Nigeria crawls into quarter final, to face Ivory Coast

Nigerian super eagles has crawled into quarter final last night after beating Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia in their last group C must win tie. Nigeria now trails with 5 points behind Burkina Faso who has 5 points also. Nigeria played 1:1 draw with Burkina Faso in their first game, 1:1 draw with Zambia in their second game and 2:0 win over Ethiopia in their last group game. Nigeria played goalless with the Ethiopians until about 10 minutes remaining when victor Moses got two successive penalties having been brought down twice; by a player and another one by the goal keeper. His clinical finishing sent the Super Eagles into the quarter finals. Nigerian football federation has given the super eagles $30,000.00 each for winning quarter final ticket.

Soccer loving Nigerians are tired of being caused heart attacks by the super eagles who are somehow unpredictable in their style of play. At one time, they play aggressively and at another time, you'll wonder whether the team has been disbanded. They seldom run with passion and this has made many Nigerian football lovers to have a cold love for the eagles. However, Coach Stephen Keshi promised that they will approach their game against Ivory Coast with a differently.

Kidnappers of Nkiru Sylvanus paraded in Abuja, physically challenged inclusive

The state security service (SSS) today in Abuja paraded the kidnappers of nollywood actress and special assistant to Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state, Nkiru  Sylvanus. Surprisingly  a physically challenged young man was an accomplice in the dastardly act. Nkiru Sylvanus was kidnapped in Owerri, Imo state close to Concorde hotel on December 15, 2012. She regained her freedom from captivity after few days. She was on her official assignment recording public relations video the day she was abducted. She was serving the state government in Lagos Liaison office before  redeployment to state capital. 

suspects

Nigerian kidnappers have targeted high net worth individuals who they abduct to make some quick money. They usually release them after some time probably after receiving the ransom.  Kidnapping in Nigeria started in the Niger Delta where oil workers were essentially the targets but later the crime spread to other states and the targets has since shifted from oil workers to rich Nigerians who can pay ransom. Nkiru's experience happened a week after the mother of Nigerian Finance minster was abducted in her family house in Ogwasi uku, Delta state.

Nasri el-Rufai regrets Anti-Jesus tweet

Former Nigerian minister for federal capital territory, Mallam Nasri el-Rufai has appealed for pardon from his tweeter followers and Facebook friends over his blasphemous tweet against Jesus Christ in his bid to criticize president Jonathan's administration. This tweet came on the hills of criticism by former minister of education and vice president of world bank, African division, Oby Ezekwesili on the misappropriation of oil revenue by president Jonathan's administration even though the criticism has since been refuted and  thrown over board by the current administration. Nasri's tweet goes this way: '' @zeebook: If Jesus Christ criticizes Jonathan's govt, Maku/Abati/Okupe  will say he slept with Mary Magdalene''.....LWKMD...'' This tweet is aimed at defending Mrs Oby Ezekwesili and carpeting president Jonathan and his cabinet including information minister and co. The tweet was retweeted many times which caused it to find its way into timelines of many tweeter users. Many especially Christians wondered what Jesus Christ got to do with Nigerian politics. If it were blasphemous tweet against Islam or prophet Mohammed,  I doubt whether the peace of this country will not at least disappear momentarily- That's my notion.

Nevertheless, Nasri el Rufai begged for forgiveness for his desperation.  ''Hello friends, I have been travelling and trying to catch some sleep in between last 24 hours,and missed all the furore arising from my retweet of Ogunyemi Bukola's @zeebook joke, et al. Maku et al and Jesus. I must say I am taken aback by the extent of desperate misrepresentation of what was an innocuous attempt to show the godlessness of Jonathanian to denigrate anyone who dares to ask him to be accountable.

