BBNaija / Entertainment / News

#BBNaijaReunion: Tochi drags Ka3na, Lucy & Dorathy over food

Agreeably the most dramatic highlight of episode nine, Tochi had a go at Ka3na, Dorathy and Lucy over how he felt about their partial distribution of food in the house. Trust that with Ka3na the boss lady and Tochi, it never gets calmly resolved. The housemates screamed at each other for minutes of cliques, food and how they truly felt about each other during their time in the house. Dorathy and Lucy also got their fair share of the Tochi venom.

Once again, BrightO’s loose tongue got the spotlight for tattling with Tochi about how he felt Prince could not match Nengi’s financial needs.

Recall that in a bid to get back at Praise for mocking him in the house, BrightO led a conspiracy theory about Praise’s estranged fiancée’s age. This, according to Praise, led to fans invading her social media platforms. He then asked BrightO to publicly apologize to her, a request BrightO turned down as he claimed he did not owe anyone an apology.

It turns out Tolanibaj isn’t the only one with no regard for friendship as her accuser, Vee also took the guilty stand.

While explaining her reason for nominating Lilo for eviction, Vee stated that it was because she felt Lilo preferred to be in Eric’s arms than participate in the show. Seeing as she didn’t look like she wanted it bad enough, she felt okay voting against her.

…
News / politics

Lagos State urges occupants near collapsed Apapa building to relocate

Lagos State Government through its Building Control Agency (LASBCA), has advised occupants of buildings close to a partially collapsed building at Olufiditi Street, Amukoko to relocate while removal of the collapsed structure is ongoing.

General Manager of LASBCA, Prince Gbolahan Oki, gave the advice while reacting to the incident that happened last Sunday at Olufiditi Street, off Olokodana street, Amukoko, Lagos.

Oki stated that the building, which was an ongoing construction at the time of collapse, was detected by the agency, sealed up after serving construction statutory notices, including a stop-work order and advised to conduct a structural integrity test to ascertain its level of structural integrity.

He, however, regretted that the developer refused to toe the line of best practices as suggested by the agency and was eventually sealed off again the agency suspected that the building had structural defects and had no development permits.

He stressed that all other buildings around the collapsed building would be subjected to total integrity test through the Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory and if failed they will be removed by the agency.

He said: “In the meantime, LABSCA has cordoned off the collapse site. We advised the occupants of the adjoining structures to relocate while the removal of the collapsed structure is ongoing.

The General Manager expressed regret over the incidence of building collapse, which is often characterised by use of quacks and substandard materials during construction and loss of lives and properties.

According to him, “people are not doing the right thing, but sooner than later the agency will put up a massive aggressive enforcement for compliance strategy to curb all infractions and implement the state-building control regulations to the letter.”

The Guardian gathered that the collapsed building, designed as a four-floor structure was sealed by LASBCA officials before the collapse, but the developer of the building broke the government seal.

Oki emphasised that building owners/developers should seek authorisation from LASBCA before the commencement of construction, subject their buildings to Structural Integrity Test, and obtain all necessary building permits before the …

Football / Sports

Eagles depart Abuja for international friendly with Mexico in Los Angeles

Super Eagles’ contingent for Saturday’s international friendly game against Mexico will depart Nigeria today for Los Angeles, U.S., venue of the game.

Made up of solely home-based players, the team is expected to travel aboard a Turkish Airline flight for the game billed for the Los Angeles Coliseum, a 77,500 capacity facility that has hosted major international games.

The team, led by Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen, with support from former U-20 national team coach, Paul Aigbogun, has been preparing for the encounter in Abuja in the last six days.

Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr, will also be with the squad in America to monitor the performance of the players and advise the handlers where necessary.

Eguavoen recently trimmed the team to 23 for easy management of the players, who are expected to use the match to justify their demand for more representation in the Super Eagles main team.

The players got their visas from the U.S. Embassy and also did their COVID-19 tests yesterday ahead of their journey today.

Among the players billed to make the trip to the U.S are goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Heartland), John Noble (Enyimba) and Lobi Stars’ Stanley Nwabali Bobo.

