It’s Musa as Eagles Go Top!

It would have been unfair if it came from any other player apart from Ahmed Musa. Fresh from an inspired Russian league win with CSKA Moscow… It was only logical that the petite winger should be given a starting role by Coach Stephen Keshi and he did not disappoint tormenting the Kenyan defenders with his electrifying runs.

After series of unconnected crosses, he was rewarded in the 85th minute when he decided to go solo, raced past Brian Mandela in the Kenya defense before cheekingly lobbying the ball over on-rushing goalkeeper Duncan Ochieng… for Nigeria’s much awaited goal.

The hype apart, the Kenyans did not really come to the party and two minutes on, Musa speedily intercepted a ball meant for George Owino, raced in and crossed perfectly for Ideye, only for the not too brilliant attacker to miss a sitter by wanting to displace an opponent instead of hitting first time.

The Eagles continued to dominate, especially in the midfield where Mikel Obi, Sunday Mba and Onazi held sway. Call it tactical play to conserve energy, yet you will be disappointed that despite the massive advantage possession wise, the Nigerians could not make hay, missing again and again.

With goalkeeper and skipper Enyeama virtually on holiday, and the defense line of Omeruo, Ambrose, Echiejile and Obobona not tested, the Eagles continued to make life difficult for their hosts to the chagrin of the over 40 thousand spectators especially from the midfield.

In the 20th minute Oduamadi broke free from the right, displaced two defenders and was in a goal scoring position when he was brought down but the referee waved play on to the relief of the  weakened home fans.

The Eagles returned in the 28th minute, but again Ideye fluffed the chance by reacting too slow to a ball that was handed to him for the kill.

At this stage the Kenyan bench deprived of Coach Eden Amrouche who was handed the marching orders in Calabar and banned for one match, did not know what to do as the Eagles intensified their quest for the all important goal which did not come till the end of the first half.

The second half took the pattern of the first as Oduamadi at point blank range with only the goalkeeper to beat saw his trial deflected by the legs of goalkeeper Ochieng in the 47th

Musa continued his runs down the right flank but with no commensurate reaction from his colleagues in an afternoon where it was evident Nigeria needed to shop for attackers and fast too.

With the midfielders also not joining in the attack, Keshi brought out Sunday Mba for John Oguh and followed it up with Tony Ujah for off form Brown Ideye. The replacements helped to intensify steam, yet the goals refused to come.

Just when the Kenyans were ready for a draw, and goalkeeper Ochieng had been booked for wasting time, Musa struck.

With this victory, Nigeria has shot to the top of the log with eight points and with a victory over Namibia next week in Windhoek, will qualify for the next round of the world Cup Africa qualifiers with a match to spare.

Victor Moses was brief and precise, as congratulated the Eagles via Twitter:

 

Source: Vanguard

Source: Naij.com

TRAGIC: Famous Actress Found Dead In Her Home

Bollywood actress Jiah Khan, who made her debut starring opposite acting legend Amitabh Bachchan, died in an apparent suicide at her home in the Indian city of Mumbai, police said on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old Khan, who grew up in London before moving to India for a career in Bollywood, was found dead in her home by her family, an officer said. Police were interviewing her neighbours, the officer said, adding that no suicide note was found.
"We suspect she hung herself at her home" late on Monday, a police official told AFP, saying that her body has been sent for a post mortem.
Khan made her Bollywood debut in 2007 with the controversial film "Nishabd" (No words), playing the role of a teenager in love with her best friend's much older father, played by Bachchan.
The movie received average reviews because of its provocative storyline but Khan was praised for her bold acting.
Khan, who changed her name from Nafisa Khan, went on to star alongside actor Aamir Khan in "Ghajini", a box-office hit.
India's film industry reacted with shock and sadness to the news, with actress Sonam Kapoor, a contemporary, tweeting: "Rip Jiah khan. Terrible tragedy.. Very very shocking and disturbing news."
"Nobody should be in so much pain and a state of such hopelessness. I hope her soul finds some respite in death. #ripjiahkhan."
Bachchan, when contacted by AFP on Tuesday, only said: "Shocked and disturbed."
Actress Bipasha Basu tweeted: "#Rip Jiah Khan!God bless her soul!"
Khan's latest film "Housefull" was a comedy released in 2010, which also starred Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone.