CAF fires Referee for Nigeria vs Zambia AFCON 2013 match

The Centre Referee who officiated  last Friday's match between Nigerian Super Eagles and Defending Champions, Chipolopolo of  Zambia, Grisha Gehad from Egypt has been sent packing for awarding a controversial penalty to the Zambians at the dying minutes of the match. Nigeria was leading Zambia till the last minutes when Ogenyi Onazi held back an opponent outside the 18 yard box. Clearly, it was outside the box but the controversial referee decided to change football rule by himself. An official of CAF confirmed it. ''Grisha Gehad has been fired by CAF; he will not further action on this nations cup. His decision did not tally with best practices of refereeing profession and we would not allow anyone to ammend the rules of the game here'' the official stated.

Liverpool Manager's son fingered in gang sexual assault

Anton Rodgers, the footballer son of Liverpool FC manager, Brendan Rodgers is now being prosecuted alongside his three other accomplices in a gang sexual assault on a 19 year old girl at Jurys Inn Hotel in Brighton.

Abia, Anambra, Imo, Enugu Benue, Ebonyi to experience darkness Saturday and Sunday

My David Ifabiyi, Assistant General Manager, public affairs at Transmission Company of Nigeria TCN released a statement yesterday in Abuja that Abia, Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, and part of Benue state will experience power outage on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend. This is because, the contractor of TCN will be upgrading the transmission networks of the listed states for better performance. He added that they regret any inconveniences the power outage may cause the affected states.

Shakira welcomes new baby boy

The popular Colombian singer and girl friend to FC Barcalona star, Gerald Pique, Shakira Mebarak has given birth to a bouncing baby boy, Shkira has announced in her website. She named him Milan Pique Mebarak. The baby arrived Tuesday night at 21.36pm in Barcelona and weighed 6 pounds.

Nigeria 1:1 Burkina Faso, Moses nursing Hamstring injury

Nigeria Super eagles blew their chances over Stallions of Burkina Faso last night at the last second. I used the word last second because it was indeed the last second of the match. Emmanuel Emenike scored for Nigeria on the 23rd minute and the Eagles led the game till the last second when Alain Traore equalized the game. Efe Ambrose was sent off on the 75th minutes after being shown the second yellow card for foul. One peculiar thing about the super eagles is that they have always failed to defend their goals especially when one player is sent off. It did not start today.

 I recall that during Nigerian pre-tournament friendly with Cape Verdes, Many Super Eagles players were booked including Efe Ambrose whose performance was being hampered by indecision during the match. Now Nigeria has only one point. This AFCON tournament has been particularly different with teams ending with either barren draw or equalizing at last. 

Meanwhile, Coach Stephen Keshi did not include Victor Moses because according to him, Moses sustained hamstring injury during training but may likely play in the next game.

Obama starts Second Term

Yesterday, President Barack Obama was sworn in for his second term in office as the 44th President of United states of America at Capitol with former presidents, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter in attendance among others. In his speech,''Seize the Moment', Obama appealed to Americans to jettison their party differences and join hands with him to achieve American freedom which he linked to Social and economic equality. In a 2,100 word speech which he gave after being sworn in by Chief Justice, John Robert, Obama recapped ''This generation of Americans have been tested by crises that steeled our resolve and resilience'', he said ''a decade of war is now ending. An economic recovery has begun. American possibilities are limitless''.

Paw paw confused on whom to pick as wife

Osita Iheme a.k.a Pawpaw has pointed out he is confused about whom to pick as wife. Now that his closest  nollywood ally, Chinedu Ikedieze has settled down as a man. According to him, he has so many fans and friends but to pick one out of many is a hard choice considering the challenges associated with marriage. He added he was trusting in God who makes everything possible in his own time.

Pawpaw has featured in so many movies and is ambassador to some companies.

Henry Okah now a Confirmed Terrorist

South African Guateng high court today passed their conviction verdict on Nigerian Henry Okah who is based in south Africa for being the mastermind of the 2010 October 1 independence twin bombing in Abuja where about 12 persons lost their lives and about 36 with varying degrees of injuries. Henry Okah orchestrated the dastardly act and left for South Africa the following day. Thereafter, MEND(Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta) claimed responsibility for the action.  Since then, Henry Okah has being under trial. His brother, Charles Okah was equally arrested here in Nigeria alongside some other accomplices in connection with the incident. One of the suspects has died in detention.  But due to the sluggishness in justice dispensation in the country, nobody can say 'this is where we are' as everything is politicized. 

