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Top 10 Good Things That Happened in 2015 | By: Etcetera

I have been accused of being too negative in my reviews. You have accused me of ignoring the positives and focusing only on the stupid, the tragic, the evil, the disgusting, the fake and lying entertainers.
OK, my critics: I have heard you. I have repented. What better time to turn a new leaf than the beginning of the year. And this year, instead of dwelling on the negatives, let me start off with a list of the  Top 10 Good Things That Happened in 2015. Are you ready? Ok, here we go.
Actors Guild of Nigeria finally stopped fighting — “Otito dili Chineke” — Before you scream amen, you may want to note that the reason for the truce might be as a result of the acute shortage of crumbs from the presidency. Just six months after Jonathan left office, the guild’s finance was hit by famine. There has been no free money from the presidency and the beautiful thing is that Buhari’s table is not built to let out crumbs. Ibinabo and co. make una no stop the fight ooo…!
Ermmmmm, ermmmmm, Good lord!! I can’t find another good thing from 2015 for number 2?
OK, let me think and get back to you on Good Things from number 3 down to 10. Hmmmm, 2015 had so many negatives that I am having trouble seeing the positives. Living in Nigeria through the second half of 2015 was like being on a plane flown upside-down by an inexperienced pilot who also had the plane flying tilted to a dangerous angle and with a shaky voice pleading with his passengers for more time to “change” the situation.
Am I saying that 2015 was the worst year ever in Nigeria? Yes I am saying it was worse than 1969, the year that kwashiorkor killed so many people in the country as a result of the civil war.
Yes, I said it. Because back then at least the survivors of the civil war were not exposed to months of which the news media focused only on the question of whether the president will, or will not, appoint his cabinet with each day or make another blunder.
We actually saw it all in 2015. This was the year when our president addressed the German chancellor as the president of West Germany. This was the year when the “lying” epidemic of politicians, which was already horrendous, somehow got even worse. Did Dasuki say President Buhari got two bullet proof cars plus some cool cash from the money he is being charged of embezzling? My question is, when did President Buhari receive this gift from Dasuki? Was it before or after he declared his assets? If it was before, then how come they weren’t included as part of his assets? 2015 was indeed the year of the lying politicians.
Now let me think deeply! What other good thing happened in Nigeria in 2015? Hmmmm ok, I think I have found something.
We didn’t hear much from Tiwa Savage last year. “Oh sorry” she showed us her baby bump. Yes! A baby bump is all we saw from Tiwa last year. Ok, let’s get things straight here, Tiwa in her usual desperate attempt to be in the news wanted us to see her baby through her skin. Madam, we don’t have microscopic eyes naa — and to think that you have resorted to some Michael Jackson sh*t, hiding the same baby from the same public you so desperately wanted to see your swollen stomach is straight-outta dumb.
And as if Tiwa’s baby drama wasn’t bad enough, this was the year Asa chose to do the smelliest collabo of her career with Korede Bello and to crown 2015 as the year of music smellos, Chidinma made it crystal clear to everyone that she no longer needed the bulk of her fan base, chasing them away with the release of one crappy song after another. And why is Chidinma trying so hard to sound like Cynthia Morgan?
Oops!! Did I say Cynthia Morgan? But sincerely, between Jude Engees Okoye and Joy Tongo, whoever took the decision that the “bad-gyal” personality works better for her should have a rethink. Cynthia, you know I love you **wink** – but please leave the nose ring and red hair for Afro Candy.
Hahahahaha where’s Omoni Oboli? The minute Sai baba got sworn into office, premiering movies at the presidential villa went through the window… Aso Rock cinema is now officially closed until further notice. Sai baba nor get time for sme-sme or blue skimpy gowns and heavy makeup. But come to think of it Sister Omoni Oboli, when is your next movie coming out? Or are you still in search of a venue for the premiere? Pen-cinema Agege is available ooo!Lmaooooo!
At this point, I know you are saying: “Ahan Etcetera! Surely there were some positives from 2015 now! – Ok, maybe Jonathan brought a semblance or something close to democracy with freedom of speech and passing of the Freedom of Information bill into law but before we could start having rational, open-minded conversations about issues concerning the country, BOOOMMM!!! the lawmakers moved to gag social media.
Whoever is suggesting that 2015 was a good year for Nigerians must be high. Yes, you must be very high! And I intend to join you in that ‘highness’ later this evening at my usual joint. But before then, let me take you back to some more hideous realities of 2015.
This was the year the prayers of the chickens, goats, cows and rams got answered as Nigerians couldn’t afford to slaughter them for the festivities. This was the year of the worst Christmas ever for Nigerians.
The picture of former President Goodluck Jonathan kneeling before the Obas asking for their blessing was one of the most embarrassing sights of 2015. Jonathan went into the elections with the worst set of advisers. As president, the Obas are below you. You don’t go kneeling before them for any reason.
Davido and his baby mama brought the year to an epic end with a splendid display of fireworks at the airport. This is exactly the type of shows we see when artists fail to use condoms.
Happy New Year everyone!!!
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Entertainment

