Le Guen, 19 others apply for Super Eagles Coaching Vacancy

Nigeria caretaker coach Salisu Yusuf and front-runner Paul Le Guen are among the 20 coaches who have applied to lead the Super Eagles in the 2018 World Cup qualifying tournament, officials have disclosed.

NFF technical committee chairman Chris Green disclosed that as many as 20 coaches have applied for the Eagles post vacated by Sunday Oliseh in February.

Former Cameroon coach Le Guen was previously reported not to have applied for the position, but officials have now confirmed he has done so.

Woman Sells Her Younger Sister's Unborn Child For N100,000

Lagos State police have launched a manhunt for a woman, Amaka Ogua, for allegedly selling the unborn child of her younger sister, Nkechi, for N100,000 in the Mile 2 area of the state.

It was gathered that Amaka, who the police accused of running a baby factory, had already collected N50,000 from a client for the unborn child.

It was learnt that a balance of N50,000 was agreed to be paid when 31-year-old Nkechi was delivered of the baby.

The bubble however burst on Friday, June 24, when the police got a tip-off from a non-governmental organisation – Child Protection Network – that money had been allegedly paid to Nkechi’s sister for the unborn child.

See referees that would officiate #Euro2016 semifinals

World Cup final referee Nicola Rizzoli has been appointed by UEFA to officiate the Germany vs. France semifinal on Thursday in Marseille.

The Italian referee, who took charge of Germany’s title-winning victory over Argentina two years ago in Brazil, will be refereeing his fourth match at Euro 2016.

P Diddy and Cassie relationship turn sour ...

It was reported last week that Sean John Combs aka P Diddy was almost caught up in a paternity scandal after he provided his DNA for a paternity test after a woman accused him of being the father of her child. It later turned out not to be true but did that affect his relationship with his long-suffering girlfriend, Cassie Ventura? 

via NYT's Page Six ...

PENGASSAN to withdraw members from oil locations amidst Nationwide Strike

Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, yesterday, directed its members nationwide to begin a strike on Thursday, following alleged government refusal to address pending issues affecting the oil industry.

The impending strike, according to PENGASSAN Acting General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, will affect all sub-sectors of the oil and gas industry, including the upstream, the midstream and the downstream sectors.

See Husband, wife and young daughter killed in the Baghdad suicide attack

Omar al-Dulami was shopping with his wife and young daughter for the Sallah when the suicide attack carried out by ISIS occurred at one of the busiest shopping districts in Baghdad on Saturday July 2nd. Three of them perished in the attack.

Manchester United and Liverpool battle to sign 19 year old Portuguese

Liverpool and Manchester United are sparring to sign Ruben Neves according to reports. The 19-year-old Portuguese international has amassed 75 appearances for Porto in all competitions already and is touted as one of the most promising youngsters in world football.

The versatile midfielder has been coveted by the biggest European clubs for a while and though Porto's price tag has often put off clubs that have looked to snap him up have now been alerted that he will be available for around €20 million Euros. Porto has reportedly been in dire financial trouble and needs to cash in on some of their best players. Hector Herrera is also said to be on the market and is close to wrapping up a transfer to Napoli for a slightly larger fee soon.

"It hurts to see Lionel Messi Cry" - Cristiano Ronaldo

During his press conference ahead of the Euro 2016 semi-final against Wales, the Portuguese captain spoke about Lionel Messi's retirement. 

“[Messi] has made a tough decision [to retire from international football] and people should understand it,” he said. 

Suicide bomber attack Police Station in Indonesia, injures one person

A suicide bomber on a motorcycle attacked a police station in the small Indonesian city of Solo on Tuesday, killing himself and wounding a police officer, a police spokesman said.

Following the attack, President Joko Widodo, who is from Solo and a former mayor of the town, urged calm and ordered police to quickly arrest others that may have been connected to the suicide bomber.

Police have increased security at churches, mosques, shopping malls and airports as Indonesia, home to the world's largest Muslim population, prepares to celebrate the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

"We are increasing the number of personnel, as well as intensifying patrols and security in places where there are a lot of people gathering," said police spokesman Agus Rianto.

Mandela's Family furious with Opposition for using his voice for Campaign

The family of the late Nelson Mandela is furious that a recording of the revered South African leader's voice is being used by the main opposition party for campaigning in local government elections due to be held next month.

In a campaign ad, which the Democratic Alliance (DA) posted on YouTube at the weekend, a young woman steps into a voting booth as Mandela’s voice is heard calling for justice, peace, work and bread. The woman then makes her mark next to the DA logo.

Floods kill over 100 people, wipe out crops in China

Severe recent flooding across central and southern China has killed around 100 people, damaged more than 1.5 million hectares of cropland and led to direct economic losses of more than 20 billion yuan ($3 billion), the government has said.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang traveled on Tuesday to Anhui, one of the hardest-hit provinces, where he met residents and encouraged officials to do everything they could to protect lives and livelihoods. Li was also to visit Hunan province.

