NAIJAGISTI

The draw for this year’s CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals and semi-finals draw has been released. The draw was conducted on Friday at the CAF Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. CAF’s Director of Competitions, Samson Adamu, assisted by the Ivorian legend, Abdoulaye Traore, ran the draw process that revealed some thrilling encounters in the road to the final. The quarter-finals first leg will take place on 16 May 2021, and the second leg on 23 May 2021. Below are the draws in full: Quarter-final 1 (QF 1) – CS Sfaxien (Tunisia) vs JS Kabylie (Algeria). QF 2 – Orlando Pirates (South Africa) vs Raja Casablanca (Morocco). QF 3 – Pyramids FC (Egypt) vs Enyimba (Nigeria). QF 4 – Coton Sport (Cameroon) vs Jaraaf (Senegal). According to CAF, the Semifinals (1st leg 20 June 2021 – 2nd leg 27 June 2021) will be as follows Semifinal 1 (SF 1) – Winner of QF 3 vs Winner of QF 2. SF 2 – Winner of QF 4 vs Winner of QF 1 The Final is 10 July, 2021 with Winner SF 1 vs Winner SF 2. 2020/21 CAF

Chelsea’s squad to face Fulham in today’s English Premier League, EPL, tie has been revealed. According to Football London, Chelsea manager, Thomas Tuchel, has named a 22-man squad to tackle Fulham at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea head to the game following a 1-1 draw with Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first-leg encounter last Tuesday. Tuchel’s men are currently in the fourth position on the Premier League table with 58 points from 33 games. Below is Chelsea’s squad against Fulham: Goalkeepers: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Willy Caballero, Edouard Mendy. Defenders: Marcos Alonso, Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva, Kurt Zouma, Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Cesar Azpilicueta, Emerson Palmieri. Midfielders: Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Mason Mount, Hakim Ziyech, Billy Gilmour, Kai Havertz Attackers: Tammy Abraham, Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner, Olivier Giroud, Callum Hudson-Odoi. The kick-off time for Chelsea vs Fulham is 5: 30 pm, Nigerian time. EPL: Tuchel names Chelsea’s Premier L

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Hon Alhassan Ado-Doguwa has dismissed claim of planned defection of some members of the House of Representatives to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Doguwa, who is the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, maintained no member of the ruling APC was nursing such vain ambition. The lawmaker, in a statement personally signed by him and made available to journalists, faulted the minority leader, Hon Ndidu Elumelu’s claim on the matter. He argued that “It is a fact that there was an executive session of the House, which was indeed convened by the leadership for the sole purpose of further discussions about the ways out of the insecurity situation in the country. “It must be noted that members across the partisan divide were too busy and occupied with the sence of duty and obligation to our nation’s well being to have time for parochial and narrow prism thought of thinking about partisan politics and membership r

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and his All Progressives Congress (APC) have been warned not to make any attempt to manipulate the forthcoming local government election in the State. DAILY POST reports that the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) on Friday announced that the local government polls would hold on July 24. But, a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun, Chief Olumide Aderinokun, told Gov Abiodun that the vote of the people must count. Aderinokun said “Abiodun and the electoral body should abide strictly by the laws guiding the local government elections, “stressing that people should be allowed to elect their leaders.” The Ogun former House of Representatives candidate said in a statement that, “The people of Ogun State do not just expect free and fair local government elections, they deserve it. “For the elections to be credible, Dapo Abiodun and OGSIEC must ensure legal votes are counted. The will of the electorate must not be subv

Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education has declared that there is no one in charge as the President of Nigeria. According to her, two things must be done and urgently too, to determine whether Buhari is permanently incapable of discharging the functions of his office and secondly to determine an agreement for Nigeria’s future. The 2019 presidential candidate and Bring Back Our Girls frontline campaigner said Nigeria must launch a process to determine Buhari’s capability to lead the country and convene a citizens-centered Sovereign National Conference where the future of the country will be discussed. “I realize that it is quite possible that the @NigeriaGov of @MBuhari actually believes it is working hard for Nigerians, and so cannot understand why some people are complaining. “I am here to ask Mr President, Is there actually a Government in office in Nigeria today? No. “I am here to ask @MBuhari, Is there a Commander-in-Chief and President of Nigeria in office today,

