We paid for inexperience – Keshi

Stephen Keshi believes his side paid for their inexperience after they lost to Uruguay  at the Confederations Cup.

The Super Eagles  went down 2-1  to  La Celeste (The Sky Blue One) in Salvador,  Brazil on Thursday, but Keshi insisted that the result would have been different if his players  were “a little more professional”.

“I wouldn’t say Uruguay surprised me,” the former Nigeria captain was quoted by FIFA.com as saying after the encounter.

 “We watched their last two games and they played just the way we expected.

“What you have to remember, though, is that they’ve spent six years together, whereas we’ve only been working for a year and half. It all came down to a question of concentration. We switched off for the second goal and it cost us the game.”

We’re not afraid of Spain – Eagles

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi, stand-in captain Vincent Enyeama  and defender Elderson Echiejile  insist the Super Eagles have not given up hope of reaching the Confederations Cup semifinals.

Diego Forlan’s  strike brought to an end  Keshi’s long 18-match unbeaten run in competitive games after the former  Manchester United forward got the winner as Uruguay beat Nigeria 2-1 in their Confederations Cup Group B game in Salvador, Brazil on Thursday.

Uruguay and Nigeria are tied on three points in the group  but the South American champions  are   expected to beat underdogs Tahiti  on Sunday while the Eagles need to defeat  group leaders  Spain the same day to progress in the tournament.

If Nigeria fail to end Spain’s 24-match unbeaten run in international competitions, they will be  sent packing  from Brazil on Monday. La Roja, who  routed Tahiti 10-0 earlier on Thursday, only need a point to reach the last four.

But Keshi said  Spain are beatable despite the European and  world champions’ brilliant array of stars.

“As for Spain, we can’t wait to play them. Anything can happen. That’s what makes this such a great game,” Keshi told reporters in Salvador.

“Everything is achievable,” he said. “It depends how bad you want it.”

Sporting Braga’s Echiejile said the team will go  all out for victory against Spain.

PUNCH

Enough is enough, I will sack whoever I found indulging in expensive partying - Jonathan Warns Ministers

**I don't understand why ministers and public officers would be throwing lavish parties at home and abroad in a country where people cannot afford 3 square meals.
**I will sack whoever I found indulging in expensive partying. Enough is enough.

President Goodluck Jonathan is not yet done with heavy spending socialites in his cabinet or the public service.

As a follow up to his recent removal of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr.AbdulAzeez Musa, for allegedly throwing a lavish wedding party for his daughter in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, President Jonathan has threatened to sack any minister or government official who holds an expensive or lavish party at home or abroad.

He said such ostentatious ministers must abide by the Code of Conduct for public officers or quit immediately.

He directed the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Bukar Goni Aji, to write to all permanent secretaries, directors and civil servants to stop such habit while security agencies, especially anti-graft commissions, were asked to keep a watch on ministers and public officers.

Heart of Gold- Chika Ike gives back to society(Photos)

 Chika Ike knows it takes more than just being fashionable and beautiful to be a certified star. She decided to give back to the society through her Chika Ike Foundation. The theme was "Educate a Child". From the pics, she did affect a whole community.

More grease to her elbow...
Pics below

 

Spot The Difference | The New Mrs Kumuyi’s Wedding Outfit Vs A Deeper Life Member’s

Nigeriafilms - Trust Nigerians to dissect anything, the General Superintendent of Deeper Life Ministry’s son had his wedding last week, since then a lot of people have wondered on the whole ‘get-up’ of the bride which was yards away from what a typical Deeper life bride in Nigeria would wear and I’ve seen a couple. According to one of the ‘commenters’ on this funny but self explanatory picture which was posted on someone’s Facebook page;

“People have refused to live their own life but rather attach it to an apron of hypocritical philosophy and man made doctrine.I exonerate the dynamic Senior Kumuyi,I think it is the people that have refused to change,I respect Kumuyi and his teachings but the people he is teaching are not learning,it is a pity,religion should embrace freedom,that is what the bible said. It only warned that you should not use your liberty for evil,or take the grace for granted.”

Well that about says it all!

Why Yoruba Movies Have Poor Subtitles - Habibat Jinad

Habibatu JinadYoruba movie producer and actress, Habibat Jinad, tells Top Celebrities about her career and the challenges facing filmmakers in Nigeria.

How did you start acting?

