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Entertainment, Sports

"This is one of the hardest days of my life" – Casillas

Iker Casillas bid his boyhood club, Real Madrid, goodbye today in an emotion-laden press conference. The Spaniard who spent 25years at the club, making 725 appearances and winning 17 major honours read a prepared statement to pressmen amid tears and incessant pauses. Casillas was not accompanied by any club official as he went through the conference alone.
In his statement, he thanked the fans, club and his family while also reflecting on his Odyssey with the club.

“First of all, thanks to everyone for coming here and for supporting me at this special time. I have come to this great stadium to say goodbye to everyone, and especially to all the Madridistas. Since yesterday I am no longer a Real Madrid player and I will now go to FC Porto. My decision to go to FC Porto was based on two factors — the enthusiasm that their club president, coach — who I know well — and the staff have transmitted to me.

“Secondly, the affection that I have received when people found out that my destination would be Portugal. I will do all I can not to let them down and I will try to win as many titles as possible with them. Thank you, FC Porto, for trusting me. After 25 years defending the emblem of the biggest club in the world, this is one of the hardest days of my life,” he said. “It feels like it was only yesterday when at the age of nine I wore for the first time Real’s jersey and my dream came true.
“During this time we have enjoyed ourselves, shed tears, happiness, laughter, I have felt loved. This club has not only taught me to be a sportsmen but also taught me human values, being, those of respect, camaraderie and humility.

“I have always tried to show all of them wherever I went. I want to acknowledge all of my former and current teammates — I leave a lot of friends behind me and I know that I will be always be able to count on them. I want to thank all of my coaches throughout my career, all of them. I have learned a lot from all of them. All my love to my family, who made sacrifices for me to pursue this hard but rewarding career,” Casillas said. “Also to my wife and my child, because they will always be there next to me.”
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Entertainment

At 23, David Alaba may become the best footballer with Nigerian blood. 

Many would remember on the night of May 25, 2013 when Bayern Munich lifted their fifth UEFA Champions League title, Nigeria was represented when David Olatokunbo Alaba of Bayern Munich carried the Nigerian flag in the post-match ceremony, along with those of Austria and The Philippines.
The Champions League title holder was born in Vienna to Gina and George Alaba and has one younger sister. His mother emigrated from the Philippines to work as a nurse in Austria while his father, a popular DJ and rapper in Austria, is a prince from Ogere, Ogun State in Nigeria. 
Unfortunately for the Philippines and Nigeria, Alaba has already chosen to play for his birth country Austria, after going through the Under-17 and Under-20 youth system. Alaba represented Austria for the first time in 2009 at 17-years-old, making him the youngest player to ever represent Austria.
The 23-year-old has gone on to play in a number of positions including central midfield, right and left wing but has since blossomed more as a left-back. 
He has won many titles with his German club and individual awards like the 2011 and 2012 Austrian footballer of the year, while still a teenager, and has made more than 40-appearances with his national side. 
Alaba is one of the best young talents in Europe and is managed by his Nigerian father.
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Entertainment

7 things you should know about Nigeria-born American singer, Jidenna 

Jidenna may come across as calm, cool and collected on his single, “Classic Man” but in a recent interview with VLADTV, Janelle Monae’s protégé shocked many Nigerians when he revealed that his appearance made him bring-in a lot of AK47s and employed military commandos when he came to Nigeria to bury his father for fear of being kidnapped.
When asked to speak about the challenges of skin color in Nigeria. He recalls how his family brought weapons and military-style protection when attending his father’s funeral in an Igbo village.
“The fact that you have African blood in you is gonna make it hard. When you’re light-skinned, you’re a heavier target for being kidnapped because you’re seen as more valuable. You’re seen as white. You have more money. We were robbed – our family’s been assaulted. We’ve had a lot of issues.”
The Classic Man’s views resulted in a lot of backlash from social media with commenters saying his thoughts are “ignorant” and that they paint a negative light on Nigerian people:
“The one time they ask Jidenna about Nigeria he gives it a negative light… Odiegwu.”
But can you really say someone’s own memories and feelings about something they’ve actually experienced are wrong?
Sadly, Jidenna is not as popular in Nigeria as he is in America and very little is known about him. 
Here are 7 facts about the ‘Classic man’ singer… 
1)  He was born Jidenna Theodore Mobisson in Winsconsin, America. 
2) His mum, Tama Mobisson is an America-born Accountant while his dad, Oliver Mobisson is a Nigerian and one-time Professor of Computer Science at Enugu State University. 
3) Jidenna’s name in Igbo Language means to ’embrace the father’ 
4) He is the youngest of four siblings. 
5) He graduated from Stanford Univeristy in 2008 with a BA in Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity.
6) Jidenna is a founding member of Fear and Fancy, a social club that began in California in 2006. 
7) He released his first ever single ‘Classic Man’ in February 2015….
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Entertainment