Opinion: Don Jazzy, Olamide and the 'Hyundai Skelemba'-Taking It To A Bank | By : Charles Novia.

The Headies 2015 ( which ironically held on the first day of 2016) was an anti-climax after that.
And perhaps the public tantrums of both Don Jazzy and Olamide were the highlights of what was before then an above average telecast with glaring lapses which could have been remedied with more precision.
When the artistes nominated in the ‘Next Rated..’ category were shown in a mini-documentary somewhere in the show, taking photo-ops in the Hyundai SUV and pleading for votes from their fans so as to win the prize, I told myself after seeing the earnest expectations on their faces that this category would surely be competitive but would have some bad blood drawn thereafter.
The visuals of the four nominated acts seated side-by-side in the hall thereafter, being interviewed by the Hip TV Presenter just before the category was announced also showed an unease amongst them even if they were trying to put up aloof facades.
Korede Bello, Kiss Daniel, L’il Kesh and Reekado Banks. Four nominees in perhaps the ‘closest-to-call’ category in The Headies ever. Looking at the list, they each had hits in 2015. But in my personal opinion ( which I’m entitled to, innit?) I would have pruned the list at the final stage to just two; Korede Bello and Kiss Daniel.

‘Godwin’ was probably the biggest song of 2015, transcending both the secular and gospel charts and finding resonance all across Africa. How could such a song not get the artiste a winner in that category? On the other hand, ‘Woju’ by Kiss Daniel was another monster hit in 2015 which certainly would have won him that prize without raising eyebrows.

With due respect to Reekado Banks, I don’t think his ‘ Katapot’ track was that much of a phenomenal hit in 2015 but it was a good track. And L’il Kesh too, who was touted by Olamide as having back to back hits in 2015 ( by his reckoning) stood a chance as well but I would say a misfit of personal branding by the YBNL team for Kesh might have added to his loss in that category. Club and dance hits are different from acclaimed general hits when it comes to the brass tacks and ‘Gbese Re’ was huge on the club and dance circuits but can’t be termed a huge hit compared to Korede’s and Kiss’
Thus, when Reekado won, I was one of the surprised folks watching on television. Obviously this didn’t go down well with Olamide, on whose label Kesh is signed on to and he went on a profane and perhaps alcohol-induced rant onstage a few minutes later, calling out the organisers and storming off the stage thereafter.

Don Jazzy, the acclaimed Producer, who is the Head Huncho at Mavin Records which has Reekado as one of its acts, picked up the gauntlet a few minutes after while receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award and called out Olamide. He asked Olamide to come take the car won by Reekado and stormed out of the awards with his crew.
Olamide later went on twitter to rant more expletives on Don Jazzy.

