Football

UEFA 23man Squad of the Season

UEFA’s Technical Observers have chosen their 23-man squad from the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League.

UEFA’s Technical Observers: Packie Bonner, Cosmin Contra, Corinne Diacre, Dušan Fitzel, Steffen Freund, Robbie Keane, Roberto Martínez, Ginés Meléndez, John Peacock, Gareth Southgate, Patrick Vieira.

Goalkeepers

Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
Ederson (Man. City)
Edouard Mendy (Chelsea)

Defenders

César Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
Rúben Dias (Man. City)
Marquinhos (Paris)
Antonio Rüdiger (Chelsea)
Ben Chilwell (Chelsea)
David Alaba (Bayern)

Midfielders

Jorginho (Chelsea)
Mason Mount (Chelsea)
N’Golo Kanté (Chelsea)
Kevin De Bruyne (Man. City)
İlkay Gündoğan (Man. City)
Luka Modrić (Real Madrid)
Sérgio Oliveira (Porto)
Phil Foden (Man. City)

Forwards

Erling Haaland (Dortmund)
Kylian Mbappé (Paris)
Robert Lewandowski (Bayern)
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
Neymar (Paris)
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)…

Athletics / Sports

Ese Brume erases Chioma Ajunwa’s 25-year-old long jump record

Jumps 7.17m to set world lead record

Twenty-five years after long jumper, Chioma Ajunwa, conquered the world by winning a gold medal at Atlanta ‘96 Olympics, another Nigerian, Ese Brume, has made big headlines in that country, this time in the city of California.

Brume, who was Nigeria’s only athlete to reach the final of any event at the Rio 2016 Olympics in Brazil, jumped a distance of 7.17m on Saturday at Chile Vista Festival in California to become the first African woman to ever make such a mark. She shattered Ajunwa’s 25-year-old Long Jump record of 7.12m in the process. Brume’s jump was also a World Lead.

“I am so glad for this achievement,” Brume told The Guardian on phone from California in the early hours of yesterday.

Jumping six times, Brume saved the best for the last, leaping that mark on her very last attempt after jumping 6.83m (three times) and 6.88m once.

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Boxing / Sports

Joshua may vacate his WBO title

Matchroom Boxing promoter Hearn says Joshua may take the fight with Usyk (18-0, 13 KOs), but he also may vacate the WBO belt if it doesn’t make “business sense” for them.

Hearn has a couple of other options that he’s looking at for Joshua’s next fight.

Presumably, those are bigger money fights than what Usyk brings to the table. Usyk isn’t someone who will attract a lot of excitement from the fans, as he’s not done anything at heavyweight to make a name for himself.

Hearn and Joshua (24-1, 22 KOs) are still steaming about losing out on the Tyson Fury undisputed championship fight, and the last thing they want is for a sanctioning body to order them around.

“We negotiate all the time with people who sometimes aren’t entitled to a fight, and we got it again now,” said Eddie Hearn to Boxing Social. “The WBO straightaway sent a little in, ‘You’re now fighting him.’

“At some point, you want to turn around and say, ‘You know what? Why can’t we just breathe and do our own thing, but of course, he [Joshua] wants to be undisputed, and that’s why we’re considering our options.

“I think the most likely scenario is, we fight Oleksander Usyk. If the deal is right and everyone is sensible, yes, I think that fight happens.…

News / politics / Stories

Mali suspended over second coup in nine months by ECOWAS

West African leaders suspended Mali from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at an extraordinary summit Sunday but stopped short of reimposed sanctions, after a second military coup in nine months.

The putsch had sparked deep concerns over stability in the volatile Sahel region and warnings of fresh economic penalties.

Ten regional heads of state and three foreign ministers attended the summit in the Ghanaian capital Accra, with former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan serving as a mediator in the crisis.

“The suspension from ECOWAS takes immediate effect until the deadline of the end of February 2022 when they are supposed to hand over to a democratically elected government,” Ghana’s Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey said after the meeting.

The final declaration called for the immediate appointment of a new civilian prime minister and the formation of an “inclusive” government.

In a statement, ECOWAS also reiterated that “the head of the transition, the vice-president and the prime minister of the transition must under no circumstances be a candidate for the future presidential election”.…

Foreign / News / Stories

China allows couples to have three children: State Media

China will allow couples to have three children after a census showed its population is rapidly ageing, state media said Monday, further unwinding four decades of strict family planning controls in the world’s most populous nation which have strangled the birthrate.