The High court of Guateng was under serious security when the judgement was being passed this day with Okah's wife highly emotional. Henry okah has masterminded so many bombings in the country including government house in Delta State. He was arrested sometime ago in Angola for gun running and repatriated to Nigeria but was given amnesty by government of Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. Henry Okah is due to be sentenced mostly January 31.

Stephen Keshi's first eleven

Eagles first Eleven

The pictorial presentation above appears to be Stephen Keshi's first eleven in the AFCON 2013 campaign in South Africa.  Keshi is upbeat that the Super Eagles is a team to beat in Afcon nations cup, 2013. However, many people  are still in doubt about the ability of the super eagles to land the trophy. Taribo West insisted that Eagles form will not allow them carry the trophy but that they will play exciting games. People have been comparing the present squad to 1994 squad. Some say they are still many poles apart; others say they are comparable.

Personally, I will say they are not there yet but let the rebuilding process continue so that the boys will play together for a long time now that Brazil 2014 is around the corner.

NYSC members cannot speak common English

NYSC members doing parade

The Director General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig-Gen Nnamdi Okore-affia has lamented that it is now a herculean task for NYSC management to cope with corps members across the federation because of the inability of the corps members to deliver by speaking good English Language. According to him, members  of the public now condemn NYSC scheme because they have failed to impact positively on their children. He said they are now at the receiving end because parents will always complain of their wards and kids not doing well simply because they were not well instructed. This has exposed the level of decadence in our educational system nationwide. He revealed this in Ilorin, Kwara state when he was addressing the 2013 batch A pre-mobilization workshop. ''Unfortunately too, we have corps members who can hardly communicate in English language let alone being able to teach in the classroom '' he lamented. English language is the medium of instruction in Nigerian Universities but due to wide spread corruption, the quality of graduates from Nigerian higher institutions have since declined.

Fire at NNPC mega station

A fully loaded tanker carrying 33,000 litres of premium motor spirit otherwise known as petrol exploded into flames yesterday at Ibadan NNPC mega station in Oyo state, south west Nigiera while waiting to empty its content. According to eye witness, the explosion threw the whole vicinity into serious panic while the petrol attendants all ran for safety. It took the effort of the Oyo state fire service to contain the fire incident but no life was lost.

Pep Guardiola signs 3 year deal with Bayern Munich

Former FC Barcelona Manager, Pep Guardiola has eventually signed a 3 year contract with a club in the Bundesliga. He signed a 3 year contract that will expire in 2016 with Bayern Munich of Germany. The current coach Heynckes submitted that he would not extend his contract with Bayern Munich beyond this summer and this has given Die Rotten (The Red) officials an opportunity to grab the widely hunted former Barcelona coach (41) who has been on sabbatical leave since last summer. So many clubs wanted him among which are Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester city. Even Chelsea owner lured him with 11 million  pounds and even total control of the team. He further promised that there will be no pressure on him to win titles, but Guardiola turned his back at him . One thing about Abramovich is that he hires and fires and will without second thought. 

We wish Pep Guardiola all the best in his career

Spot the differences

 

                  Psychotria Elata                                                                        Mick Jagger 

Spot the difference in the two pictures above.

Naeto C and Nicole expecting their first Baby

Naeto C and Nicole during traditional marriage

Popular Nigerian singer, Naeto C and his wife Nicole are set to have their first baby soon. The couple  got married in July 2012 in a well attended wedding and as God may have it, they will soon be blessed with the first fruit of of their labour because a labourer has a reward. Parenting is  very challenging but Naeto C is not perturbed as he affirmed his readiness to be a super dad soon.

