FIFA Scandal: It's endgame Russia 2018, Qatar 2022 if bribery charges are proven

Russia and Qatar could be stripped of their World Cup hosting rights if evidence emerges of bribery in the bidding process, Domenico Scala, the independent chairman of FIFA's audit and compliance committee, told a Swiss newspaper.

The FBI's investigation of bribery and corruption at FIFA includes scrutiny of how soccer's governing body awarded World Cup hosting rights to Russia and Qatar, a US law enforcement official told Reuters this week.

"If evidence should emerge that the awards to Qatar and Russia only came about thanks to bought votes, then the awards could be invalidated," Scala told SonntagsZeitung in an interview published on Sunday.

"This evidence has not yet been brought forth."Russia and Qatar have denied wrongdoing in the conduct of their bids for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, which were not the subject of charges announced by US prosecutors last week against FIFA officials.

Scala made similar comments in 2013 but events over the last two weeks, which included a dawn police raid in Zurich and the arrests of several FIFA officials on US charges, have added urgency to his remarks.

A British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said he supported Qatar hosting the 2022 tournament but said Britain would work with another country if FIFA re-opened the bidding process.

"We would offer our support to any country that has been chosen to host the World Cup," Hammond told BBC World Service radio, saying the final decision would be for FIFA to make. He ruled out any British bid to host the 2022 competition if Qatar was stripped of hosting rights.Sepp Blatter unexpectedly announced on Tuesday he was resigning, just four days after securing a fifth term as FIFA president and shortly before it emerged that he too was under investigation by US law enforcement.
In a separate interview with Swiss paper Sonntags Blick, Scala floated the idea of term limits for the FIFA presidency."If a FIFA president does two or three cycles that is enough," Scala was quoted as saying. A representative for Scala confirmed his remarks. FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Credit: Times of India

Policemen allegedly strip and torture woman for allegedly stealing iPad

Karamat Eleha, a 29-year-old trader who resides in Lagos Island, is accusing four policemen from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Lagos State Command, of stripping her naked and torturing her for hours after accusing her of stealing an iPad.

After the torture, it was discovered that Eleha actually hadn’t stolen the iPad. The actual culprit was subsequently arrested.

Here is a summary of the story, as reported by Punch:

The device was said to be the property of a woman in the Ajah area of the state, who was robbed in May, 2015.

The policemen, led by one Abiola (aka Abbey), had, while searching for the iPad, reportedly stormed a two-storey building in Idumagbo, Lagos Island, where Eleha lives with her mother. It was learnt that she was not at home when the search commenced.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the team searched residents’ apartments, but did not find the item.

As their mission continued, Eleha, who was said to have gone for the fellowship in the neighbourhood, arrived home and was asked about the iPad.

Eleha said, “Around 10.20pm on May 14, I just returned home from a fellowship when the policemen asked me about a missing iPad and I told them I knew nothing about it. They checked my bag, but nothing was found there.”

According to Eleha, the cops insisted that they were getting signals from a tracker, adding that the device was within the compound.

Our correspondent gathered that when the cops insisted on checking an office in the same compound where Eleha’s house is located, the cops could not gain entry because the door was locked.

Eleha said she went to collect the keys to the office from a pastor who owns the office. The victim said she went to a nearby street, Ojo Giwa Street, to collect the keys.

On getting back, they said their tracker showed that the iPad was around the streets I passed through to the pastor’s house,” she said.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the officials subsequently whisked away the 29-year-old woman to the command headquarters, where she was reportedly stripped naked and tortured.

She said, “They took me to a room which they called ‘theatre’. They stripped me naked and tortured me for hours. When the pain became unbearable, it occurred to me that I saw a neighbour, Mr. Goriola (Baba Ibeji), giving an iPad to his wife while I was going out in the morning on the fateful day. I told them and they went to arrest the wife that same night. The following day, Baba Ibeji was arrested.

“When they realised that I was bleeding, they took me to a nurse, who charged them N3,000. They later gave the nurse N1,000 to treat me.”

Our correspondent learnt that Eleha was released two days later on May 16 after a resident sent a text message to the Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti.

However, when newsmen contacted Lagos State Police spokesperson, Kenneth Nwosu, he reportedly denied that Eleha was tortured.