In 2016 China relaxed its controversial “one-child policy” — one of the world’s strictest family planning regulations — to a “two-child policy” due to widespread concerns over an ageing workforce and economic stagnation.

Despite government efforts to encourage couples to have children, China’s annual births have continued to plummet to a record low of 12 million in 2020, the National Bureau of Statistics said last month, as the cost of living rises and women increasingly make their own family planning choices.

The slump threatens a demographic crisis which has alarmed the ruling Communist Party headed by President Xi Jinping, booking in a shortage of young workers to drive an economy experts say will by 2050 will have to support hundreds of millions of elderly.

A Monday meeting of the elite Politburo leadership committee hosted by Xi announced a further loosening of the state’s control over the size of families.

“To actively respond to the ageing population … a couple can have three children,” state media Xinhua reported.

The Politburo meeting also promised “accompanying support measures” that are also “conducive to the country’s population structure”, though these were left unspecified.

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News

Nigeria police disperse protesters wounding one: Activist

 

Nigerian police dispersed a crowd of protesters Monday in the capital Abuja, injuring one, according to activists.

It was unclear what the protest was about or how many people were present but activist Omoyele Sowore, a well-known opposition figure who has organised previous protests against bad governance said he was wounded by a police officer.

Sowore posted a picture of a wound on Twitter but police have denied the reports that he was shot, saying there was “no record of such incident” at this time.

“Contrary to the speculation, police operatives professionally restored calm at the Unity Fountain following attempts by a group of protesters to incite public disturbance,” police spokeswoman Mariam Yusuf said in a statement.

“The protesters who went on the rampage were resisted by police operatives in order to prevent them from causing a breakdown of law and order,” Yusuf added.

Nigerian police dispersed a crowd of protesters Monday in the capital Abuja, injuring one, according to activists.It was unclear what the protest was about or how many people were present but activist Omoyele Sowore, a well-known opposition figure who has organised previous protests against bad governance said he was wounded by a police officer.

Sowore posted a picture of a wound on Twitter but police have denied the reports that he was shot, saying there was “no record of such incident” at this time.

“Contrary to the speculation, police operatives professionally restored calm at the Unity Fountain following attempts by a group of protesters to incite public disturbance,” police spokeswoman Mariam Yusuf said in a statement.

“The protesters who went on the rampage were resisted by police operatives in order to prevent them from causing a breakdown of law and order,” Yusuf added.

“Sowore has just been shot by a female police officer… She fired a teargas cannister directly at Sowore,” activist Inibehe Effiong said on Twitter.

One of his lawyers Marshall Abubakar told AFP he had been rushed to hospital.

“I am with him at the (hospital) theatre now trying to ascertain but it

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Football / Sports

Aguero joins Barcelona on a free Transfer

Sergio Aguero, Man City’s record goalscorer with 260 goals, is departing the Etihad after a decade at the club; Argentina forward joined from Atletico Madrid in 2011; injuries and illness restricted his appearances in final season at City; 32-year-old unveiled by Barca on Monday

The forward was presented in a Barca kit and greeted the media on Monday evening after completing a medical in the afternoon prior to signing a two-year deal.

Aguero will move to Barcelona on a free transfer but the Catalan club have said Aguero’s buyout clause is set at €100m (£86m). He will officially become a Barcelona player on July 1 after his City contract expires.

Aguero’s departure from the Etihad was announced at the end of March after Pep Guardiola informed City’s record goalscorer of the club’s decision not to renew his deal.…

Basket Ball / Sports

Anthony Davis Questionable for Game 4

Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis is dealing with an injury to his knee that has his status for Sunday’s Game 4 against the Phoenix Suns up in the air.

Head coach Frank Vogel told reporters after Saturday’s practice that Davis will be listed as questionable with a sprained knee, though Davis made it clear he will be out there.

“There’s no chance that I don’t play tomorrow,” he told reporters.

Davis said after the Lakers’ Game 3 win that he hyperextended the knee but expected to play on Sunday.

After starting the postseason with 13 points in Game 1, Davis has averaged 34.0 points and 10.5 rebounds in the past two games against the Suns.

As the Lakers fought to avoid being relegated to a spot in the play-in tournament, head coach Frank Vogel was careful not to push Davis too hard. The eight-time All-Star missed 30 straight games from February 16 to April 19 because of a strained calf and Achilles injury.