The defenders are Olisa Ndah (Akwa United); Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors); Tope Olusesi (Enugu Rangers); Imoh Obot (Enyimba); Tebo Franklin Degaulle (Nasarawa United); Lawal Oriyomi Murtala (Kwara United); and Enyinnaya Kazie (Rivers United).

The midfielders are Anthony Shimaga (Rangers International); Seth Mayi (Akwa United); and Uche Onwuasoanya (Plateau United.

Anayo Iwuala of Enyimba, who has been part of the main Super Eagles in recent times, will lead the attackers, who also include Stephen Jude (Kwara United); Ibrahim Olawoyin (Enugu Rangers); Charles Ashimene (Akwa United); Auwalu Ali Malam (Kano Pillars); Nenrot Emmanuel (Plateau United); Abdulmutalif Sanusi (Katsina United); Sunday Adetunji(Rivers United); Mohammed Zulkifilu (Plateau United) and Chinonso Eziekwe (Enugu Rangers).

Saturday’s match against Nigeria is part of Mexico’s Mex Tour Series, which involves four games. The game kicks off at 7.30 p.m. Los Angeles time on Saturday, which is 3.30 a.m. on …

Sports / Tennis

Roger Federer edges through after Adrian Mannarino retires in fifth set

Each year that Roger Federer returns to Wimbledon, the scene of eight of his grand slam titles and on the surface that has slotted so snugly into his game for two decades, he does so with the aim of winning the title once more. He undoubtedly arrived in London with similar intentions this year but he has some elementary concerns for the time being. After two knee operations and more than a year out of competition, he is still trying to rediscover his form after difficult months back on tour.

Under the Centre Court roof and against a quick-witted veteran opponent who knows his way around a grass court, those sensations did not quite arise even though he escaped. Federer reached the second round after Adrian Mannarino was forced to retire with a knee injury following a bad slip, the score was 6-4, 6-7(3), 3-6, 6-2 ret.

“It’s awful,” said Federer in his on-court interview. “It shows that one shot can change the outcome of a match, a season, a career. I wish him all the best and I hope he recovers quickly so I can see him back on the courts because he could have won the match at the end. I definitely got a bit lucky but who cares about that? I wish him all the best.”

Across the net from Federer stood one of the unique games on the tour. Mannarino is a diminutive lefty with some of the most compact, flat groundstrokes in the men’s game. Early on Federer looked comfortable but as the second set wore on, he became increasingly tentative with his forehand as Mannarino cut down on his unforced errors. It culminated in an extremely low-quality tiebreak from Federer, in which he made four unforced forehand errors.

Throughout the third set, Mannarino continued to play intelligently, forcing Federer to move into his forehand side and producing some excellent angled backhands as the Swiss’s form continued to drop. He fell down 0-2 after losing his serve with a meek service game: four consecutive groundstroke …

Sports / Tennis

Serena Williams out after suffering ankle injury during first-round match

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion suffered the ankle injury during the early stages of her first-round match on Centre Court; Williams was in tears on court as she tried to serve at 3-3 and then retired from the match shortly after and had to be helped off court

Serena Williams’ bid for a record equaling 24th Grand Slam singles crown ended in tears at Wimbledon as an ankle injury forced her out of her first-round match with Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

The 39-year-old, who has seven Wimbledon singles titles on her glittering CV, had broken to lead 3-1 against her Belarusian opponent when she turned her left ankle badly.

When world No 100 Sasnovich broke straight back, Williams – her right thigh already heavily strapped – was forced to leave the court for a medical time-out and, while the American made her way back onto Centre Court in an attempt to compete, the tears were in evidence as she could barely move.

Sasnovich levelled the match at 3-3, but another slip from Williams left her laying on the ground and, amid gasps from the crowd, she was helped to her feet by the chair umpire and the retirement was confirmed

Williams has been on 23 Grand Slam titles since the 2017 Australian Open – but her last two visits to Wimbledon have yielded finals.

Having lost to Simona Halep in 2019 and Angelique Kerber in 2018, sixth seed Williams arrived with ambition of finally levelling Margaret Court’s supreme tally, but she was left disraught and released a statement via her Instagram feed.

“I was heartbroken to have to withdraw today after injuring my right leg,” said Williams.…

Education / News

Senate passes establishment bill for Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo

The Senate has passed the bill for the establishment of Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.

