News / politics

Breaking: Obasanjo, Wike, Obi, others meet in London

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Thursday, met with the presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi; and the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, in Lodon.

Although details of the meeting were still sketchy as of the time of filing this report,  we gathered that it was part of negotiations ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

Wike attended the meeting with his allies including Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State; Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, among others.

Our correspondent gathered that a meeting between Wike and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, will also hold in London later today.

Details later……

Foreign / News

FG to Nigerians: Don’t go to Northern Cyprus, over 20 students killed there

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has cautioned Nigerian students against going to Northern Cyprus.

The Chairperson/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, handed down the warning on Thursday in Abuja.

Dabiri-Erewa spoke at a ministerial briefing organized by the Presidential Communications Team.

She said Northern Cyprus was not recognized by the UN, adding that a lot of students had been killed there.

She said: “There have been a lot of problems in Northern Cyprus.

“We have youths come to tell us: please tell everybody to stop going to Northern Cyprus.

“We did that sometime ago and we were challenged at what rights we had to tell people not to go Northern Cyprus.

“I say it again: if you have to go Northern Cyprus, think twice about it.

“No fewer than 20 students have been killed over the years and nothing has happened to the assailants.

“Students who had gone there earlier came to tell us that they had to embark on awareness campaign.

“Don’t go to these places.

“Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey.”

Dabiri-Erewa added that NiDCOM would continue to appeal that Nigeria took a strong decision about places like Northern Cyprus.

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Football / Sports

Champions League group stage draw: Tough tests for Liverpool and Man City as Bayern and Barcelona meet again

The group stage draw threw up some stellar ties, with Bayern in a group with Barcelona and Inter, while Liverpool and Manchester City were given tough starts to their campaigns.

Liverpool and Manchester City face challenging autumns while Bayern will look to continue their recent dominance over Barcelona in a mouth-watering section that also includes Inter after the draw for the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League group stage was made in Istanbul, Türkiye on Thursday.

Champions League group stage draw

Group A: Ajax, Liverpool, Napoli, Rangers
Group B: Porto, Atlético, Leverkusen, Club Brugge
Group C: Bayern, Barcelona, Inter, Viktoria Plzeň
Group D: Frankfurt, Tottenham, Sporting CP, Marseille
Group E: AC Milan, Chelsea, Salzburg, Dinamo
Group F: Real Madrid, Leipzig, Shakhtar, Celtic
Group G: Man. City, Sevilla, Dortmund, Copenhagen
Group H: Paris, Juventus, Benfica, Maccabi Haifa

Teams were divided into four pots based on their UEFA club coefficients. One team from each of the pots was then drawn into the eight groups, A–H. There were a few caveats: no team could play a club from their own association, and sides from the same association were paired to ensure they play on different nights.

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Football / Sports

Blame FIFA, not NFF, for Falconets ordeal in Istanbul

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), yesterday, absolved itself and the Federal Government from blame over the ordeal suffered by the women U-20 national team, Falconets, who were forced to sleep on the bare floor of Istanbul Airport after missing their connecting flight from Turkey to Abuja.

The Falconets, who were eliminated from the ongoing FIFA U-20 Women World Cup by The Netherlands at the weekend, were supposed to return to Nigeria on a Turkish Airline flight from Costa Rica on Monday.

The players’ ordeal came to the fore, yesterday when pictures of the girls lying on benches and on the floor at the Istanbul Airport flooded social media. Earlier, sources close to the team had accused the NFF of failing to provide basic kits with the Falconets needed for the competition, saying the players were given only three sets of green home wear and two sets of white away wear for a competition that would last three weeks.

He said this forced the players to wash their jerseys by hand after every game and also stopped them from exchanging jerseys with their opponents after each game.

The source added that the girls did not get the official footwear and were also forced to buy their own footwear despite the fact that the Federation has an existing kitting deal with an international sportswear manufacturing outfit. Reacting to the incident, yesterday, the NFF in a statement by its Media Director, Ademola Olajire, explained that a number of factors, including the inability to secure transit visas for players and officials of the team at the Istanbul Airport, led to the team having to stay 24 hours at the airport in Turkey.

“The NFF did not book the team’s tickets from Costa Rica; FIFA did. FIFA also did not envisage the hitches that saw the team delayed for more than three hours in Bogota, and another one hour in Panama. By the time the team got to Istanbul, the flight to Abuja had left. “Our officials pleaded for compassionate transit visas so as to …

News / Telecommunication

MTN kicks off 5G pilot in Nigeria, targets commercial launch in seven cities

Yesterday, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc kicked off an open Fifth-Generation (5G) pilot in the lead-up to its highly anticipated commercial launch.