Both artistes were wrong on many fronts. For Olamide, his open inebriation on stage calls for much questioning of his public conduct when he’s not in performance mode. As he boasts in his songs, he might have packed halls and swayed trends in the past year but trying a Kanye West onstage at The Headies was ill-advised. One should ask this question ( which I will also throw at Don Jazzy later as well) that if L’il Kesh had back to back hits as Olamide claimed, why didn’t YBNL deem it fit to buy him a car ( if he hasn’t any) all these months?

And Don Jazzy too should have stuffed it when he said that he had told Korede and Reekado not to bother themselves about the car if they didn’t win because he would buy them a car. Really? Did he mean to tell us that with all the shows and endorsements both acts had last year under his management, there wasn’t any ‘change’ left to buy his acts cars?
If that’s the case, something is wrong somewhere.

Don Jazzy screwed up though by calling out Olamide in his speech especially as Olamide never mentioned his name. But to a discerning mind, it seems those two had festering issues before last night and that incident was the last straw.
Mutual discontent and petty misgivings are common in the entertainment industry. I am never fooled by put-on smiles and show of camaderie most times by artistes as they are human like everyone else. What sets off animousities are usually a struggle for a space on top; a definition of ambitious egos or just plain loathing for petty reasons.

The struggle and not the hustle is what is real. Territorial dominance and egotistical relevance.
The major beneficiary from all this, in spite of the furore over the winner, is Hyundai. The brand now has more exposure than it bargained for and everyone would remember the brand for months to come. No publicity is bad at all in this regard for them.
To think that Don Jazzy and Olamide did a collabo a couple of years back and an anaemic one too, in my opinion. A song which didn’t make sense and was soon forgotten as soon as it came out.

With the storm over this award and the degenerative posibilities it portends, one can only suggest to Hyundai to come out with a new model inspired by this.
And calling that model ‘Hyundai Skelemba’ won’t be a bad idea.
The sales might just be something the company can ‘bank’ on.
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Entertainment

My take on the Olamide and Donjazzy Brouhaha

Unlike past boring editions, the 2015 /2016 edition of the Headies ended on a dramatic note. Thanks to lead actors, Olamide and Donjazzy. The brouhaha started when Mavin Records artiste, Reekado Banks won the next rated artiste award. Nominees ( Reekado Banks, Kiss Daniel, Cynthia Morgan, Korede Bell, Lil’ Kesh)

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That grew thorns on Olamide’s skin who felt his protégé Lilkesh should have clinched the prize. Many of the YBNL fans also registered their displeasure on social media, with many suggesting that Don Jazzy ‘bought’ the award for Reekado.

Things however went irretrievably downhill when Olamide was called up to the stage and he reacted to Lilkesh’s loss.

 “This award belongs to Lil Kesh. Lil Kesh is our own Next Rated artist. F**k that shit! The streets ti take over. Every f**king single was a hit back to back. From lyrically to Shoki to Efejoku. Ko ni dafun Iya anybody.”

//
And just as the dust was settling down. Donjazzy came on stage and added fuel to the fire.

“Egbon Olamide, If you want the car come and collect it.”

Olamide deemed his seemingly harmless remark a huge insult. And to everyone who followed up on the story, the maverick music producer had prodded the hornet’s nest. Cos an extremely irate Olamide  took to his Twitter page to hurl thinly-veiled insults at Donjazzy. And unsurprisingly the latter kept his cool and didn’t retort.

My take on the issue.

1) Olamide’s pain was very understandable. Yes his crew was nothing short of hardworking last year.  But he should learn to keep his emotions in check.

2) There was a voting system:  If you don’t tell your fans to vote for you, they WON’T. Popularity won’t conjure votes, persuading your fans will. The YBNL crew were too relaxed.  Reekado had more votes than Lilkesh because Don Jazzy canvassed for them. Can the organisers do us a favour by revealing the number of votes both parties garnered.