This followed the consideration of two reports by Senate Committees on Health (Secondary and Tertiary); and Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND at Tuesday’s plenary.

The Chairman of the Committee on Health, Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe (APC- Kwara), in his presentation said the the bill for the University of Medical Sciences, Otukpo would give legal backing to the institution which was already in existence.

Oloriegbe said: “Mr. President and Distinguished Colleagues, this is coming at a very important time in our history. “With the challenges of the pandemic and the importance of the health sector generally in Nigeria and globally, creation of a University of Health Sciences is very necessary.

“More importantly, the Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo is already in existence but needs legal backing to effectively carry out its mandates.”

The lawmaker explained that the bill sought to among other things, address the dearth in admission of students aspiring to study Medicine and Allied Health Sciences in Nigeria.

Oloriegbe said the university would fill the vacuum created by the loss of manpower in the country’s health services industry to migration and brain drain.…

Entertainment / Health / News

Obama DMW dies after driving himself to hospital

A member of Davido Music Worldwide crew, Obama DMW, Davido’s Road manager is dead.

It was learnt that Obama died at a hospital in Lekki, Lagos State on Tuesday (today), but the cause of his death was not disclosed.

Obama had driven himself to the hospital where he was admitted after complaining of having difficulty in breathing.

He however died shortly after. A video shared by media personality, N6, showed friends and loved ones at the hospital where DMW died. His corpse has been deposited in the mortuary ahead of his burial on June 30.…

Football / Sports

England beat Germany as Sterling and Kane send them to Euro 2020 last eight

For England, it was always going to be about finding the moment, the one to blow apart a tight game, to cut through so much negative tournament history – particularly at the hands of Germany. And for long spells, as the tension rose to near unbearable levels at a raucous and emotional Wembley, the home crowd wondered whether it would come.

Gareth Southgate had reverted to a 3-4-3, ignoring the clamor for greater fantasy and more creative players. It was the England manager sticking bravely to his principles, seeking security, the platform for the moment, and a part of the equation was patience, which was not in abundant supply inside the stadium.

Germany had shown their quality in the first half, particularly early on, yet England came to match them physically and tactically. The longer the second half wore on, the greater the assurance of those in white shirts. Could they find the incision, the note of clarity?

Southgate had called for a hero, somebody to score a goal that will live for ever, and with 15 minutes to go he found one. Yet again, it was Raheem Sterling. After his match-winners in the group stage against Croatia and the Czech Republic, Sterling bristled with confidence and hard running. The qualities were stamped all over the goal that ignited English dreams.

Southgate had introduced Jack Grealish from the bench and the midfielder was involved in the move, taking a pass from Harry Kane and ushering in the overlapping Luke Shaw on the left. But it was Sterling who started the move and it was he who finished it, driving into the box to guide home Shaw’s low delivery. Sterling has scored 15 times in his past 20 England appearances.

The abiding image of the occasion from a German point of view would come shortly after. It was of Thomas Müller, his face contorted in despair. It was always going to be about moments and Germany’s came on 81 minutes when the veteran was sent clean through by Kai Havertz.

A …

Basket Ball / Sports

Giannis Antetokounmpo injured in Milwaukee’s Game 4 loss to Atlanta

The Milwaukee Bucks had a prime opportunity to take control of their series against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night as Trae Young was sidelined with a bone bruise in his foot. While most fans and pundits thought Milwaukee would roll Atlanta for a relatively easy win, the exact opposite is what took place at State Farm Arena as the Bucks fell behind early and then stood no chance once Giannis Antetokounmpo was ruled out after hyperextending his knee as the Hawks cruised to a 110-88 victory.

Lou Williams was inserted into the starting lineup following Young’s injury and he responded in a major way finishing with a game-high 21 points to lead six Hawks players scoring in double figures. On the other side of the spectrum, Jrue Holiday led all scorers for Milwaukee with 19 points.

With the win, the Hawks have tied the series as things shift back to Milwaukee for Game 5. Given the fact that Atlanta entered the game without the services of Young, and leave it uncertain of Antetokounmpo’s status going forward, the Hawks have to feel good about their position after four games in the Eastern Conference finals.

