SHAKUR

Dutch central defender Virgil van Dijk has been chosen as the best player in Europe for the 2018/19 season, beating Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Liverpool man won the Champions League with the Reds, just as Luka Modric won the title with Real Madrid  before being given the award a year ago. Eighty coaches who took part in the Champions League and Europa League, alongside 55 journalists selected by European Sports Media, decided the vote after previously selecting the three finalists. Each voter has to select three players with a score of five points, three points or one, though coaches could not vote for their own players. Alisson Becker finished in fourth, with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah in fifth and sixth respectively to complete the Liverpool representation. Eden Hazard, Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong and Raheem Sterling completed the top ten. Van Dijk is the first defender to win the award, after Modric beat Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah last season. ...

The draw has been made for the Group Stages of the 2019-20 Champions League. Chelsea and Tottenham have been handed the trickiest draws of the four Premier League side, but all the English will be left feeling optimistic of reaching the knock-out stages. Frank Lampard’s Blues, who were among the top seeds in Pot 1, have been drawn in Group H with Dutch side Ajax, Valencia of Spain and Ligue 1 side LilItaly Tottenham, runners-up in last season’s competition, are joined in Group B with German champions Bayern Munich, Greek side Olympiacos and Red Star Belgrade of Serbia. Liverpool, the current European Cup holders, they have been handed a favourable grouping of Napoli – whom they faced at this stage last season – Salzburg and Genk in Group E. Premier League champions Manchester City have been dealt the kindest draw in Group C, taking on Shakhtar Donetsk, Dinamo Zagreb and Atalanta. Spanish sides Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are each involved in mouth-waterin...

Despite the recent developments in negotiations between PSG and Barcelona, Neymar Jr is still a long way from a return to the Catalan club. New deal on the table Barcelona were optimistic on Tuesday that a deal would be reached after tabling an offer including Rakitic and Dembélé in a deal worth 150 million euros paid in installments. However, according to RMC Sports, PSG have rejected the offer, despite reports to the contrary in L'Équipe that PSG have not yet given an answer. PSG's demands Moreover, PSG's stance in negotiations remains the same: either Barça accept their demands or the Brazilian will play in Paris over the coming season. PSG want a one-off €170m-euro payment which would also have to include players from the Barça squad. In addition to having to meet these demands, Los Culés must convince Ousmane Dembélé to go on loan to PSG given that the French forward has openly said he wants to stay in Barcelona.

Neymar's future is in the hands of Ousmane Dembelé and the Emir of Qatar, Tamim ben Hamad Al Thani - the two men who can unblock the Brazilian's move back to Barcelona or leave him stuck for another season at PSG. Barcelona and PSG remain in touch According to reports in L'Equipe, Barcelona and PSG continue in conversations at a distance after yesterday's meeting in Paris, where the two sides laid out their positions and tried to reach a mutually satisfying understanding. The player has been valued at 170 million euros, a figure that is accepted by both parties - the problem now is to reach an agreement over how Barcelona cover that amount. And that led to two separate conversations once the meeting in Paris broke up. PSG's sporting director Leonardo got in touch with the Emir Al Thani, the man who has the last word on the deal for PSG. Meanwhile the Barcelona delegation, led by club manager Oscar Grau, returned to Barcelona with the aim of convincing D...

The Federal High Court in Abuja has turned down the motioned filed by Omoyele Sowore who happens to be the convenor of #RevolutionNow, disputing his 45 days detention by the Department of State Security (DSS). Justice Nkeonye Maya forwarded the case back to Justice Taiwo for further hearing on Wednesday after denying all the applications. Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, filed the applications on behalf of his client, Mr Sowore. Falana, who had asked the court to set aside the ex-parte order granted by Justice Taiwo, also applied for bail orally when Justice Maha rejected the earlier application. Sowore has been in the custody of the DSS since August 2. Justice Taiwo had on August 8 ordered his detention for 45 days at the instance of the DSS to enable the secret police carry out and conclude its investigation on allegations levied against him.

Governor El-Rufai of Kaduna has approved the payment of the new national minimum wage for the state workers which is expected to begin from September 1. This was contained in a statement signed by Muyiwa Adekeye who is the special adviser to the governor on media and publicity on Monday, August 26. This was revealed during the state executive council meeting chaired by the deputy governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe. She said the governor was committed to strengthening public service and its capacity to deliver quality and responsive service. The spokesperson said: “The executive council stated it’s that commitment to the public service includes a desire to improve the standard of living of workers in the state. “Pursuant to that, the Kaduna state government launched a pay review process early in 2018. A cabinet committee was charged with exploring how the Kaduna state government can sustainably improve public sector salaries.” The governor was said to have considered several ...

