have started the match but he was sure the hero Russia needed to hand the host nation an emphatic win against Saudi Arabia.

Cheryshev was left out of the starting eleven but an injury to Russia's star player, Alan Dzagoev early in the first half paved the way for the number 6 to come on.

Even though Russia were leading 1-0 when he came on, it took a moment of brilliance from the Real Madrid man to get the score to 2-0.

But his first goal of the game was nothing compared to his second goal and Russia's fourth goal.

Receiving the ball from outside the box, Cheryshev drove into the box before unleashing an unstoppable, outside-of-the-boot curler, which the Saudi keeper could do nothing about.

See Goal Below

http://www.goalcountlive.com/video-see-denis-cheryshevs-wonder-goal-for-russia-vs-saudi-arabia/

It has been a crazy week for the national team of Spain, first with the announcement that head coach, Julen Lopetegui would be the next coach of Real Madrid and then to the FA boss sacking him a day later.

Reports has however revealed that while other players in the Spanish camp at the world cup were surprised by Real Madrid's announcement of Lopetegui, some already knew beforehand.

According to Spanish news outlet, Marca, Real Madrid and Spain captain, Sergio Ramos had already been informed days earlier that his national team coach was going to take over at the club.

Florentino Perez reportedly called his captain to keep him aware of the situation, whilst also gaining crucial information on the coaching style of the 51-year-old before he made his own final decision.

Whilst La Roja were in transit from Madrid to their training base in Krasnodar, the seven Real Madrid players on the plane were aware the former Porto coach would be joining them in the Spanish capital at the end of the tournament.

Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquez, Marco Asensio, Isco, Nacho Fernandez, Jesus Vallejo and Ramos were all aware of developments involving their club.

Read More Below

http://www.goalcountlive.com/madrids-spanish-players-knew-about-lopetegui-announcement-earlier/

Julen Lopetegui has been sacked as Spain's coach, as announced by Luis Rubiales at a press conference.

The surprise for Real Madrid, announced on Tuesday afternoon by Los Blancos, precipitated the events and left the coach without a job to do at the World Cup, just 48 hours before the match against Portugal.

"We have been forced to do without Lopetegui," Rubiales noted after a tense morning in Krasnodar.

"I have spoken with the players, and I can guarantee that they will do everything they can with the new coaching staff, we are in a very difficult situation."

"I do not feel betrayed because Julen has done a relentless job, but we are forced to move on this because of how things have been done," Rubiales continued.

Read More Below

http://www.goalcountlive.com/spain-sacks-coach-julen-lopetegui-over-real-madrid-announcement/

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have begun the final stage of preparations for their FIFA world cup opening game against Croatia.

The Eagles held their first training session today following their arrival late last night in Russia where they proceeded to the team's base in Essentuki.

Fans and locals in Essentuki turned out in their large numbers to see the Super Eagles train for the first time.

There was also an autograph session as the players took time out to sign autographs and take selfies with the excited fans.

See More Photos Below

http://www.goalcountlive.com/photos-nigeria-holds-first-training-session-in-russia/

Professor Wole Soyinka has called on President Muhammadu Buhari not to create confusion in the minds of Nigerians by still retaining loyalty to the late Sani Abacha.

Soyinka said it is confusing that President Buhari is honouring the late MKO Abiola while also retaining loyalty to one of the 'worst dictators' in Nigeria.

Soyinka was refering to a recent comment by Buhari while he was receiving the Buhari support organisation (BSO) in Abuja.

Buhari had praised Abacha for, despite holding a bad image, doing good things for the country.

Buhari said, “And you know more than I do the condition of the roads and some of them were not repaired since PTF days. No matter what opinion you have about Abacha, I agreed to work with him and the PTF road we did from here to Port Harcourt, to Onitsha, to Benin and so on... On top of other things in the institution, education, medical care and so on."

But while speaking at the conferment ceremony of national honours on the June 12 heroes, Soyinka said that he applauds Buhari for all he has done.

He however told Buhari to stop confusing Nigerians with his double standards.

Read More Below

http://www.nigeriannewsweb.com/you-cant-be-loyal-to-abacha-and-abiola-soyinka-tells-buhari/

President Muhammadu Buhari has tendered the nation's apology to the family of the late Chief Moshood Abiola, the winner of the June 12, 1993 election.

Buhari gave this apology while delivering his speech at the conferment of national honours on the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola and other key players of the 1993 elections.

An emotional Buhari also called on all dignitaries present at the conferment ceremony to stand and give a minute silence to all those who lost their lives for the June 12 struggle.

Read More Below

http://www.nigeriannewsweb.com/breaking-on-behalf-of-nigeria-i-apologize-to-mko-abiola-buhari/

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have landed in Essentuki, Russia as the countdown begins to the kick-off of the FIFA world cup on Thursday.