Raheem Sterling Not Traveling with Liverpool to Asia

Following Raheem Sterling’s inclusion in the squad that would travel for the pre-season tour of Asia, Press Association has reported that the lad will not be travelling with the team.
This is believed to have been informed by the ongoing transfer talks with Manchester City over Raheem’s imminent departure to the club.
Raheem Sterling missed training on Wednesday and Thursday citing illness and has received several criticism over an alleged ‘unprofessional attitude’.
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Entertainment

Schweinsteiger off to United, Casillas says goodbye and other transfer news

Manchester United have agreed a deal to sing Bayern Munich’s midfielder, Bastian Schweinsteiger. The hugely-experienced 30yr old reportedly told Bayern he does not want to extend his contract and sought to face new challenge in a new league. Schweinsteiger made his debut for Bayern in 2002 and went on to make 536appearances with major titles like The Champions League, Bundesliga and DFB Pokal to his name.

Iker Casillas will be saying goodbye to his boyhood club, Real Madrid, after 25 years as Porto have agreed a deal to sign the goalie. Casillas who has been in the middle of several controversy since he was dropped from the first team by Mourinho in 2012 joined Real Youth Academy in 1990, made his debut in 1999 and won 17 major honors with the club.

World Cup winner and two-time FIFA player of the year, Ronaldinho has signed with Brazilian side, Fluminense.  The player confirmed the move on his Twitter page.  He will be earning 600,000reals ($190,000) plus bonus from Jersey sales and other club products.  Ronaldinho ascribed the rational behind the move to his quest to win the Brazilian league.

Former Manchester city striker, John Guidetti has joined Celta Vigo on a fiver year deal for free. 
The Swedish striker who spent last season on loan at Celtic making 35appearances and scoring 15goals is expected to blossom at the Spanish club.

Manchester United have completed the signing of Italian defender, Matteo Darmian from Torino. 
The 25year old passed his medical and was awarded a four year contract which cost £12.9Million.
He becomes United’s second signing after the arrival of Memphis Dephay from PSV.
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Entertainment, Sports

Three games to look out for in NPFL match day 17

The Nigeria Professional League enters match day 17 amid flurry of excitement, expectations and hype. This season is shaping out to be one of the best in recent time following the rise in away victories, improvement in officiating and intriguing games.
The race for the title is gradually taking shape and the pretenders are being separated from the contenders with every passing game. In view of this, here are top three games to look out for in match day 17 fixtures scheduled to kick off later today.
WARRI WOLVES VS ENYIMBA FC

Enyimba will look to maintain its unbeaten run and position on the log as they travel to Warri to face a familiar foe in Warri Wolves. The Aba-elephants are tied on point with leaders of the log, Sunshine Stars, and will fancy getting maximum points while hoping that Sunshine falters and they move up to first position. Enyimba have been very consistent both home and away with their defenders do a good job of keeping cleaning sheets while their forwards also do the business in front of goal.
Warri Wolves will also look to get back to winning ways as they are yet to pick a victory in three games. The game might turn out to be the turning point for Warri Wolves or Enyimba’s ascension to the top of the log.
SHOOTING STARS VS GIWA FC