The company, which intends to launch 5G services in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri and Maiduguri, is testing the next-generation network infrastructure. Customers with certain enabled devices will be allowed to connect with and try out the new service where coverage is available.

To access the 5G network and enjoy its benefits, customers will need compatible devices, such as routers and mobile phones, which can be pre-ordered from designated MTN walk-in stores and online via the MTN Nigeria website and e-marketplace.

The pre-ordered devices can be picked up or will be delivered to customers post the launch event scheduled to take place in the coming weeks.

The telecommunications firm, in a statement, yesterday, said the advanced technology promises to extend the reach and capacity of MTN Nigeria’s data network in Nigeria and enable much faster speeds and lower latency, giving customers near-instant access to the things they care about and downloads that take seconds, instead of minutes.

Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, Adia Sowho, said: “Every major technological evolution redefines what is possible – changing the way we live and the way we connect. MTN Nigeria has been at the forefront of every leap in telecommunications – from GSM to 2G, 3G, and 4G; 5G has the potential to change everything. It will allow us to connect, create, collaborate, and compete in ways we’ve not even begun to imagine.

“We appreciate the unwavering support and leadership of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in implementing the National Policy on 5G Networks for Nigeria’s Digital Economy, which has driven the implementation of 5G in the country. We’re honored to be a part of this revolution and being the first to bring 5G to Nigeria, we are truly excited about all the possibilities for the nation.”

The spectrum issued to MTN Nigeria as one of the two successful winners of the 5G …

Boxing / News / Sports

Jake Paul Teases Fight Contract: ‘Opponent Is Inked. October Is Mine’

Jake Paul appears to have settled on a date for his return to the boxing ring, teasing fans on social media with a tweet indicating he will be back in October:

Paul had been scheduled to fight at Madison Square Garden on Aug. 6, but his opponents dropped out for various reasons. Tommy Fury, the brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, was barred from entering the country. Hasim Rahman Jr. was inserted as Fury’s replacement, but that fight fell through over a weight dispute.

Paul declared on Saturday that his next opponent “will be a pro boxer and of course he will have a winning record just like Tommy and Ramen did before they pulled out.” The 25-year-old hasn’t fought since his December knockout victory over former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, which improved his boxing record to 5-0.…

Sports / Tennis

Angelique Kerber Reveals She’s Expecting Her First Baby, Withdraws from US Open

Angelique Kerber is pressing pause on her tennis career as she prepares to welcome her first baby.

The German tennis pro, 34, announced on social media Wednesday that she is pregnant, expecting her first baby. Along with the exciting pregnancy news, she shared that she will be missing the upcoming US Open and is taking a “break from traveling the globe as a tennis player.”

“I really wanted to play the @usopen but eventually I decided that two against one just isn’t a fair competition 👼🫶🏻🍼❤️,” she wrote, hinting at her pregnancy with baby-related emojis. “For the next months, I will take a break from traveling the globe as a tennis player but then again, I believe it’s for the best possible reason 🥰🐣! I will miss all of you.”

“New York has often been a turning point in my career and it feels like this year will be no different in some way! From restarting my career in 2011 to winning the title in 2016 and becoming #1 in the world… the @usopen have a special place in my heart and I wish I could have said goodbye to all of you on court before not being around on tour for a while,” she continued.

“Being a professional athlete means everything to me but I’m grateful for the new path I’m heading to,” Kerber added. “To be honest, I’m nervous and excited at the same time. Thanks for your continued support – it means everything to me ❤️🙏🏼❤️ #TeamAngie”

Several fellow tennis pros congratulated Kerber on her happy news in the comments of her post.

Polish tennis star Urszula Radwanska wrote, “Team Angie is getting bigger😁🥰👼 Congrats!!!😍,” while Serbian tennis pro Ana Ivanović added, “So happy for you 🥰 You’re going to be a great mom 🤰🏼🎾 Sending lots of love and support 💖.”

Retired tennis star Caroline Wozniacki, who is also a new mom, left a string of heart emojis on the post.

Kerber is currently ranked No. 52 in the world and won the US Open in …

Movies / News

We will never get over the deaths of these fictional characters

Film is a very emotional medium and most times it is argued that the best of films are the ones that appeal to our emotions more than our intellect. That’s why we get connected with this character on an emotional level and tend to feel it when they die. Here is a list of top deaths of characters that really broke our hearts:

We can never get over this death. Nairobi was everyone’s friend, everyone’s favorite character.

And just when we were so in love with this character, boom; The show producers decide to kill her.