Davis showed some rust after returning, averaging 20.5 points per contest with a 41.5 field-goal percentage in 11 games. He did have a fantastic performance on May 9 with a season-high 42 points in a 123-110 win over the Phoenix Suns.

The Lakers held Davis out of their May 12 win over the Houston Rockets with a groin injury. The reigning NBA champions have also played most of the second half of this season without LeBron James because of a sprained ankle.

As long as Davis and James are healthy for the postseason, the Lakers are capable of making another deep run in their quest for a second straight title.

Markieff Morris will likely move into the starting lineup if Davis is unable to play in Game 4.…

Entertainment / Stories

Seun Kuti Rocked The Afikan Shrine Stage

 

It was an amazing time with Seun Kuti and the Egypt 80 band as people of different race where in attendance to listen to African Music . the show started off with mini performances to warm up the crowd before Seun came to kick start the show.

he started off with one of his Dad’s greatest hits ” Zombie “. he also performed some of his own hits like Bad Times and Bad Man Lighter.

Celebrity Rapper Vector was also in attendance as he enjoyed every piece of Seun’s performance with his head gesture .

here are some images from the show.

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Entertainment / Music

Buju: I want to make positive impact with my music

AFRO-FUSION artiste, Daniel Benson aka Buju has said his mission statement is to push the new generation into conversation on making good music.

According to the 22-year-old vocalist, he is one artiste who wants to be known for the impact he made via music.

“What sets me apart from other artistes is that I am conscious of whatever material I’m putting out. I am one artiste who wants to be known for the impact he made via music,” he said.

The Akwa-Ibom-born singer disclosed that he is influenced by the good works of talented artistes including Burna Boy, Drake, Buju Banton, Damian Marley, and J Hus amongst others.

“My love for music started from junior secondary school where I developed the skills of writing music and doing a few rap songs, later proceeding to joining the choir and doing solo performances at Valedictory services. The love continued up to the university level and ever since my love and passions for music have grown.”

Buju released his first solo single in 2018 titled ‘Catch a Vibe’ and has gone ahead to release other materials that include ‘A Day in Lagos’, ‘Spiritual,’ L’Enu amongst other songs.…

News

Concerns over alleged re-looting of over $1.5b Abacha Loot

Economists, legal practitioners as well as other professionals and civil society organisations have expressed concerns over the poor management of returned looted funds, especially the money stolen by former Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.Disturbed by increasing wave of corruption across the country, despite the much-talked about anti-corruption campaign of the present administration, the experts are further piqued about indications that returned loot were being re-looted, especially as the financial transactions remained opaque, lacking in transparency and accountability.

This growing fear, perhaps, recently forced the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III to ask the Federal Government to explain to Nigerians how much of the country’s looted funds it has so far recovered.

While the Federal and Delta State governments continue to lock horns over the returned £4.2m stolen by former governor James Onanefe Ibori, the experts stressed that there was every justification to return the stolen money to the state in the spirit of true federalism.

 

Last month, the Federal Government stated that the actual money stolen under Abacha and the amount recovered were unclear. As much as $5b was reportedly stolen by the deceased leader alone.

The funds, basically from oil and gas, which go out of the country as Illicit Financial Flows (IFF) hover around N103t in the last 15 years, The Guardian had earlier reported.

From 2007 to 2020, about $1.5b has been returned to Nigeria from different parts of the world. Also, between 2007 and 2018, Switzerland returned over $1b to the Nigerian government, and in June 2014, Liechtenstein sent $277m to Nigeria.

In May 2020, $308m held in accounts based in the Channel Island of Jersey, were sent to Nigeria. The returned monies brought the total of returned Abacha loot to $1.5b.

At the Ministry of Finance, Nwodo Charles, the ministry’s spokesperson said he needed time to get accurate information on the matter.

On the state of the projects where part of the fu116.72b for the much-politicised second Niger Bridge, a project valued at N414b, and expected to be delivered next year.

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News / politics

Ripples over Southwest APC leaders’ position on Oduduwa Republic

Recently some Southwest leaders in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) met in Lagos and implored groups involved in agitations for self-determination to desist forthwith. Their position have, however, triggered several reactions form concerned Yoruba groups and individuals.

In the second of nine resolutions arrived at the meeting, convener, Chief Bisi Akande expressed strong opposition to separatist agitations and hate speeches. The leaders directed those indulging in such to desist forthwith while expressing their belief in the unity, stability and sustainability of the country.

