Fifa racism measures could see teams expelled or relegated

Teams could be relegated or expelled from competitions for serious incidents of racism after tough new powers were voted in by Fifa.

First or minor offences will result in either a warning, fine or order for a match to be played behind closed doors.

Serious or repeat offences can now be punished by a points deduction, expulsion or relegation.

Jeffrey Webb, head of Fifa's anti-racism task force, said the decision was "a defining moment".

He added: "Our football family is fully aware that what is reported in the media is actually less than 1% of the incidents that happen around the world.

"We've got to take action so that when we look to the next 20 or 50 years this will be the defining time that we took action against racism and discrimination."

Fifa, world football's governing body, passed the anti-racism resolution with a 99% majority at its congress in Mauritius.

Richard Conway, reporting for BBC Sport at the congress, said a concern was raised over those who voted against the tougher racism measures.

Former South African apartheid prisoner Tokyo Sexwale, now a Fifa member, urged congress to check cameras to see who voted against racism rules," he said.

"Sexwale says (the) 1% vote against demonstrates how football still has to fight against racism."

Webb said of the vote against the measures: "I would like to think it was a mistake but I'm glad it wasn't the other way. I'm glad only 1% went that way."

Nonetheless, Fifa president Blatter accepted more must be done to eradicate racism.

He said: "We need zero tolerance and strict punishments everywhere. We must lead. We must set a tough, uncompromising example.

"We can make a difference. We can send a strong signal to the racists that their time is up."

Fifa commissioned a task force to address the issue of racism after a friendly game between AC Milan and Pro Patria was abandoned due to racist chanting.

Their verdict includes putting an official inside the stadium to identify potential acts of racism and ease the pressure on the match referee.

The new rulings standardise punishment across the members, meaning federations will lose the power to impose their own judgements.

Further to the regulations that relate to clubs or international teams, the new measures will see any individual who commits a racist offence banned from stadiums for a minimum of five matches.

The five-match suspension is one that has been introduced by the Football Association, whose chairman David Bernstein sat on the task force in Mauritius.

Also on the task force was Kevin-Prince Boateng, the AC Milan player who led the walk-off in the game against Pro Patria in January.

Former England international striker Luther Blissett, an ambassador for anti-racism charity Show Racism The Red Card, admitted to reservations about the new measures.

"You've got to applaud them for doing something about it, my thing is when they talk about the 'level' of racism," he told Radio 5 live. "To me, racism is racism.

"Fifa have to let it be known where they are going to start this from. Any form of racism is serious enough for the bans to start, they should hit people hard straight away.

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Nigeria deserves respect says Chicharito

Manchester United and Mexico striker Javier Hernandez says Nigeria deserve respect ahead of their meeting tomorrow.

Both countries meet in an international friendly in Houston, Texas, and the Mexican forward is wary of the threat posed by the African champions

The most important thing is to have a game to prepare for the qualifiers, which we’ll be doing against Nigeria.

“They are African champions and they have many players abroad. The players are always full of running when they play but they have also improved a lot in recent years.

“The game against Nigeria will be very important for us to prepare ourselves. You have to give them due respect knowing well that they too will be using the game to prepare for the World Cup qualification too.”

Kick-off is at 2am Nigeria time.

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Arsenal must aim higher, says Henry

Arsenal great Thierry Henry warned the club on Wednesday that they must set their sights higher than merely qualifying for the Champions League.

Arsene Wenger’s side celebrated jubilantly after securing a top-four finish in the Premier League with a 1-0 win at Newcastle United on the final day of the Premier League season, drawing criticism from some quarters.

Henry, who now plays for the New York Red Bulls, says the only thing worth celebrating this season was the fact Arsenal denied fierce local rivals Tottenham Hotspur a Champions League place.

“Putting Tottenham out of the top four, and I really do hope that’s what they were celebrating about, that’s the only thing you can celebrate,” he told Sky Sports.

“If you’re an Arsenal man through and through, that’s like winning something. I said it when we did to them in 2006. It wasn’t the fact that we qualified for the Champions League, it was because we kicked them out of it and we went in.”

Henry won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups during his eight-year spell with the club, and he said Arsenal should still be aiming for the top prizes.

“Yes, they finished in the top four, but there is only one champion — Man United,” the 35-year-old said.

“I’m a competitor so that’s the only thing I will remember from the season — Man United won the league. You’re going to have to do better than what United did this year.

“Chelsea I’m sure are thinking about the same thing right now, or Man City. Tottenham are going to think, ‘How can we come back into the top four?’ All the teams are going to be thinking, ‘How can we win this title?’”

Henry also paid tribute to Arsenal manager Wenger, who has been in charge since October 1996, and said it was difficult to imagine what life would be like when the Frenchman finally steps down.

“It’s very difficult to see Arsenal playing, one day, without Arsene on the bench. It’s going to be weird,” he said.
I’d just love to have him there all the time, but we all know that’s not going to happen. One day he’s going to have to go, but it’s going to be hard. He’s not thinking of leaving.

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Agent: Bale worth more that neymar

The agent of Tottenham Hotspur star Gareth Bale has claimed it could cost Real Madrid even more money than Barcelona paid for Neymar should they wish to land the Welshman in the coming months.

“It (the Neymar fee) is crazy but whatever Neymar has cost, Gareth Bale is worth more,” Jonathan Barnett told Marca TV late Tuesday.

Real president Florentino Perez is thought to be targeting the 23-year-old as the first step in revolutionising the Madrid squad after a poor season in which Los Blancos failed to win a major trophy.

Madrid missed out on Neymar after he ended speculation over his future by penning a five-year deal with Barca over the weekend and Perez claimed earlier in the week that the Brazilian would have cost over 150 million euros ($193.5m, £128.3m) once agents fees and buying part of the player’s economic rights from investment funds had been included.

“If somebody like Mr. Perez was interested in Gareth Bale it would be a great honour and we would listen.

“He is a better player than Neymar. He has proved himself in one of the best leagues in the world.

“I would hope that any club that would want him would want him not because they had lost Neymar, I would think he would have to be their first choice.”

Bale scored 25 goals this season on his way to winning both the Premier League Player and Young Player of the Year awards this season.

However, despite Bale’s goals Spurs again just missed out on qualification for the Champions League which could leave them open to a lucrative bid from Madrid.

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I don’t want to rush into marriage – Actress, scriptwriter Dayo Amusa

Actress, scriptwriter and producer, Dayo Amusa, is fast turning herself into a force to reckon with her recent investment as a producer and scriptwriter. In a recent chat with Movie Moments, she opened up on marriage, work and her recent relationship with Desmond Elliot.

You have been on and off the movie scenes these days; what prompted that?

wonder why the choice of Desmond Elliot to direct your current flick?

Let me state here categorically that we have quite a lot of fantastic directors in the Yoruba producing genre and the entire movie industry in general; but the fact still remains that everyone is entitled to a choice of director and I feel choosing Desmond Elliot as my director is the best thing that has ever happened to me because he understood the kind of production I was looking out for and he delivered perfectly well.

Would it be right to say your choice of Desmond Elliot as the director is to get your film into the cinemas?

Everybody in the industry wants to step up their game in the industry and I am not an exception too. Few of my Yoruba colleagues have produced movies that is been screened in cinemas across the country and I ask myself, can’t I do something more advanced and professional. Having Desmond direct my job means that I am not eyeing the cinema alone but also meeting up with international standard. I so much believe everything is possible if hard-work, dedication and sincerity is put into a job.

