Iheanacho can be in the same class as Messi –Chukwu

He felt a million things at the same time, including love for his teammates, family and country.

Kelechi  Iheanacho   was on a high after  helping Nigeria  beat defending champions Mexico 3-0 at the   Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,  to win    the 2013 FIFA Under-17  World Cup on  November 8.  He capped off an amazing run   in the three-week tournament with a goal in the final to take his tally to  six goals and seven assists to emerg

French hostage escapes from Ansaru’s den

THE police on Sunday in Kaduna handed over a 63-year-old French man, Francis Collomp, who escaped from terrorists’ den to officials of the French embassy. in Kaduna.

Collomp’s abductors were suspected to be members of the Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Bilads-Sudan.

He was seized in Rimi town of Katsina State 11 months ago.

The foreigner, an engineer with a French renewable energy firm, Vergnet company of France, was on a routine official assignment when he was kidnapped.

Artiste, Father U-turn, dies at 36

Several musicians, including Daddy Showkey and Alariwo of Afrika, have expressed shock at the death of dancehall musician, Olufemi Mayomi, popularly called Father U-Turn.

Although some reports suggested that the artiste died of kidney-related complications,  a statement by the Publisher of Nigerian Entertainment News Today, Ayeni Adekunle, indicated that Father U-Turn died after a brief illness.

The Kaba-Bunu, Kogi- State-born artiste, who made waves in the 1990s, was 36.

Father U-Turn shot into limelight after releasing a song titled ‘Yetunde,’ in which he featured popular fuji act, Pasuma Wonder.

Confusion as hospital denies killer convoy’s visit

There was confusion on Saturday as the private hospital that a convoy, suspected to be that of a government official visited last Wednesday along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, denied that the convoy stopped at the place to see a patient.

But residents of the community, where the hospital is located, insisted that a government convoy stopped at the hospital shortly before the accident it allegedly caused.

It was learnt that some members of the community went to Hamkad Hospital on Thursday to demand the identity of the convoy that had visited the day before. They, however, did not succeed.

The administrative manager of the hospital,  who identified himself as Mr. Fajobi, told  bignews24hours that he was not aware that any convoy stopped at the hospital or  that it later caused an accident a few metres away.

Eagles can win World Cup – Enyeama

Vincent Enyeama

Nigeria stand-in captain  Vincent Enyeama believes the African champions can win next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

The Super Eagles became the first African side to qualify for the 2014 World Cup after beating Ethiopia 2-0 on Saturday for a 4-1 aggregate victory.

Enyeama believes Nigeria can become the first African team to not only reach the semi-finals but also win the final.

“(Are we going) to make an impression at the World Cup? No, we can actually win it,” the goalkeeper told BBC Sport.

Angry residents disarm, arrest armed robber

Fed up with incessant robbery attacks on the community, residents of Oworonsoki Local Council Development Area of Lagos State on Friday defied death as they challenged four armed robbers suspected to have been terrorising the area.

They eventually ended up disarming the robbers and rounding them up. But three of the robbers managed to escape. One was, however, not that lucky.

The suspect, who was identified as Eyinna, was said to have been beaten up by the mob before the arrival of the police at the scene.

Why Eagles played poorly –Keshi

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has responded to views by many spectators that the World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Ethiopia was not as entertaining as expected. The Nigeria manager, who spoke after the game the Eagles won by 2-0 in Calabar on Saturday,  said that the pressure of not making any costly mistake took its toll on the players.

He said, “Yes the game may not have been as smooth and as entertaining as the spectators wanted to be. That I agree with you. But there was a whole lot of pressure on the players not to slip in this last game after having a good run all through. At this stage we thought that bad style or a  lack of finesse should not count. What we wanted was to get the result and be in Brazil. And that was exactly what we got.

Spain take a trip down memory lane

Football | Bafana Bafana

Back in Johannesburg for the first time since their maiden World Cup triumph in the city, senior members of the Spain squad spoke on Sunday of their memories of 2010 and their desire to reward the South Africans for their hospitality and support.

Spain take on South Africa in a friendly on Tuesday at the same Soccer City stadium where they beat Netherlands 1-0 after extra time in the final three years ago.
Spanish federation (RFEF) president Angel Maria Villar also took the chance on Sunday to parade the World Cup trophy in nearby Potchefstroom where the squad were based.