Here are three key takeaways from the game:

1. Giannis goes down

The Hawks were already without Trae Young, and by the end of Game 4 neither team had their star on the court. Early in the third quarter, Giannis Antetokounmpo went up to try and deflect a lob that was thrown to Clint Capela. Upon landing, Giannis hyperextended his left knee, which was then pushed further back by by the force of Capela’s landing.

Grimacing in obvious pain, Giannis crumped to the ground on the baseline. He stayed down for some time under the attention of the Bucks’ medical staff, and slowly made his way to his feet with the support of trainers and his brother, Thanasis. Eventually, Giannis was able to hobble off the court and into the tunnel. There was a brief glimmer of hope when he returned to the bench a few …

Sports / Tennis

Andy Murray wins on singles comeback

Andy Murray recomposed himself to ensure his Wimbledon singles return ended with a dramatic four-set victory over 24th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili.

In his first singles match in SW19 since 2017, the two-time champion led 6-4 6-3 5-0 against the Georgian.

The Briton could not convert two match points and wobbled as Basilashvili, 29, fought back to force a fourth set.

After a break to shut the Centre Court roof, Murray returned reinvigorated to win 6-4 6-3 5-7 6-3 under the lights.

There was still more tension at the end of the fourth set, though. Murray was unable to take a third match point when Basilashvili nailed a forehand winner down the line, but clinched victory with the fourth when his opponent hit into the net.

The majority of the home fans leapt to their feet, with a relieved Murray coolly raising his arms in the air before launching into a more manic leap moments later.

“I was really disappointed I had lost the third set and had to remember what I was doing to get into the winning position. I managed to turn it back around,” said Murray, who is now ranked 118th in the world.

The Scot will have a day off playing before his second-round match on Wednesday, knowing he will play a qualifier as Germany’s Oscar Otte or France’s Arthur Rinderknech await him.

The pair saw their match suspended at 21:00 BST because of darkness – with the deciding set delicately poised at 9-9.

It wouldn’t be Andy without the drama

 

When Murray limped off Centre Court following his 2017 quarter-final defeat by American Sam Querrey, few would have predicted the 2013 and 2016 champion would not play in the singles again until four years later.

That has been a combination of the injury problems which led to him contemplating retirement and the championships being postponed last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

While it was not quite like the heady days of old on Centre Court, 34-year-old Murray did offer a reminder to those 7,500 …

Crime / Foreign / News

South Africa’s Zuma gets 15-month jail term for contempt of court

South Africa’s top court on Tuesday handed former president Jacob Zuma a 15-month jail term for contempt of court following his refusal to appear before graft investigators. “The Constitutional Court can do nothing but conclude that Mr Zuma is guilty of the crime of contempt of court,” judge Sisi Khampepe said.

Zuma, 79, is accused of enabling the plunder of state coffers during his nearly nine-year stay in office.

“This kind of recalcitrance and defiance is unlawful and will be punished,” Khampepe said.

“I am left with no option but to commit Mr Zuma to imprisonment, with the hope that doing so sends an unequivocal message… the rule of law and the administration of justice prevails.”

“The majority judgement orders an unsuspended sentence of imprisonment for a period (of 15 months),” she declared, ordering Zuma to hand himself over within five days.

The commission of inquiry is headed by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.

The panel was set up by Zuma himself, under pressure over mounting scandals, shortly before he was ousted in 2018 by the ruling African National Congress (ANC).

But he only testified once, in July 2019, before staging a walkout days later and accusing the commission’s Zondo of bias.

He then ignored several invitations to reappear, citing medical reasons and preparations for another corruption trial.

He presented himself again briefly in November but left before questioning, and Zondo asked to ask the Constitutional Court to intervene.

Most of the graft investigated by the commission involves three brothers from a wealthy Indian business family, the Guptas, who won lucrative government contracts and were allegedly even able to choose cabinet ministers.

Zuma is separately facing 16 charges of fraud, graft and racketeering relating to a 1999 purchase of fighter jets, patrol boats and military gear from five European arms firms for 30 billion rand, then the equivalent of nearly $5 billion.

At the time of the purchase, Zuma was president Thabo Mbeki’s deputy.