3) Donjazzy’s remark was unpleasant. Candidly, it is difficult not to see that as a shade. What fuelled Olamide’s anger was Donjazzy’s suggestion that the car was more important to  Lilkesh than the plaque. That sounded more like a scorn than a joke. Besides, dude was angry and apparently had not calmed down at the time Donjazzy walked up to the stage. The least he could have done was to let sleeping dogs lie.

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4) Olamide’s tweets were uncalled for and reeked of immaturity. He went too far with the insults. Yes, Don Jazzy was wrong to have dragged your name in the whole mess. But all those insults. All for an award?  Donjazzy gave you one Congo of “taunt”.  You replied with two trailer loads. Kilode? Whatever happened to the spirit of sportsmanship. Sincerely, everyone felt Lilkesh deserved it. Life happens. Learn to lose gallantly.

5) I strongly hate voting form of awards. Most times the award goes to the undeserving. It is supposed to be rewarded by credible umpires and not by the number of votes a nominee can garner. Not all of us agree with Lilkesh’s lyrics but let’s be honest, he had a more fantastic year than Reekado Banks. If Donjazzy spent money and time soliciting for votes for Reekado (which I think yielded great result), pls what did you do for your boy? Well maybe he did sha but Donjazzy’s method was more pronounced.

6) At the end, they will sheathe their swords. It is pointless breaking bottles, picking enemies because of these rich honchos. These artistes like politicians will makeup over bottles of hennessey and hit the studio about the whole experience.

7) Hiptv should organise a concert for losers and give them prizes. Abeg that one na joke o. 

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Entertainment

Short Story: Pristine | By : Morountodun (Vol 5)

Read Parts 1,2, 3 and 4 of the Pristine series here, here  Here and Here
                                                        
“I should probably apologise for what I did last night, but I really don’t want to.” 
It was camp fire night, and the last Saturday on camp. All corpers were to be seated according to their platoons, but David was sitting with Dara, who looked at him and asked, curious, “Yeah, what was that about?”

He was quiet for a minute, then he shrugged and replied, “I really, really like you. I wasn’t going to say anything about it because we’re only here for three weeks and then we’d go our separate ways, I didn’t want you to think all I wanted was just a fling. But the more I keep it to myself, the more the feeling grows, Dara. And last night, I just couldn’t help it. It didn’t help that you looked the way you did in that dress either.”

She laughed. “It’s an adorable dress, I totally agree.”

“I just wish I wasn’t redeploying or you were redeploying with me so we could be together.” He continued quietly, “Not that distance is really a barrier these days. If you feel the same way, that is.”

She noticed he was looking at her expectantly. She asked, lost, “What?”
He shifted his chair so they were no longer sitting side-by-side but face-to-face, and then he took her hand and said with utmost earnest, “Dara, I need to know that you feel something for me too…that you want me as badly as I want you…that you want to make this work like I do. We could try it out and see. I’m crazy about you and I don’t know how else to show it.”

“David.” The anticipation in his eyes broke her heart. She swallowed hard before telling him, “I do like you very much. I enjoy talking to you, you’ve been like my one true friend since we got here. But I’m afraid that might be all that I feel towards you. I’m sorry.”

He smiled but she thought she saw pain. As he returned back to position, she wondered if she should have given it more thought, or at least pretended to. She had never been in any romantic relationship before and somehow imagined that it would involve much stronger feelings than she had for him. What if she was wrong and the love could grow over time? What if he loved her enough for both of them or if she never met any other guy as sweet? But then again, what if she turned out right?!

                                                                         *************
When she got her posting letter after the final camp parade on Tuesday was when it hit her what she had done—or hadn’t. Mum and dad had gone through so much trouble to get her relocated and she hadn’t followed through with the complete process. She didn’t want to imagine their reactions when she told them. The thought of it terrified her.

“Yayyyy, we got our relocation,” Kenny said in a sing-song, waving the redeployment letter and dancing towards Dara as she stood rehearsing how to break the news to her parents.