The Super Eagles were camped in Austria where they had series of intense training as well as a friendly against the Czech Republic.

The team departed Austria today and landed safely in Russia.

The Eagles would proceed to the Team Base Camp in Essentuki where they would continue preparations for the first game against Croatia on June 16th.


http://www.nigeriannewsweb.com/photo-super-eagles-of-nigeria-land-in-russia-ahead-of-worldcup/

Nigerian midfielder, Oghenekaro Peter Etebo has today become Stoke City’s first signing of the summer.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who will be a member of the Nigeria squad in Russia, has signed a five-year contract after the Potters paid Portuguese side Feirense €7.2million.

Etebo spent the second half of last season on loan with Las Palmas in La Liga and will be heading to England after the World Cup.

Chief Executive Tony Scholes said: “We are delighted Etebo has chosen to join Stoke City, becoming our first signing of the summer.

See More Below

http://www.goalcountlive.com/photo-stoke-city-signs-nigerian-international-oghenekaro-etebo/

A yet-to-be-identified woman reportedly committed suicide by jumping off the Third mainland bridge into the lagoon in Lagos.

The sad incident which happened today left many in shock as passers-by gathered around the scene.

According to reports, the woman who was driving a ford jeep, parked the vehicle on the bridge and jumped off.

The body is yet to be recovered.

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http://www.nigeriannewsweb.com/video-woman-parks-car-on-third-mainland-bridge-jumps-into-lagoon/

On Saturday, English midfielder, Dele Alli was booed by Nigerian fans every time he touched the ball or tried to pass the ball.

Reports later revealed that the Nigerian fans were angry at Alli for turning down the opportunity to represent Nigeria.

The likes of Alex Iwobi - who scored for Nigeria against England - and Victor Moses had switched allegiance from England to Nigeria and many had expected Alli to do the same but the talented lad chose to stick with England instead.

The Tottenham player, Bamidele Alli, was born in Milton Keynes, Bucks, in April 1996 just over a year after his parents first met in a nightclub.

His father, Kehinde Alli, a prince from Nigeria, was studying for a Masters at De Montfort University when he met Dele's mum, Denise, a mother of two.

The couple's relationship did not last as they broke up just three years after Dele was born.

UK Mirror records that in 2000, Kehinde moved to Canada for work, returning to the UK regularly to ­support Denise and all her children.

When Dele was eight, Kehinde moved back to his home city of Lagos and the young Dele joined his father in Lagos, Nigeria.

They lived in a 10-room mansion where Dele led a life of luxury, being waited on by three maids and attending a private £20,000-a-year international school.

Dele later moved with Kehinde to another mansion in Houston, Texas, and was best man at his dad’s ­wedding to Lola in 2006.

He returned to England aged 11 after his talent for football and obsession with the game became clear.

Kehinde is quoted by UK mirror as saying: “It was hard for me to let him go but I knew it was the best thing for him and his ambition.”

After returning to Milton Keynes to live with Denise, Dele began playing for junior side City Colts.

He was quickly spotted by youth scouts from the town’s Football League club MK Dons.

Dele has gone on to greater things after that, moving to Tottenham and establishing himself as a first team player. He has also cemented his place in the England squad.

The player has however cut all connections with his parents, with reports suggesting that the player felt he was abandoned by his parents

In despair, Denise went to try to talk to him outside Tottenham’s White Hart Lane stadium after a match there last year. But instead of stopping to speak to her he simply walked to his car.

Wiping away copious tears, Denise recalls: “I didn’t have a ticket for the game but I went to the ground because I wanted to try and see Dele.

“I waited outside after the match and when Dele came out I quietly said to him. ‘Dele... it’s me... your mum’.

“He didn’t stop. He just looked at me, said he was busy and drove off. I was in tears, it was heartbreaking.

“Some fans who had overheard asked if I was really his mum and why he was treating me like that. I told them, ‘I just don’t know’.”

“When I got home I had a call from a man who said he represented Dele. He accused me of shouting to Dele, which I didn’t, and said if I tried to do it again I’d be banned from the ground for life. It was horrible.”

Last August it emerged Dele would no longer wear Alli on the back of his shirt, as he said he felt “no connection” to the name.

Denise said: “When he was about 13 Dele began training at MK Dons five days a week. So for convenience he began staying at his best friend’s house during the week, before coming home at weekends. It was hard to let him live away from home, but we didn’t have a car and I was finding it hard to get him to training myself.

“It has been said that I was suffering from alcoholism and I gave him up because I couldn’t look after him, but that is a lie. I wanted to give him the best chance of achieving his dream, but he was still my son and I was there for him whenever he needed me.

“He was never adopted by his friend’s parents – I would not have ­allowed it. My kids are my world.”

Read More Below

http://www.goalcountlive.com/england-star-dele-alli-is-a-yoruba-prince-and-schooled-in-nigeria/