There are other deaths that made our heads spin a bit, like Cedric Diggory and Dumbledore’s. But, deaths like Doddy’s is what put the icing on the cake and made the entire Harry Potter fans weep.

The sight of the honorable hero being cut down at the order of the sniveling and illegitimate King Joffrey, in front of Ned’s young daughters and all of King’s Landing no less, is another death we can seem to forget quickly.

 

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Music / News

Phantom signs a global publishing deal with UK-based record label, BMG

The deal follows the impressive success Phantom born Ayobami Olaleye has recorded in the Nigerian music industry where he has produced some of the biggest hits in last couple of years.

BMG officially announced his signing via their social media pages. “Phantom, the incredibly talented producer behind one of Burna Boy’s biggest hits “Ye”, has signed a global publishing deal with BMG,” the announcement post reads.

Phantom is the man behind Burna Boy‘s career changing hit ‘Ye’, Camidoh‘s ‘Sugarcane’, Zlatan’s ‘Bolanle’, Tekno‘s ‘Skeletun’, and most recently Fireboy‘s ‘Diana’.

Speaking on the new deal, Phantom said: “New season unlocked, more hits coming your speakers. Trust the process, getting the flowers I deserve and more, this year.”– Phantom

The deal is set to further promote Phantom’s fast-growing career and open him to more opportunities.

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Music / News

Mavin Records announce new signee Bayanni

Mavin Records has announced the signing of a new singer who goes by the name Bayanni. The new signee was unveiled yesterday across the company’s social media platforms. The elaborate unveiling video includes guest appearances from ace skit makers Sabinus and Brain Jotter.

Who is Bayanni?: Bayanni is a male singer-songwriter who is a product of Mavin Academy. He was discovered by Mavin’s A&R team who tapped him and put him through their artist development process for him to hone his skills.

His debut EP ‘Bayanni’ is an introduction to his writing and melody which he intends to use to thrill listeners and carve a niche for himself in the Nigerian music industry. He becomes the second act Mavin will unveil in 2022 following the signing of Boy Spyce.

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Music / News

Over 80,000 fans attend Kizz Daniel’s Afroclassic concert in Cotonou

In the latest leg of his tour, the Afrobeats megastar thrilled over 80,000 energetic fans on Sunday in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

The Plage De Fidrosse park in Benin Republic’s capital, Cotonou played host to the massively talented artist who didn’t stand on ceremony when he thrilled over 80,000 excited fans who, amid a lockdown and heavy traffic in the city, pulled out all the stops to listen to Kizz Daniel perform the biggest song on the continent.

Kizz thrilled the fans with a choice selection of some of his classic hits including ‘Woju’, ‘Laye’, ‘Lie’, ‘Pour Me Water’, ‘Buga’ and so many more.

Kizz Daniel is one of Africa’s hottest artists of 2022 with his hit single ‘Buga’ enjoying an intercontinental success that has made it into the biggest African single of 2022.

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News / politics

Nyesom Wike has agreed to work for Tinubu — Masari,

The placeholder of the All Progressives Congress for the 2023 presidential election before the choice of Senator Kashim Shettima as vice presidential candidate, Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, has said the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has agreed to work for the election of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as president.

Recall that Wike, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, met with Tinubu in the United Kingdom over the weekend.

Masari, who spoke in the United Kingdom, told the BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday: “The meeting was basically on the 2023 presidential election and by God’s grace, we are going to work with Governor Nyesom Wike.

“He will assist and we are going to win the election with ease, by the will of God.”

Asked whether Wike would join the APC to assist Tinubu win the election, Masari said he was not in a position to confirm that.

He, however, said Wike does not need to leave the PDP before he could assist anyone he wants to help.

He said: “This is because Wike is a big politician, a governor and he has control in some other states, apart from his state.

“He is good to the people and has associated with his people peacefully.

“By the grace of God, he will be of help to us.”

Asked if the new political romance will last as Atiku’s camp is still trying to pacify Wike, Masari said: “Well, only God knows what will happen next.

“But from what we are seeing now, what has transpired is that we are going to work with Wike and he will be useful to us.

“If you could remember, it was APC that caused the failure of APC in Bauchi, it was members of the party that led to the defeat of the governor from their party.

“The same thing happened in Adamawa State.

“So, what I want people to understand is that someone can still assist you, even without joining your party if he wants to.

“Furthermore, with the widespread acceptance of Bola Tinubu to Nigerians, …

Football / Sports

Marcus Rashford kickstarts Erik ten Hag era against listless Reds

Manchester United marked the belated launch of a new era under Erik Ten Hag as they deservedly beat rivals Liverpool 2-1 at Old Trafford.