“Yay, I got posted…to a primary school in town,” she replied, trying to sound as enthusiastic.

Kenny smiled at her and asked, a little unsure, “It’s what you wanted, right? You wanted to stay?”

“My parents will be furious.” Dara bit her lower lip as she stared blindly into the posting letter. “I don’t even know what to think right now.”

Taiwo joined them then and told Kenny, “We’re good to go. The bus is leaving anytime from now.” They were heading to Lagos, where they had lived all their lives and had been redeployed back to. Dara would have to wait for some more days in Gombe to report at her Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) and settle her posting before she’d be able to travel.

“You’ll be good, right? Please take care of yourself,” Kenny said, concerned, and they hugged.
Taiwo hugged her goodbye too, and as she watched them leave for the bus, it took Dara all her willpower to keep the brave smile on her face.
David called to ask where she was, and he soon came, dragging his box behind him. “I didn’t get where I wanted, but where I got is close enough to be able to work something out with my employer,” he told her.
“Good for you,” she smiled back.
“So…I guess this is it. I’m going to miss you so much, Dara. I’ll call you everyday.”
She laughed. “Please don’t.”
“Are you sure? ‘Cause I could if you wanted.” He grinned.
“I’ll miss you too,” she said, meaning it. And as he walked away towards a Delta-bound bus, she tried to decide which of her parents to call first. Not that it mattered, the deed had already been done and there was little or nothing anyone could do to change it at that moment. They would have to accept eventually, and she would just have to live with the decision she had made, however it turned out to be.

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Morountodun is a writer and a microbiology ‎ graduate of University of Ilorin.
Twitter: @Morountosweet

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Are you a writer? Interested in sharing ‎your short stories on this
platform? Be‎ our guest on our Short Story Fridays segment. Email: [email protected] or ololade.olatunji@yahoo/ gmail.com
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Entertainment

Read President Buhari’s New Year Message To The Nation

Welcome to the beginning of a New Year of the continuation of CHANGE in our beloved nation. I am aware that Nigerians have experienced a number of significant hardships over the past months. Living in the State House has not alienated me from your daily sufferings. I am aware of the lengthy queues at fuel stations and of the difficulties businesses have faced in acquiring foreign exchange.
These challenges are only temporary; we are working to make things better. When I presented myself to you as a presidential candidate and asked you to vote for me, I wanted to be a leader who keeps his promises. I wanted to be a leader who restores the people’s hope in those elected to serve them. I wanted to be a leader who initiates positive and enduring CHANGE.
I am still totally committed to being that kind of leader. Unforeseen circumstances and other distractions notwithstanding, I shall still do my utmost best to keep every promise I made to Nigerians during my election campaign. In the past seven months since our inauguration on May 29, 2015, my administration has focused on laying the right foundation for the CHANGE you voted for during our historic presidential election. Nigerians will in due course begin to enjoy the fruits of all our ongoing work.
The effective and efficient implementation of our 2016 budget proposals will address many of the socio-economic issues that are of current concern to our people. One area in which Nigerians, especially those in the northeast, have already begun to experience major CHANGE is in the war on terror. I commend our Armed Forces for significantly curtailing the insurgency which has ravaged the northeast of Nigeria over the past few years.
However, there is still a lot of work to be done in the area of security. Our Armed Forces will maintain, consolidate and build on their successes in the war against Boko Haram and violent extremism. This government will not consider the matter concluded until the terrorists have been completely routed and normalcy restored to all parts of the country that have been adversely affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.
His Our crackdown on corruption will continue to be vigorously undertaken. I urge the courts to support our efforts and help in the recovery of stolen funds by speedily concluding trials and showing that impunity no longer has a place in our country.
 There is much work to do in other areas as well and I have charged all my ministers and other appointees to ensure that Nigerians experience positive changes in their lives in 2016. We must reduce our country’s reliance on oil. We must diversify our economy.
And we must do all we can to promote job creation. Our challenges are many but our determination to succeed is strong and unshaken. So too is our confidence in God. I wish you all a very
Happy New Year.
MUHAMMADU BUHARI
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Entertainment

Fire engulfs Dubai Hotel.