In all, how do you feel having Desmond direct your job?

I feel honored and fulfilled because he was just too perfect for me. As a matter of fact, there is a way long difference between directing and producing which he made me understand. He didn’t see me as the producer and as such shouldn’t be cautioned while on set. At times on set, he would scream at me and all this was just to make the production come out fine and I must say that each time I watch the preview clip. I just smile and give praise to God almighty.

Tongue has continued to wag if Mike Ezereounye’s appearance in the movie,Unforgivable is worth the while?

Mike did not just appear in the movie; he acted and delivered his script beyond my own imagination and the directors because nobody on the set believed he will deliver the Yoruba lines very well. For instance, to my surprise some scenes will only require the director to take two shots as Mike enjoyed speaking the language too.

Are their future plans to have him feature more on your next movie?

Yes, definitely, as long as Mike is ready and available for the job at that time. It is also important to note that Desmond will also be directing my next job in June entitled My Shadow. My doors are readily open for anybody who wants to be part of my success story.

How easy or tough is it for you combining acting, script writing and producing?

Sincerely none is easy but it all boils down to the glory and mercy of God almighty; it has been challenging but in all I am not relenting because my best is yet to come. The industry is yet to feel me; I believe this is my time to show what I’m worth.

There is this bond between you and Bimbo Thomas; how do explain this?

You see, Bimbo Thomas is my sister from another mother; I like and cherish her so much not just as a fellow actress but somebody who is worth good friendship. We both hangout and advice each other on our different lapses since we are not perfect.

As a producer, how many movies have you got to your credit?

Professionally, I have produced five movies namely; Ajegbodo, Oju Awo, Ekan Soso, Ogun Mi and Dewunmi Iberu; other productions are still in their post production stages. It is also important to note that I have lost count of the movies I featured in.

Now to your personal life; are you in any relationship now?

Of course, I am presently in a relationship now but don’t want to make noise about it.

What is your take about marriage?

It is the biggest dream and a day every woman clamour for but must not be rushed into because when you rush; definitely you rush out.

So when should be expect the wedding bell?

Very soon because I stand firm on the Lords time for me. I am not in haste to tie the nuptial but when the time is ripe for me, nothing can stop it. I love kids and I hope to raise mine soon.

What do look out for in your dream man?

First and foremost, nobody is perfect so I am not looking for a perfect man rather; I want a man who will understand me and my job. A man who can’t be intimated irrespective of my status in the society, I appreciate a man who can differentiate me from what I do. I bet you I am a wife material and a typical African lady to the core.

(Written by Mutiat Alli, Edited by Gbenga Bada)

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4 incredible ways to overcome depression

One in ten Americans suffers from depression–a pretty staggering and alarming statistic. Given the current social climate, these rates aren’t all that surprising.

Top risk factors include being unable to work or unemployed; having no health insurance; suffering from obesity,” notes psychologist Gregory L. Jantz, citing a Centers for Disease Control study.

“Unfortunately, those topics have dominated headlines for the past five years. What’s worse, by 2020, the World Health Organization estimates depression will be second most debilitating disease worldwide.”

The author of “Overcoming Anxiety, Worry and Fear,” says these negative emotions along with sustained, excessive stress can lead to depression, which now overshadows other  problems for which patients seek help at his clinic.

“Depression can be rooted in a number of problems, and those need to be addressed – simply taking a pill is not usually effective treatment. Anger, fear and guilt can all be underlying causes, even when the person isn’t aware he’s experiencing those feelings.”
A holistic treatment approach, which may or may not include medication, helps people overcome a bout of the debilitating illness, and learn techniques to manage it themselves, he says.

People at risk of depression can work at maintaining their emotional equilibrium by counterbalancing negative feelings with optimism, hope, and joy. This is most effective if they do this holistically, addressing the four main categories of human need.
“By purposefully feeding the intellectual, relational, physical, and spiritual aspects of your life positive emotions, you can achieve balance,” Jantz says.

He offers these suggestions:

• Intellectual: Be aware of what you’re feeding to your mind. Try reading a positive, uplifting book, and setting aside time in your day to fill yourself up intellectually with constructive, encouraging messages. Be aware of what you are reading and listening to, and seek to counter the negative input we all get with positive influences.

• Relational: Think of a person you really enjoy talking to, someone who makes you feel good about yourself or someone who’s just fun to be around. Plan today to spend time with that person this week, even if it’s just for a moment or two. Make the effort to verbalize your appreciation for his or her positive presence in your day.

• Physical: Physical activity is a wonderful way of promoting emotional health. Engage in some mild exercise this week. Take a walk around the neighborhood. Stroll through a city park. The goals are to get your body moving and to allow you to focus on something other than yourself and your surroundings. Greet your neighbors, stop at the park and watch someone playing with his dog, or cheer at a Little League game. Intentionally open up your focus to include the broader world around you.

• Spiritual Support: Take some time to nourish your spirit. If you are a member of a religious organization, make sure to attend services this week. If you are not, listen to some religious or meditative music. Spend time in quiet reflection, meditation, or prayer. Intentionally engage in an activity that replenishes and reconnects your spirit.
If you are not depressed but feel anxious and stressed, have trouble sleeping or find your not content much of the time, Jantz says it’s time to start taking care of yourself.

Depression is painful and as debilitating as any other disease,” he says. “Take steps to de-stress your life and to work on emotional balance before it gets worse.

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Azeezat:I Don’t Need Goodluck Jonathan’s Money

Since the announcement of President Goodluck Jonathan’s $200 million Entertainment Intervention Fund in 2010, many entertainers have lamented the hardship involved in accessing the money.

While many have claimed that nobody in the industry has taken a bite from the ‘cake’, few have claimed otherwise.

Many industry stakeholders have termed the fund ‘invisible’ money, which was only announced to woo entertainers into getting people to vote for President Jonathan in the 2011 Presidential elections.

From those in the music industry to those in the movie world, the story has been the same. Same goes for comedians, who have even lost hope in the fund.

In a recent interview, the self-acclaimed Queen of Love, Azeezat, said she is not interested in getting a share from the President’s largesse to the creative industry in Nigeria. While Her response to our question on whether she is interested in the money was, “not at all.”

The fund was announced by Mr President to help improve the creative industry in Nigeria through grants in form of loans. The President said that the gesture was made because of the impact the entertainment industry in Nigeria has created in terms of job creation and for the purpose of boosting the country’s economy.

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Recent studies suggest that laughter enhances the quality of romantic relationships

Laughter is a bold declaration of happiness.

We’re all familiar with its contagious effect, and attempts to stifle it often result in uncontrollable giggles. Professional comedians claim that there is humor to be found in virtually any situation, given enough time. We all know that laughing feels good, but what impact does it have on our daily wellbeing? Let’s turn to the research to find out.

Recent studies suggest that laughter enhances the quality of romantic relationships. One experiment found that couples instructed to reminisce about occasions where they laughed together reported being more satisfied with their relationships, compared to couples that remembered times when they laughed apart from one another or times when they shared positive (but not funny) experiences1.

Interestingly, the occasions on which couples laughed together were not always positive. This suggests that the ability to laugh about neutral or even negative experiences together enhances relationship satisfaction, which is highly related to feeling happy.

How can you make this work for your relationship? Next time you and your significant other are caught in traffic or dine at a mediocre restaurant, help each other find the humor in the situation.

Each time you do this, you create one more memory for the both of you to fondly remember.