Having lost to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford in their opening two games of the new campaign, the Red Devils looked transformed as they outfought and out-thought their arch-rivals to earn their first win under the Dutchman.

Liverpool had ran out 5-0 victors at this stadium en route to falling agonizingly short of a quadruple trophy success last season, but they were well short of those standards in losing out this time around.

Goals in either half from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford gave the revitalized hosts an advantage that they refused to surrender even after Mohamed Salah’s late header set up a potentially grandstand finish.

And that has left Jurgen Klopp searching for answers to a poor start that has seen his side return two draws and a defeat.

Ten Hag’s tough love pays off

Ten Hag’s decision to force his players to take part in a running session the day after their defeat to Brentford was questioned in some quarters.

But the Dutchman’s hardline approach appeared to pay off on Monday evening as his side outfought opponents who are renowned for their hard-working approach under Jurgen Klopp.

By fulltime against Liverpool at Old Trafford, United had run 18.3km more than they had across the 90 minutes in west London.

And that had played no small part in them forcing a team packed with quality into constant mistakes — a key facet of the victory.

Liverpool midfield question persists

If there is one area of the pitch Liverpool fans would most like to see reinforced before the end of the transfer window, it is undoubtedly midfield. The argument for bringing in a fresh face in the center of the park in the next few days was only strengthened by events at Old Trafford.

Admittedly, youngster Harvey Elliott performed well, but he was a rare bright spot in an engine room that largely failed to …

Boxing / News

Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk takes spectacular repeat victory over Anthony Joshua

Oleksandr Usyk took a second consecutive victory over Anthony Joshua to defend his unified WBO, WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles over the course of an epic 12-round battle.

Usyk triumphed on a split decision at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah, taking it 116-112 and 115-113 respectively on the cards of Ukraine’s Viktor Fesechko and Britain’s Steve Gray. Glenn Feldman of the USA scored 115-113 for Joshua.

The result infuriated Joshua. He picked up two championship belts and threw them out of the ring before storming off briefly.

Joshua then returned to seize the microphone and vent his emotions in a passionate outburst.

“I’m stealing this Usyk, I’m sorry, but it’s because of the passion we put into this,” Joshua told the crowd during his two-minute speech.

Usyk holds three of the four major heavyweight belts. There is one missing from his collection. Tyson Fury, ostensibly retired, still holds the WBC title. That’s the only fight Usyk is interested in.

“I’m sure that Tyson Fury is not retired yet,” the champion said. “I’m sure, I’m convinced he wants to fight me.

How champion Usyk rebuffed much-improved Joshua

Usyk did have to endure tremendous pressure from an implacable Joshua, who delivered a vastly-improved performance from their first fight in September.

Last year, after just two pro fights in the heavyweight division, Usyk outpointed Joshua in London in an outstanding performance. Formerly an undisputed champion down at cruiserweight, Usyk proved himself one of the best fighters pound-for-pound in the world today.

Joshua triggered an immediate rematch, determined to restore his place as a top-tier heavyweight. To that end he brought in a new trainer, Robert Garcia to join Angel Fernandez in his corner and devoted himself to rectifying the mistakes he made in the first fight.

Joshua had lost before meeting Usyk, but avenged his defeat against Andy Ruiz on his first visit to Saudi Arabia in 2019. He was fighting to become a three-time heavyweight champion and knew his legacy depended on victory tonight.

Both fighters were under …

Entertainment / Movies / News

Beauty disqualified from reality TV show

The former beauty queen was disqualified from the show on Sunday, August 7, 2022, after receiving the final strike from Biggie.

The gist – Beauty had on Saturday night, had an altercation with her love interest in the house, Groovy.

The argument lingered on for hours with the former beauty queen calling out Groovy over his friendship with one of the housemates, Chomzy.

As the situation got intense, she threw her wig and glasses at Groovy.

The disqualification – On Sunday afternoon, after reading the rules to the housemate, Big Brother disqualified Beauty for infringing one of the rules.

She had previously received a strike a few days earlier for a similar behavior.

Beauty joins the list of housemates who have been disqualified from the reality TV show.

The disqualified teammates – Fitness expert, Kemen was disqualified from the second season of the show in 2017. K Brule and Khloe were disqualified during the third season of the show.

In 2019, Tacha was disqualified from the show after an altercation with fellow housemate, Mercy Eke barely a week to the end of the show.

In 2020, Erica was disqualified from the show after a messy behavior and several infringements of the house rules.

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Entertainment / Movies / News

Gideon Okeke, wife set for divorce after 4 years of marriage

According to a source close to the couple, they are set to end their four-year-old marriage over irreconcilable differences. Okeke’s family will be going to Chidera’s village to collect the bride price paid on her in the coming week, the source revealed.