Fire has engulfed a 63-storey, 5-star Address hotel in Dubai. Early reports from Dubai authorities said the fire started on the 20th floor. Dubai Officials say 90% of the fire is under control and there are no reports of injuries.
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Thank You Readers. You Rock!


It’s that time of the Year I appreciate you readers. 2015 has been a superlative year and I owe it to God and your contributions. Thank you for the visits, comments (albeit few, I need barrage of comments next year. Lol ) and even words of encouragement
I also want to acknowledge my contributors; Short Story Fridays, (Oluwafunminiyi Omojola , Sueddie Agema, Ogechi Nwobia , Morountodun Olaseinde-Williams) and I culled some from Naijastories too. Sports (Adeshina Peter,) Op-eds/Articles (Femi Oladele and Abosede) and many more. May you be more enriched with wisdom and strength. And chiefly, may your ink never run dry. 

To my clients, thank you for trusting this platform and putting endless smiles to my face. Thank You for choosing loladeville.com.ng. May God enrich your pockets and give you grace to patronise me more. Lol. 
I had a setback 2 months back, my blog was hacked and I had to stay away from blogging for 2weeks. That period was the darkest in my life. Massive shout out to my Web designers, Adeolu and Syntocode who worked tirelessly to restore it. I owe you lots. Shout out to my fellow blogger friends too (Moji Delano, Helen Ozor, Kemi Filani, Ob9ja, Shawttynatt). 
I noticed some of my female readers left this blog this year (yes I received your messages) there were complaints about me doing more of  football posts than entertainment. Yes I had to restrategise. We all can’t be entertainment and gossip bloggers. I found a unique niche in Football and I had to stick to it. Yes I still write entertainment posts and there’s going to be a balance in the new year. Oya run back. 
We will be cruising into the new year in a matter of few hours. My prayers: May the New Year bring you happiness and peace, may your aspirations come through and may the winds of time allow you to soar in the direction of your beautiful dreams. Shine bright like the stars you all are. I am immensely grateful. 

PS; The blog has an app on Blackberry and Google Playstore.
Ololade Olatunji 
Managing Editor 

loladeville.com.ng. 
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Entertainment

15 defining football moments in Nigeria in the year 2015

2015 has been a great year for football in Nigeria as a number of the teams representing the country achieved greatness. On the local scene, the Nigeria Professional Football League witnessed a lot of positive changes amid commendations and also, the age-grade teams all did considerably well.
Here are 15 key moments of the year:

1) The sack of Stephen Keshi
2015 was the year of ‘change’ and one of the first major changes that shook Nigerian football was the sack of Coach Stephen Keshi. The NFF sacked Keshi over news that he applied through his agent to be the coach of Ivory Coast – who at the time was searching for one – while still the manager of the Super Eagles.
It is instructive to note that prior to the incident, relationship between the NFF and Stephen Keshi was not rosy and at a point, it took the intervention of Ex-President, Goodluck Jonathan to prevent from being relieved of his duties. However, things got to a head with the Ivory Coast brouhaha and Keshi was asked to pack his belongings.
He would have ran to the Aso Rock but sadly, a change had occurred there too.


2)The appointment of Sunday Oliseh
After the sack of Stephen Keshi, It appeared the NFF must have consulted ace movie director, Steven Spielberg on suspense and drama creation as they put that in display in their quest for a new manager. It took weeks of speculations, denial and endless drama before the NFF President Amaju Pinnick made it known that ex-international, Sunday Oliseh would be replacing Keshi as the manager of the Super Eagles.
The news was met with a lot of optimism and praise following Oliseh’s good performance as a television pundit. Oliseh was dubbed the ‘Guardiola of Africa’ by Mr Pinnick and I am not certain if there has been a change of heart.
The way life works, today you are ‘Guardiola’, tomorrow you are ‘Onigbinde’. Hehe