Michael Owen, a former England striker, has predicted some of this weekend’s English Premier Leagues, EPL, games. Chelsea will host Fulham on Saturday evening at Stamford Bridge, while Arsenal will face Newcastle United in an away EPL tie on Sunday afternoon. Manchester United will tackle Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday evening, while Everton will host Aston Villa at Goodison Park on Saturday night. Providing his predictions, Owen told BetVictor, “Chelsea continued their excellent form under Thomas Tuchel with a typical 1-0 win at the London Stadium last Saturday evening, “The Blues are looking good for Champions League qualification, and the visit of struggling Fulham should represent a likely three points. “Although Fulham have a tendency to surprise us when we least expect it, I don’t think Chelsea are the type of side to switch off too often. “West Brom may have caught them off guard a few weeks ago, but I don’t see that happening here. It’s 2-0, Chelsea, for me.” Speaki

Nigerians have continued to react to a call for the National Assembly to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari if he fails to resign from office over the current state of insecurity in the country. The call was made by the controversial Catholic priest, Rev Father Ejike Mbaka of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, a hitherto staunch supporter of President Buhari and his All Progressives Congress (APC). Mbaka, while calling for the President’s impeachment on Wednesday during a worship service, said it was sad that Buhari could maintain what he called a graveyard silence in the midst of killings and deaths in the country. He insisted that President Buhari might have lost touch with realities. He also argued that no civilised leader could have remained in power with the level of violence and deaths being witnessed in the country. “How can people be dying, the chief security officer of the country will be sitting down without making any comment. “Gunmen attacking people everywhere. Buhari sho

Liverpool legend, Jamie Carragher has told Manchester United to sign two players this summer, one of which will replace France international, Anthony Martial. The former England defender said United must sign a centre-back and a centre forward, adding that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are “not that far away” from becoming Premier League title contenders. Carragher noted that Man United need just a couple of new signings to challenge for major trophies next season. He also raised doubts over Anthony Martial’s future at Man United, claiming that the Frenchman is not good enough to lead the club to major honours. “I think they could maybe improve at centre-back but they need a young Cavani, basically. That’s what the club needs,” Carragher told the Sky Sports. “They’ve persisted with Anthony Martial as the striker for a couple of years. He’s a good player, but I don’t think he’s a great player who’ll take them to a Premier League or Champions League title, which is what they need. “S

Manchester United striker, Edinson Cavani has decided against leaving the club this summer. The Uruguay International was set to leave Europe and return to his native Argentina, with Boca Juniors reportedly keen to sign him. But the former Paris Saint-Germain star man has now been persuaded to stick around and will stay for at least another season, according to ESPN. The South American has scored 12 goals in 33 appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils this season, with 16 of those appearances coming from the bench. Manchester United will make official announcement next week about the player’s latest decision. “He [Cavani] knows my feelings, he knows that I would love to have him for another year, we have spoken about it,” Solskjaer had told reporters after United’s 6-2 thrashing of Roma in the Europa League semi-final on Thursday. “I understand this year has been very difficult, but I promised him that Old Trafford and Manchester is a different place with fans in the sta

Manchester United boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told his players to remain calm at half-time ahead of their Europa League semi-final fightback against Roma on Thursday night. This was revealed by midfielder, Bruno Fernandes who scored twice during the game at Old Trafford. Man United were down 2-1 at the break but came back energised in the second half to thrash the Italian outfit 6-2. The other scorers in the game were Edinson Cavani (2), Paul Pogba (1) and Mason Greenwood also netting one. Roma’s goals came through Lorenzo Pellegrini and former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko. The Portuguese midfielder said the turnaround came because United kept their cool and were aware that they had the second half and another full 90 minutes to turn the semi-final on its head. “The manager and the players, we also talk, as we said about keeping calm and doing the right things, play easy football, quick football, one and two touches and keep the head fresh and calm,’ Fernandes told the club’