Nobel Laureate, Professors Wole Soyinka, has warned the Federal Government and security agencies, to stop trying to silence Nigerians. Soyinka stated this, while speaking in Badagry on Saturday, at the unveiling of an art gallery in commemoration of his 85th birthday. The police, Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday, sealed off the Lagos venue for a symposium where Soyinka, rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, and others were to speak on the security issues in the country. The programme tagged ‘Democracy, state repression and the state of insecurity in Nigeria’, was organised by Coalition for Revolution (CORE). But, speaking on Saturday, Soyinka said, “It is important to send strong message to this government and to the security services to stop trying to muzzle people when they come together to exchange ideas. “You’re reducing them as human beings and you’re also reducing yourselves as human beings, because it means you’re afraid to l...

Suspected kidnap kingpin, Alhaji Hamisu Bala, popularly known as Wadume, has opened a can of worms about his real personality, profession and alleged involvement in the Nigerian politics, particularly in the buildup to the 2019 elections. In an interview published by Vanguard on Saturday, August 24, Wadume denied being a kidnapper. He, however, admitted that he has supplied arms to many kidnappers. Wadume added that he is a political thug and a fish farmer. “I am not a kidnapper, but I have sold arms to several kidnappers. I am a fisher farmer, I own fish ponds, I own a transport business. I am equally a political thug. I went into crime when some politicians came for me, they approached me through one Babangida Musa, who was also into fishing business," he said. The suspected kidnapper also claimed the he got N13 million from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and six million naira from an unnamed sitting governor. Explaining further, Wadume said he deceived...

- Senator Dino Melaye has been sacked by the election petition tribunal in Kogi state - Melaye is the senator representing Kogi West district at the Senate - The tribunal, however, ordered fresh election in the senatorial district over alleged over-voting and non compliance with the electoral acts. The senator representing Kogi West senatorial district at the Senate, Dino Melaye, has been sacked by the National Assembly election petition tribunal. Vanguard reports that Melaye, who was a candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was declared winner of the February 23 election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Dissatisfied by the declaration, Senator Smart Adeyemi, who was the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), approached the tribunal to challenge Melaye's victory, citing, irregularities, over-voting and non compliance with the electoral acts. The three man panel led by Justice A. O. Chijioke in a unanimous judgment...

Negotiations are underway in Paris as Real Madrid's representatives have travelled to France in order to speak with Paris Saint-Germain about Neymar. Los Blancos are optimistic, without having given much away about the talks. Barcelona have been trying for a number of weeks to find an offer that satisfies PSG, but they're yet to find anything that comes close. Madrid, meanwhile, have been waiting until the last few days to make their move. Madrid are convinced that they'll find PSG willing to sell to them, due to their poor relationship with the Catalans and Neymar's public desire to leave. But those at Barcelona expect another gesture from Neymar, this time to make his preference towards a Camp Nou move clear, but the Brazilian doesn't want to jeopardise his departure and just wants out of the Parc des Princes. With just 11 days of the window remaining, no significant progress has been made yet, meaning that things will need to pick up pace soon. Pla...

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State South-east governors have issued a stern warning to Nnamdi Kanu, self-exiled leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra  (IPOB), over his threats to attack them and other South-east leaders who travel abroad. The governors, in a statement issued Tuesday night, said should Mr Kanu make his threat real, they would ensure his repatriation back to Nigeria “to face the wrath of the people”. The statement was signed by the governor’s chairman and Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi. Ex-deputy senate president, Ike Ekweremmadu, was at the weekend assaulted in Nuremberg Germany where he was invited as a keynote speaker at the occasion of the annual new yam festival and convention of Ndigbo in Germany. Few minutes after the attack, IPOB claimed responsibility in a press statement released by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful. This was also followed by a broadcast by Mr Kanu through the group’s rogue radio station, Radio Biafra, whe...