3) Enyeama’s untimely retirement from the Super Eagles
As if to be reminded that the Super Eagles job is no child’s play, Oliseh faced his biggest test when involved in an altercation with former goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama. The cause of the altercation is sketchy but speculations were rife that it was as a result of Enyeama’s then late resumption to camp – due to his mother’s death – and the appointment of Ahmed Musa as the captain of the Super Eagles.
Things got to a head, there was a heated argument and the end result? Endless Instagram posts! Enyeama retired, Nigerians reacted and Oliseh stood his ground. As if to follow in Vincent’s footsteps, Emmanuel Emenike also announced his retirement although that didn’t gather any momentum as Nigerians couldn’t seem to remember the last time the striker got a goal. Not cool, eh?
Now we have an oyinbo keeper, Carl Ikeme and just in case you need more updates on the matter, stay glued to Enyeama’s Instagram page as that is his official media channel.
4) Ahmed Musa Appointed Captain of the Super Eagles
The decision to name Ahmed Musa the captain of the Super Eagles was one of Oliseh’s first changes in the squad and that didn’t go without some controversy as I already mentioned above.
Ahmed Musa has been very committed to the course of the Super Eagles although he needs to match that up with some consistency. Oliseh maintains his trust in him to lead the team and Nigerians expect him to lead them to victory and importantly, keep players like Onazi Ogenyi in check. That Onazi boy often lose his cool.


5) The NFF’s partnership with Zenith Bank
The Nigerian Football Federation announced a partnership deal with one of Nigeria’s financial institutions, Zenith Bank. The partnership was said to be focused on youth development and capacity building for officials.
Zenith Bank is expected to fund programs that would enhance youth development in the country and also help equip officials with required skills to successfully carry out their duties. In addition to that, Zenith Bank also committed to footing the bill of the salary of the Super Eagles head coach, Sunday Oliseh for a full year. Although, news have it that he is presently being owed. Who make we hold, NFF or Zenith?

6) The many failings of the Super Falcons
The Super Falcons, that used to provide succor for Nigerians in the absence of the Super              Eagles, were disappointing this year. There was little or nothing to cheer.
It started with the Women World cup in Canada where they were eliminated in the group stages after picking just a point from three games and then, they failed to qualify for the Olympics after failing to beat Equatorial Guinea over two legs before rounding things up with a fruitless campaign in the All Africa Games.
It was a sad tale and issues have been raised on the need to pay more attention to female football, starting with the League. Restructure the League, discover new talent and reclaim lost glory.
In short, Bring Back Our Falcons!

7) Asisat Oshoala named BBC Women’s footballer of the year
It was a bad year for the falcons and by extension, female football in Nigeria but it wasn’t all doom and gloom as Asisat Oshoala did well enough to make the country proud.
Oshoala did not only sign for Liverpool Ladies to become the first African to feature in the Women’s Super League, she also beat Spain’s Veronica Boquete, German Nadine Kessler, Scot Kim Little and Brazilian Marta to the BBC award, all at age 20.
It was a great year for Asisat and Nigerians have every reason to be proud of her. We won’t be famzing if we do.
8) The U17 World Cup victory
Against all odds, Emmanuel Amuneke and his boys (real boys this time) went on to win the U17 World Cup in Chile, making Nigeria the only country to win the trophy for a record five times and also the second country after Brazil to have won it back-to-back.
Beyond winning the first place, new stars like Victor Osimhen – who got the most goals and set a new record -, Kelechi Nwakali, Amunudu and the likes were discovered to the betterment of the country.
9) Kelechi Iheanacho’s good exploit abroad
As stated earlier, Nigeria have been very successful at the U17 level and as part of its success, Kelechi Iheanacho can be proudly added. The 19year old star at the 2013 U17 World Cup in UAE made headlines this year for his good exploits in England with top club, Manchester City.
Manager of Manuel Pellegrinni expressed confidence in Kelechi’s ability on several occasions and the lad did not let him down in any way. This year, he has made eleven appearances for the English side and scored two goals – one of which was a match winner.
Not bad for a 19 year old, eh?