Research also indicates that laughter is powerful enough to enhance our physical health. A recent experiment found that mothers who watched and laughed at a Charlie Chaplin movie, “Modern Times,” had higher levels of melatonin in their breast milk, which helped reduce allergic responses and promoted better sleep in their infant children. Another group of mothers that watched a video about weather information did not experience this change2.

Another experiment revealed that women who watched a humorous movie reported lower stress levels and experienced greater immune system functionality, relative to a control group that watched a tourism video3. Finally, laughing has been associated with decreased levels of prorenin in the blood, which is involved in the onset of diabetic complications4.

Laughter may not be the best medicine, but it does seem to have a legitimate medicinal value.

Do you need to laugh more often? Having a lot of responsibilities can make life seem somber and boring. It’s been months since I’ve had a good chuckle paying bills or taking out the garbage! Here are a few tips on how to keep the laughs coming amidst the daily drudgery of life:

    • Stand-up comedy. This art form has entertained the masses for decades. Choose a comedian that’s relatable and not offensive to you. Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Cosby, two all-time greats, have clean acts and are truly funny. Listen to their albums or search for them on YouTube. If you’re lucky, you might even catch them on tour.

    • Surround yourself with funny people. Determine whether you habitually spend time with others who tend to talk about grim matters. There’s a time and a place for such discussions, but more often than not, hang out with a friend or family member who keeps things light-hearted and makes you laugh.

    • Amuse yourself. Consider this wise adage: “Blessed are we who laugh at ourselves, for we will never cease to be amused.” As we mature, it’s easy to take life far too seriously. Whenever you have a moment alone, get in the habit of laughing out loud. Don’t be shy; nobody can hear you! Think of something amusing you saw or heard earlier in the day or imagine a scene from your favorite comedic movie. Whatever it takes to make you laugh, do it! You’ll be glad you took a break from your usual worries.

People often dismiss laughter as a youthful tendency that fades with time. I wholeheartedly disagree with this assumption. Having a good laugh is not just an occasional pleasant experience—it can become a way of life and should be a high priority on any given day.

Indeed, humor has a powerful and unique ability to overshadow virtually any other emotion, even when we feel frightened or sad. Whether or not you consider yourself “funny,” focus on finding ways to laugh heartily and frequently. You may find that laughter and happiness are a natural pair.

source: bettyconfidential

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Eagles play test game in Germany

Ahead of next month’s 2014 World Cup qualifier against Kenya, the Super Eagles will today play against a local German side in a friendly game.

According to reports from Germany, where the Coach Stephen Keshi-tutored Nigerian side are training,  today’s test game will enable Keshi to have a broader picture of which players to use for the exhibition match against Mexico in USA.

A day after the test game, the African champions will fly out to Houston, Texas, for the Mexico match.

The African champions have been hit by injuries and withdrawals leading up to this game but they are expected to be boosted with the return of Mikel Obi, Ahmed Musa, Fegor Ogude, Efe Ambrose and Ogenyi Onazi in time for two 2014 World Cup qualifiers in Kenya and Namibia in early June.

Meanwhile, Sporting Braga left back Elderson Echiejile has said he is excited to finally join the Eagles camp in Germany  Elderson, who won Portuguese league cup with Braga in the just concluded season, said he was excited to return to national team duty after a short break.

”Now in Eagles camp in Germany, so excited to see so many old friends again,” the defender tweeted on his Twitter handle @Eldersonech.

He also congratulated Bayern Munich for emerging European champions after they beat German Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in a dramatic final on Saturday at the famous Wembley Stadium.

”Bayern champions of Europe after last season’s heartbreak, they deserved their triumph,” he tweeted.

source: vanguargmgr

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Yvonne Nwosu:i Never Dated Nigerian rapper Ice Prince

Yvonne Nwosu says she never dated Nigerian rapper Ice Prince. The fashion designer revealed this in an interview with Punch, insisting she’s just good friends with the rapper. ‘Ice Prince is just my friend. It has always been that way. It does not matter if I put up pictures. I could put up pictures of anybody. I never said anything, next minute people were saying I’m dating him. I never said anything. I don’t have a boyfriend, he is just my friend’, she says. When asked why she never openly debunked the rumours, she said, ‘Me? You think I have time for Lagos? You think I want to go out there and talk? I don’t have time. I have better things to do, I’ll not go on Twitter and say it’s a lie. Say whatever you want to say, it is my life. I don’t do that’. While the two were supposedly dating, Yvonne had posted different photos on instagram of the couple which suggested their involvement, one of which was the famous bedroom photo with the caption ‘Ain’t nobody’s business’ You made it our business posting the photos on instagram and now were are sorry if we don’t believe you Yvonne…say something else.

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Bayern’s success raises pressure on Guardiola

European champions Bayern Munich plan to win Saturday’s German Cup final to see coach Jupp Heynckes off with a historic treble, but it will only increase the pressure on new arrival Pep Guardiola.

The 42-year-old ex-Barcelona boss takes office as Bayern trainer on June 26 as Heynckes ends his two-year tenure as Munich coach after Saturday’s German Cup final in Berlin against VfB Stuttgart.

Bayern’s 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in Saturday’s Wembley final gave the Bavarians their first Champions League crown since 2001 having lost last season’s finale in Munich.

The hurt of defeat to Chelsea on penalties at their own Allianz Arena stadium drove Bayern to win this season’s Bundesliga in emphatic style.

Having broken or equalled 25 league records, Bayern will become the first German team to win the treble if they add the German Cup to the European and league titles.

Potential victory at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium — Bayern’s 45th of the season — is seen by the players as a fitting finale for Heynckes before stepping down, most likely into retirement.

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Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp vows to Strengthen his Team

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has said his team will bounce back from their Champions League final defeat to Bayern Munich — even with the Bavarian giants set to take his best two players.

Dortmund lost the all-German contest 2-1 at Wembley on Saturday after a late strike from Arjen Robben.

"We will come back, maybe not to Wembley but we will try to come back to another final," the head coach said.

"I have much work to build a new team. I think we'll get a pretty decent team together, I wouldn't worry about that.

Dortmund have already lost playmaker Mario Gotze - who sat out the final with a hamstring injury - to Bayern for a £31.5m fee, while striker Robert Lewandowski continues to be linked with a move to the Bavarians.

Responding to the transfer speculation, Klopp joked he was set for a busy summer as he looks to replenish his squad.

"Now we have to go on holiday, and buy some players because others clubs want our players," the former Mainz boss said.

After edging an absorbing first half, Dortmund fell behind after Mario Mandzukic tapped in a Robben cross on the hour mark.

Klopp's side refused to be down heartened, and they drew level when Ilkay Gundogan scored from the penalty spot following a clumsy challenge from Bayern defender Dante.

The match seemed to be headed for extra-time, before Robben raced through to seal the victory.

"The team played a great game, they gave everything they had," Klopp said. "They really deserved to equalise.

"I feel pride comes up in me and sadness goes away. It was a great season from my team and a really great match, perhaps the best match against Bayern in the Champions League this season.
Brazilian defender Dante was on a booking when he fouled Marco Reus in the area. But in a decision that perplexed Klopp, Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli declined to show a second yellow card to the centre-back.

Klopp said: "I saw it in the game and I was sure you can give a second yellow card and when I saw it on television I thought you had to give it.

"But in the history of football there were refereeing decisions worse than this. 11 against 10 after that we are the winner? I don't know."

Dortmund struggled in the final stages of the match, gifting a number of chances to Bayern before Robben struck the winner.