Heavy rainfall had killed 93 people across 11 provinces and regions and left 19 missing in the past four days, state news agency Xinhua reported late on Monday.

Cristiano Ronaldo will win Ballon d'Or because of his good looks - Barcelona legend

Legendary Barcelona and Bulgarian forward Hristo Stoichkov has said that Cristiano Ronaldo will win the Ballon d’Or this year thanks to his good looks. The Portuguese superstar had another amazing season scoring goals at will and also helping Real Madrid win the Champions League trophy.

With Lionel Messi retiring from international football and Ronaldo’s Portugal currently in Euro 2016 semi-final, the Real Madrid star is considered to be the favourite for the Ballon d’Or award this year. Ronaldo was beaten to the award by Lionel Messi last year with Neymar coming third. Ronaldo and Messi have dominated the Ballon d’Or in the last 8 years with Messi winning 5 and Ronaldo winning 3.

Gundogan says Ibrahimovic knows Guardiola is the best

New Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan is already courting the favour of his new club's fans as he stokes the flames of their intense rivalry with neighbours United.

City unveiled Gundogan alongside fellow new man Nolito on Saturday, as cross-town rivals United announced the capture of Zlatan Ibrahimovic - a man who has made his dislike for new City manager Pep Guardiola no secret and is an open admirer of new United manager Jose Mourinho.

Ibrahimovic was scathing of Guardiola in his autobiography released in 2013 and has had plenty to say about his former Barcelona manager since, but Gundogan said even in his scathing attacks, the former Sweden international has admitted that Guardiola is the best coach in the world.

Guardiola says he almost joined Man City long before now

New Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola revealed he almost joined the Premier League outfit over ten years ago in the twilight stages of his playing career. 

Guardiola spent the majority of his time as a player at Barcelona after graduating through the youth ranks, before moving to Italy to play for both Brescia and Roma. 

After leaving the Serie A, Guardiola moved to Qatar with Al-Ahli, but after two years he set his sights on a move to England. 

Guardiola, then 34, had an offer from Stuart Pearce to link up with City ahead of the 2005-06 season, but decided it would not have been a good move for both him and the club.

Pandemonium in Benue as Police Car Kill Okada Rider

Irate commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, Sunday afternoon, burnt a police patrol vehicle in Makurdi, Benue State capital after one of their members was allegedly crushed to death by a car belonging to the police.

It was gathered that the police patrol team was on a routine assignment few metres from the Makurdi Federal Secretariat when the vehicle accidentally hit the commercial motorcycle rider, and he died instantly.

According to an eyewitness, “the police patrol Peugeot car was carrying police officers, who were on routine patrol when they crushed the Okada man to death. His (female) passenger, a staff of Benue State University Teaching Hospital, sustained a fracture.

Alex Ferguson says Mourinho right not to make Giggs his assistant

Sir Alex Ferguson has said Jose Mourinho was right, not to include Ryan Giggs on his Manchester United coaching staff.

Giggs left Old Trafford last weekend after 29 years at the club, after Mourinho offered him a reduced role. The Welshman had acted as assistant to David Moyes and Louis van Gaal, after Ferguson left United in 2013.

Mourinho will bring his trusted No.2, Rui Faria and Ferguson says the Portuguese needed someone he could trust.

Ohanaeze slams INEC, passes no vote of confidence on Uche Ogah

The Ohanaeze Youth Council passes no vote of confidence on Uche Ogah. They said this at a press conference it held at Abuja on Monday. They also accused Ogah of being desperate for power.

While noting that Dr Ogah was fronting for some elements who were opposed to Igbo political interest, they vowed to checkmate his antics.

The press conference was jointly addressed by Mazi Obinna Achuonye, the National Vice Chairman of the body in Imo State, Dr Kingsley

Chiedozie, the Deputy National treasurer of the body and Barrister Chika Nzelu, a stakeholder of the organisation.

Lagos State Arrest Hundred of Traders over Street Hawking

Hundreds of street traders were on Monday arrested in different parts of Lagos metropolis by men of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), for hawking on the streets.

The State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, had last week Friday announced the enforcement of the law banning street trading and hawking.

Ambode, who was speaking on a live TV interview, warned that the law stipulates six months jail term or N90,000 fine for offenders.

The governor said that the renewed enforcement is in line with Section One of the Lagos State Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law 2003 which restricts street trading and hawking in the metropolis.

CBN appoints new Skye Bank CEO

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has appointed Tokunbo Abiru, former commissioner of finance in Lagos state, as the new chief executive officer (CEO) and managing director (MD) of Skye Bank.

This was done, following the resignation of Timothy Oguntayo and the dissolution of the top management of the eighth-biggest lender in the Nigerian banking sector.