Jos based side, Giwa Fc are turning out to be one of the dark horses of the league this season as they have put out decent performances which leaves them fourth on the log with just two points behind leaders, sunshine stars. They are yet to lose in four games since the 4-1 defeat they suffered in the hands of Kano Pillars last month. They will be travelling to Ibadan with the mindset of getting maximum point in a bid to possibly go top of the log should Enyimba, Sunshine stars and Wikki Tourist all slip.
Ibadan, however, won’t be an easy place to pick maximum points as it has been transformed into a fortress under coach Gbenga Ogunbote of shooting stars.
Ogunbote have remoulded the team into a formidable one and went on rampage with victories and draws before Ifeanyi Ubah gave him the bitter taste of defeat.
The game will definitely be filled with plenty of goals and high points as both teams have a point (or two) to prove.
SUNSHINE STARS VS BAYELSEA UNITED
Leaders of the log, Sunshine Stars will hope to tighten their grip on the first position and possibly create a good margin between them and the likes of Enyimba, Wikki and Giwa Fc in this game against Bayelsa United. The Akure gunners are on an imperious form at home as they are yet to drop any point. Bayelsa United on the other hand will also look to further distance itself from the relegation zone after rising three points above it with a victory against Warri Wolves last week.
The game will test the resolve of Sunshine stars to remain top of the log and Bayelsa United’s commitment to leave the relegation zone.
Other fixtures includes:
Wikki Tourists Vs El Kanemi Warriors
Heartland Vs Dolphins
Nassarawa United Vs Fc Ifeanyi Ubah
Kwara United Vs Sharks
Abia Warriors Vs Taraba Fc
Rangers Fc Vs Lobi Stars
Akwa United Vs Kano Pillars

Akwa United Vs kano Pillars will be shown live on Super Sport 9 and Super Sport Select by 4pm.
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Entertainment

Photos from Petr Cech's first Arsenal training session.

I don’t think there’s anybody in the world who still hasn’t believed Petr Cech is now a solid gunner. Not with the news, pictures from his unveiling and his message to Chelsea fans. Above are photos from the Czech Republic international’s o

Credit: Arsenal.com
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Entertainment, Sports

Oliseh cannot handle Super Eagles -Laloko, Westerhof

Reactions have continued to trail the decision of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to appoint ex Super Eagles player, Sunday Oliseh as the head coach of the men’s national team. 
Erstwhile technical director of the Nigeria Football Association, Kashimawo Laloko, has said that the former Borussia Dortmund and Ajax midfielder lacks the experience required to manage the the team.

“I don’t think he has the necessary experience to be Super Eagles coach. He is educated and very organised as a player, but his success will depend on how organised he is as a coach. Managing a national team is very different from coaching a club.

Besides, being a good footballer and analyst does not automatically make you a fantastic coach. But one thing I can be sure of is that he will introduce a new structure in the team; Keshi never had any structure, and that was what affected the team last year. Oliseh might have the UEFA pro licence but it is required that he has a CAF licence, that is what we have on ground as the rule,”‎ he said.

Former Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Clemens Westerhof also shared the same opinion.

“Did you say Sunday Oliseh to be Super ‎Eagles coach? No, no, no, no! That cannot be, he can’t be

Super Eagles coach. Oliseh cannot do it, no, he can’t. If what you just said is correct, if Nigeria Federation is bringing Oliseh to handle Super Eagles,  then that is too bad because it is not right, it is not proper, he is not the right ‎man for the job.

He continued, “Before I took over Super Eagles in 1989, I was head coach of Feyenord of Amsterdam and we were champions after many years. I coached other top teams in the first division, Vitese, MVV and came back to Vitese again. I had the experience coaching top teams. Keshi was a top quality player in Belgium with Lokeren, Anderlecht, RC Strasburg in France, Sacramento Scorpions and all that. He coached several other top teams including Togo and Mali.

Where did Oliseh coach? What is his coaching experience? Do you want to start learning how to coach with the senior national team? Coaching amateur teams is not enough to get experience of handling top teams like Super Eagles. Players cannot respect him, you know, he cannot command their respect and influence as they loved and respected me, as they also respected and loved Keshi. What the Super Eagles need is a coach who the players will love to respect, who has positive influence on the players and I don’t think ‎Oliseh has these qualities.”‎ He concluded.