Source: Business Insider

Military Arrest 55 Terrorists In Borno, Others Flee To Niger

According to the military sources, a major recruiter for Boko Haram was arrested in Maiduguri.
The Nigerian military said on Wednesday that it has dislodged all the terrorist camps operated by the Boko Haram in some areas of Yobe State and arrested 49 members of the sect in various operations in the state.
The military also said many Boko Haram members were fleeing to neighbouring Niger Republic through Nigeria’s porous borders.
The interior ministry had said in May that Nigeria had about 1,500 illegal borders that are poorly manned.
In a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Chris Olukolade, the military said the suspects were arrested in various locations in the state by the Joint Task Force following a tip off by some locals.
Various weapons including AK 47rifles, locally made pistols, and ammunition were recovered by the troops during the operation in Rugan Fulani, Arikime, Afghanistan and Ngandu villages.
The JTF team led by B.E. Inyang said all terrorist camps had been dislodged while some of the terrorists fled towards Niger Republic.
It, however, said some criminals still terrorise the state under the guise of Boko Haram.
“The DHQ team was also informed of a trend whereby some particular crimes have now taken the place of terrorism as the criminals now resort to brigandage, robbery and attempted assassination of business rivals,” Mr. Olukolade said.
He assured residents of Yobe of safety of lives and property and encouraged citizens with vital information to provide the soldiers with them as they rid the state of the insurgents.
Success in Borno too Mr. Olukolade also said a key terrorist who specializes in recruiting young men into the Boko Haram has been apprehended by troops in Maiduguri following a tip off.
He said the suspect, who allegedly also watches over the insurgents’ armoury, was arrested in one of the cordon and search operations by the Special Forces. The soldiers also arrested another group of 5 insurgents, all from Niger Republic.
They were arrested when troops stormed their hideout at Mallam Fatori as they attempted to escape in two Toyota Cruiser Jeeps, Mr. Olukolade said.
He said the soldiers have continued to patrol the notorious Sambisa forest and are also cordoning the Alou forest and Gwoza Hills. “More abandoned vehicles, weapons and other items are being recovered in the camps of the insurgents,” he said.
He listed some of the recovered arms as rifles, double barrel guns, various charms and amulets, machine guns, as well as pairs of camouflage uniforms, bows and quiver and assorted rifle magazine. Others are handset, walkie talkie, car number plates and some food items.
“Abandoned vehicles recovered include a Golf Car, a Honda, Customs Pickup Van, Honda (2003 Model) and a Volkswagen Monte Carlo,” the military spokesman said. Mr. Olukolade said police stations are now being reopened in some parts of Borno State. “At Kirenowa, detachments of Police Anti-Terrorist unit have been deployed to complement security in the area,” he said.
The spokesman said the defence headquarters had organised a tour of the operational areas of the JTF for selected local and foreign Journalists. He said the tour is to ensure that “the media have a first-hand information on the situation in the operational areas.”
The federal government officially declared the Boko Haram as terrorists on Tuesday.

Source: Premium Times

Source: Naij.com

First Bank To Shut Down Operations On Thursday

Customers of First Bank Limited may find it difficult to carry out some banking transactions from Thursday to Monday due to the decision to shut down the bank’s branches nationwide during the period.