He is accused of accepting bribes total of four million rand from one of the firms,

…
News / politics

FG fixes new deadline for NIN-SIM linkage

The Nigerian Government has approved the extension of the deadline for NIN-SIM data verification to July 26.

The earlier deadline would have lapsed tomorrow, June 30. The deadline date has now been shifted for about seven times. The first deadline was December 30, 2020, two weeks after the exercise started in the country.

The latest decision to extend the deadline was made after a request by stakeholders on the need to consolidate the enrolment and NIN-SIM verification process following the rapid increase in the number of enrolment systems across the country.

As at June 28, a total of 5,410 enrolment systems are now available across the country and this would significantly ease the NIN enrolment process and subsequent linkage of NIN to SIM.

The enrolment system were just 800 as at December 2020. A statement jointly signed by the Public Affairs Director, NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde and Head, Corporate Affairs, NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, on Tuesday, said the FG approved the extension as part of its effort to make it easier for its citizens and residents to obtain the NIN.

NIMC disclosed that there are now a total of 57.3 million unique NIN enrolments, with an average of three to four SIMs per NIN.

According to the statement, with the great number of enrolment centres across the country, every citizen and legal resident should be able to obtain their NINs.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, on behalf of the Federal Government, appreciates Nigerians for their patience and compliance with the Federal Government’s directive on the NIN-SIM registration exercise.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof Umar Garba Dambatta, and the Director-General/CEO of that National Identity Management Commission, Aliyu Azeez, urge citizens and legal residents to make sure they use the opportunity to complete the process of enrolment and verification.…

Entertainment / Movies

Adunni Ade opens up on being blacklisted from Nollywood for 3 Years

In a recent Instagram live chat, the American/Nigerian actress recounted how hurt she felt during the period where she suddenly stopped getting roles from casting directors or producers.

“I was knocked off English part of Nollywood for a few years and it was at the time when my career should have been up there, getting recognized and getting awards that was recognized all over Africa and being part of projects that had grossed millions in the cinemas. Then from nowhere being pushed out of the scene. That hurts. It was for about three plus years. I am still not there but I am working my way back up. I found another strategy to get back up there,” Ade shared in a clip of the Instagram LIVE interview.

Recall the actress first opened up about being blacklisted from a part of the industry in an interview with Chude Jideonwo. She revealed that the blacklisting began right after her AMVCA nomination in 2017.

…
BBNaija / Entertainment / News

#BBNaijaReunion: Erica & Laycon face off in new episode

Non-Erica fans have argued that a drunken and sober Erica share quite a lot in common while others insist it is how she likes to express herself. Depending on which side you choose, the actress’s reaction to events leading to her abrupt exit from the show proved a few points.

While subtly berating Laycon, Erica recounted how hurt she was when she stumbled on videos of Laycon’s interviews ( a busy schedule did not stop her from watching all his interviews).

Laycon had very little to say in his defense asides stating that he never watched any video of Erica apologizing plus he would rather be in conversations that promote his music.

The ladies of the Lockdown season have shown that they possess a rare and special ability to detect “bad vibes” from other housemates and this superhuman ability was once again blamed for the months of silence between Wathoni and Erica. While Erica blamed it on videos of Wathoni’s interviews discussing her sexcapades in the house, Wathoni accused Erica of fighting her over Kiddwaya.

Weighing in, Kiddwaya took mild jabs at Wathoni for constantly dragging him into whatever drama she had with other housemates. Thankfully, the ladies apologized for detecting wrong signals then hugged for good measure.

When show host Ebuka queried the ladies about their relationship post the house, they reaffirmed that they had no existing friendship outside the house and prefer to keep things as toxic as were.

For Vee, the feelings and wellbeing of her friend [Laycon] was more important to her than pursuing a friendship with both Erica and Tolanibaj. 

The show ended with wise words from Ebuka directed to the fans. According to the media personality, toxic fanbases only taint the reputation of the show which is primarily about entertainment.

…
Business / News / politics

N84b misappropriated in four years by NSTIF — Senate

The Senate on Monday disclosed that about N84 billion was mismanaged by the management of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund within four years from 12 out 50 queries investigated so far.