Former Manchester United star, Dimitar Berbatov has predicted the outcome of Premier League action for this weekend. The former Bulgaria International’s predictions include the matches between Manchester United and Liverpool, Chelsea and Fulham and Arsenal versus Newcastle United. The other matches are Crystal Palace v Man City, which he predicted 1-2 in favour of Pep Guardiola’s side. For the biggest game of the weekend between Man United and Liverpool, he gave the match to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils. According to him, United will win the game 3-1, adding “I think United can get the win, stop City from winning the title this weekend and also pile more pressure on Liverpool’s hopes of European football next season,” the former Bayern Munich star told Metro. Other predictions are: Brighton 1-0 Leeds Chelsea 1-0 Fulham Everton 2-2 Aston Villa Newcastle 2-0 Arsenal Spurs 4- 0 Sheffield United West Brom 1-2 Wolves Burnley 1-3 West Ham EPL: Berbatov predicts Man United v

Two motorcyclists, known as okada riders, were on Friday crushed to death in an accident in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. DAILY POST reports that the accident occurred around 8:25 pm at Kotopo, opposite Forte Oil filling station, Obantoko area of the Abeokuta-Ibadan highway. It was gathered that the accident involved two Bajaj bikes, one of which was registered as SGM 006 VG and a Leyland tipper truck marked AAB 969 XV. Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement corps said the two motorcyclists rammed into the truck due to their recklessness while on the road. “The accident was caused by reckless driving/impatience on the part of the bike riders, as they rammed into a tipper truck moving in the opposite direction “The two motorcycles and the tipper truck have been taken to Aregbe police station. One dead male was taken by his relatives (Hausas), while the other rider was confirmed dead by a medical doctor at the FMC and was deposited at the morg

The Lagos State Government has banned occupation of abandoned buildings and properties under construction, in a move to tackle insecurity. Idris Salako, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, announced the order in a statement on Friday. Salako said the authorities clearly understands the danger posed by the likely spread of the “ugly situation” in Nigeria. He lamented how social miscreants continued to convert abandoned buildings and project sites to their bases, from where they attack residents. The ministry invoked its powers, under Section 73 of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019 (as amended). Salako told owners and developers of uncompleted or existing buildings to always ensure their properties were in proper environmental conditions. “No abandoned building will be allowed, for security and safety reason”, the commissioner stressed. Also, no construction worker should stay back beyond 6:00p.m. within premises of building

Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers : 1. The presidency, yesterday, alleged that the Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry (AMEN), Ejike Mbaka had visited President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House seeking for contract. This was contained in a statement by Buhari’s spokesman, Garba Shehu. 2. President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, assured Nigerians that the nation will overcome the current security challenges. Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd), National Security Adviser, made this known yesterday after a parley the President summoned. 3. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, yesterday approved Pfizer-BionTech COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use in Nigeria. Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye announced this yesterday in Lagos State. 4. President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday, presided over a closed-door security meeting, with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and Security chiefs in attendance at the Pres

The presidency has urged Nigerians not to quit believing in their country over numerous challenges facing it currently. The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina stated this in this week’s edition of Fridays With Adesina, titled ‘NIGERIA WILL FLY AGAIN: WE CAN BELIEVE KUMUYI’. In the article, President Muhammadu Buhari’s spokesman eulogized the General Overseer of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi for his recent comment urging Nigerians to deviate from inciting violence in the country, stating that the nation will get better. Adesina, who admitted that the country is currently facing unusual challenges ranging from the deteriorating security situation to the ravaging economic crisis that has plunged the country into hardship, said if only Nigerians could listen to persons like the renowned gospel preacher, the country would be better than it is. The presidential spokesman slammed other preachers who speak contrary to Kumu