The decision to shut down operations in order to facilitate the migration to Finacle 10 would affect the bank’s over 700 branches nationwide.
The shutdown, according to the bank, is to enable it upgrade its core banking application from Finacle 7 to Finacle 10, which will ensure easier and faster customer services and experience.
Apart from all the branches being shut, Point of Sale transactions and transaction alerts by Short Message Service will not be possible during the period. In addition, all card services, except Visa prepaid card, will not be available via Quick Teller and the Web.
First Bank said in an explanatory note, “All transactions that will impact on the banking platform e.g. settlements inter bank (RTGS, NEFT, FIP) inflows, will not be available.”
However, the bank said skeletal services would be available on its ATMs throughout the migration period until 5pm on Sunday, and would be restored at 6am on Monday.
Online banking services, according to the bank, will also be available until 5pm on Sunday and be restored at 6am on Monday, while its mobile money services will be available throughout the migration period.
The bank had notified its customers through SMS and email of the development and apologised for inconveniences that they might suffer as a result of the platform upgrade.
The Group Managing Director, First Bank, Bisi Onasanya, said in an open letter to the customers, “I write to thank you for your continuous patronage and inform you of our plan to upgrade our core banking application as part of the ongoing transformation of the bank.
“I am particularly excited at the prospect of this milestone as it represents the opportunity to significantly transform our service delivery to you in many respects, while also supporting our plans for the introduction of new and innovative products as we anticipate your every banking need.
“This is a major project and on account of the technical requirements, we regret that there will be some disruptions to our services for about three days, while the upgrade is ongoing.”
Mr Onasanya said only intra-bank transactions would be available on the alternative channels while the upgrade was going on, adding that the clearing of customers’ might also be slightly delayed but that all investments due on any transaction within the period would only be terminated when all services were restored without affecting the value dates or the value of accrued interests on such investments.
However, the decision is causing anxiety among the customers of the bank, who complained that the planned shutdown would further compound the problems they had been coping with lately in accessing the institution’s services.
For instance, customers have been complaining of not being able to draw cash from the bank’s Automated Teller Machines for sometime now, while money transfers to other banks from First Bank branches have been difficult in the last two weeks.

Source: Channels Television 

Senate rejects Jonathan’s nominee as PSC member •Confirms Okiro, 5 others

THE Senate, on Tuesday, rejected the re-nomination of Dr Otive Igbuzor (Delta State) to represent South-South on the board of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

It, however, approved the appointment of former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Mike Okiro, as the chairman of the commission, but with a call to him to reform the Nigeria Police.
Igbuzor was rejected three times by the majority of the senators present at the plenary in a voice vote called by the Senate President, David Mark.
Efforts by Senator Babafemi Ojodu to make the Senate reverse itself failed, as “Point-of-Order” raised was considered as coming too late.
While no reason was given for the rejection of Igbuzor, who was a former commissioner in the commission, it was gathered that his rejection may not be unconnected to his stance against government institutions and policies, including the National Assembly.
A human and civil rights activist, Igbuzor was once the secretary of Citizens’ Forum for Constitutional Reform (CFCR), a coalition of over 100 civil society organisations.
Senator Mark, however, said President Goodluck Jonathan could re-present Igbuzor for nomination if he was considered important by the Federal Government to be on the board of the PSC.
Confirming the nomination of Okiro as the chairman of the commission, Senator Mark asserted that the police was one of the numerous problems facing the country, adding that encounters with them had not been good.
“We want a police of our dream; police that truly can do police job; the police that can sort out crime and defend us and a police that is properly equipped to do their policing work very well.
“I believe that, to those of you who have encountered the police, it has not been a good encounter and I hope that Okiro and his team will bring visible and noticeable improvement to the Police,” he said.
Other nominees confirmed by the Senate included Mr Yakubu Mohammed (retired DIG), Justice Olufunke Adekeye (retired Justice of the Supreme Court), Aisha Lara Tukur, Mrs Comfort Obi and Chief Torngee Gem Toranyiin.

Written by  Dapo Falade - Abuja 

Source: tribune

Nigeria: Jonathan's Mid-Term Report Baseless, Lagos Tells Maku

By Gboyega Akinsanmi.

A battle line seems to have been drawn as the Lagos State Government Tuesday took a swipe at the federal government, saying the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan had nothing to report to mark its second anniversary in office.