The Chairman, Senate Public Accounts Committee, Senator Mathew Urhoghide, who made this disclosure, said the agency is a cesspool of corruption with the investigation so far by the committee.

According to Urhoghide, 12 out 50 queries investigated so far by the Committee showed that over N84 billion was misappropriated.

He said: “Just unfortunate in a pace of four years, they depleted our resources.

“Just few human beings who are mindless.”

He added that it is unfortunate that the Management of NSTIF and board of NSTIF colluded between 2012 and 2017.

He said: They are all guilty, they are implicated, they stole the place dry.

“The agency is most defiant and most nutritious.”

One of the query reads: “Audit observed that the Fund had been implementing a salary structure that is not approved by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.

“As a result, irregular payment of N38,219,919,530.32 by way of personnel cost was made to the staff of the Fund from 2012 to 2017.

“Implementation of unapproved salary structure may result in wastage of public funds as remuneration may be higher than the productivity level of staff.”

“Recommendation: The Managing Director is required to provide the approval of the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission for the implementation of the Fund’s salaries structure.”

But the Managing Director of NSTIF, Dr. Michael Akabogu, claimed that the amount was approved by the through a letter dated July 4, 2019.

However, when the Committee looked at the letter from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on the illegal salary at the commission, it was observed it was written five years after the Commission started paying the salaries.

The Committee further discovered in the letter from National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, an objection was raised about the payment of unapproved salaries by the commission.

The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages …

Education / News

Nigeria now has highest number of Out-of-School Children — Minister

The Minister of State, Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, said Nigeria has the highest number of Out-of-School Children in sub-Saharan Africa.

Nwajiuba stated this during the inauguration of: “Better Education Service Delivery For All,” in Katsina on Monday.

He announced that Nigeria has an estimated 10,193,918 out of school children.

According to him, the current challenges affecting the Nigerian education system has left much to be desired, saying the system is characterized by high illiteracy level, infrastructural decay and deficits.

Nwajiuba congratulated the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, on his giant stride to reposition education in the state.

He said this is a clear demonstration of leadership quality and personal commitment to education as well as the passion to revitalise the educational sector in order to develop the abundant human capital of the state.

The Minister stated that BESDA focuses on 17 states in the country, including all 13 states of the North West and North East geopolitical zones.

Niger, Oyo, Ebonyi and Rivers State are also included.

In his remarks, Masari commended the Federal Ministry of Education and the Universal Basic Education Commission for their foresight and commitment in coming up with laudable programmes for the development of the education sector in particular and the development of society in general.

The program started in 2018.…

Crime / Foreign / Sports

Nigerian footballer shot dead by police in UK

An up and coming young Nigerian footballer, Kelvin Igweani, has been reportedly shot dead by the police in the United Kingdom.

Daily mail reports that the shooting incident is currently being investigated by the Thame Valley Force after the Nigerian was shot dead by officers who attended a call-out to a house where a child was found with serious injuries.

Officers were called to a property in Two Mile Ash, north-west Milton Keynes at around 9:40am on June 26 and made a forced entry after acting on information from a witness, said Thames Valley Police in a statement.

Inside, they found a man in his 30s who was later confirmed dead, and a young child with serious injuries.

They also located a man who is believed to be a Nigerian footballer, Kelvin Ifeanyi Odinaka Nathaniel Igweani, 23, with the force, saying it was understood officers deployed a Taser before shots were fired at him.

He subsequently required first aid and treatment from ambulance crew, but was pronounced dead at the scene, TVP said.

The young child was taken to a hospital.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct said a probe is now underway after a police firearm was discharged at the address in Denmead.

“What has happened this morning can only be described as absolutely tragic and will no doubt have an impact on the community. Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this incident. Our major crime unit is working closely with the IOPC to understand exactly what has happened,” Assistant Chief Constable, Christian Bunt, said in a statement.…

Football / Sports

France crash out of Euro 2020 on penalties to Switzerland

Kylian Mbappe missed the all important spot-kick as France crashed out of Euro 2020 on penalties to Switzerland in the last 16 after a rollercoaster 120 minutes of action. The Paris Saint-Germain star failed to score at the tournament and he fluffed his lines under the pressure as Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer denied him from 12 yards to book his side’s place in the quarter-finals where they will meet Spain. Arsenal midfielder and Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka won the toss and decided to go first in the shootout – it was a decision he would not live to regret. Mario Gavranovic, Fabian Schar, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Vargas and Admir Mehmedi made no mistake from the spot as Switzerland scored all five of their spot-kicks.