Nigerian winger, Samuel Chukwueze, has been included in the UEFA Europa League team of this week. UEFA released the Europa League team in a post via its official website on Friday following the conclusion of the semi-final first-leg fixtures on Thursday night. Chukwueze helped Villarreal to beat Arsenal 2-1 in the Europa League encounter on Thursday in Spain. The 21-year-old made the list alongside Arsenal’s Nicolas Pépé and Manchester United stars, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Edinson Cavani, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw. Below is the UEFA Europa League team after the conclusion of the first-leg last-4 games: Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno (Arsenal) Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United) Harry Maguire (Manchester United) Raúl Albiol (Villarreal) Luke Shaw (Manchester United) Midfielders: Nicolas Pépé (Arsenal) Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) Paul Pogba (Manchester United) Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal) Forwards: Edinson Cavani (Manchester Unite

Southampton manager, Ralph Hasenhuttl, has warned his players about the threat Kelechi Iheanacho carries, ahead of their Premier League clash on Friday against Leicester City. Iheanacho is in his best form with the Foxes, having previously struggled to establish himself. The Nigerian has been in terrific form for Leicester, scoring 17 goals and providing six assists in 33 appearances across all competitions. “He [Iheanacho] did a good job in the last game. He has one chance and it was a goal, so the rest of the game I didn’t see him to be honest. “You must be always careful, don’t give him the chance in and around the box, he has a very good finish, self-confident at the moment. “Premier League teams have strikers that are strong and they can hurt you,” Hasenhuttl said in a pre-match press conference. EPL: Southampton warned about Iheanacho ahead of Leicester City clash https://ift.tt/eA8V8J April 30, 2021 at 10:10AM

Jose Mourinho has signed up for a punditry role with talkSPORT, over a week after he was sacked as Tottenham Hotspur manager. The 58-year-old was fired by Spurs chief, Daniel Levy, six days before Spurs took on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final. Despite getting paid £20m in compensation from Spurs, Mourinho has now taken up a new role with talkSPORT and admitted he “misses football already”. In a clip posted to the broadcaster’s Twitter page, Mourinho said: “I am totally absorbed by football. I just love to work. “In this moment, I am not working for a week and I am missing it already.” Mourinho has already turned down the chance to be Celtic’s new manager. Jose Mourinho gets new job after Tottenham sack https://ift.tt/eA8V8J April 30, 2021 at 10:04AM

Inter Milan could be Italian champions this weekend for the first time in over a decade. Antonio Conte’s men are away to bottom club Crotone on Saturday. Victory there would see them put one hand on a title they last won in 2010. If they win and second-placed Atalanta fail to claim all three points at Sassuolo on Sunday, Inter will clinch their 19th Serie A crown with four games to go. Inter could also be crowned champions with a draw if Atalanta lose. But other results would have to go their way. Nezazzuri finished one point behind Juventus last year and also lost the Europa League final to Sevilla. Inter Milan could clinch Serie A title this weekend https://ift.tt/eA8V8J April 30, 2021 at 09:57AM

The Premier League is guaranteed to be the highest ranked European league for the first time in nine years, displacing LaLiga from top spot. This comes after Manchester United’s 6-2 win over AS Roma in the Europa League semi-final first leg. The UEFA’s coefficient table ranks leagues in order of strength in European competitions over a five-year period, all the way back to the 2012/2013 season. Even if Real Madrid lift the Champions League trophy and Villarreal win the Europa League, it will not stop England moving to the No. 1 position. English clubs have outperformed their Spanish counterparts in three of the last five seasons. UEFA COEFFICIENT TABLE ASSOCIATION COEFFICIENT SCORE 1. England 98.997 2. Spain 97.425 3. Italy 75.153 4. Germany 73.570 5. France 56.081 EPL overtakes LaLiga as no 1 league in UEFA rankings [Top 5] https://ift.tt/eA8V8J April 30, 2021 at 09:27AM