I started acting in 2007. I later joined Afis Owo’s drama group and graduated from there in 2010. I produced my first movie, Omo K’omo the same year. I produced my second movie ‘Iku L’okunrin’ in 2011. I have featured in many movies like Irin Ajo Eda Laye, Igboro Ti Daru, Omo Ghetto (part two), Aremu Swagger, Etanu and many others that I can’t remember now.

Gospel Singer, Dekunlee Fuji Becomes Nurse In America

Dekunle Fuji, who was popular in the gospel music industry in Nigeria some years ago, has now become a certified nurse in the United States of America. The singer, after having an unimpressive music career in Nigeria, turned to the nursing profession to earn an added means of livelihood for himself.

As gathered from reports, the artiste flew to America in 2011 for a show, but stayed back to pursue a career in nursing. He was reportedly certified in New Jersey some months ago.

Dekunle Fuji was popular with his hit song, 'Mo Like Jesu Gan'. He has performed at the Xperience gospel concert organised every December in Nigeria.

London Agog For Patience Ozokwo Son's Wedding (Pictures)

On Saturday, May 25, 2013, the city of London was agog for Patience Ozokwo popularly known as Mama G the general. The day was for the wedding of the actress' son.

The wedding turned out to be a great success. The Aneke twins also stormed London for the occasion. Friends, family members and well-wishers of the actress made the day of Mama G.

Here are some pictures from the wedding.

Why I hate Nollywood – Tayo Elesin, British-Nigerian actress

Tayo Elesin is a British-Nigerian actress. She also prefers to be referred to as a “storyteller.” Famous for her roles in some BBC TV productions including Casualty, Law and Order, Doctor, among others, Tayo has also acted in the critically acclaimed play by late Ola Rotimi ‘Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again’ produced last year by Lookman Sanusi. While in the country recently, she paid a courtesy visit to the Vanguard corporate office, where she disclosed why she hate the name ‘Nollywood’; and how to reposition the Nigerian film industry, among other issues. Enjoy!

Do you have any intention to work with Nollywood stars?

I don’t like the word, Nollywood. I really don’t like it.

Why?

There are several reasons. One of which is, when I think of the word, Nollywood, quite frankly, it reminds me of a mimicry, if you will, of Hollywood. Now, Hollywood is the home of the American film industry. It’s actually a location in Los Angeles. I have found nowhere in Lagos or in Nigeria called Nollywood. Except if you are telling me it’s located in the Mushin or Ikorodu area of Lagos. But I’m yet to see such a place in Nigeria.

I dare not mess up; my husband is an army officer - Actress Keji Yusuf

Popularly called Aunty Keji by her fans, friends and colleagues, crossover actress Keji Yusuf has spanned over two decades in the Nigeria movie industry and still in high demand. As wife of a retired Colonel, cutting her acting tooth under the tutelage of veteran actor Lai Ashadele is the best thing to happen to her. In this interview with MERCY MICHAEL, Aunty Keji speaks passionately about Nollywood marriages, her staying power among other things:

YOU are still relevant after over two decades. How does it make you feel knowing that some of your contemporaries are no longer in the game?

It’s just the grace of God, nothing else but the grace of God.

Tell us about your foray into the industry?

It’s been over twenty years ago I started acting. I started with the English genre. I was mentored by Uncle Lai Ashadele. Then, we used to do TV series on NTA2 Channel 5. The series were mostly centered on Child abuse. We tried to educate parents on the menace of child abuse. But as time went by I thought of going to be part of the Yoruba genre. It was at that point that I joined Odunfa Caucus. That was where I met Yinka Quadri.

Ayanbirin: Men harass me a lot

For Olakanye Olayemi Oluwatosin, the laboratory is no go area. The artiste, who is popularly known as Ayanbirin, studied Chemical and Polymer Engineering at the Lagos State University but prefers to toe the line of a talking drummer, a feat very rare among women.

She opened up to TS Weekend on why she embraced the drums, her family and her experience in the hands of men among other issues.

Enjoy it:

Who is Ayanbirin?

Ayanbirin simply means female drummer but my real name is Olakanye Olayemi Oluwatosin.

Are you from a family of drummers?

No, I learnt the art of drumming. I am not from the ‘Ayan’ family.

FIFA Confederations Cup: We were beaten, not disgraced says Keshi

Nigeria’s head coach Stephen Keshi was full of praises for his team in spite of their 1-2 loss to hard-fighting Uruguay on Thursday.