Defender Mats Hummels conceded that his side had struggled to keep pace with their opponents at the death.

"It's hard to deal with the disappointment right now, especially if you concede the goal in the 89th minute,'' the 24-year-old said.

"In the end we had become a little tired and Bayern took advantage.

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Eucheria Anunobi On Her Birthday said I’m Humbled To Be A Worker In The Vineyard

It’s Sanitation today, Police arrested me, i fought it out though, drove me down to Area F but they left me, just got home now, fones were inside the car i borrowed to travel. I am fine now bros!

Eucheria Anunobi’s Birthday: I’m Humbled To Be A Worker In The Vineyard

Can somebody shout Halleluiah! It’s indeed another year for the beautiful woman, Ms. Eucheria Anunobi, the Nollywood actress turned evangelist added a year today and she is appreciating God for sparing her life.

This is what she posted on her Facebook Timeline; “I thank God for the privilege of another birthday and am most especially humbled to be a worker in the vineyard of the Most High God. I want to use this opportunity to ask my fellow Nigerians to let peace reign by embracing the watch words: LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF and BE THY BROTHERS KEEPER. All the killings and fighting is only a ploy of the devil to waste our man-power and to hinder our nation from progressive development. Let’s live in peace in the beauty of our multiplicity.

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AGN set to host screen actors award

Ibinabo, AGN boss

In the bid to recognise actors, individuals, corporate bodies, government and its agencies that have contributed immensely to the growth of the nation’s motion picture industry, the  Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has concluded plans to organise its own award ceremony  known as the Screen Actors Award.

Already, the National President of the guild, Ms Ibinabo Fiberesima has inaugurated a 10- man committee to oversee to the hosting of the maiden edition of the award this year.

To be chaired by Don Pedro Aganbi, the committee has other members, including Julius Omije as Vice Chairman, veteran actor, Tony Akposheri as PRO, Clinic Matters actress, Ejiro Okurame (mobilization) sensational actress Cynthia Agholor and Amaka Eze will be in charge of marketing the event.

According to AGN president, the committee has the responsibility of organising the Screen Actors Award, which  she described as one of the biggest events to be organised in the industry.

Ibinabo however, disclosed that entries/nominations for the award would be conducted through a website for that purpose as well as the social media, traditional media and text messages.

She also noted that adverts announcing the call for entries/nominations would run in key media in the country while a consulting firm will be appointed to collate the results of the entries/nominations through which the awardees will emerge.

Speaking further, Ibinabo said, the various categories for the award will soon be announced, urging the committee members to give their best to make the award a world class event

“This award should be to the glory of Nigerian actors and thus should have the clapping of excellence in terms of organisation, class and appeal. AGN wants to use the Screen Actors Award to specifically bring to national notice that the industry today is a high contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria. Hence, there is need to celebrate the men and women who through their talents have brought glory to the nation… It is going to be a reward night for the successes recorded by these men and women,” she said.

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Moyes signs six-year deal to become Manchester United manager.

The Red Devils move swiftly to confirm the Scot as the man to fill their greatest ever manager's boots following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.

Everton manager David Moyes will take over for Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United at the end of the Premier League season.

A day after the shocking announcement of Ferguson's retirement, the Toffees' boss has been identified as the successor to the most successful manager in English soccer history. He has signed a six-year deal.

“I know how hard it will be to follow the best manager ever, but the opportunity to manage Manchester United isn’t something that comes around very often and I’m really looking forward to taking up the post next season," Moyes said in a statement.

Moyes will coach Everton's final two games - against West Ham and Chelsea - before moving to Manchester United on July 1. Everton officials will start the search for a new manager immediately, but it won't be easy replacing a club legend.

With a much smaller payroll than European powerhouses like Manchester United, Moyes has coached more than 500 games for Everton and led the club in four European campaigns in 12 seasons.

"The chairman, on behalf of the club, would like to place on record his thanks to David for the massive contribution he has made to Everton since his arrival in March 2002," Everton said in a statement. "He has been an outstanding manager."

Moyes replaces Ferguson, who will leave Manchester United after guiding the club to its 20th league title this season and move upstairs to become a director and ambassador. Ferguson was involved in the process of bringing Moyes to Manchester and among the board that unanimously agreed to make the hire.

“It’s a great honor to be asked to be the next manager of Manchester United. I am delighted that Sir Alex saw fit to recommend me for the job," Moyes said. "I have great respect for everything he has done and for the football club."

Ferguson took charge of United in 1986 and enjoyed a trophy-filled 27 years at the club. United has won the Premier League title 13 times and celebrated the Champions League title in 1999 and 2008.

Ferguson's final match will be against West Brom on May 19, which will mark his 1,500th game in charge of United.

"The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly," he said. "It is the right time. It was important to me to leave an organization in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so.

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Don Jazzy, D’ Prince, others storm S.Africa for BBA lauch show

Come tomorrow, the Big Brother Africa launch show will ignite the world when multiple award-winning musicians from Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa take centre stage to do what they know how to do best.

The big night will also see 28 new housemates being revealed to audiences in over 50 African countries for season 8 of Big Brother Africa, The Chase.

With the live show screening from 19:00 CAT on AfricaMagic, AfricaMagic Entertainment, AfricaMagic World, as well as on DStv channel 197 and 198, viewers are to look forward to sassy and upbeat tunes from Kenya’s very own award winner, STL. Boasting hit songs such as “Take My Time” , “Hula Hoop”, “Bad as I Wanna Be”, the singer, songwriter and rapper, also recipient of awards from the Kisima Awards, Clops Awards and Jeermaan Awards, promises to deliver an unforgettable and lasting performance with her distinct pop, soul and rap sound.

Hailing from Nigeria, musical heavy weights Don Jazzy, D’ Prince and Wande Coal are also set to thrill  audience with their energetic and charming personae. Multi award-winning record producer, singer-songwriter and musician, Don Jazzy will join D’ Prince and Wande Coal on stage for their collaborative performance.

These chart topping hit makers from Mavin Records are also best known for songs such as “I like What I See”, “Bumper 2 Bumper” and “Who Born the Maga”. The continent can expect a sensational performance that will ignite the Big Brother live show.

Also, one of South Africa’s leading Afro pop music groups, Mafikizolo will serenade guests with their soulful and rhythmic tunes on the big launch night. With several albums and awards under their belt, the duo have brought fans far and wide, dance-floor filler hits such as ”Sibongile”, “Ndihamba Nawe”, “Nisixoshelani” and most recently “Khona”. Their performance on the Big Brother stage is sure to evoke dance moves, reminding audience why the chart topping group remains pioneers in their field with musical experience spanning 15 years.

The line-up will also include a slot for some comic relief from Kenyan stand-up comedian, Daniel Ndambuki, popularly known as Churchill. The highly talented entertainer has also become a household name with his TV show called “Churchill Live”.

In Addition to the live screening of the launch show, the good news is that the show will also concurrently be streamed live to audiences across Africa on the Big Brother website.

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Champions League final: Lewandowski biggest weapon for Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund’s biggest weapon in Saturday’s Champions League final against Bayern Munich is Robert Lewandowski, who will be hoping to gun down the Bavarians at Wembley before sealing a transfer to the Allianz Arena in the summer.

Having refused to sign an extension to a contract that is due to expire in June 2014, Lewandowski was already in the shop window before becoming the first player to score four goals in a Champions League semi-final in April.