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday assigned portfolios to the newly sworn-in ministers. The full list is below: 1. Dr. Ikechukwu Ogah (Abia State) -Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development 2. Mohammed Musa Bello (Adamawa State) -Minister of the Federal Capital Territory 3. Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom State)- Minister of Niger Delta 4. Chris Ngige  (Anambra State)- Minister of Labour and Employment 5. Sharon Ikeazor (Anambra State)-Minister of State Environment 6.Adamu Adamu (Bauchi State) -Minister of Education 7.Ambassador Maryam Katagun (Bauchi State) -Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment 8. Timipre Sylva (Bayelsa State) Minister of State, Petroleum under the President 9.George Akume (Benue State) -Minister of Special Duties 10.Mustapha Baba Shehuri (Borno State) -Minister of State, Agric and Rural Development 11. Goddy  Jedy Agba (Cross River State) -Minister of State, Power 12.Festus Keyamo (Delta State) -Minister of...

In a viral video which emerged online earlier today, some group of SARS officials were seen with two guys who are into robbing people through Jiji. The SARS officials already arrested them and handcuffed them after collecting their guns. One would have thought the men of SARS will make the suspected fraudsters face the wrath of law. Surprisingly, the SARS officials took laws into their hands and killed the two suspected robbers on the spot.

The State Security Services (SSS) has challenged the Federal High Court order, allowing it to detain Omoyele Sowore, Convener, #RevolutionNow protests, for 45 days against its request of 90 days pending investigation. The SSS argued that its investigation so far revealed that “RevolutionNow” was allegedly a smokescreen for the actual intention of Mr Sowore and his allies “to topple the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” The DSS said it was engaged in a painstaking investigation of activities of Mr Sowore, the candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the last presidential election, in view of the quantum of evidence so far gathered and may return to court to seek an extension of the 45 days granted by the Abuja-based court to detain him. The security agency made this known in a fresh document it filed at the Federal High Court on Monday in response to an application by Mr Sowore. In the counter-affidavit deposed to by Godwin Agbadua, an official of the S...

Real Madrid's star summer signing, Eden Hazard, could be back in action sooner than expected as he recovers from a thigh injury which was initially expected to sideline him for three to four weeks. The medical team have revised their diagnosis and now hope that he will be ready to make his debut against Villarreal on Matchday 3. The Belgian picked up the injury in training ahead of the first game of the season against Celta Vigo and was expected to be out for almost a month, but staff have been impressed by his recovery. Providing he can avoid any kind of relapse, the forward is expected to be available for the trip to the Estadio de la Ceramica. Three players suffered injuries in pre-season for Los Blancos, Hazard, Rodrygo Goes and Ferland Mendy, all of whom joined the club in the summer. The demands of the workout over the summer are believed to be the causes and staff are not overly concerned by the issues. And ready for the international break If Hazard's ...

New research looks into the chronic illnesses that people living with HIV are at most risk of developing. In the United States, over 1 million people are currently living with an HIV infection. Worldwide, 1.8 million people have HIV. Overall, the incidence of HIV infections has declined over the past few decades. The mortality rate from an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related illness fell by nearly 80% since the year 2002, according to some estimates. Despite these trends, HIV remains a global health priority. Worldwide, the leading cause of death among people with HIV is tuberculosis. However, in countries such as the U.S. where tuberculosis is uncommon, people with HIV die from other conditions that are not related to the immunodeficiency virus. Conditions include diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, and cardiovascular conditions. New research set out to examine more closely the specific conditions that people with HIV are at risk of developing. Lee Smi...

             CMO and CWO of the church with the bishop and concelebrants By Ezeanya Gerald The chief shepherd of Abeokuta Catholic Diocese,  Most Rev. Dr. Peter Kayode Odetoyinbo, on Sunday, August 18, 2019, made his pastoral visit to St. Ignatius Parish Magboro, Ogun State, during which he blessed the Grotto and Chapel donated by Catholic Women Organization (C.W.O) and Catholic men Organization (C.M.O) respectively.  Speaking at the visit,  during which he administered the sacrament of confirmation on 155 deserving Catholic faithful of the parish, Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo commended the Parish Priest, Revd. Fr. Joseph Ogbebor and the entire parishioners for their efforts in actualizing the project in the parish saying that there is a great development in the parish. He urged all not to relent in their good works and donations to the church. In his homily of the concelebrated Holy Mass, Bishop Peter, who based his reflection...