There have been speculations about the couple’s split for a while now.

According to several reports, Okeke and Chidera haven’t really had a cordial relationship for a while.

However, the two showed up together for their son’s birthday party at his school in July.

Gideon and Chidera had their traditional wedding ceremony in 2018.

The reality TV star turned actor and his wife had their fairytale white wedding the following year.

Dera and the actor welcomed their first child together in 2019.

In 2021, they welcomed their second child.

The reality TV star welcomed his first child with his former partner in 2016.

The actor rose to stardom in 2006 after taking part in the first season of the reality TV show, Big Brother Naija.

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Athletics / News / Sports

Tobi Amusan Wins Gold In Women 100m Hurdles Final

Nigerian female athlete, Tobi Amusan has won a gold medal in the women’s 100 meters hurdles final at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK.

Amusan set the new record after completing the race within 12.30 seconds to beat the Commonwealth game world record.

Amusan last month broke her first ever worldwide title and medal for the 100 meters hurdle in the semi-finals.

With the present success, Amusan is the first Nigerian to win a gold medal in the Athletics World Championships.…

Football / Sports

Pascal Gross double ruins Ten Hag’s Old Trafford bow

Pascal Gross netted a first-half brace to inspire Brighton to a deserved 2-1 win over Manchester United and ruin Erik ten Hag’s maiden Premier League outing.

Ten Hag named Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench at Old Trafford and his players were left floundering by Gross’ close-range expertise as the German midfielder took his career tally against United to six. A scrappy own-goal from Alexis MacAllister reduced the arrears but, even with Ronaldo on the field as a second-half substitute, the sort of late rally often synonymous with United on their home ground never materialized.

The Seagulls follow the torpor at Old Trafford

“Let’s give Brighton some credit before criticizing Manchester United,” Roy Keane said on Sky Sports at half-time, before immediately speaking in scathing terms about his old club. And that’s what probably hurts the most for United today: it’s all so familiar. There were shades of Louis van Gaal’s debut defeat to Swansea City in 2013, which followed a preseason of hope, renewal and optimism. At least everyone is a little bit longer in the tooth now.

Keane’s sentiment was correct. On paper, this is the 20-time champions of England losing to a team that has traditionally resided a good distance away from the top division. But Brighton are a problem for anyone on their day. When Pep Guardiola refers to them as “A Graham Potter team” it speaks volumes of the esteem in which the Albion boss is held by his most celebrated colleagues.

Brighton had a look at the puzzle they had to solve for the first 10 minutes or so, then proceeded to take United to the cleaners, with each delicate pass, turn and switch of play pricking at wounds that have understandably not healed after United’s dire 2021/22.

Reality check for Ten Hag

Potter reverted to a back three in Brighton’s final preseason friendly and stuck with that ploy to fine effect here, mitigating against the effect of losing Marc Cucurella for blockbusting money. A couple of seasons of calm, clear management and a defined …

Football / Sports

Erling Haaland goals seal opening win for Manchester City

Erling Haaland scored twice on his Premier League debut as Manchester City opened their title defence with a dominant win at West Ham United.

The striker got off the mark in the first half at the London Stadium as he won and then converted a penalty to give City a deserved lead.

West Ham struggled in the heat as City took charge of the ball and it wasn’t until the hour mark that David Moyes’ side posed any questions of the champions.

But it left space at the other end and Kevin De Bruyne’s perfect pass released Haaland, as the 22-year-old finished under Alphonse Areola to double City’s lead.

Relive the action from the London Stadium below after Manchester United were beaten by Brighton

West Ham vs Manchester City

  • 35’ GOAL! Haaland wins and scores penalty to get off the mark in the Premier League
  • 65’ GOAL! Haaland races clear and finishes to double City’s lead with his second

West Ham United FC 0 – 2 Manchester City FC…

Foreign / News

Why Nigerians below 30 will no longer get visa to UAE — FG + Video

The Federal Government has said that it will now be difficult for Nigerians below the age of 30, especially males, to get the visa of the United Arab Emirates.

The Chairperson, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, made this known in an interview with ARISE TV.

Dabiri-Erewa, in the video, also offered reason for the development.

Before now, the UAE visa was one of the easiest for Nigerians to obtain.

It took less than 72 hours for virtually every Nigerian to obtain the UAE visa.

Speaking on the now stringent conditions imposed by the authorities of the UAE for Nigerians to obtain visa, Dabiri-Erewa said the recent incidences of various cult clashes and crimes committed by Nigerians in Dubai have caused stringent visa accessibility requirements for males below 30-years-old.

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