His quartet of goals in the first leg against Real Madrid at the Signal Iduna Park helped Dortmund win the tie 4-3 on aggregate to set up Saturday’s all-German final, after which the Poland striker is expected to reveal his next destination.

Previously prolific in Poland with Lech Poznan, Lewandowski is now one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, having scored a total of 35 goals for Borussia this season.

He also netted in 12 consecutive Bundesliga games — a new club record.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Real have all since been linked to the Poland hot-shot, but the strongest rumours always point back to Bayern.

After his four-goal haul against Madrid, Lewandowski’s agent Maik Barthel insisted his client will leave in June. “We are in agreement with another club and have the right to change in the summer,” he said.

Reports say Lewandowski has agreed either to join Bayern next month or when his Dortmund deal expires in June 2014, although these have been denied in Bavaria, while Dortmund have said he is going nowhere.

“He has a contract with us until 2014 and no exit clause,” said Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke, who added he would rather get 20 goals from Lewandowski next season than 20 million euros in a transfer.

“Our explicit desire is that he stays and plays for us until 2014 at the least.”

As the spearhead of Dortmund’s so-called ‘gegenpressing’ system, Lewandowski has benefited from the service supplied by the fleet-footed duo of Mario Goetze, who is out of Saturday’s final, and Marco Reus.

But his tally of 13 assists this season proves that he is not simply a poacher.

With Goetze having agreed to join Bayern in the summer after activating a release clause in his contract — something which Lewandowski does not possess — Dortmund are desperate to stop Bayern poaching another of their star players.

Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp implied there is a contingency plan to replace Lewandowski in the team’s system if he does go to Bayern.

“Other mothers have other beautiful sons who can also play football. I’ll let you know if we should be nervous. Relax,” Klopp has told fans.

Reports that Dortmund are in talks with Porto’s Colombian forward Jackson Martinez suggest the club are already preparing for a post-Lewandowski era.

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Man city target (Malaga Coach)pellegrini to replace Roberto Mancini

Manuel Pellegrini, strongly linked to the vacant Manchester City post, is leaving Malaga at the end of the season, the Chilean announced on Wednesday.

“Professionally, I am living my last hours in Malaga,” he said at a function to mark his achievements with the club in a report carried by Spanish Sports daily AS.

He added: “On Sunday I will manage my last game as Malaga coach at La Rosaleda.

“It will be a very emotional occasion and we hope to leave with the club qualified for Europe, with the mission completed and with the misfortune that the project changed.

“The agreement with the club has been gratifying and satisfactory. Everyone has the right to continue on their on path.

“I am not looking for economic ambitions but a sporting project that allows me to feel fulfilled.”

Pellegrini has been a reported long-term target for City, having previously won plaudits for his work at two other Spanish clubs in Real Madrid and Villarreal.

The plum City job is available following Roberto Mancini’s sacking last week.

Pellegrini, who has been in charge of Malaga since November 2010, guided the club to their highest ever league finish last season as Los Boquerones qualified for the Champions League for the first time.

And despite financial problems that forced them to sell a number of key players before the start of the this season, Pellegrini’s men remarkably reached the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier club competition, only just missing out on the semi-finals after conceding two controversial late goals against Borussia Dortmund.

However, the club are currently banned from participating in European competition next season pending an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport due to overdue debts owed to employees, other clubs and tax authorities.

Later Wednesday, Malaga confirmed the Chilean would be leaving.

Coach Manuel Pellegrini will leave the club at the end of the season as he has already confirmed to the media,” said a club statement.

Although he has two years left on his contract, he said there are ‘sporting reasons’ behind his decision.

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Bimbo Thomas:Funke Akindele has always been my friend,even before Omo Ghetto

Yoruba actress, Bimbo Thomas, has debunked speculations that her relationship with friend and colleague, Funke Akindele, has gone sour.

She said her friendship with Akindele began before they both starred in Omo Ghetto. She said that they not only enjoy a healthy relationship on the screen but off it

explained that people are quick to conclude on matters they have little or no knowledge about. “Funke has always been my friend, even before Omo Ghetto.

People are entitled to their own opinion and that is why they say a lot of nonsense. If you are not close to us you can’t really say what is going on between us, you just can’t judge a book by its cover. I do whatever I like to do, I take whatever decision I like to take,” she said.

She added that as friends they can only make suggestions to themselves rather than assert their opinion. “As adults nobody is  boss to anybody. We can only advise and suggest to each other but cannot impose our way on others.”

Away from talks about her friendship with Funke, Bimbo described herself as a flexible actress, contrary to claims that she was only good at interpreting roles of a social miscreant. “I have said it that for an artiste to interpret a particular role very well does not mean she cannot handle other roles in the same manner. I’m supposed to be versatile as an actress,” she said.

According to her the success of Omo Ghetto was a stepping stone to greater things. “We thank God that Omo Ghetto was a success but I just did what I was asked to do; it was like an everyday thing. I did not know it was going to be what it was. I have acted as a wife, doctor, girl etc in other movies not just the violent role,” she explained.

She, however, admitted that she still found it difficult to detach herself from her role in Omo Ghetto. “I hope to be better because we learn everyday but to the best of my knowledge, I feel I have acted better roles but people happen to love my person in Omo Ghetto and I think its still hard for people to detach Bimbo from her role in that movie but I hope that with time and better roles they will understand better,” she stated.

For Bimbo, Nollywod still needs professionalism to thrive and she opines that the leadership must take the driver’s seat. “The leadership needs to work on eradicating amateurs because it is hurting the image of professional practitioners. People with money just get two or three actors, hire a camera and shoot a movie within a week or two and then they sell it at Idumota,” she lamented.

She said this is killing the image of the industry and scaring genuine people from investing. “It’s annoying and it is also killing the job because these are people who never had any form of training. It’s obvious that they will end up producing junk and it is not good for the industry. I think the earlier we eradicate such, the better.

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Must Read:The Love Story of Popular Nigerian Female Comedian, Princess and Her Husband Adeshola Jeremiah

Popular Nigerian female comedian, Princess, and her movie producer/director husband, Adeshola Jeremiah, tied the knot on Wednesday 8th May 2013 at the Balmoral Hall, Oregun, Lagos. It was indeed a happy day for ‘Madam’ Princess who had almost lost of hope of finding a husband.

Below is their very interesting love story…

On what attracted her to Adeshola Jeremiah
Well he is a quiet person and if not for the fact that I am into entertainment, I also like my privacy, I don’t like unnecessary show-off. If I go somewhere and they don’t recognize me, that is very okay by me, I just love to be myself.

How They Met
He saw me when I went for their program in Odunfa Cancus (A Yoruba Theatre Group). I went because of a friend of mine Latifat, who was also trained there. She was in UNILAG and my junior in Theatre Arts. So I went there and that was where he saw me and that was like so many years ago in 2005.

Every time I visit my friend, because they are always together, he will see me there, he couldn’t approach me, not because of my status but the fact that anytime I come I will just play with everyone for like 5 to 10 minutes and just zoom off. And I play and smile with everyone but I don’t give that chance that I am easily approachable in order not to draw unnecessary attention.

Things Were Different This Time…
Then in 2008, he was shooting his own movie, I also went there to see a friend of mine, he saw me again and went to meet that friend of mine, he told her he wanted to meet me that he would want me to play a role in the movie.

My friend discouraged him saying if he should meet me, it will look like they didn’t plan themselves well. That same year, he was with that my friend when I came to visit and he told her “I really want to marry Princess” (laughs) and my friend started laughing and she told him it’s not possible.