Comptroller General of Nigerian Immigration Service sacked

The Comptroller General of Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Rose Uzoma has been sacked by the government of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. She was relieved of her position following an allegation that she reversed some of the latest immigration postings in favour of people from her side. According to the Nigerian Interior Minister, Abba Moro, due process was followed throughout the recruitment process until after the posting of the new officers to their beats, former Comptroller General prepared another circular unilaterally without any consultation and swapped some officers in their different beats. There was a report that there was an open confrontation at NIS passport office in FESTAC office, Lagos where a newly redeployed officer was having an altercation with the one initially posted to that beat.  Based on these wide spread allegation against her, she was asked to resign. She was eventually sent on terminal leave.

Gunmen Kill Onitsha Newspaper Editor

Gunmen suspected to be hire assassins have shot dead Ikechukwu Udendu, a news editor of monthly newspaper 'Anambra News'. According to reports, late Ikechukwu was returning back to his hometown, Ogidi in Idemili north local government area when the gunmen abducted and killed him. He went to Onitsha to ascertain whether or not the monthly paper is ready before he met his premature death.  According to his elder brother, Chukwulozie Udenu, Ikechukwu had no dispute or misunderstanding with anybody until his death. He reported that his murderers took him to a hidden place, shot him at close range through his  chest side. When he gave up, they brought his corpse at Afor Mkpo. He was called by the assassins to go there and pick the corpse. His remains have been deposited at Iyienu hospitals, Ogidi by the police authority under the assistance of vigilante group.

Again,Patience Jonathan flown to German for Treatment

Patience Jonathan embracing GEJ last October

Again, the first lady of Federal Republic of Nigeria has been flown to Deutschland for medical attention. She made similar travel last year although she denied ever being sick or being admitted in any hospital. But that was self deceit as being sickness is not a crime During her first visit to Hochschmidt hospital in Wiesbaden, Deutschland, she spent several weeks and came back to Nigeria on October 14, 2012. The picture here is one of the pictures she took during her first medical sojourn to Deutschland.  Immediately she was given little opportunity to address her well wishers, she denied being on admission. However, during the last presidential media chat, President Jonathan confirmed she was sick but had convalesced as at that time.

But the first lady has petered out from public function lately even though she has been appointed as the permanent secretary  to the Seriake Dickson-led government of Bayelsa state. A source from the presidency hinted she was away in  far away Deutschland for medical Check-up. 

Well, we wish her a speedy recovery!

Gang rape II: 6-man rape suspects arrested by Indian Police, 7th at large

Less than one month after a 23 year female who was on her way to New Delhi was gang raped inside a moving bus, beaten and thrown out alongside his male friend, yet another similar incident has happend. The 23 year old was taken to a hospital in Singapore where she passed due to the severity of the injuries she sustained in the gang rape. Her corpse was later cremated. This raised serious international criticism.This time, another 29 year old who was on her way to her village in Punjab was carried in a bus for about 30 minutes. The unsuspecting victim did not habour any element of fear that such evil was planned against her. The driver passed her bus stop and moved further away. When the driver and the supposed conductor stopped, they took the lady away on a motocycle to an unknown desination where another 5 joined making them 7. They all took turns to have canal knowledge of the woman. Eventually, they dropped the woman closed to her village early Saturday. The victim later reported the incident to the police  later on Saturday. The has cast serious doubt over safety and security of Indian women in public places.

Ghananian caught with 1.8 kg of heroin

A Ghananian national has been caught with a 1.8kg of heroin worth $400,000 as he tried to smuggle the hard drug into Detroit Michigan, United states of America. He was flown into Detroit from Amsterdam, Netherland. According to US Customs and Border Protection officials, the illicit drug was removed from the luggage of the Ghananian. The suspect has been transferred to US Homeland security for investigation.