The match was their second group B match in Salvador, Brazil, at the ongoing 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Although he lamented the missed scoring chances, he said the Super Eagles were beaten, not disgraced.

“We gave the game our all but you know Uruguay has been together for six years and we are just rebuilding.

“Sooner than later, we will catch up with the rest of the best teams in the world,’’ Keshi vowed.

Broadband: FG targets 60,000 base stations by 2018

Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola

The Federal Government has said it will encourage service providers to increase the number of telecommunications base stations in the country from the present 27,000 to 60,000 to meet the national target of five-fold increase in broadband penetration by 2018.

This will represent about 122 per cent growth level in the number of base stations in the country.

The Federal Government said it would encourage the telecommunications companies to realise this feat by harmonising taxes paid by them to minimise cases of multiple taxation.

The government also restated its commitment to reducing operating costs of operators and ensure easier access to right-of-way to build telecoms infrastructure.

Mikel scores as Uruguay beat Nigeria

Mikel Obi rarely scores but on a night that he won his 50th cap for Nigeria he scored the goal that had given the Super Eagles hope in the game against Uruguay in the FIFA Confederations Cup holding in Brazil. The goal from the Chelsea star in the 37th minute of the Group B game was a response to the opener by Diego Lugano who hit the first goal of the game with a tap-in for the South Americans in the 19th minute.

Mikel whose last goal for Chelsea was in January 2007 off a cup game, was the heart of the team in a match he scored the fourth for his country. Before the quality goal in Salvador, the midfielder last scored for the country in Calabar in October 2012. But if Mikel’s goal was superb, Diego Forlan’s hit was priceless as the Uruguayan put his country ahead in the 51st minute on the night he won his 100th cap.

Policemen with accounting background redeployed to pay offices

The Inspector-General of Police,  Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, has ordered the posting of police personnel with financial and accounting background to man police pay offices nationwide.

Abubakar gave the order when he declared open a one-day training workshop for police pay officers drawn from the various police commands and formations in Abuja on Thursday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

He said that the process of enrolling all police personnel into the Integrated Personal Pay Information System had reached an advanced stage.

The IG said that the deployment of such officers to pay offices was to ensure that the financial arm of the force was professionalised for transparency and accountability.

He added that the measure was also in line with the ongoing transformation in the police.

“You must, therefore, key into the transformation of the present administration and show high level of professionalism, transparency and accountability.

He said, “You must ensure that as soon as funds are released by the government to pay salaries, it is paid.

“You must adhere strictly to the provisions of all financial rules and regulation and ensure that circulars from the Ministry of Finance are complied with without any hesitation.”

PDP must win at least 23 states – Jonathan

The political chess game in the Peoples Democratic Party ended on Thursday in Abuja with President Goodluck Jonathan and the party’s National Chairman, Bamanga Tukur, proving that they were, indeed in  control of power.

Jonathan and Tukur, deploying the awesome  influence  of  their  offices, silenced some governors of the party, who  had vowed  to ensure that the National chairman was booted out of office during the 61st National National Executive Committee meeting.

While Jonathan boasted that the PDP must win at least 23 states during the 2o15 general elections, a more confident Tukur  had a message for all the PDP members, especially governors: You must respect the President.

Drogba robbed in Cote d’Ivoire

 Cote d’Ivoire international Didier Drogba was robbed in a hotel while vacationing in Abidjan last week, according to local reports.

The 35-year-old striker, who joined Turkish club Galatasaray last January, returned from town to his hotel room on June 12 to find his luggage unpacked and strewed, with €7,500 missing. The Elephants’ captain reported immediately to the management of Hotel Ivoire, a five-star establishment and the country’s biggest hotel, where several players from the national team spend their holidays.

Nobody has been arrested for burglary and the funds have not been recovered, according to the police in the Cocody district where the hotel is situated. An investigation has since been opened.

Cote d’Ivoire booked its place to the third and final round of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers last weekend without Drogba, who is yet to return to the outfit.

Messi summoned on alleged tax fraud

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi and his father were ordered by a Spanish court on Thursday to appear for questioning in September as part of an investigation into tax fraud allegations.

A court in the Mediterranean coastal town of Gava near Barcelona accepted a state prosecutor’s complaint alleging that Messi and father Jorge defrauded the Spanish tax office of $5.3m.

The Barcelona and Argentina star and his father will appear before judge Anju Deb Rani in Gava on Sept. 17. That will form part of an investigation to determine whether grounds exist to charge them with tax evasion.