Reactions have continued to trail a statement credited to Governor Dapo Abiodun that he would rule Ogun State for a period of eight years. DAILY POST reports Abiodun as saying on Wednesday that he might turn a pastor after serving “eight years” as governor. But the statement has been met with series of reactions from Ogun people and others from far and wide, especially on the social media. While some wished the governor well, others expressed worries that the governor was “running after 2023 election” despite the rising insecurity in the state. The Leragun of Igbehin Abeokuta, Chief Toyin Amuzu, could not hide his thoughts as he told Abiodun to forget the 2023 election for now, asking him to take the safety and security of Ogun State residents seriously. This, the Okanlomo of Ijeun said was important “instead of playing undue politics that shows unconcern to the plight of the people.” The Egba chief, while speaking in Abeokuta, reminded Abiodun that gunmen just assassinated a ho

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has awarded the 2020 Research Grants to five institutions that participated in the Telecommunications-based Research Innovations initiated by the Commission. NCC made this known via a publication on its official website. The Commission awarded fifty-four million, seven hundred and five thousand, six hundred and thirty two Naira, fourteen kobo (₦54,705,632.14) to the selected institutions. According to the Commission, the tertiary institutions were selected based on best response to its request for proposal published on national dailies and on its website on July 2020. According to the announcement on its website, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, focused on ‘Innovative Clean Energy Technology’, with the research topic, ‘Development of all-weather solar system for energy optimization in a mobile communication based station’ and was awarded ₦10,147,000.002. Taraba State University, Jalingo focused on ‘5G Deployment

Crown City, measuring over 300 hectares, is situated along the beautiful Ezu river in Amansea Awka, in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The city is being developed by 4 CLANS Nigeria Limited, whose directors are the major drivers of Orange Island, Lekki, Lagos State. Crown City has three Estates namely: Orange Estate; Ubaka Estate, and Anambra Diaspora Estate. They will be developed to a state-of-the-art infrastructural ambience. The location is about 3 kilometers from the Enugu Onitsha express road, 5 minutes’ drive from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University back gate area in Ifite Awka, and approximately 20 minutes’ drive to the Alex Ekwueme square in Awka. Crown City can be both residential and commercial depending on your preference which gives you the chance to reap the benefits of an ever-growing real estate marked for private and commercial use. The developers have commenced: The 4km Ebenebe road from the Amansea junction of Onitsha/Enugu expressway to the Ebenebe

Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has urged the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to address the issue of insecurity. Atiku said investment opportunities are eluding Nigeria due to leadership failure to address insecurity in Nigeria. He made the remark while reacting to Nigeria being named in the global terrorism index. In a tweet, the former Vice President pointed out that the unemployment rate of the country would continue to worsen and poverty will keep rising due to insecurity. He wrote: “Yes, the challenges we face are enormous. But they are surmountable. “What we need is the leadership and the will to do what is right for our country and its people. “But for as long as we do not address this worsening state of insecurity, the investments needed to lift our nation out of its current abyss shall continue to elude us, unemployment will worsen, and poverty rife.” Govt’s failure to address insecurity affecting Ni

The Interfaith Mediation Centre, Kaduna, has observed with dismay that the spate of insecurity as a result of widespread kidnapping, banditry and destruction of lives and property is sliding the country into an IDP camp. The forum lamented that with the destruction of lives and property on a daily basis; the country is experiencing more displaced persons than expected, calling on the government to act fast to end the menace. A Communiqué at the end of the Monthly Forum with Media on Peace Journalism at the IMC in Kaduna, signed by the Co- executive Directors, Pastor Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, appealed to Nigerians that the Pantami saga should not take religious connotations. The participants observed, “The issue concerning the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami should not be used as a religious tool to escalate tension in the country, but to follow due process for a logical conclusion on the matter.” The participants in the

Adams Oshiomhole, a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has identified the cause of banditry and insecurity in Nigeria. Oshiomhole said the closure of factories and retrenchment of workers in Nigeria were the major reasons for banditry and general insecurity in the country. He stated this at the 2nd Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, National Peace and Security Summit in Abuja, yesterday. The former APC National Chairman also noted that non-payment of the N30, 000 new minimum wage President Muhammadu Buhari signed into law was also responsible for lack of peace in the country. He said: ‘’Who are the bandits? I suspect that those 35,000 workers whose factories have been closed in Kaduna city, those whose livelihood have been taken away, what are they doing? “What will their children and grandchildren be doing now? It’s common sense to know that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. “I suspect that those Nigerians that we abandoned and not providing for them,