High Profile Boko Haram Kingpin arrested by JTF

Sagir Musa

The Joint Task Force operating in Maiduguri announced yesterday that they have arrested Mohammed Zangina, a high profile boko haram co-ordiantor who masterminded most terrorist attacks in Nigerian northern states like Plateau, Kaduna, Kano, Yobe and Capital territory. The JTF spokesman, Colonel Sagir Musa stated that Zangina was arrested as he was co-ordinating terrorist attackes yet to be executed. According to him, he targeted civilians and security gaencies before luck ran out on him. 

He was declared wanted by the security agencies in November 23, 2012 and a bounty of N25 million was placed on him. Since then, so many attempts have been made to get him arrested but he escaped all. Everyday is for the thief but one day is for the owner. A special operation was conducted yesterday being Sunday in Government Reserved Area of Maiduguri and Zangina was nabbed in the process. He is being interrogated in the mean time. 

Wizkid buys new House

Nigerian Music star, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun a.k.a Wizkid has joined the league of Landlords. He released picture of his house in  his instagram and remarked 'Thank Jah' in his post. The house has a swimming pool, and BMW as you can see.

Keshi's Final list for AFCON 2013 Nations cup, Ejike out

Goal Keepers: (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel), Austine Ejide (Hapoel Be'er sheba,Isreal), Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)

Defenders: Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga, Portugal),Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, scotland), Juwon Oshaniwa(Ashdod FC, Israel), Azubuike Egwuekwe(Warri Wolves, Nigeira), Kenneth Omeruo(ADO Den Haag, Netherland), Godfery Oboabona(Sunshine FC, Nigeria

Midfielders: Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain), John Mikel Obi( Chelsea FC, England), Obiora Nwankwo(Calcio Padova, Italy), Fegor Ogude(Valerenga FC, Norway), Reuben Gabriel (Kano Pillars, Nigeria), Ogenyi Onazi(SS Lazio, Italy)

Forwards: Victor Moses(Chelsea FC, England), Ike Uche( Villareal, Spain), Brown Ideye(Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine), Ejike Uzoenyi(Enugu Rangers), Sunday Mba(Enugu Ranger, Nigeria), Ahmed Musa(CSKA Moscow, Russia), Emmanuel Emenike(Spartak Moscow, Russia),

Worthy of note is the absence of Bright Ejike who plays in United States of America and who scored Nigerian equalizer against Catalonia in last friendly.

Explosion at Tincan Area of Lagos

This morning at about 11:47am, there was an explosion at Tincan area of Apapa Lagos  near MRS oil and gas jetty.  The fire is believed to have come from an explosion originating from a docked ship   near MRS. The incident sent a very big shock wave across Apapa reaching as far as Festac area. The incident may likely cause loss of lives and properties but as the time of filing this report, the extent of damage has not been ascertained. The emergency management agencies were on ground to contain the situation. In addition, the incident has caused a traffic gridlock along Wharf-Ijora outbound because of traffic diversion.

Lampard set to Leave Chelsea for United

Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard is set to leave Chelsea in summer this year. The favorite to sign him is Manchester united. Apart from signing Frank Lampard, the Red Devil is equally planning to sign goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Agent to Frank Lampard, Steve Kutner revealed that the 34 year old will surely end his alliance with the Blues by the end of the summer having played for them for 12 good years. Initially, Frank Lampard was rather reluctant to play for another club apart from Chelsea but has now changed his plan. He now plans to play for big English clubs so that he will be relevant in the National team.

John Terry launches Chelsea comeback with under-21 team

John Terry

John Terry who has been out of field of play since last November due to injury will be  launching his Chelsea come back but with the under 21 team this time around on Thursday this week. This is to ascertain his level of fitness. He sustained injury since November during  Chelsea encounter with Liverpool.  If everything goes well as planned and that he is given a clean bill, then he will feature in their away match with Stoke City this Saturday.