The court said in a statement the judge’s acceptance of the complaint was a ‘’routine step.’’

If charged and found guilty, Messi and his father could face a fine amounting to 150 percent of the concealed earnings and between two and six years in prison. An out-of-court agreement is another possible outcome.

Messi and his father will have to appear in person for a session that will be closed to the public, court officials told The Associated Press. The timing could coincide with Barcelona’s opening game in the Champions League – Sept. 17 or 18.

 

D'banj acquires Suit of Money from Okunoren worth $25, 000

International superstar, entertainer and Oliver Twist crooner, Dapo Oyebanjo popularly known as D’banj is always breaking new grounds in terms of his wardrobe and clothing items. In a recent newspaper interview, he confirmed he wears the same wristwatch as American rapper Jay-Z, valued at $50,000.
He has been appointed as the Hennessy Artistry artiste for 2013 and also recently became the Goodwill ambassador for the Bank of Industry. D’banj has continued to rise in stardom despite his split from erstwhile partner and friend, Don Jazzy. He has continued to command huge sums of money in endorsements, appearances and performances thus still making him the highest earning Nigerian artiste of all time. His DKM concert being held on June 23^rd 2013 at the Eko Hotel & Suites will feature International rapper, 2Chainz as well as another surprise guest.

Tukur must stay – Jonathan

Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and President Goodluck Jonathan

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor & Henry Umoru
LAGOS— Last minute high-level pressure to oust Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP today was last night rebuffed by the Presidency which observers said last night, was turning the battle into an ego tussle.
The pressure to remove Tukur at today’s National Executive Committee, NEC meeting of the party was being mounted by vested party interests including governors and the powerful caucus of state chairmen.

President Goodluck Jonathan according to sources insisted on retaining Tukur with a source saying: “Is it every battle that the President must lose? He lost the battle to make Jonah Jang chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, so must he also lose this one?”

Moving stories of LUTH’s abandoned patients

PUNCH - BUKOLA ADEBAYO narrates the stories of abandoned patients who now live at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

After the school hours every day, most pupils of the University of Lagos Staff School, Akoka,Yaba, rush into the warm embrace of their parents. From there, they are driven to their various homes where various kinds of delicacies are waiting for them.

But for 16-year-old Chinenye  Ogbonna, this kind of experience exists only in his dream. He has no parent waiting for him,  nor any other relative to take him home. Rather, he returns to his ‘lonely’ room at the Paediatric  Ward of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital in Idi-Araba, Lagos.  This is not because his dad and mom live there. But the parents, who ought to be his guardian angels,  abandoned him at the hospital six years ago.

The motherless boy has, therefore, become a permanent resident of LUTH since he was 10 years old. Ogbonna, who spoke to our correspondent when he returned from school on Monday, said none of his relations had shown up since they left him at the ward in 2007.

Nigeria, Uruguay set for decisive showdown

Despite contrasting results in their opening games, Uruguay and Nigeria both approach Thursday’s encounter between the sides in Salvador knowing defeat could spell the end of their Confederations Cup ambitions.

Uruguay lost 2-1 to Spain on Sunday, before Nigeria surged to the Group B summit with a 6-1 demolition of minnows Tahiti, but the meeting of the South American and African champions was always destined to be pivotal.

With both teams expected to lose to world champions Spain and beat Tahiti, a win at Arena Fonte Nova would leave the victors in a strong position to progress to the last four.

Speaking prior to the Spain defeat, Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez had described the Nigeria fixture as “our key match”, while captain Diego Lugano said the game was “our final”.

Striker Diego Forlan echoed their sentiments, although a draw would leave the qualification situation in the balance ahead of Uruguay’s final group game against Tahiti.

Amaechi shuns Patience Jonathan’s Port Harcourt event

Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and his wife, Judith, on Wednesday shunned the inauguration of the South-South Zonal Secretariat of the Women for Change and Development Initiative by the wife of President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience.

Apart from the governor and his wife, other top officials of the Rivers State government also boycotted the occasion which was held in Port Harcourt, the capital city.

A source close to the President’s wife, who spoke with The PUNCH at the event, said that the governor and his wife were invited for the opening  of the zonal secretariat of the W4CDI and the empowerment of over 1,000 women in the state.

Uruguay can’t surprise Eagles – Keshi

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi

Prior to Monday’s game, Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi, admitted that like most people, he knew next to nothing about Tahiti, but he would have no such problems about Uruguay when both sides meet on Thursday.