Italy to experiment against Nigeria

Football | Italy

 Cesare Prandelli has opted to select an experimental Italian team for his side's clash with Nigeria.
The Azzurris face Stephen Keshi's men in an international friendly at Fulham’s Craven Cottage on November 18 and the 56-year-old Italian will look to use a host of relatively untried players for the game.

Prandelli had named a 28-man strong squad ahead of matches with Germany and Nigeria, and after the 1-1 draw with Germany on Friday, he said he plans to use Monday’s game as a chance to rotate his squad.
"This team can certainly improve and we’ve got to focus on having the right fitness levels in Brazil," he said.
"We now have two days to recover and the plan is to put out an entirely new team in the next game (against Nigeria)."

Cameroon book Brazil spot in style

Football | Cameroon

Cameroon qualified for the 2014 Fifa World Cup with a convincing 4-1 win over Tunisia at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon, on Sunday afternoon.
Goals from Pierre Webo, Benjamin Moukandjo and a brace from Jean Makoun ensured that the Indomitable Lions book their place in their seventh World Cup finals. Ahmed Akaichi found the back of the net for the Eagles of Carthage.

Cameroon coach Volker Finke made three changes to the side that held Tunisia to a goalless draw in the first leg.
Bennoit Assou-Ekotto, Stephane Mbia and Benjamin Moukandjo were included in the starting XI in place of Nyom, Nounkeu and Joel Matip. Samuel Eto’o started in attack alongside fellow veteran Pierre Webo.
Ruud Krol, on the other hand, made two changes to the side that failed to score in Rades last month. Karim Haggui and Fakhreddine Ben Youssef replaced Sami Allagui and Alaeddine Yahia.

The hosts got off to the best possible start with Webo finding the back of the net in the fourth minute. The Fenerbahce marksman disposed Wissem Be Haggui inside the area before finding the back of the net via the post, to score his 17th international goal.

Sweden, Portugal face off at Zlatan Arena

Football | World Cup 2014

 

Portugal are 1-0 up after the first leg of the World Cup playoff against Sweden but with the return match being held at a stadium dubbed the 'Zlatan Arena' the job is by no means done.
Sweden captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic was relatively subdued in the first leg in Lisbon on Friday as a late diving header from Cristiano Ronaldo put Portugal in the driving seat.

Ibrahimovic, though, has a penchant for the spectacular at Sweden's home ground and at the age of 32 he will be desperate to take his country through to next year's finals in Brazil.
The Paris St Germain forward has scored 10 goals in eight matches since Sweden took up residence at the Friends Arena, including a four-goal haul against England in the opening game there.
Three of those goals have come in World Cup qualifiers with two against the Faroe Islands and the other one the winner in their final group game against Austria.

Coach Erik Hamren said he wanted an improved performance from his team on Tuesday.
"There were too many long balls to Johan (Elmander) and Zlatan on Friday and we didn't have the energy to support the attack," Hamren told reporters. "We've got to have more quality when we win the ball."
Ronaldo was also short of his best in Lisbon although he dived in among the flying boots to grab the winner.
Ibrahimovic represents Sweden's best hope and despite coach Paulo Bento's suggestion that Portugal are not overly dependent on Ronaldo, the Real Madrid forward is by far and away their most potent weapon in attack.

Guinness PLC unveils Emenike

Football | Super Eagles

Guinness Nigeria PLC have unveiled Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike as their new brand ambassador as they unfolded plans to make Brazil 2014 a favorable one for the national team and Nigerians in general.
The unveiling ceremony held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Calabar, was a colorful event as of former internationals Kanu Nwankwo and Victor Ikpeba were present at the event.

Guinness PLC marketing director Austin Ufomba, was ecstatic as he spoke glowingly about Emmanuel Emenike and feels the Fernebache striker fits the bill to b the face of the brand as preparations for the World Cup kicks off in earnest.
"Guinness as a brand is has always been in the fore front when it comes to supporting the Super Eagles and Brazil 2014 wont be any different," he told a packed press conference in Calabar.

Hart, Cole to start against Germany

Football | England

England's under-fire goalkeeper Joe Hart and left back Ashley Cole will start against Germany in Tuesday's friendly, with manager Roy Hodgson planning several changes to the team that lost to Chile.