Opposition Boycotts John Mahama's swearing in

The swearing in yesterday of Ghana president, John Mahama was done amid calculated boycott by  main opposition party NPP. Since after the election and John Mahama declared winner, there have been serious protest by the Nana Akufo-Addo led Oppostion who maintained that Johnn Mahama-led  National Democratic Congress (NDC) won the election fraudulently. While John Mahama polled 50.7%, Nana Akufo-Ado polled 47.7% to beat by-election. However, President John Mahama in his speech appealed to the opposition to align themselves because he is ready to carry everybody along.

Lionel Messi wins Ballon D'Or Awd

FC Barcelona forward and Argentine international, Lionel Messi has beaten his FIFA co-nominees for 2012 Ballon d'Or award which took place yesterday in Zurich's 'Kongresshaus'  Switzerland. He beat his Barcelona colleague, Andres Iniesta and Real Madrid arch rival, Cristiano Ronaldo to land this award for a fourth successive times. Messi broke record last year after he scored 91 goals in a calender year to topple former German player Gerd MÜller who scored 85 goals. Lionel Messi in his remark pointed out that he was very surprise at the award and thanked all those who made it possible. Hear him ''It is really unbelievable. The fourth award I have just won is just too great for words. I want to remember my team mates in Barcelona especially Andres. It is with great pride that I am with you today and that you play and train with us'

Robbers rob two churches in Oshodi to usher in 2013

8 man robbery gang stormed two churches in Oshodi area of Lagos to mark the new year day. The two churches in Aimasiko and Afariogun  in Oshodi namely Renewed Christian word mission and Temple Rebuilders Ministry were attacked and some of the  worshipers robbed of their valuables.

According to a senior pastor of Temple builders Ministry, Baranabas Otoibhi, they closed their December 31 night vigil around 1.30am. while many people left home, others stayed back to sleep until day break. The robbers stormed the church around 4am, tied the sleepy members and robbed them of all their phones. They also went to the fridge and collected some of the drinks therein. A 12 year old girl almost fell a victim of rape but was lucky when other members of the gang prevailed on the perpetrator to stop the act.

Nigerian Companies and Churches now buy Hand-Held Explosive detectors

Quantum Sniffer QS-H150

When others are saying there is a casting down, others will be saying 'there is a lifting up'. This could be used to describe the fresh trade dimension between Nigerians and Americans in the area of security. As the Nigerian  terrorist group, Boko Haram continues their blood letting campaign against Nigerian people and government, well to do companies, individuals and churches have resorted to buying made in America hand-held explosive detector, Quantum Sniffer (QS-H150) to protect themselves.  Quantum sniffer uses a patented vortex collector for the simultaneous detection of explosive particulates or vapours with or without physical contact in real time.

The marketing Vice President, Darryl Jones who did not reveal the identities of the Nigerian clients stated that they are now increasing their market share in Nigeria and the latest purchase was the 6th purchase made in a space of 7 months. Each Quantum Sniffer QS-H150 cost about $39,000 and Boko Haram insurgency has forced Nigerians to search for proactive security measure.

 Boko haram has killed thousands of Nigerian since their insurgency in 2009. They have continued to wage war against the federal government and security agencies in their bid to Islamise Nigeria. Their activities have grounded the economies of Bornu, Yobe, Kano, Bauchi states.

Dana Air back resumes flight operation on Friday; will it succeed?

The management of Indian owned  airline, Dana has announced that its first flight will leave Lagos tomorrow, Friday January 4, to Abuja at 09:45am.  The corporate communication manager stated this while addressing news men. Dana Air Operator License (AOL) was revoked after their aircraft, Mac Donnel 83 (MD 83) crashed in Iju-Agege area of Lagos state on June 3 last year killing about 163 people including those on board and on ground.

Before go ahead was given to Dana Air to begin operations again, their 5 airlines were subjected to re-certification and having been found dependable by NCAA, they were asked to go back to aviation business in Nigeria. The first flight tomorrow will carry VIPs, journalists, celebrities and politicians according to Mr.Tony Usidamen, corporate communication manager of Dana. 

Historically, any plane that crashes in Nigeria tends to lose patronage due to lose of confidence. Let us watch and see the what happens to Dana case.