But there have been mixed feelings that the Southwest leaders failed to engage the separatists groups on how take the country out of its present security predicament, which is believed to have been aggravated by the menace of armed Fulani herdsmen,whose activities have been perceived as threat to the existence of other ethnic groups in the country, especially the southern region.

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Basket Ball / Sports

Bucks sweep Heat, advance to second round of 2021 NBA playoffs

Giannis Antetokounmpo tallied a triple-double with 20 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds, Brook Lopez added 25 points and Bryn Forbes continued his hot shooting with seven triples as the Milwaukee Bucks knocked off the Miami Heat 120-103 in Game 4 to complete a first-round sweep of Miami. Jimmy Butler had 12 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds for the Heat in the loss.

Milwaukee was expected to struggle with the team that eliminated them from last season’s bubble, but the Bucks showed why they’re a contender for the 2021 NBA title. They covered the spread (-5) easily in a Game 4 they struggled in before the second half.

The Heat jumped out to an early 22-12 advantage and maintained their lead for much of the first half. Miami held a 66-57 lead after Bam Adebayo scored the opening bucket of the third quarter but the Bucks made a major push, going on a 34-19 run to close the frame and hold a 91-85 lead. Miami missed 15 shots in the third quarter.

Antetokounmpo kept Milwaukee humming with two baskets and two assists to open the fourth quarter while the Heat continued to go cold from the floor. Miami missed 13 shots in the fourth quarter, including five attempts from deep.

The Bucks now await the winner of the Nets-Celtics series, with Boston getting Game 3 after Jayson Tatum’s 50-point explosion. Milwaukee will get some additional rest before its second round series.…

Football / Sports

Chelsea Win the Uefa Champions League

Chelsea are celebrating being crowned Champions League winners for only the second time after a memorable victory over Manchester City in Porto on Saturday night.

The Blues were excellent in an entertaining final at the Estadio do Dragao, thoroughly deserving of a hard-fought 1-0 victory secured courtesy of a cool first-half strike from £71million record signing Kai Havertz that came after a superb, defence-splitting Mason Mount pass.

The triumph – Chelsea’s first in the Champions League since that famous 2012 night in Munich – represents an incredible turnaround from Thomas Tuchel, who has far exceeded expectations since replacing Frank Lampard in January and will surely be handed a long-term contract after a strong few months that also included a top-four Premier League finish and FA Cup Final appearance.

As for domestic champions Manchester City, their frustrating wait for a first taste of Champions League glory continues after a chastening evening in Portugal.

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Covid 19 / News / politics

Buhari receives second dose of COVID-19 vaccine

President Muhammadu Buhari has taken the second dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at the State House, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that president’s personal physician, Dr Suhayb Rafidadi, administered the vaccine on the president at his official residence, State House, Abuja on Saturday.

Buhari had received the first jab of the vaccination on March 6 where he was presented with his COVID-19 vaccination card by officials of the Federal Ministry of Health, who supervised the exercise.
The President is the ECOWAS Champion on the Fight against COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) had disclosed that 1,945, 273 eligible Nigerians had so far taken the first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

It also said that 22,162 of Nigerians vaccinated with the first dose had also taken the second dose.

NAN reports that Nigeria has so far received over 3.92 million doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines delivered under the international Covax scheme.

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Sports / Tennis

Nadal ‘Not Worried’ About Being In Djokovic & Federer’s Half

Rafael Nadal didn’t appear to be fazed on Friday when he spoke about landing in the same half of the Roland Garros draw as his great rivals World No. 1 Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

The Spanish superstar, who will be bidding to capture a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam championship crown with his 14th Roland Garros title, admitted, “I see it as natural. One player is almost 40 [Federer], another is almost 35 [Nadal] and the other is 34 [Djokovic]. It seems logical that younger players [will] climb in the [FedEx ATP] Rankings.

Grand Slam Singles Title Leaders

Player Grand Slam Titles
Roger Federer 20
Rafael Nadal 20
Novak Djokovic 18
Pete Sampras 14

“Whenever that happens you have these consequences [with the seedings]. I see it as completely normal. I’m not worried about it. I have a lot of work in front of me to play a potential match versus Djokovic [in the semi-final].

“They would need to play each other and I have my own path. My path right now is [Alexei] Popyrin [in the first round] and that’s where my mind is. My draw is hard enough to be thinking about anything else. I must continue my preparation, focus on my routines and keep advancing in the way we want.”