England were well beaten 2-0 by fellow World Cup qualifiers Chile on Friday when Hodgson gave debuts to three players in an experimental line-up, but he plans to bring the much-criticised Hart and experienced Cole back for the Wembley sell-out.

Hart has been dropped by his Premier League club Manchester City after a series of high-profile errors but Hodgson is keeping faith with the 26-year-old as his first-choice keeper.
"When you put that England shirt on, whether it be a white shirt or a goalkeeper's jersey, it will be a tough mental test and a tough test of attitude," Hodgson was quoted as saying on the FA's official website (www.thefa.com).

"But I fully believe that Joe understands that and is ready for that. All I can do is give him the shirt and the chance to go out and play and afterwards, he's going to have to face whatever he faces.
"Whether he plays well and keeps a clean sheet to help us to win the game - I'm sure people are going to be saying some very good things about him - but if he doesn't and lets a couple of easy goals in, he's going to have to accept that there'll be criticism because that's the way of the world we live in."

Keshi upbeat after delivering ticket

Football | Super Eagles

Head coach of the Nigeria national team, Stephen Keshi has spoken of his delight after steering Nigeria’s Super Eagles to a place at the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.
Keshi admitted that the team did not play up to its usual standards but stated that the most important thing was to see that Nigeria qualified for the competition which will feature the best 32 countries in the world.

The “Big Boss” also took the time to explain the rationale behind his rather surprising decision to field Chelsea defender, Kenneth Omeruo who had not played a first team game for club and country after injuring his shoulder at the Fifa Confederations Cup in June.
As feared in some quarters, Omeruo failed to finish the game on Saturday and was forced off with an injury in the 68th minute.
“I did not make a mistake in fielding Kenneth. I am so happy that he had to come out because he had cramps. We had other players on the bench. I have confidence in him,” Keshi told supersport.com after the game.

Alonso doubtful for Bafana friendly

Football | Bafana Bafana

Spain suffered an injury setback ahead of their friendly international against South Africa on Tuesday. Midfielder Xabi Alonso limped off the pitch in their 2-1 win over Equatorial Guinea on Saturday.
Alonso who was replaced by Sergio Busquets shortly before the break was playing for the national side for the first time since March after suffering a series of injuries.

Nollywood star declares victory for APGA

Bob-Manuel Udokwu

Nollywood actor, Bob-Manuel Udokwu, says the All Progressives Grand Alliance is already celebrating the possible victory of Willie Obiano at yesterday’s Anambra State governorship election.

Udokwu said in Awka, after voting, that the celebration became necessary because most Nollywood actors hail from the state and most of them cast their votes for Obiano.

He added most of them saw the need for continuity and cast their votes for the APGA candidate.

He dismissed fears that Nollywood stars from the state voted for other candidates at the last minute, having honoured their invitations for parleys just before the election.

Ref won match for Nigeria — Bishaw

 

Ethiopia coach Sewnet Bishaw has blamed the referee for his country’s loss to Nigeria in the Brazil 2014 qualifying match.

He said that even though the Eagles played well the attitude of the referee changed the course of the match.

Ethiopia defender Aynalem Hailu handled the ball in the goal area as he tried to control the ball thus gifting Nigeria a chance to take the lead through a coolly taken penalty by Victor Moses in the first half.

He said, “I respect Keshi; he has done a good job organising this team. But the ref cheated us. We had two penalties denied us. And then he awarded one wrong one to Nigeria.

“That penalty to Nigeria affected the tide.”

I refused to bribe coaches to play for Nigeria — Oparaku

 

Mobi Oparaku

Atlanta’96 Olympic gold medallist and 1993 U-17 World Cup winner, Mobi Oparaku, is pessimistic about Nigeria’s chances at the World Cup. He tells KAZEEM BUSARI what Nigeria coach needs to do for the team to perform well in Brazil next year.

What do you think of Nigeria’s success in qualifying for the World Cup?

I was not worried about Ethiopia challenge because I had tipped the Super Eagles to get the World Cup ticket. Nigeria won the ticket in their first leg encounter in Addis Ababa when they defeated Ethiopia 2-1. But our team should realise that the World Cup finals is a different ball game from the qualifiers, so it is left for coach Stephen Keshi not to put Nigeria’s chances in jeopardy by selecting players based on sentiments. We have to be at the World Cup with the mentality that we can win, and we should go to Brazil with the best players we have.