10) Odion Ighalo’s goal rage in England
A record six consecutive goals for his club, one of the top scorers in the English Premier League as far as the season is concerned and the top scorer in England’s top five divisions in the calendar year. No, I am not talking about Sergio Aguero or Wayne Rooney, I am talking about our home boy, Odion Jude Ighalo.
Without a shadow of doubt, the Nigerian has given us plenty of moments to cheer this year. His goals have helped Watford secure a decent position on the EPL log and has fueled specualtions that he could be moving to a bigger club anytime soon.
Whatever move he makes at the club level, Nigerians are sure that he won’t be doing the same at the National level. He is no Ibe. If you know what I mean…
11) The Dream Team are going to Rio
Despite a shaky start that raised a lot of doubts, Samson Siasia’s Dream Team won the U23 Africa Cup of Nations and importantly, secured qualification to the Olympics billed to take place in Rio De Janiero, Brazil in 2016.
Captain of the side, Oghenekaro Etebo was very instrumental in the team’s triumph and I am sure his performance will also propel him to even greater heights.
When the Olympics kicks off next year in Brazil, watch out for Nigerians! Even if they do not win, they can at least come back with some Brazilian hair. Win-win situation.

12) Solomon Dalong appointed minister of Sports
Away from the football pitch a little and into some of the politics that takes place in the background. Nigeria got a new Sport Minister this year in the person of Barrister Solomon Dalong.
His appointment was met with mixed feelings as some expressed concern over his non-involvement in sports prior to his appointment while others vouched for his intelligence and administrative know-how.
The barrister has been urged by many not to focus only on football but also help develop other sports as they could serve as a source of revenue generation. You can also forward your advice, I heard he is a cool person and even sef, this life is not that hard. Yes, Aye o le.



13) Segun Odegbami’s FIFA Presidency bid
Still on politics, one of the things that shook the political scene of Nigeria football this year was the tussle that stemmed out of Segun Odegbami’s ambition to be the president of football’s world governing body, FIFA.
Segun fought really hard and in the process, got into the face of a number of people. End of the day, he couldn’t fulfill the requirements needed to contest and so, his ambition was laid to rest.
I heard betrayal, sabotage and bad belle all over the place at the time but I am not sure who did what or what really happened. If you guys want to really know, I suggest you hit up Odegbami. I don’t want to say something now and my Oga at the top will say another. Moreover, we are in the era of probing and EFCC.
14) Kano Pillars finally lost a game at home
After 12 years and 201 games, NPFL’s Kano Pillars finally lost a game at the Sani Abacha stadium this year to Nasarawa United on match day 25.
The victory was not only historic, it also marked the resurgence that had taken place in the league – more away victories, improved officiating and better organization.
But guys, 12 solid years and not one single home loss? That’s some streak!



15) Enyimba won the NPFL title
Nigeria’s most successful club side, Enyimba of Aba made history as they won the Nigeria Professional League title for a record seventh time!
The Elephants – as they are popularly called did so with exciting football, vital away wins and a high level of consistency at home.
Stuff of Champions! Hopefully, they will do the country proud on the continent.

From all of the foregoing, it can be safely concluded that it was indeed a great year for football in Nigeria, right?

Which moment(s) did I miss out? Let me know!
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Entertainment

Bill Cosby charged with sexual assault

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of American Comedian, Bill Cosby. The entertainer has been charged with sexually assaulting  a woman in Pennsylvania, first-degree felony, in an incident from 2004.
The 78 year-old who had in few months back been accused of sexual assaults by lots of women previously admitted under oath he had consensual sex with the woman.
It’s the first time criminal charges have been brought against the screen icon.
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