Ricardo Rodriguez stepped up but was denied by the paws of Hugo Lloris who dived down to his right to make a crucial save.

Seconds later up the other end, France made them pay as Karim Benzema controlled beautifully and slotted prodded the ball past the onrushing Sommer.

The Real Madrid front man, who has made his return for Les Blues at the tournament, then headed in a second shortly after to put France in front.

Paul Pogba then scored the goal of the night when he curled home from 30-yards to showcase his star quality.

But the game wasn’t done there as Seferovic pulled back another with his second of the night to give the Swiss hope.

Then in the dying embers, shortly after he had a goal disallowed, Gavranovic rifled home an equaliser to send the game to extra-time.

There is now plenty for France to ponder and although they were rocked by injuries ahead of the knockout stages, their …

Boxing / Sports

Anthony Joshua’s victory has been questioned by his Italian opponent Roberto Cammarelle

“Regardless of any move by Joshua, the crowd was cheering even if it was a miss, and I think it certainly influenced the final result”; Roberto Cammarelle reflects on defeat by Anthony Joshua in the London 2012 Olympic final

Roberto Cammarelle says he “can’t understand” how Anthony Joshua was awarded victory against him in the 2012 Olympic final and believes the crowd “influenced the judges”

Italy’s 2008 Olympic champion fought Joshua for the super-heavyweight gold medal at the London Games, suffering a defeat by countback after the scores were tied at 18-18 following their three-round bout.

But Cammarelle, who extended a 6-5 lead to 13-10 before the final round, has questioned how Joshua closed the deficit.

“As far as I can remember, I think I managed to fight exceptionally well during the two rounds,” Cammarelle told Sky Sports.

“The last round, he did not fight to overcome me. He was just sort of managing the fight. Having an equal number of points, an equal score, I can’t understand [how] I didn’t win.

“I thought I was managing the advantage I had managed to win over the first round.

“I’ve always had great physical issues. My physical preparation had only started a month before the Olympics. The fact that the semi-final was so close to the final certainly weakened my body.

 …

Basket Ball / Sports

Paul George drops 41 as Clippers coast past Suns 116-102 in Game 5

Paul George had a monster game with 41 points, 13 rebounds and six assists and Marcus Morris chipped in 22 points with as the Clippers sent the series back to Los Angeles with a 116-102 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 5. Devin Booker led the Suns with 31 points, but shot 9-22 from the floor. Chris Paul also struggled, managing 22 points on 8-19 shooting.

Reggie Jackson and DeMarcus Cousins were vital scoring contributors for the Clippers with 23 and 15, respectively. With Ivica Zubac sidelined, Los Angeles went with a smaller lineup for most of the game and found success.

The Clippers covered the spread at +5.5. The over hit at 214.5. Even with Kawhi Leonard sidelined, Los Angeles continues to strong good team basketball and deliver results.

The Clippers jumped out to a quick 22-10 lead behind Morris’ hot start. The Suns cut the deficit to six on Cameron Johnson’s jumper, but the Clippers held a 44-30 advantage before Phoenix really made a game out of it. The Suns rattled off 12 straight points to make it a 44-42 game and seemed to find their footing. Los Angeles held a 59-52 halftime lead.

The Clippers maintained this distance for much of the third quarter, but went on a 9-2 run to close out the quarter with a 91-78 lead. Los Angeles held its edge early in the fourth quarter, but the Suns went on a 9-3 spurt of their own to cut the gap to 98-94.

It would all Los Angeles from there. Jackson and George were responsible for a 14-2 run to break the game open and Phoenix never got back in the contest.

The Suns committed 14 turnovers, ultimately leading to their downfall. The Clippers also managed to contain Deandre Ayton, limiting him to 10 points and 11 rebounds. Los Angeles will likely continue to go small as the series progresses even if Zubac is healthy.

Game 6 is Wednesday in Los Angeles at 9:00 PM ET…