Abiru was Lagos commissioner of finance (2011- 2013) under the leadership of Babatunde Fashola, the current minister of power, works and housing.

GEJ helped Oshiomole win his Second term, but he betrayed him – Tomi Ikimi

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tomi Ikimi, has disclosed why Governor Adams Oshiomhole won his 2012 re-election.

He said Oshiomhole won his second term because former President Goodluck Jonathan provided a level playing field.

Chief Ikimi disclosed that the party was set to drop Governor Oshiomhole after his first term but that Oshiomhole begged him to be given a second term ticket.

Ikimi noted that Oshiomhole won the election with a landslide victory, not because of his merit but because himself and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu took him to former President Jonathan to demand a level playing field.

Official White House Photographer shares his favorite shots with President Obama

Official White House photographer Pete Souza captured an estimated 2 million photos over 8 years while Obama was in office… And above are his most favourite photos with Mr President.

Jack Wilshere already preparing hard for the upcoming BPL Season

Jack Wilshere took to Instagram to share a picture of himself doing pull-ups on a shower cubicle in the preparation of the new season after England's disappoint in Euros.

"What's done is done, all I can do now is prepare for next season the best I can!" 

All you need to know about the man who replaces Kachikwu as GM of NNPC

President Muhammadu Buhari has on July 4, Monday, approved Dr Maikanti Kacalla Baru as the new group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

This move signals the sack of Ibe Kachikwu as the GMD of the oil corporation. Meanwhile, Kachikwu is now the chairman, board of NNPC. 

Nigerians, who are always quick with their reactions, took to different social media to express their feeling over the development. 

While some of them see the move as something sensible and necessary, others consider it as ill-wrong. 

Below are ten facts to know about the new NNPC boss as highlighted by naij.com

President Buhari breaks Ramadan fast with Physically-challenged, IDPs (PHOTOS)

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday broke his Ramadan fast with some Internally Displaced Persons as well as those who are physically challenged.

14 Nigeria Prisons officers Suspended

The Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prisons Services Board has approved the suspension of four senior officers while the Controller-General of Prisons, Ja’afaru Ahmed in his capacity, also approved the suspension of 10 junior personnel of the prison.

This followed the escape of two high profile inmates, Solomon Amodu and Maxwell Ajukwu  who were standing trial for culpable homicide from lawful custody in Kuje Medium Security Prison on June 24, 2016.

A statement on Monday in Abuja by the Prisons Service Public Relations Officer, Francis Enobore, said the  affected officers and men include, the Officer in-charge of Kuje Prisons, DCP Musa Tanko; SIP Buhari  Dogo; PIPs Stephen Edogbanya; Patrick Teru;  IPs Usman Peter and Dennis Makum.

Others are IP Fassan Akin; SPAs Daka  James; Adamu Luka; SPA Zakari Yunasa ; PAs Asnamal Samuel, Ejegwa Patrick, Isah Ibrahim and Ngede  Salifu

JUST IN: Buhari sacks Ibe Kachikwu ... appoints Baru as new GMD of NNPC

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday approved the appointment of of Dr. Maikanti Kacalla Baru as the new Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

The appointment was contained in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.

With the latest appointment, Baru replaced Dr. Ibe Kachikwu who has been doubling as the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources and GMD, NNPC.

Ahmed Musa confirms Leicester City move

Premier League champions Leicester City have agreed a deal with CSKA Moscow to sign Nigeria forward Ahmed Musa, the player’s agent disclosed on Monday.

The 23-year-old, who joined CSKA in 2012 and scored 54 goals in 168 games, is set to sign for a club record fee at the Foxes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Leicester City stunned all last season on their way to the English title.

Chief Financial Officer of MTN Group resigns

The Chief Financial Officer of MTN Group is to step down in September after more than a decade at Africa’s biggest telecoms operator, the company said on Monday.

In a statement by the company in Johannesburg said Brett Goschen had held the position since 2013.

According to MTN, its Rwanda Chief Executive Gunter Engling will assume the position of Acting Group CFO on Brett’s departure until a permanent CFO is appointed.

Goschen leaves the company in the middle of a hunt for new revenue streams that includes convincing its more than 200 million users to use their handsets for everything from storing money to paying bills.

See Pastor Adeboye prophecy about the Later Part of 2016

Pastor Enoch Adeboye has declared that the later part of 2016 will witness a positive turnaround for Nigerians.

The General Overseer of the Reedemed Christian Church Of God (RCCG) urged Nigerians to be prayerful and patient because God is capable of solving all the present challenges confronting Nigerians.

Official Statement from Skye Bank Over CBN Takeover

Following the takeover of Skye Bank Plc by Apex bank, Central Bank Of Nigeria, CBN, the financial institution has issued an official press statement through its official Twitter page.

The statement reads:

The CBN has approved the appointment of Alhaji M.K Ahmad as the new Chairman of the Board of Skye Bank Plc.