The Super Eagles pummelled the Pacific Islanders 6-1 in their first group game to top Group B ahead of world champions Spains.

“With Tahiti we didn’t know what to expect, so we just played and prepared as best as we could,” Keshi to kickoffNigeria.com.

“We know a little more about Uruguay. So we can plan a little better, but we will not be preparing much different from the way we normally do.

Bale not worth £100m to Madrid – Fabregas

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas believes rivals Real Madrid would be ill-advised to sign Gareth Bale for £100m.

The Tottenham star has been heavily linked with a move to the Spanish capital outfit following a season in which he established himself as one of the top players in the Premier League.

The winger made 44 appearances last term, scoring 26 goals and claiming several player of the year awards.

However, despite Bale’s rise to prominence in recent years, Fabregas, who spent eight years with Spurs’ local rivals Arsenal, does not think the Welshman is worth such a big outlay.

“Spending £100m on Bale is foolish,” he said.

“I don’t know how any club could spend that amount of money.

Niger Delta amnesty ends in 2015 – Kuku

Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Kingsley Kuku

Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, has said the Federal Government is finding it difficult to stop the amnesty programme initiated for ex-militants in the Niger Delta.

He, however, maintained that there was no going back on the 2015 terminal date for the programme, stressing that failure to draw the curtain on the initiative could bring about instability in the region.

The Presidential Amnesty Proclamation was initiated by the administration of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua in 2009.

Kuku said, “We are currently battling with exit strategy challenges. It will be in the best interest of Nigeria for government to terminate the programme by 2015. If it is not closed by 2015, it will lose its taste. This is because it will become an alternative government in the Niger Delta region.”

MI, Ice Prince, NaetoC, Dr SID, Celebrate Lokoja fans at Star Trek

"We rocked Lagos, we’re going to do it even better in Lokoja’ ”. That was the promise superstar artistes performing at the 2nd leg of the Star Music Trek  which held on  June 15^th 2013 in Lokoja made before the concert and music lovers who trooped out in their numbers yesterday to Lokoja stadium were not disappointed. 

The second leg of the annual Star Music Trek concert lived up to its high billing and more. The event, which featured high energy performances from MI, Jmartins, IcePrince,Dr Sid, Naeto C, Jukebox and others,was rated by fans as being undeniably the biggest concert in Lokoja in 2013.

S/West PDP endorses Jonathan for second term

President Goodluck Jonathan with Ondo State PDP candidate Chief Olusola Oke during PDP’s Gubernatorial rally in Akure. Photo: State House.

THE South West Zone of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, has endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan for a second term in office, noting that he is constitutionally entitled to seek re-election.
It also appointed former President Olusegun Obasanjo as grand patron of the party in the zone, even as it constituted a stakeholders’ council under the Chairmanship of Senator Lekan Balogun.
Disclosing these, yesterday, in Lagos at The South West Stakeholders’ Forum, the party passed a vote of confidence in its National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur  and National Working Committee, NWC.
Those at the event include: Senator Seye Ogunlewe, Chief Ishola Filani, Chief Ayo Fayose,  Senator  Akinlabi Olasunkanmi, Mrs. Mobolaji Osomo, Alhaja Salmat Badru, Chief Tayo Dairo, Mrs. Aduke Maina, Dr. Olu Alabi, among others.

Nine PDP govs voted for Amaechi – Lamido

Jigawa Sate Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, on Tuesday said nine Peoples Democratic Party governors voted for the incumbent chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, at the June 4 election that later divided the forum.
Lamido gave a specific insight into what happened during the NGF election while speaking in an interview with the Hausa Service of the Voice of America monitored in Abuja, on Tuesday
Speaking specifically about the election of Ameachi as Chairman, NGF, Lamido said,
“I also voted for Ameachi. Look, in the PDP, myself, the governor of Kano, the governor of Niger, the governor of Kebbi, the governor of Sokoto, the governor of Kwara, the governor of Rivers, the governor of Adamawa, nine of us PDP governors voted for him.

Tahiti fought like lions – Keshi

Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi applauded the Tahitians on Monday following their brave challenge to Nigeria in their Group B Confederations Cup tie.

The Pacific Islanders, who were making their debut at the tournament, scored their first goal in a FIFA-organised tournament at the senior level in the 6-1 encounter.

“They came out to fight like lions and it was a little bit difficult to up our game when you know you are playing against them,” Keshi told AP.