Manchester United legend, Paul Scholes, has blasted midfielder, Fred, for his part in AS Roma’s second goal during the Red Devils’ UEFA Europa League, UEL, 6-2 win at Old Trafford on Thursday night. Scholes said Fred contributed nothing for Man United against Roma, adding that the Brazilian was ‘left wanting’ in the win over the Italian Serie A side. Man United defeated Roma in the Europa League semi-final first-leg tie at home, thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes, Edinson (2), Cavani (2), Paul Pogba and Mason Greenwood. “That is what Fred is in the team for, he’s in the team to stop this type of thing,” Scholes told BT Sport when analysing Roma’s second goal. “From their best midfield player, he gets in behind them [Man United’s defence]. “Fred… please stop that. He contributes nothing going forward, and his absolute job is to stop that type of thing. And he’s been left wanting again.” Man United will face Liverpool in their next fixture in the Premier League on Sunday. UEL: H

Manchester United midfielder, Paul Pogba, has revealed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told the team to “keep things simple” during half-time of their 6-2 win over Roma in the Europa League on Thursday night. According to Pogba, the team talk left the squad “motivated to score as many goals as possible”. United were 2-1 down at the break, with Lorenzo Pellegrini and Edin Dzeko scoring for the Serie A side, after Bruno Fernandes had netted the opener. However, the Red Devils scored five goals in the second half to win the game 6-2. “In the first half, we made two mistakes and conceded two goals. We were a bit all over the place after the second goal. “At half-time we said let’s do the right things, let’s do simple things. “The manager spoke. We were all motivated to score as many goals as possible,” Pogba told BT Sport. Europa League: What Solskjaer told Man Utd players during half-time of 6-2 win over Roma https://ift.tt/eA8V8J April 30, 2021 at 07:25AM

Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi, has told the club he will remain beyond this season, according to TVE. Messi tried to leave last summer and now into the final weeks of his current deal. The 33-year-old’s future remained up in the air with Manchester City and PSG both linked to the Argentine. Messi’s father, Jorge, who also acts as his agent has flown into Spain to discuss his son’s future with club president, Joan Laporta. They have signalled to the Catalans that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner intends to remain at the club. Messi, however, has made it clear to Laporta, that investment needs to be made into the team as he targets more honours. Barcelona ended last season without a trophy, but Ronald Koeman won his first trophy at the helm as he lifted the Copa del Rey earlier this month. Messi informs Barcelona of his future plan https://ift.tt/eA8V8J April 30, 2021 at 07:16AM

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has claimed he told Dani Ceballos to be careful during his half-time team-talk in their 2-1 defeat to Villarreal on Thursday night. Ceballos was shown a second yellow card with the Gunners already two goals down. Villarreal opened the scoring in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final after Manu Trigueros fired home. Unai Emery’s men made it two, with Raul Albion ghosting in at the far post. Arteta said of the red card following the match: “I haven’t seen the action. Obviously, we talked at half-time that you have to be careful. “I was going to take him off but by the time Gabi (Gabriel Martinelli) was ready to come on, that action happened and he was out.” Villarreal vs Arsenal: Arteta confirms Ceballos ignored his half-time instruction https://ift.tt/eA8V8J April 30, 2021 at 07:03AM

Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman, has bemoaned his team’s lack of efficiency at both ends of the pitch, as they lost 2-1 to Granada at Camp Nou on Thursday. The result means the Catalans blew the chance to go top of LaLiga with five matches left. Lionel Messi opened the scoring, before missing a big chance to make it 2-0. Darwin Machis and Jorge Molina were left in acres of space to turn the game on its head in the second half. Barca’s second loss in 23 matches, means they are no longer in charge of their own destiny in the title race. “We lost our focus in the second half and made errors at the back,” Koeman told Movistar. “We need to accept the fact we’ve lost, that’s the reality of things. “We had chances to win the game, but that’s that. We’ve got five more games to go and each of the sides (in the title race) will have difficulties moving forward. “We now need to prepare ourselves for Sunday’s game (away to Valencia). We’re still in the mix and have a chance. We need to ac