This was contained in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Aderemi Ibirogba, in reaction to the inflammatory comments allegedly made by the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, on the achievements of Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN).
Ibirogba, in the statement expressed disappointment that the minister could deny monumental achievements, which the he said Fashola's administration had recorded within a period of six years.
He added that the minister should have taken time to research into some of Fashola's performance, which he said the government had received accolades even from leaders of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He explained that all Maku would have done was "to concentrate more on the achievements of the federal government if there was any and if there was nothing to report, he could still have done himself a world of good by keeping quiet than exposing himself to such ridicule through unguarded statements credited to him.
"One is not perturbed by his behaviour since it has become his stock in trade going by the way of his earlier outburst on the National Assembly for which he later had to apologise when the House of Representatives cautioned him."
The commissioner observed that the issue of environmental sanitation, which he said the minister raised apparently, betrayed his understanding of the pedestal for good governance in any society.
"It becomes apparent that the minister was befuddled by the state of development in Lagos, the nation's former capital that had been left to rot away but which the Fashola administration is taking to higher heights.
"That the BRT buses run on federal government roads is quite laughable. One may wish to ask that since the capital moved to Abuja, who has been maintaining most of the infrastructure left behind by the federal government.
"The questions are why has the Lagos-Ibadan road becoming daunting to the federal government and why has the federal government failed to replicate the BRT system in Abuja or all over the country."
He said the minister should have taken a trip to Lagos "to see the expansion of the Lagos-Badagry expressway into a 10-lane highway with ;ight rail and BRT lanes, the 39km Eti-Osa -Lekki-Epe Expressway, the recently commissioned cable-stayed bridge linking Lekki and Ikoyi communities."
He also urged Maku "to see the ongoing expansion of Mile 12-Ikorodu Road, greater attention to water transportation, the infrastructural facilities being provided all over Lagos and several other people-oriented programmes, before concluding erroneously that Fashola has not done anything in Lagos.
"Recently, President Jonathan was hosted alongside the former US President, Mr. Bill Clinton at the commissioning of the Eko Atlantic City where President Jonathan pledged that the federal government will replicate the project in other parts of the country and yet Fashola has done nothing.

2015: Buharia's Posters Covers Abuja

Indications that the former Head of state and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) presidential candidate in 2011 presidential election, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) will contest the 2015 presidential election emerged with his posters appearing in all strategic corners of the Federal Capital City.

Residents of Abuja resident woke up Monday morning to see pictures of Gen Mohammdu Buhari 2015 campaign posters on the platform of the yet to be registered All Progressive Congress Party (APC) littering strategic parts of the capital city.
With APC yet to elect he or his sponsors or sympatizers are trying to be one step ahead the competion which is believed to include fashola
With the 2015 election in two years time, the political landscape in the country is changing with and Buhari wants to be ahead of the competition in time
 

Source: ThisDay

Why We’ll Win 2015 Presidency – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the unfolding political events in the country are a concrete indication that the party will win the presidency in 2015.
This is contained in a statement by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr Olisa Metuh, in Abuja on Sunday.
Metuh said that the unfolding political event was also a sign that the PDP would win more states in 2015.
He welcomed opposition parties and particularly the yet to be registered All Progressive Congress (APC) to electoral contest in 2015, but noted that they were already “doomed to fail”.
According to him, Nigerians have since realised that they are “merely strange bed fellows who have nothing to offer but united by bitterness, frustration and religious and tribal sentiments”.
He said that the PDP remained the party to beat because of its democratic stance and formidable structures across the country.
“This is why the PDP will continue to win elections. The PDP is the only party that has formidable structures in all the wards, local government and states of the federation.
“We have the platform and a level playground to accommodate the views of everyone. People are free to express their views as a family. We galvanise the views for the common good, united by our commitment to serve the people,” Metuh said.
He, however, called on PDP members to close ranks and remain united.
He maintained that the divergent view in the PDP was a reflection of its democratic stance where all members had opportunity to air their views and to freely canvass their opinions.
This, he noted, was unlike what was obtained in opposition parties where opinions and views of members were muzzled by “political godfathers”.
“Internal disagreements are actually a reflection of the democratic stance of the PDP. The PDP is the only party where people are absolutely free to express their views and freely canvass their opinions.
“Unlike in the opposition parties where the views and opinions of members are muzzled by their godfathers,” he said.
He dismissed as “shadow chasing and day dreaming”, boasts by leaders of the yet to be registered opposition coalition, the APC, that they would take over government in 2015.
“Power lies only with the people and not in the hands of few desperate individuals,” the PDP spokesman, said.
He added that the opposition alliance would soon be in disarray because most of those in the ranks would be betrayed and victimised by godfathers who see the coalition as their personal estates.
He stressed that the PDP believes in the people, adding that no individual group or tribe owns the party.