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Entertainment

A letter to the woman I love but can never have

I remember the moment we first met, as if it happened yesterday. You put your head round my office door, and introduced yourself. Your obvious intelligence, your voice and your laughter – that normal part of your conversation – were captivating. The sound of your voice still has, will always have, a profound effect on me. Although I didn’t realise it until much later, it was a moment that changed the direction of my life.
After that first meeting, we worked together for a year. The weeks and months passed, as I wondered whether everyone who you knew and met felt the same way about you. Whether they felt the same pleasure, the same thrilling chemistry, just being near to you. You quickly became my closest friend, as we spent more and more time together. Then, one summer evening, I hugged you and you kissed me. You say now that you were in love with me even before that. But for me, that was the moment the world changed for ever.‎
We were both happily married. Neither of us had ever had affairs or even thought of being unfaithful. It was something that neither of us planned or expected, but it felt … unstoppable.
We grew closer and closer as our friendship deepened and we became lovers. Now, seven years later, I long to be openly with you; the most unique, the most demanding, the most desirable woman I have ever met.
We can count the number of nights we have spent together in that time on our fingers. But the stolen hours spent talking, eating, reading, laughing – just being together – are uncountable. We have shared triumphs and tragedies, professional and personal.
More than once, my behaviour has hurt you badly and yet we are still very much together, each feeling that life without the other would be simply unbearable. The happiest and most intense hours of my entire life have been spent with you.
There are times when the desire and the sadness that we are not together become completely overwhelming. I know that you love me. But I also know that you want me in your life alongside everything you already have. Alongside your husband. I know and understand that your situation is much more complicated than mine. My daughter is 19 now and will leave home this year, but your children are much younger. Leaving your husband for me would cause them real harm and plunge you into an international custody battle.
I know that you will stay with him, whatever happens, for the sake of your children. I know that you feel he is one of your children too; that you will beg him to stay with you if our relationship is exposed. You have been honest about that. I know that you will not be with me, even if I am alone.
Other people bear seemingly unbearable things in their lives all the time, so I must endure this. I have no other choice, except the living bereavement of a life without you. I have fallen in love with a woman I cannot have, and who cannot be with me. Perhaps in a few years, when your daughter has left home and your son is older, being openly with me will become a possibility for you.
Until then, I will wait for you, want you, and love you.
Anonymous
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Entertainment

Wake up, President Buhari. Etcetera writes

Wake up, President Buhari. Get in the game; you have left the door open for more Federal Government bailout. The question is, why would the Federal Government get involved? And, beyond that, why should it?
Can the Federal Government really help a state like Osun? Hell no!! The predicament of these states is due primarily to two causes.
One is mismanagement, which has amounted to billions of their total shortfall. The second is the money that was borrowed through the years for unseen projects and other unnecessary obligations. Disappearing jobs, empty factories have all played a role, too.
There are so many reasons why bailing out cash-strapped states that mismanaged public finances with over N7bn should be prohibited henceforth.
We are talking about public funds here and Nigerian taxpayers need to watch their wallets.
If not, there will be a call for a federal bailout to finance the purchase of private jets for state governors.
The National Assembly should act now to ensure taxpayers aren’t forced to pay for years of mismanagement by government officials.
Failure of some of these states to properly manage their funds might be rooted in an unholy alliance between the governors and their godfathers.
The issue of ghost workers is another thing that should be looked into. It is a fact that some of the commissioners liaised with the permanent secretaries to milk the states by employing ghost workers.
Leaving aside the argument of the merits or demerits of federal relief for these financially troubled states, the way these governors squander public funds makes it morally troublesome and that’s to put it lightly.
It would have been understandable if this bailout was as a result of natural disasters like earthquakes or outbreaks of terrible diseases such as Ebola.
Seeking federal bailout to pay workers’ salaries is preposterous, especially when the said states have been receiving regular monthly federal allocations.
Osun State needs to lie in its own poorly made bed; the rest of the country cannot be expected to pay for the myopic misdeeds of a lazy government.
Consider an uninsured driver who negligently makes an illegal turn that causes an accident with another car.
Witnesses call the police, reporting who is at fault; the police transmit this information to the traffic offence unit.
When they arrive at the scene and find that the car of the driver at fault is uninsured, will they tow his car to the workshop and have it repaired at the expense of the government? Let us also pause and consider whether this bailout shows respect for ordinary Nigerian citizens.
The state governors having chosen to run their risks, they deserve their misfortune, so society need not save them from it.
There are so many good reasons why the Federal Government shouldn’t have offered a bailout to these states. That the government treasury is empty is certainly one salient factor.
Another is the issue of moral hazard: if these states can turn to the Federal Government whenever their finances go down, other states will have much less reason to manage their money effectively and make tough but crucial budgetary decisions.
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