“You think everything is easy, but they showed us they can play football and. I was worried (during the game) because we had clear chances, 100 per cent chances, and you need to bury the goals.”

The only professional on Tahiti’s team, Marama Vahirua, believes the loss has not damaged their pride of featuring in the FIFA competition.

“We’ve shown the world there’s some real quality in Tahiti. Just our presence here is a victory and it was fantastic to be adopted by the Brazilian public,” Vahirua said.

Tahiti coach Eddy Etaeta also praised his team for their display on Monday, saying it was their toughest game ever.

Oduamadi, Balotelli top FIFA’s performance index

After a colourful and exciting first round of FIFA Confederations Cup matches that featured a flurry of goals, it is perhaps no surprise to see a couple of forwards at the top of the Castrol Index.

Almost half of the 16 goals seen so far in Brazil came in one match – Nigeria’s 6-1 win over tournament newcomers Tahiti – and the hat-trick scored by Nnamdi Oduamadi in Belo Horizonte has made him the Index’s early frontrunner.

What was impressive about Oduamadi’s contribution was his finishing accuracy. While Nigeria’s six goals came from 17 shots, the 22-year-old – who spent last season in Italy’s Serie B with Varese – scored with three from four. In fact he had just three goal attempts inside the Pacific Islanders’ penalty box but was in the right place to put the ball in the net on each occasion.

While Oduamadi’s treble earned him 9.55 points, Italy’s Mario Balotelli took 9.38 for his lively performance against Mexico, capped by the winning goal with 12 minutes remaining. Balotelli was a central figure throughout Sunday’s entertaining contest, offering an early statement of intent with a shot just over the crossbar and two more straight at goalkeeper Jose Corona. Indeed he had seven shots in total and his persistence paid off near the end when he powered through the Mexico defence and struck the winner with a fierce low drive.

It was reward for a display that excited the Maracana crowd, and not only because of the AC Milan striker’s shooting. A foul on him led to Andrea Pirlo’s typically exquisite free-kick which opened the scoring and he was a thorn in the side of the Mexico defence throughout.

Somebody who had a less fraught assignment than the Mexico centre-backs was Nigeria’s Uwa Echiejile, who sits third in the Index compiled by the Castrol Performance Analysts with a score of 9.35 – making him the top-ranked defender.

The Super Eagles’ No3 was heavily involved in his team’s play, scoring the opening and closing goals against Tahiti and ranking fourth in this initial round for the number of passes made with 112. The fact that the top four in that category were all Nigerian shows how much of the ball the West Africans saw against Tahiti.

Don’t blame Enyeama for Tahiti’s goal – Dosu

Former Nigeria goalkeeper, Joseph Dosu, has come to the defence of Super Eagles shot stopper Vincent Enyeama who some football analysts believe should be blamed for the lone goal scored by Tahiti at the FIFA Confederations Cup on Monday.

Enyeama was off his line when Jonathan Tehau rose above Efe Ambrose to head home a corner kick in the encounter which ended 6-1.

“You can’t blame Enyeama for that goal. He came out with the hope of stopping the ball before it could get to any other player but area was crowded. At that point, I expected the defenders to have covered his rear, but they also left the line,” the Atlanta’96 Olympic gold medallist said.

“The defenders should take the blame for that goal. But in football, they are all responsible just as they all take credit for the victory.”

Dosu, however, did not spare the Nigerian strikers who missed several begging chances to bury the game right from the first half. The trio of Ahmed Musa, Brown Ideye and Anthony Ujah had several one-on-one chances with the Tahiti goalkeeper but failed to score.

“The team’s attack needs a lot of work before we play our next game against Uruguay. I expected the first game against Tahiti to have ended in a wider margin; but we can’t afford to miss such chances against a compact team like Uruguay, or Spain who are very fluid with their passes,” he said.

PUNCH

NWC members beg Jonathan for appointments

President Goodluck Jonathan

Out-of-favour members of the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party on Tuesday night begged President Goodluck Jonathan to reward them with political appointments.

The eight members, expected to leave office on Thursday, appealed to the President for appointments since they had not completed their tenure as NWC members of the party.

They were elected at the party’s national convention which was held in Abuja in March 2012 and they were supposed to be in office for four years.

However, the report by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which queried the way they emerged through affirmation, was said to have been responsible for their being asked to resign.