Former deputy senate president of Nigeria has released statement concerning his attack in Nurnberg, Germany. Read Full Statement here : I Was Attacked by IPOB in Germany I attended the Second Annual Cultural Festival and Convention organised by Ndi-Igbo Germany in Nurnberg today where I was billed to give a keynote address along with the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, who, however could not make it eventually. I was given a resounding welcome by Ndigbo in Germany and everything went smoothly until some men, who identified themselves as IPOB members stormed the venue and began to complain about the killings in the South East, stressing that there would be no Igbo event at the venue. I tried to engage them, but when they became unruly, I had to leave the venue. The organisers also invited the police and I was accompanied out of the venue. Much as I am disappointed in their conduct, especially as I am one of the persons, who have spoken up on justic...

For the sake of clarification, here are the photos of former deputy senate president, Ike Ekweremadu, being attacked by IPOB members in Germany. Ever since the news broke his evening, some are still in doubt if he's actually the one or not. We bring you a video of him at the event and also a clearer photos of him during the attack.

Popular Nigerian comedian, Afamefuna Klint Igwemba, aka ‘Klint da Drunk’, involved in a motor accident, Igbere TV reports. Klint da Drunk took to his instagram page on Friday to share how God saved him from a terrible accident. Igbere TV reports that Klint da Drunk who hails from Agukwu-Nri in Anocha LGA of Anambra State was filled with praises as he called on his followers to join him in thanking God for saving him from the accident which occurred along Bauchi-Jos expressway. He wrote: ” Please, help me in praising God Almighty for delivering us from the Jaws of death. Along Bauchi-Jos express road. ”We were involved in a terrible car crash. We boarded a golf 2 on charter as it was the only means to move. ”The driver was careful enough so I had no issues with him but then, out of the blues, a truck jumped right in front of us. ”The road was wet as it had been drizzling. ”The driver tried all he could to stop the car but the slippery road just made it look like he did no...

- The Nigerian Armed Forces has been ranked as the 4th-best in Africa and 44th most powerful in the world for the year 2019 - The rating was carried out by a defense website Globalfirepower in its yearly ranking of world military powers - The website said it considered values such as military manpower, air power, land strength, naval power, resources, logistics, financials and geography to arrive at each nation's The Nigerian Armed Forces have been rated as the fourth most powerful military in the African continent for the year 2019. According to a new list of military rankings released by Globalfirepower, the Nigerian military rated 0.7007 on its Power Index score to be positioned behind Egypt, Algeria and South Africa, Africa's top three militaries. Based on the Power Index score, Nigeria is also ranked as the 44th most powerful military in the world. It was gathered that the country's military was similarly ranked last year and maintained its position ...

The Brazilian star looks set to move to Germany on a temporary basis after being unwanted at Camp Nou Barcelona have confirmed that an agreement is in place to loan Philippe Coutinho to Bayern Munich . The Brazilian midfielder has failed to impress since joining the La Liga champions from Liverpool in January 2018, and Barca have been keen to offload their big-money signing as they revamp the squad. He was offered to a number of Premier League clubs before the English transfer window slammed shut but nothing materialised, and a move to the Bundesliga now appears to be the next stage of Coutinho’s journey. An agreement in principle is in place between the two clubs with the deal almost complete but not formally closed, with the player being left out of Barcelona’s La Liga season opener against Athletic Bilbao as his move to the Bundesliga champions inches closer.

World football governing body, FIFA has banned former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia, for life. Siasia was banned from all football-related activities by FIFA after being found guilty over bribery and attempt to manipulate matches at the international level. A statement from FIFA reads: “The adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has found Mr. Samson Siasia, a former official of the Nigeria Football Federation, guilty of having accepted that he would receive bribes in relation to the manipulation of matches in violation of the FIFA Code of Ethics. “The formal ethics proceedings against Mr. Siasia were initiated on 11 February 2019 and stem from an extensive investigation into matches that Mr. Wilson Raj Perumal attempted to manipulate for betting purposes. “This large-scale investigation was conducted by FIFA via its competent departments and in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders and authorities. “In its decision, the adjudicatory chamber found...

The Belgian international sustained a thigh injury that is expected to rule him out of action for approximately three weeks and will cause him to miss the game in Vigo. Eden Hazard will not play in Real Madrid's LaLiga 2019-20 season opener in Vigo. The new Real Madrid player has dealt with a major blow on the eve of the new Spanish league campaign after the club confirmed that the Belgian has sustained a thigh injury which is anticipated to rule the player out of action for three to four weeks. The club confirmed that the winger will now undergo further medical tests before being attended to by club medics who will design a recovery programme for the Belgian.