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, has said that Nigeria’s current security challenge has a political undertone. Akpabio disclosed this in Abuja at the APC National Secretariat when he spoke with journalists on Thursday. “I think most of the problems are politically motivated. “So, we must use our binoculars to be able to look and identify the sponsors of the insecurity we’re witnessing in the country. “What’s happening now is not Nigeria; this is un-Nigeria. “We must do everything possible, even through advice, to make sure that Nigeria remains united,” Akpabio said, adding that it wasn’t time for a blame game. Akpabio noted that the security challenge in the country has already assumed a worrisome dimension as it wasn’t limited to one section of Nigeria. He said, “We’ve never in the history of this nation witnessed where people in uniform are targeted for elimination. “That will show you that we’ve infiltrators in our midst, the security of our neighbourin

Residents of Kanamma in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State are currently taking refuge in the bush as they fled their homes following an ongoing attack by Boko Haram militants. This is coming barely 24 hours after reports claimed that the Boko Haram spiritual leader, Abubakar Shekau had appointed a new War Commander. Kanamma is about 200klm from Damturu, the Yobe State capital in northeast Nigeria. It is also the birthplace of Boko Haram insurgency in the state. According to residents, prior to the attack, the community saw some Boko Haram fighters but could not report due to fear. ASP Dungus Abdulkarim, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Yobe Police Command Damaturu confirmed the attack to DAILY POST. He said, there was a Boko Haram insurgents attack on Kanamma, but unfortunately, they lost contact with Police in Kanamma due to the absence of mobile network in the area. “We will update you when we reach out to them,” he said. Boko Haram terrorists attack Kanamma

Despite being the gateway to the North-East region which has witnessed insurgency for over a decade now, leading to the death of over 200,000 people and about two million citizens displaced, particularly in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states, Bauchi State as of today enjoys relative peace, though the state also battles with its own form of insecurity, which, however, does not lead to extreme fear as experienced in other states. Apart from a few pockets of Boko Haram attacks in the past, Bauchi has remained peaceful despite sharing its borders with Kaduna and Kano in the North West where banditry has taken deep roots, as well as Plateau State, where Fulani herders and farmers clash almost on a daily basis. Multiple security sources confirmed to DAILY POST that despite its relative peace, some disgruntled elements still give security agencies some cause for concern in the state, saying, however, that for now, efforts are being geared towards tackling this with a view to sustaining the pea

There was confusion in Osun state chapter of Social Democratic Party, SDP, on Thursday as Elder Femi Awe who imposed himself as the Acting Chairman of the party was whisked away by the police during a program organized for the party. The prayer session was held at Ajegunle area opposite Dugbe Police Station, Osogbo. The programme commenced around 11:30 am as Christian and Muslim clerics led prayers for Nigeria, Osun State and the party. Elder Awe has been expelled from the party since 2018, DAILY POST learnt. It was gathered that after a traditionalist offered prayers, Elder Awe was approached by some policemen in mufti and accused him of organizing such a programme in public without informing security operatives. The operatives insisted that the Commissioner of Police instructed them to bring him to Osun State Police Command for questioning. A man claiming to be secretary of the party in Osun, Azeez Musbau, said: “We had informed the Police, Department of State Service (DSS) and

Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers : 1. Senate Committee on Special Duties, yesterday, questioned the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq on how the sum of N32.4 billion allocated to her office for palliative in the heat of COVID-19 pandemic was disbursed. The Minister in her response said only N2.4 billion was released to her Ministry from the N32.4 billion earmarked. 2. Fiery Catholic priest and Spiritual Director, Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria (AMEN), Ejike Mbaka, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to resign. The cleric called on the National Assembly to impeach the president if he failed to step down. 3. A former Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Prof. Osadolor Odia, was reportedly abducted by unknown gunmen yesterday in Edo State. 4. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday, sacked all board members/directors of First Bank Holding and First Bank