He kept on pestering her and told her why don’t you tell her first and lets hear what she says, she (Latifat) now said I don’t think I can tell her, Princess is my very close friend and I can’t tell her that because Princess doesn’t have time for men now and she has said it’s her work for now. But he continued disturbing her to tell me, so that day we were watching a TV program and I love cooking so she saw a dish and said this dish is very nice how I wish I could eat it now and I said oh you want me to stand up and go prepare this food, so when I went to the kitchen.

She later came into the kitchen and said she wanted to tell me something, and I said what is it, she said this person likes me and wants to marry me, so I just started laughing, it was very funny, she felt embarrassed and went back to the sitting room, I asked her why won’t I be embarrassed, when the person told you, why didn’t you just tell him Princess won’t agree and she said that’s exactly what she told the person but the person insisted.

I told her to give the person my number, and when he called I was just laughing, he asked “what’s funny”, I said nothing, he now said “well he is Latifat’s friend” and I said yes I know that, and I started bombarding him with questions just to discourage him, so he won’t call again.

So when his credit got finished, he called back again. I said this one I have been asking him many questions na wa o but its okay do I have more questions to ask? and I said yes o and started asking him more questions, I asked him questions again till 11:30 PM, he ran out of credit again and called back, and I am like where are you getting all the money for this credit, he just said “don’t worry I will call you back”, when he called back again he asked if I had more questions and I said no because it was already past midnight and we have been talking since past 6.

Friend to Fiance
That was it! We later became friends and got very close, then he said he wanted to marry me and even told me many things about myself. I was quite surprised and wondered how he got to know all about me. That was how we started and things continued but we just decided to keep everything low key. At first I felt it was low key and if he disappionts me, it won’t hurt too much, but when everything became too serious that was how everything went then we started meeting our families and I discovered that some people he knew, were also the same people I know.

On her sudden wedding announcement
Yes we have been planning it but because my sister was getting married on February 14th, we just felt that hers is the reigning wedding and they were the latest couple, so we concentrated more on hers and also we were trying to avoid the news reaching the press.

So I think 3 weeks or about a month to our wedding, we had already done the introduction and that was when we now started distributing the invitations, because we said if we give people the IVs earlier, news will go around. My husband started distributing his cards a month to the wedding but I started 2 and a half weeks to the wedding because I just said everybody will hear.

On not wanting to publicize her Wedding
The thing is, that’s the kind of person I am. I am just there, I just believe I am like every other Nigerian and even though my work has exposed me and made me to be seen or perceived as a celebrity, my partner is not a public person like that and we just didn’t want too much noise.

Even the day I sent text messages to some of my friends, the next day I started reading so many stories on the internet, and you can imagine that people wrote on the internet that Princess is getting married because she was pregnant and now she is trying to get one guy to marry her.

It was even my husband who saw it and called my attention to it. He was lying on the couch and just laughing and I was like, what’s funny and who are you chatting with?, he just said there is something they wrote on the internet and I said what, he just said it’s on Facebook, they said you are pregnant, and I said don’t mind them but I just felt bad because people sometimes naturally find it difficult to be happy for others.

Even now that I am married, I pray to have kids but you can’t start spreading rumours that somebody is getting married because they are pregnant. You don’t have an insight nor information about them, you can’t reach those people so you just write anything you want. But anyway I didn’t let that bother me, I just kept it to myself. Even when I was rehearsing for my show because we had two different dance routines and it was difficult, so I didn’t even have time to dwell on that.

On what she loves most about him
I love everything about him and he is very understanding. He understands the essence of us being on earth which is just to worship God and he is God fearing.

That’s the first thing I noticed about him and I was even surprised. I have always said If I had choice, I will marry a musician but then which musician can I now marry (laughs). He is very God fearing and at least we are not perfect but if you are God fearing, you will always know when you are doing something wrong.

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Arsene Wenger:Champions League qualification will attract new players

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes reaching next season's Champions League was vital for his club's ability to attract top players.

Laurent Koscielny's solitary goal earned the Gunners a  over Newcastle to finish fourth in the Premier League.1-0 victory

Wenger told reporters: "Qualification means it is easier to bring in players when we have a chance to be in the Champions League.

"In the last three months, we have been remarkably consistent."

Wenger will have increased money available this summer and he said the allure of Europe's top competition would give his side an added advantage to build on what he already calls an "exceptional" squad.

"We need stability and strength in our group, because there are many clubs out there with a lot of money," said the Frenchman. "The competition is very hard and there is not as much talent as there is money today in football."

Wenger praised his side's attitude after winning eight of their last 10 Premier League games. They had been seven points behind Spurs after losing to their arch-rivals on 3 March.

And the Gunners boss pin-pointed his side's Champions League victory 10 days later over eventual finalists Bayern Munich as a turning point in a sometimes "stormy" season.

The team were knocked out of the League Cup by League Two side Bradford, FA Cup to Blackburn, lost in the home leg of the Champions League and were outplayed in the fixture against Bayern before they won in Germany.

Since the Bayern victory, though, Arsenal have won all five of their remaining away Premier League games, matching a run which was last set in 2004.

Wenger added: "I'm happy because the exceptional attitude and determination from the players has been rewarded.

"They continued to believe when we were seven points behind Tottenham in March. We had no room for error and you could never see any sign of the players giving in.

"We had some big lows with Bradford, with Blackburn, with Bayern at home, and never could you see the players dismantle or that the group was not united - and that's not easy in the modern game.

"Since the first of February we have taken more points than anybody else in the Premier League and I don't believe that's just a coincidence but the fact that the team has grown through the season.

"We lacked belief for a long period because we couldn't win a big game, but the Bayern game changed our season away from home.

-givemefoothball

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Spain jeers departing Mourinho’s record

Jose Morinho

Spain’s press bid a caustic farewell Tuesday to self-anointed Special One Jose Mourinho, jeering his divisive three-tear reign at Real Madrid and his failure to win more silverware.

“The Special End” ran the front page headline of top-selling sports paper Marca, superimposed on a photograph of a football shirt being held up by Mourinho and club president Florentino Perez.

“Much ado about nothing,” concluded the headline of rival sports daily AS, which recalled the price tag of Mourinho’s term. “50 million euros in contracts and another 162 million in player signings,” it said.

“Mourinho left us with few titles and a lot of hassles,” AS said.

Mourinho is leaving at the end of the season, the club announced on Monday, and he has been strongly linked with a return to Chelsea, a team he managed between 2004 and 2007.

He endured a torrid final season culminating in Friday’s defeat by Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final that ensured Real end the season without a major trophy.

“Thanks, Mou, for making us worse,” said Orfeo Suarez, sports commentator of conservative daily El Mundo.

Suarez listed an array of Mourinho sins such as leaving captain Iker Casillas on the bench for half of the season; devaluing the prestige of the club; questioning the votes that chose Spain manager Vicente del Bosque as FIFA 2012 coach of the year; and dividing the club’s fans.

“Thanks to Mou, Mou is worse too, aged and crushed, defeated and heading back to a capricious, wealthy man’s club but far from the dream of Old Trafford,” he said, alluding to speculation that Mourinho had dreamt of taking over as Manchester United coach after the retirement of Alex Ferguson.

Barcelona-based sports daily Mundo Deportivo said Mourinho had been touted as the ‘antichrist’ to then Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola and the remedy to the Catalans’ domination.