The 34-year-old Nadal beat Popyrin 6-3, 6-3 in the Mutua Madrid Open third round a few weeks ago.

“He’s young, he has the power,” said Nadal. “He has big shots. As always, I need to be ready for it. I need to keep practising [over] the next couple of days [and] try to be in the best shape possible. I know every round is tough, I always respect every opponent. I respected everyone since the beginning of my career. And Popyrin is a dangerous one, so I need to play well and I’m looking forward to trying to make that happen.”

Nadal comes into Roland Garros, where he has compiled an outstanding 100-2 match record since his 2005 debut, on the back of capturing titles …

Boxing / Sports

Oleksandr Usyk’s team optimistic a fight with Anthony Joshua will be agreed soonest

The WBO ordered Joshua to defend his belt against mandatory challenger Usyk after the breakdown of his planned undisputed title fight with Tyson Fury. Joshua and Usyk were given until May 31 to negotiate terms before the fight will be decided via purse bids. But Joshua is also considering other opponents, his promoter Eddie Hearn has said.

 

Joshua holds the IBF, WBA and WBO titles but his desired opponent Fury was told to defend his WBC belt against Deontay Wilder by a court of arbitration.

“We are in the middle of negotiations now and things look optimistic,” Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk told Sky Sports about talks with Joshua’s representative Hearn.

“As long as I am informed there are no visible obstacles to the deal not to take place, hopefully, it will be completed within the rendered timing.”…

News / Stories / Wildlife

Colorado woman killed in suspected bear attack, wildlife officials say

A Colorado woman out walking her dogs died of a suspected bear attack, officials said.

The 39-year-old woman was found Friday night by her boyfriend, who went searching for her when he discovered the two dogs alone outside their home in Durango, in southwestern Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said in a statement Saturday.

He found her body around 9:30 p.m. local time off U.S. Highway 550 near Trimble, north of Durango, and called 911, officials said. The woman and her boyfriend haven’t been publicly identified.

Responding wildlife officers “observed signs of consumption on the body and an abundance of bear scat and hair at the scene,” Colorado Parks and Wildlife said in a statement.

Wildlife officials believe the woman died of a bear attack, though the local coroner’s office will determine the official cause of death. An autopsy will be performed by the La Plata County coroner early next week, officials said.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials urged the public to avoid the area as the investigation continues and asked people to report any encounter with an aggressive bear to the agency.

“Bear attacks are extremely rare,” Colorado Parks and Wildlife Southwest Region manager Cory Chick said in a statement. “This is a tragic event and a sad reminder that bears are wild and potentially dangerous.”…

International / News

Blinken claims progress in effort to boost Israel-Hamas truce

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has wrapped up a two-day visit to the Middle East, winning diplomatic support and hundreds of millions of dollars of pledges from Arab countries as he moved to shore up the ceasefire that ended an 11-day conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian group which rules the Gaza Strip.

But the mission made little headway in resolving the deeper issues at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including the tensions in occupied East Jerusalem that played a key role in triggering the latest violence.…

News / Stories

Nigeria university celebrates Islamic clothe after student harassed

A university in Nigeria’s northern Kano state has suspended male students who harassed a female student for her outfit.

In a viral online video, the students can be seen taunting the female student dressed in the Arabian clothe called abaya, a loose fitting long garment that reaches to the ankles.

It is popular for women in predominantly Muslim northern Nigeria.

The Kano State University of Technology described the actions of the male students as shameful and said their suspension was to serve as a warning to others.

Seventeen male students are under investigation for their role in the incident and at least five have been suspended.

The university has also declared 27 May every year to celebrate the abaya and students were asked to wear the outfit on Thursday.

The victim told the BBC that she cried after the incident as it was the first time she was subjected to such because of her outfit.

“I cried because I don’t dress indecently and the abaya covered my body properly,” she said.

It is rare for Muslim women in northern Nigeria to be harassed for their outfits and this harassment is linked to posts on social media from two weeks ago.

Ahead of the Salah celebrations, some northern young women took to social media to say they were willing to do anything to be rewarded with the outfit, says the BBC’s Mansur Abubakar in Kano.

This prompted some men to begin to mock women seen in the outfit with shouts of “abaya”, he said.

Hisbah, the Sharia police in the state, has also warned men that they face arrest and prosecution if they harass women wearing the abaya.

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