I’m not too sure but I think Mikel Obi is the first or only Nigerian footballer who has lent his voice to the ongoing #BringBackOurGirls campaign geared towards the freedom of the over 200 school girls abducted by terrorist sect, Boko Haram, a month ago.
Spain, just like other countries (well, some countries) in the world has unveiled their 30-man squad for the forthcoming World Cup which kicks off in June, 2014. Most of the names are quite familiar; and from three popular leagues; Laliga, English Premier League and Bundeliga. The list was released few hours ago.
Defenders: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea),
Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona)Alberto Moreno (Sevilla), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Raul Albiol (Napoli),
Juan fran (Atletico Madrid), Daniel Carvajal (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona)
Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Ander Iturraspe (Athletic Bilbao)
Xavi (Barcelona), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Pedro (Barcelona) Jesus Navas (Manchester City) David Silva (Manchester City), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Juan Mata (Manchester United), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
Attackers: Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid)
David Villa (Atletico Madrid), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Alvaro Negredo (Manchester City), Fernando Llorente
(Juventus)
GoalKeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid),
Pepe Reina (Napoli), David De Gea (Manchester United)
More plaudits rolling in for Super Eagles goal-keeper, Vincent Enyeama who has made another history in France. Last December, at his Lille club, he became the first goal-keeper with the highest number of minutes (950 minutes) under his belt without conceding a goal.
Yesterday again, the 31 year-old became the first Nigerian, the first goalkeeper and first player from Africa to be named France’s Ligue 1 African player of the season. Out of all the 37 championship games for his club this season, he conceded just 25 goals.
That Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho is being loathed by spanish media is like saying tap water is colourless. And his failure to win a silverware this season has been mocked by writers of spanish paper, El Confidencial. Excerpts from one of their current write-ups
“Since leaving Porto, Mourinho has won as a result of the huge financial backing of transfers – in his first stint at Chelsea, then Inter Milan and Real Madrid. He is a good coach when the chips are down, and he gave himself the nickname ‘The Special One’. After his two seasons without a trophy, now they should start calling him ‘The Special Zero’.”
In the last one week the craze online is quite disgusting but Funny, with many attacking the first lady with malicious intent and purposes. Now I’m here to defend her as my mother and by virtue the mother of all Nigerians in this dispensation. She called a security meeting to contribute her own quota to finding lasting peace that is gradually evading us Nigerians as a nation.
I do know she has no right to summon the Head of the various military agencies, but she did had a security meeting…which those concerned ought to attend which they failed to attend for some political reasons. And you know Mama Peace is not a pretender, she says things the way she feels it, if you like lie about stuffs, when ever she grabs the mantle, she has this penchant of contradicting lies told to the general public.
But what disgusts me is the way many prominent Nigerians have castigated her in the last few days; starting with the Prof. Wole Soyinka to the last man out there who think they are well versed in the usage of English. The way folks undermined her prompted me to challenge and defend her because of the simple truth which is, we all have mothers and no one would fold his hands and allow their mothers disrespected the way we have done lately.
Way back in school the brightest student in our class had this same problem with ‘Spoken English’, the way he abused the language, with mother tongue interference will make one believe he is an Illiterate but he isn’t, when you try him in other spheres you will be amazed that he is a genius in obscurity.
Let’s not forget the language we speak is borrowed and nobody can claim ownership including the originators of the language, over the years many countries are adopting their own pattern of English, in years to come maybe we might just have our own peculiar unique Nigerian English, so before we start abusing the First Lady over some western Pedagogical concept, let us pause for a while and criticize with good intentions not this malicious wickedness that has been trending online lately.
Chelsea/England left-back, Ashley Cole has announced his retirement from international football. This news came shortly after he was dropped by Roy Hodgson’s from England’s squad to the 2014 World Cup.
The 33 year-old told reporters, “I think it’s best I retire from the England team now. We have a great manager and team and I wish them only success. I will be supporting them like a true fan. Thanks to everyone for everything. It was a pleasure to get 107 caps. Like me or not, trust me it’s hurt me to stop playing for my country.”
Photos of the over 200 girls, abducted by terrorist organization, Boko Haram has surfaced. Well, the clips were taken while the video was aired on TV. The girls who are reportedly being held in about 6 locations have all converted to Islam. According to Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau. Excerpts from the video.
“The girls you occupy yourselves with, we have liberated them…they are now Muslims. We will never release them unless our brethren are released. It’s been 4-5 years you held our brethren and torturing them. And now you talk about these girls. Those who accept the faith, we’ll treat them well. We will not release the girls until you free our brothers”
Manchester United fans yesterday hired a plane to fly over Anfield to taunt Liverpool FC star, Steven Gerrard he’s never won a title in his club. Now, that’s some pretty hardwork there. No thanks to that unforgivable slip he made few weeks back. The banner reads, United 20, Gerrard 0.
As the Bring Back Our Girls campaign towards the release of over 200 abducted school girls in Chibok Borno by terrorist organization, Boko Haram intensifies, here are some of the high-profile figures in foreign countries who have shown their support/solidarity to our ailing country Nigeria.
From actors, singers to news men all over the world, these are celebrities who have carried placards with the #BringBackOurGirls caption, tweeted, posted instagram and facebook posts, some even held rallies. The list is longer than this, would update it as time goes on.
Michelle Obama, Chris Brown, Keri Hilson, Ellen DeGenres, Piers Morgan, Angelina Jolie, Anne Hathaway, Russel Simmons, Shona Rhimes, Keke Palmer, Alicia Keys, Leona Lewis, Janelle Monae, Aisha Sesay, Justin Timberlake, Trey Songz, Kardashian sisters, Drake, P-Diddy, Kevin Hart, Wendy Williams, Naomi Campbell, Anthony Hamilton, Forest Whitaker, Malal Yousafzai, Karrueche Tran Mafikizolo, Mel Bala and other concerned members of the world.
The comedian uploaded this pic of himself on Instagram and captioned it “If I was a girl…”