“He leaves the Bernabeu having failed, a long way from equalling the balance except for some occasional one-on-one clashes.”

Fellow Catalan daily Sport ran a front-page photograph showing Mourinho from the back as he departed through a door marked “Exit”. The paper quoted Carles Vallarubi, vice president of Barcelona as saying: “Mou was a scar on Spanish football.”

Despite rumours linking Paris Sant-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti with the manager’s job at Real Madrid, Perez says he has not reached an agreement with any coach to succeed Mourinho.

-vanguardngr

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Rapper, Naeto C ends relationship with his record label Storm Records

According to Thenetng.net reports,  Rapper Naetochukwu Chikwe better known as Naeto C has ended his relationship with Storm Records, the music home where he launched his career into the Nigerian music market.

NET investigations have revealed that the rapper plans to fully launch his WKG/Cerious Music label in a matter of months.

Unlike the many breakups that have preceded Naeto’s, the rapper’s exit is not battlemented; both parties have been very silent about the issue. As a matter of fact, Storm Records insist that the rapper is still signed with them.

One of the label’s directors Tola Odunsi admits that Naeto has had his own record label Cerious Music for a while but is still with Storm.

‘Naeto has had his record label for a while at least 3 years it’s called Cerious Music – his music is being pushed as a joint venture btw storm 360 and Cerious Music. Nothing has changed’, Odunsi responded to our enquiry via E-mail.

Naeto C’s profile is still active on the Storm Records official website but then again, we can’t take that seriously as General Pype (an artiste who has since parted ways with the label) also has his profile on the website.

An inside source however says Naeto has indeed left and his upcoming project will not be released under the Storm Records imprint. One insider said: ‘It is true Naeto started Cerious Music a few years back but the launch of his new outfit WKG (meaning White Kaftan Gang) will see him act fully as an independent artiste.’

WKG kicked off in the middle of 2012 with the launch of his ‘Tony Montana (Bad pass)’ video featuring D’banj. We are told he also plans to sign Lagos producer E-Kelly.

Storm Records was also not listed as one of the organizers of his first ever solo US tour which ran from late March to early May 2013.

Naeto who remains silent on the issue (he refused to reply our E-mail messages) has been busy though: he welcomed his first child while on tour in the US and returned to Nigeria to seal a deal with telecoms company Globacom as an ambassador. Popular artiste manager Godwin Tom also says Naeto is his new client.

Naeto joined Storm Records in 2006, returning from the US where he had already formed a rap group with close friend Ikechukwu and his younger brother Uzikwendu called ‘World Famous Akademy’. With the smash hit single ‘Kini big deal’, he released his debut album ‘You Know my P’ in 2008; parted ways with Ikechukwu who left Strorm in 2010 and then released a successful second album ‘Super C Season’ in February 2011.

Storm Records headed by Obi Asika and Olisa Adibua (the pair are currently in a legal battle) have in the past signed an impressive long list of acts including Jazzman Olofin, Darey, GT the Guitarman, 2shotz, General Pype. They currently have on their roaster rappers Sasha, Yung6ix, Pop singer Ms Jaie, Urban-Pop group L.O.S and gospel singer Tosin Martins.

-naijamayor

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Aston Villa target Gayle-force striker

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Aston Villa are ready to battle QPR for the signature of Peterborough's £4m-rated Dwight Gayle, according to reports in the Express & Star.

The 22-year-old hot-shot has been linked with a switch to QPR after Harry Redknapp watched him at Crystal Palace on the closing day of the Championship season.

The Posh lost 3-2 that day and their subsequent relegation has attracted numerous clubs to the potential availability of the diminutive striker, who only moved to London Road for £500,000 in January.

Cardiff had also been credited with an interest in the striker, who grabbed 13 goals for Darren Ferguson's side, but reports suggest they'll now face strong competition from Villa.

Speculation comes just a day after Villa's Premier League survival was confirmed thanks to Wigan's 4-1 defeat against Arsenal. Paul Lambert will hope his side can improve on a campaign which has seen them constantly battling with relegation.

Former striker Stan Collymore is confident the team will push on, he said: "Now we're safe, I think most of us are confident the lads can really kick on next season."

Lambert has been known to give young players a chance in the Premier League with both Matthew Lowton and Ashley Westwood being regulars for his team this season.

Collymore doesn't believe Villa's philosophy of putting faith in youth is the reason for their struggles this season.

The man who cost Villa £7m in 1997 said: "We have all talked about the youthful nature of PauL Lambert's team but when you get to this stage of the season it doesn't matter whether you are 35 or 17.


-givemefootball

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Don’t sit down there, thinking that your dream will come to you; you can only go to your dream –Fast rising star May D

A graduate of Mass Communication from the University of Lagos (Unilag), May D released his first singles ‘’Cool Temper’’ and ‘’Soundtrack’ in 2011 to an appreciative level of positive reviews from the industry insiders.

Later that year, he featured on Psquare`s Invasion Album, collaborating on ‘Chop My Money’ which also featured Akon on the remix and on ‘Do as I Do’ which also had Tiwa Savage on it.

In early 2012, he released his second singles ‘Ile Ijo’, ‘Gat Me High’, and ‘You Want 2 Know Me’, which featured PSquare.

In February 2013, he released ‘So Many Tinz’, which is the official last single before the release of his album.

In this interview with DailyPost, May D speaks about his entire career; how he started, and the journey so far. He also speaks about his Meiden Album launch which holds on May 26, at the ThisDay Dome , Abuja. The event is organized by Abuja number one event Manager, Kehinde Adegbite, Mr. Yankee. His relationship with the Square record is briefly exposed here.

EXCERPTS: 

The beginning

I started as a dancer, with the same name; May D. May D is actually from the name, Mayokun Dumila – May D. There is this usual hurdle associated with any new venture one embarks on. We all went through the same hustle, and we still “dey try”

I started out as a dancer in my secondary school, Kings’ College, Lagos. When I got into the University, Unilag, I started music professionally and even though it was tough because I was in a group facing different challenges, I persevered. There were ups and downs , but after several years, things took shape and here I am today, by God’s grace.

Inspiration

I take everything around me as a source of inspiration in making music. Life is art, and if you know life, you can make several lyrics out of it. Everything seen, touched, and taste should inspire one. I’m always inspired by what I see.

The walk, the dance

Those majestic and flexible walk in most of my videos, especially the twisting of fingers and the leg dance were all learnt in the past, while I was doing dance. Like I said, I started out as a dancer back in my secondary school days, and with all humility, I’ll say I was pretty good at it. So, in a way, that’s just me bringing to the fore what I have always been good at doing.

Music

I will categorize my type of music as pop/R&b. At the moment, I have a number of singles. I had my first singles, ‘’Cool Temper’’ and ‘’Soundtrack’ in 2011 to an appreciative level of positive reviews from the industry insiders.

Later that year, I featured on Psquare`s Invasion Album, collaborating on ‘Chop My Money’ which also featured Akon in the remix and on ‘Do as I Do’ which also had Tiwa Savage on it.

In early 2012, I released my second singles ‘Ile Ijo’, ‘Gat Me High’, and ‘You Want 2 Know Me’, which featured PSquare.

In October 2012, I started my own label, Confam Entertainment and subsequently released ‘Use Me’ and the video for ‘Gat Me High’ to rave reviews.

In February 2013, I released ‘So Many Tinz’, which is the official last single before the release of my album.