Governor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State has appointed Kanu Nwankwo as his Senior Special Assistant on Sports. This was contained in a statement on Thursday by Aic Akwarandu, special assistant to the governor on new media. “In this new role, the Nigeria World Cup skipper will assist the Ihedioha administration on rebuilding the sports sector in Imo State”, it said. Kanu is a holder of the OON national title. Born 1 August 1976, Papilo, as fondly called, founded the Kanu Heart Foundation (KHF) which has saved hundreds of lives. Kanu played for Iwuanyanwu Nationale, Dutch side Ajax, Inter Milan of Italy, and English clubs Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth. He won a UEFA Champions League medal, a UEFA Cup medal, three FA Cup Winners Medals and two African Player of the Year awards amongst others. The retired soccer star is one of few players to have won the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, UEFA Cup and an Olympic Gold Medal. Kanu is also a UNICEF Goodw...

Lionel Messi has been left out of Barcelona's squad for their LaLiga Santander opener against Athletic Club  on Friday night, but Philippe Coutinho and Rafinha have been listed. The Argentine didn't train on Thursday as he continues to recover from an injury, nor will he travel to Bilbao with the squad. Arthur Melo, Arturo Vidal, Jean-Clair Todibo and Moussa Wague are also missing, though Carles Perez will be included. The full squad is as follows: Marc-Andre Her Stegen, Nelson Semedo, Gerard Pique, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Coutinho, Luis Suarez, Ousmane Dembele, Rafinha, Clement Lenglet, Antoine Griezmann, Jordi Alba, Carles Alena, Sergi Roberto, Frenkie de Jong, Samuel Umtiti, Junior Firpo, Inaki Pena and Perez.

The winner will be announced during the Champions League group stage draw on 29 August. Last year Luka Modric lifted the award. UEFA has announced the shortlist for the European governing body’s Player of the Year Award, with Leo Messi (Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus) and Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) in the running for the gong, which was last year lifted by Luka Modric. The winner of the award will be announced during the draw for the group stage of the 2019-20 Champions League on 29 August. Ronaldo is among the final three once again and is the only player to have made the shortlist every year since the inception of the UEFA Player of the Year Award in 2011. The Portuguese won the Scudetto with Juventus in his first season in Serie A and led Portugal to victory in the inaugural UEFA Nations League earlier this summer. Ronaldo has won the award on three occasions (2014, 2016, 2017). Messi was again instrumental as Barça won a domestic double and claimed the European ...

Father Mbaka yesterday spoke about the alleged killing of Catholic priest Fr. Offu by suspected Fulani herdsmen. He also spoke about how people tried to blackmail him by circulating his photoshop and said that he participated in the Catholic priests’ protest.According to him,he was in Abuja for an interview at Chinese Embassy during the protest and never participated in the protest.He also used the opportunity to distance himself from a viral fake news that there will be heavy rain in Aso Rock on October 1st. Speaking at yesterday at Wednesday’s ‘E No Dey’ programmed,he insisted that President Buhari is not the problem of Nigeria. Watch the video on the link above(he spoke about the killing and President Buhari from 36th minute of the video).One thing about is that he stands for the truth and not bothered by what people say. Can we just think very well?A reverend father was assassinated and we just said Fulani herdsmen shot him?Do you remember when a reverend father was shot i...

No fewer than five illegal hospitals were, on Thursday, shut by the Ekiti Government for operating illegally. The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Mojisola Yaya-Kolade, announced the closure during an unscheduled visit of the Medical Anti Quackery Committee set up by the state government to the hospitals. She warned residents of the state against patronising quack doctors who operate in unauthorised hospitals. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Yaya-Kolade was represented during the exercise by the Director, Hospital Services and Training, Dr. Rufus Adetoye. She said that the state government was not comfortable with the quackery in medical practice in the state and would deal decisively with anyone caught in the act. “The intention of the state government through the committee is to stamp out quackery in the state and to prevent the way innocent people are being killed by unqualified medical personnel and hospitals,” she said. She disclosed that un...

A lady has been apprehended and paraded for pouring hot water on her daughter’s boyfriend said to be a 300-Level Statistics student of the University of Abuja. Eyewitnesses revealed that the lady who never supported the relationship, invited the boy over to her house for a peace talk but she had an ulterior motive. The lady poured hot water on the boy upon arrival and subsequently raised false alarm of him being a thief. She however got arrested when residents turned up, while the boy was rushed to the hospital. Here are more photos taken from the scene below;