#BBAThechase#-Pokello's dad reacts to her sex tape

Zimbabwean rep at the Big Brother house came under fire when a sextape was leaked.Many took to social networking sites to protest and a facebook page was created to vote her out..as they felt she wasnt a right representative of Zimbabwe.
Reacting to this scandal,, her father ,Retired Colonel George Nare said

   " The video footage was not mean’t for public consumption and the person who leaked it should be guilty of character assassination. My daughter has a strong personality and would not be weakened by that. She is a successful business woman… I am so happy that my daughter has been nominated to represent Zimbabwe in (BBA). As her father I fully support her in her quest to realise her dream on the show,”    “I want Pokello to win that USD300 000 prize. I vote for her everyday and appeal to fellow Zimbabweans from all walks of life to rally behind her".

Charly Boy Oputa on Marriage - Love and Respect Your Woman

Charles Oputa a.k.a Charly Boy, who is 62years today, has been married to Diane 'Lady D' Oputa for over 30 years. In an appreciation note to celebrate his birthday, she writes, "...My Husband and Friend, our love shall never end, even when it goes through the fire, because you and only you are my true heart desire.... Thanks for being there for us, thanks for loving me and for all the beautiful memories you have given me so far. To my soul mate, lover and best friend…"

In this interview, the couple discuss what has kept them going for so long;

Veteran Actor, Olu Jacobs Loses iPad On Movie Location

'Indeed, nobody is above being hurt or whaled by real life challenges'. The above quote could better be explained by veteran and award-winning actor Olu Jacobs, when he unknowingly misplaced his iPad at a movie location in Owerri, Imo State.

The aged actor, till the moment he bared his mind to colleague and Nollywood actress, Ngozi Ezeonu, could not believe that as a star, he could describe his iPad as a lost-but-not-found item.

While on a movie location in Owerri, the prolific actor's mobile device developed wings and flew away. Till this moment, the item has not been found. Several efforts to 'charm' the iPad back to him have been fruitless.

The incident happened on the set of Rich-Rock Production.

Nigeriafilms

FG approves cut-off marks for 2013/2014 UTME

Abuja – The Federal Government on Tuesday in Abuja approved cut-off marks for admission into tertiary institutions for the 2013/2014 academic session.
The Minister of Education, Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, announced the cut-off marks into Colleges of Education, Polytechnics and other degree-awarding  institutions as 150 while 180 is for federal universities.
Rufa’i said this at the Fourth Combined Policy Meeting on Admission to Degree-Awarding Institutions, National Diploma (ND), Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and National Innovation Diploma (NID) awarding institutions.
She said the meeting was to plan for the selection of qualified candidates into the nations tertiary institutions and also to restore confidence in the education system.
“I implore all stakeholders to follow the Federal Government’s guidelines on admission which stipulates a 70:30 Technology/Non-Technology ratio for ND programmes.

NAFDAC seizes drugs for Ojudu free health programme

Director General of NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii

National Agency for Foods, Drugs Administration and Control has seized drugs meant for free health mission organised by Senator Babafemi Ojudu for his constituents.

The senator said this in Ado Ekiti on Monday at the commencement of the free health programme.

He called on the Director-General of the agency, Dr. Paul Orhii, to intervene to ensure quick release of the drugs so that the beneficiaries of the programme could enjoy them.

Although the lawmaker, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District at the upper legislative chamber, said the drugs were confiscated on Sunday  in Lagos, he, however, did not give reasons for the agency’s action.

Explaining why he embarked on the programme, Ojudu said sudden death had been on the increase because many Nigerians had neglected check-ups.

According to the senator, good health improves productivity. He said through the programme, residents would have the opportunity to be diagnosed and treated free of charge for two weeks.

He said,  “The reason behind the programme is that I am concerned about untimely death of people as a result of unavailability of health care services. Many times I have received calls that somebody would just slump and die. You would just hear that somebody you saw yesterday, just because of a brief head ache, slumped and died.”

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We'll Get Saka Back In 90 Days Etisalat Boasts

Information coming from telecoms giant, Etisalat is suggesting that hope is not lost on the sudden porting of popular comic actor, Hafiz Oyetoro better known as Saka, from Etisalat to MTN few months ago. Hafiz used to be an advert model for Etisalat before switching to MTN for their latest advert on Mobile Number Portability (MNP).

This is because Etisalat has vowed to reclaim their 'lost sheep' from their rival network within 90 days. This latest information was made known at an event last week in Lagos by the Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat, Steve Evans.