Square records

My relationship with Peter and Paul is still very cordial. We owe nothing against each other. It was only time for me to just be on my own. I saw that it was time to begin to direct my own ship; aside that, nothing personal.


-naijamayyor

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Actresses: Will they pay for manipulating men?

When three ladies suffer heartbreaks from boyfriends, they vow never to make the same mistake again and go on the vengeance game of double-dating and manipulating men. These three ambitious women put their relationships at risk for the love of money and fear of heartbreak, without any thought as to what devastating consequences lie in store for them. The game becomes tough, and the quest to play the right card becomes impossible even as the clock of age ticks, and desperation sets in. Will they pay dearly for their decision to manipulate men? Find out in Playing Safe. Starring Tonto Dikeh, Ini Edo, Martha Ankomah, Jibola Dabo, Chris Okagbue, Ik Ogbonna.

Watch trailer of movie here

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Manchester City sack coach Robarto Mancini

Roberto Mancini was sacked as manager of Manchester City on Monday– a year to the day after leading the club to the English Premier League title.

City’s shock FA Cup Final defeat by Wigan at Wembley on Saturday meant they ended this season without any silverware and strengthened rumours Mancini, who replaced Mark Hughes in 2009, was about to be dismissed.

The club’s Abu Dhabi-based owners confirmed Monday the end of the Italian manager’s three-and-a-half years at Eastlands, with a City statement saying: “It is with regret that Manchester City Football Club announces that Roberto Mancini has been relieved of his duties as Manchester City manager.

This has been a difficult decision for the owner, chairman and board to make and it is the outcome of a planned end-of-season review process that has been brought forward in light of recent speculation and out of respect for Roberto and his extensive contributions to the football club.

“Despite everyone’s best efforts, the club has failed to achieve any of its stated targets this year, with the exception of qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.”

“This, combined with an identified need to develop a holistic approach to all aspects of football at the club, has meant that the decision has been taken to find a new manager for the 2013-14 season and beyond.”

City’s Champions League qualification has been overshadowed by the uninspiring nature of their title defence, with the club a distant second to already crowned English champions Manchester United and 13 points adrift of their local rivals.

The 48-year-old Mancini’s time at City saw the club win a first major trophy in 35 years with the 2011 FA Cup, while last season’s Premier League title was their first top-flight crown since 1968 and saw the manager rewarded with a new five-year deal.

“Roberto’s record speaks for itself, he has clearly secured the love and respect of our fans,” said City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

“He has done as he promised and delivered silverware and success.”

But City’s second succesive group stage exit in as many seasons from the lucrative and prestigious European Champions League appears to have weighed heavily against Mancini, for all that fans were chanting his name during the FA Cup Final at Wembley.

Those shouts of support cut little ice with City owner Sheikh Mansour, clearly demanding more from a colossal investment in a club whose reported wage bill of £200 million ($306 million) is the highest in the Premier League.

Reports in Spain and England have suggested Manuel Pellegrini, the Malaga coach is in line to succeed Mancini although the Chilean denied Monday he’d signed a contract with City chiefs.

“I deny here and now being the new coach of Manchester City, I haven’t signed any agreement with anybody,” Pellegrini said.

“I’ve been fortunate enough, and very proud, that every year the big clubs have shown an interest in me. I have an agreement with Malaga not to talk to anyone and nothing has been agreed with any other club.”

Brian Kidd, Mancini’s assistant, having performed a similar role at United and played for both Manchester clubs, will take charge of City’s final two matches of the season, starting with the Premier League fixture away to Reading on Tuesday.

Mancini’s sacking came on the same day United celebrated the 13th and final Premier League title of veteran manager Alex Ferguson’s Old Trafford reign of more than 26 years, with an open-top bus parade through Manchester.

The 71-year-old Scot is retiring at the end of the season having — unlike Mancini and many other managers quit at a time of his own choosing.

Even a few weeks ago the prospect of both Manchester clubs needing new managers would have seemed outlandish.

United have though already appointed Ferguson’s successor, with David Moyes, currently the manager of Everton, due at Old Trafford in July.

-vanguardngr

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Konga.com has made singer (Omawumi) their brand ambassador.

Omawumi Megbele is now the new face of Konga.com, Nigeria's online megastore. Congrats to her.

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Manchester United close in on Cristiano Ronaldo deal

Manchester United are close to making Old Trafford fans’ dreams come true and securing the return of Cristiano Ronaldo.

According to the Daily Mail, an eventful day at Manchester United took a sensational twist as chief executive David Gill flew out to Spain for talks with Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent.

Many believed the chances of Ronaldo returning to his old club would have been hit by the news that Sir Alex Ferguson is retiring at the end of the season, but this latest report would suggest the move may still be on.

Real Madrid are being tipped for a summer overhaul this year with manager Jose Mourinho supposedly heading for Chelsea – losing their best player in the same transfer window would be a massive blow.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s name will go down in Real Madrid lore after he scored his 200th goal for the club on Wednesday night and did so in only his 197th appearance.

It is an astonishing record and the Portugal captain has always spoken of Sir Alex Ferguson as the man that accommodated his talent so it could blossom fully.

Any deal to take Ronaldo back to Manchester United is likely to be an extremely expensive one, but recent reports have suggested some Old Trafford sponsors are ready to step in and subsidise the deal.

-givemefootball

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Manchester United are waiying a shock bid for Barcelona Ace (cesc fabregas)

Cesc Fabregas

Manchester United have launched a stunning bid to sign former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas from Spanish champions Barcelona, according to the London Evening Standard.

The 26-year-old midfielder has struggled to make a significant impact at Camp Nou, since leaving the Premier League to return to Spain in the summer of 2011, and has been the target of criticism from the Catalan club's fans this year.

After leaving the Emirates Stadium in a £35million deal less than two years ago, Fabregas's contribution to Tito Vilanova's side has been minimal, and he's already been linked with a return to England.

However, it's Arsenal and not Manchester United that were reported as favourites to secure his signature, after suggestions that Arsene Wenger inserted a clause into his initial sale, to say that the Gunners would have first option on re-signing him.

Barcelona still owe Arsenal £5million towards the fee they agreed to pay the north London club, and StandardSport believes they'll be looking to recoup a minimum of £20million for the Spain international, should they decide to let him leave at the end of the season.

Manchester United are looking to make a huge signal of intent, following Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to retire, and will attempt to lure Fabregas to Old Trafford this summer as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2013/14 campaign.

With Paul Scholes having also retired, and question marks surrounding the long-term future of Darren Fletcher, new boss David Moyes will need to address the midfield department, prioritising a partner for Michael Carrick in the middle of the park.

Fabregas himself admits he hasn't been at his best with Barcelona, and a return to the Premier League could help him rediscover his best form.

I have to improve, I need to be self-critical once the season ends but I'm young and I can do it. Said by cesc fabregas.



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Former Egyptian president in court for retrial

Former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak has once again appeared in court in Cairo. He is facing a retrial on charges of complicity in the murder of protesters during the 2011 uprising that led to the end of his rule. Four top aides are also charged.


Mubarak’s sons, Alaa and Gamal, were also present on charges of financial corruption.

The retrial was ordered after an appeals court in January accepted both prosecution and defense appeals.

The case has revealed the real difficulties that Egyptians face in attaining justice. The judiciary and security forces are still largely controlled by figures appointed during the former president’s regime.

Mubarak and his former interior minister, Habib el-Adli, were sentenced to life imprisonment last June and became the first ruler to stand trial after being toppled during the Arab Spring.

source:naijamayor

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