 

Source: NAN

5 Big Reasons You’re Still Single

Want to change your relationship status? The first step is to know why you can’t seem to find love.

You’ve read all the magazines and the top dating tips, but at the end of the day, you haven’t found the answers to why you’re still single.
Here are 5  reasons why that might be;
1. Your love life is not your top priority. You think about dating here and there, but you are not going out on dates regularly. You spend time thinking about work, going to gym, you say you’re busy, but really you’re not prioritizing this part of your life. If you met an amazing guy today you would spend hours, maybe even days with him so why not put some of this time into finding him?
2. You don’t believe you deserve to give and receive love. You think the only people who deserve love have already found it. You think to yourself, “Oh, she’s so pretty and nice she deserves a great guy.” But so do you! You just have to believe it and know what you have to offer. There is someone out there looking for the exact qualities you have, you just don’t know how to show them off.
3. You’re looking for qualities in a man instead of qualities of the relationship. Stop making a never-ending list of qualities to look for in a guy. What’s important is the relationship. Think of what you want in a relationship or with your partner, not just the qualities of that person
4. You have the wrong expectations. You’ve created a picture in your mind of what dating ”should be.” Maybe you thought this was productive, like goal setting, but really you’re only limiting yourself to what is out there. You are setting yourself up for disappointment by creating these expectations in the first place.
5. You aren’t setting yourself up for the best possible relationship. Get out there! If you like an athletic guy, go to the gym; if you like a guy who reads, join a book club. Knowing who you’re looking for is crucial for changing this. Finding the right guy is more important than just meeting anyone.

Confusion in Kenya as Mikel Lands Ahead of Eagles

The Kenyan camp has become depressed that midfielder John Mikel Obi was on his way to Nairobi after missing the friendly against Mexico in Texas at the weekend. They actually thought he was not coming for the game.

Chelsea FC of England ace Obi was instrumental to Nigeria’s 3-2 defeat of the Stars at the same venue on November 14, 2009 – a result that sent the Super Eagles to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa.

The midfield lubricator flew into Nairobi aboard a British Airways flight on Monday evening, hours ahead of the rest of the delegation that was being expected from Frankfurt around 1.30 a.m. on Tuesday.

Government sources say Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta or Vice President William Ruto would be special guest of honour at the big match. On Sunday evening, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Ambassador Akin Oyateru flew into Nairobi from official assignment abroad.

He quickly welcomed the advance party of the Nigeria Football Federation and instructed mission staff to provide the team with full support.

A source close to the Football Kenya Federation stated on Monday that tight security is being put in place for the match, with more than 1,500 policemen to be on duty at the Moi International Sports Centre.

NFF’s advance party on Monday frowned at the 680 Hotel reserved for the Super Eagles. The hotel is right in the centre of town with so much noise around it. The Nigeria Football Federation and the Nigeria High Commission are working on alternative accommodation for the African champions.

Already, the FKF has made arrangement for the Eagles to train at the Moi International Sports Centre at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, but would be willing to allow them there should Coach Stephen Keshi prefer a morning work-out, according to FKF President, Sam Nyamweya.

The pre-match meeting is scheduled for the Bulemart Hotel at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, even as the match officials, led by Ivorian referee Noumandiez Doue arrived in Nairobi on Monday.

NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari is expected to lead a delegation from Nigeria aboard a Kenyan Airways flight on Tuesday afternoon. 

Source: Vanguard