The case of Baba Ijesha defiling a teenager has gotten the attention of Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa. In the past few days, heated arguments have ensued between entertainers in Nigeria as they expressed divergent views on the matter. While some appeared sympathetic to Baba Ijesha’s plight, others are drumming support in the fight for justice for the defiled minor. Dabiri-Erewa in a thread on Twitter described the act by Baba Ijesha as despicable. She demanded for support for the victim’s foster mother, Princess, noting that his plea should not be accepted and that maximum sentence must be passed on him. Her tweet read: “ So despicable! The act by Yoruba actor, Baba Ijesha who defied a girl, at 7 and later at 14 years!! Who knows how many the paedophile could have damaged if he was not caught. I sponsored the violence against person’s law. The penalty is nothing less than 14 years in prison. “His plea bargain on some video I watche

A bill mandating the teaching of vocational studies in Nigeria’s secondary schools passed second reading in the House of Representatives. The bill which was sponsored by Hon. Joseph Asuku Bello representing Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency of Kogi State was first read on the floor of the lower chamber on 2nd July, 2020. In his lead debate on Wednesday, Hon. Asuku explained that the compulsory teaching of vocational studies was to make the younger Nigerians skilful at the secondary school level and make them productive to themselves and the society in their adult years. The lawmaker reasoned in the motion that the staggering rate of unemployment in Nigeria was due to an educational system that was designed to produce graduates for white collar jobs, rather than being entrepreneurs or employers of labour. He said, the compulsory teaching of vocational studies would shift the young people’s focus from looking for job to being their own boss in the business world, particularly at such

The Rivers State Government has directed civil servants from grade level 1 to 13 who have been at home since January due to the second wave of COVID-19 to resume work from Thursday, April 29, 2021. The directive was contained in a circular issued on Wednesday, April 28, by the Rivers State Head of Service, Rufus Godwin. The circular directed all affected civil servants to strictly comply with all COVID-19 protocols by observing social distance and wearing face masks. The Head of Service also directed all Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra Ministerial Offices to monitor and ensure compliance with the directive. Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike had on January 20, 2021 ordered public workers from grade level 1 to 13 to work from home except those on essential duties. Rivers government recalls civil servants to work after COVID-19 shutdown https://ift.tt/3t1QD4y April 29, 2021 at 09:34AM

Catholic Priest and Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Fr Ejike Mbaka, has warned President Muhammadu Buhari of an impending disaster. Mbaka who spoke at the Adoration Ministry in Enugu State on Wednesday noted that Buhari has refused to label killer herdsmen as ‘terrorists’ while his government is busy killing innocent Nigerians in the country. According to him, until the Buhari-led government finds something for the youths, they are going to face disaster. ”Overseas have become dumping grounds for our Nigerian youths. Lawyers and doctors are fleeing the country to countries we are better off. Disaster is coming. Until the government of the country finds something for our youth, they are going to face disaster. ”A time is coming when if you are asked to be a Senator, House of Representative member or Governor, you will run. This is because we cannot continue like this. The leaders have suffered the youths and it’s it time for the civilians to suffer the leaders. ”En

The Benue State’s 2023 Governorship contest is getting hotter. According to findings by Grassroots Africa, a local newspaper in the state, three political blocs are suing to pick the coveted seat, when Governor Samuel Ortom graciously bows out in tandem with the Nigerian constitution. The findings indicated that while parts of the Benue North East Senatorial District; Kwande and Jachira are dragging and laying claims to the seat, the Kwande bloc is of the argument that the emergence of Ortom from Minda signalled the completion of the virtuous cycles and hence in their opinion, the return of the seat to them. The first civilian Governor of the state, late Appolos Aper Aku who was elected as governor in 1979 and got re-elected in 1983 hailed from the Kwande axis. Contrarily, the Jechira are of the opinion that their son’s tenure (Moses Orshior Adasu) was truncated by the military administration when Gen. Sani Abacha sacked the then interim administration of Chief Ernest Shonekan, so t