I can’t wear bikini — Kemi Afolabi

 

Kemi Afolabi

Background

My name is Oluwakemisola Afolabi-Adesipe.  I’m an actress. I hail from Ogun State but I was born and bred in Lagos. I’m the first in a family of three. I had my primary and post primary education in Lagos. I’m a law graduate from the University of Lagos.

Growing up

We were neither poor nor wealthy. I am from an average family. We grew up with a very strict father but I have always been mommy’s pet.

Studying law

My parents did not influence my choice of law as a career. I have always wanted to be a lawyer.  When I gained admission into the University of Lagos, I was given the opportunity to study English.  I studied   English for a year but I still went back to write Joint Admissions Matriculations Board exams, making sure that I obtained   the cut-off mark for law. I was not called to the bar.  I could not create time from my acting job for that.

Journey into acting

Somebody introduced me to acting in my final year as a law student.  I had gone to relax in the student pavilion when this guy walked up to me and told me that he had a drama project and he wanted a new face to feature in it. I declined but he persisted. When I told my parents about it, my father did not think it was a good idea but my mother said there was nothing wrong with it.  The first script I got was written in Yoruba and I could not even pronounce some words very well.  But they encouraged me because I had potential.  I have done over 50 movies so far.

Nigeria beat Ethiopia to qualify for World Cup

 

Victor Moses and Efe Ambrose

Nigeria became the first African side to reach the 2014 World Cup after a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia in Calabar confirmed a 4-1 aggregate play-off win. Victor Moses coolly slotted home a first half penalty before substitute Obinna Nsofor slammed home a late free-kick to see Nigeria through to their fifth World Cup finals in six attempts.

Efe Ambrose had the first Nigerian shot in the opening moments after Brown Ideye had broken into the Ethiopian penalty area, but the Celtic defender’s effort was wild and high. Sisay Bancha then produced a wonderful double save after a seemingly innocuous throw-in by Ahmed Musa reached Emmanuel  Emenike in space inside the Ethiopia penalty area. His shot was stopped and Moses’ follow up was turned behind for a corner by the Ethiopia No1.

Acting affected my relationship — Iyabo Ojo

Iyabo Ojo is one of the most featured faces in Nollywood Yoruba genre. Quite controversial too, she opens up on her life and career

You have been in the entertainment industry for a while now…

I started acting in 1998. That is about 15 years.

What prompted you to becoming an actress?

Ever since I was young, I have always wanted to be in show business. From my secondary school days till now, I have always been popular. As a student, I was planning event, acting, singing, and was involved in cultural dance. I was into a lot of entertainment activities in school.

So far, how many films have you featured in?

I can’t remember but I have appeared in over 200 movies. To name a few: Baba Darijiwon, Funsho Animashaun, Botife, Bofe book, Ololufe, Ife Odale, Oro Lanre Pe Si je, Oga, Mario, Baba No regret, and my latest work, National Experience.

Between Dbanj and Jennifer Obayuwana

 

Jennifer Obayuwana

Silver spoon kid and executive director of Polo, a luxury goods store, Jennifer Obayuwana, and award-winning act, Dbanj, seem to have renewed their friendship.

Jennifer, whose father, John Obayuwana, owns the store, was sometime ago rumoured to be in a relationship with Dbanj. Although neither party confirmed nor denied the tale, the talk fizzled out naturally until recently when Dbanj was spotted at an event Polo organised at the Radisson Blu Hotel,Lagos. It’s not certain whose guest he was—Polo, John or Jennifer.

Dons look beyond new ASUU/FG agreement

Some educationists say that the new agreement reached by the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities may be the end of all strike actions by the union, writes ARUKAINO UMUKORO

Less than two weeks ago, the academic community and Nigerians generally heaved a sigh of relief when the Federal Government reached an agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities to end its four month-old strike.

The key factor of the agreement reached by the parties was that the FG would inject N1.1tn into public universities in the next five years. Beginning from 2014, the FG would release N220bn per annum.

So far, the aftermath has not been a pleasant one.