An iPad was stolen and was traced to her compound. It was observed that the iPad was on the streets she (Eleha) passed through and she was invited to the station. There was no issue of torture. I don’t know what torture she is talking about,” Nwosu said.

Credit: PUNCH

There are many prostitutes in Nollywood —Kola Olaiya

Veteran Yoruba actor, Kola Olaiya, has joined his voice with others who have slammed the rate at which some actresses paint the Nollywood badly in public.

The respected actor disclosed that there are three types of women in the Nigerian film industry namely; those with the fear of God, those who jumped into acting because of unemployment and those who are into Nollywood for prostitution.

“There are some that were already prostitutes before coming into the acting industry and I make bold to say this. They were prostitutes outside and see the industry as another way to ply their trade,” he told Newswatch in an interview.

He also said their male counterparts are not left out in the three categories.

I USE PADDED BRA TO FEEL AMONG—SEXY SINGER, AZEEZAT REVEALS

Nowadays, ladies go through a lot to look sexier, including going under the knives to perform different body surgeries.

Even men have joined the trend and stories of men changing into females are gradually becoming stale.

But for Nigerian singer, Azeezat, nothing can make her for surgery to enhance her backside or cleavage, instead, she will go for pads to make them bigger.

She even confessed that “I use padded bra,” saying further that, “I am looking forward to buying padded panties one of these days. But it will just be for the heck of it. I don’t think there is anything wrong with it.”

Speaking on tattoos, the sexy singer said she can never draw them on her body.

“I don’t have and I will never have. I don’t like it. One day, somebody opened the Bible and showed me a place where God said He doesn’t like it. It just cancelled whatever thought I had of getting a tattoo,” she told Punch.

GBENRO AJIBADE PLANS 2 BEST MEN, 17 GROOMSMEN FOR WEDDING

The much-anticipated wedding of actor, Gbenro Ajibade and actress, Osas Ighodaro, is no doubt talk of the town. Some of their fans are expecting it to be a big society wedding.

And from the latest information revealed by Gbenro’s colleague, Gideon Okeke, the actor is planning to have about 17 groomsmen, two best-men, while his wife-to-be, Osas, is expected to have 15 bridesmaids.

The union slated for June 20, 2015 in Benin City, Edo State.

On Sunday, May 31, 2015, the soon-to-be husband and wife held their traditional marriage in Benin City, hometown of the actress.

WIZKID’S E-MAIL ACCOUNTS HACKED

News reaching us has it that the official e-mail accounts of Wizkid have been hacked. This information was brought to us by List Entertainment, the outfit in charge of managing the businesses of the multiple award-winning artiste.

According to them, they want the general public to know that "the certified email accounts of front-line Nigerian artiste and founder of Starboy Music, Ayo Balogun popularly known as Wizkid has been hacked.

“The following accounts; starboybookings@gmail.com, ayobalogunwizkid339@gmail.com and wizkidayo@gmail.com are currently being used to send fraudulent emails to business partners and other associates of the artiste.

“The said email accounts are no longer under our control and we want the general public to disregard all mails received from it. All mails should be sent to sunday.are@listentertainmentng.com or call 08033480122, 08059932155, and 08115975110 to enlist the services of Wizkid," the company said.

Recall that few months ago, Wizkid announced List Entertainment as his new management company for all business engagements.

Wizkid is not the first Nigerian star to be affected by hackers and impostors.

Screen diva, Omotola Ekeinde, breaks down

Nollywood diva, Omotola Ekeinde, has had very busy schedules, engaging in different activities and travelling from one place to another. Some people have even had to ask if she ever has the time to rest at all.

Her busy activities may have now taken a toll on her body. The actress is now down. Omotola fell ill after returning from the recently-concluded World Economic Forum for Africa, which she attended courtesy her ‘Poverty is Sexiest’ for ONE Campaign.

We gathered that due to the fever, she has not been able do some things she used to, but we further gathered that she is getting better now.

Omotola is one of the busiest stars in Africa. She is into advocacy programmes and she is a voice for the voiceless in the society.

MOYO LAWAL TO STOP INDECENT DRESSING

Nollywood actress, Moyo Lawal, has made her intention known to change her style of dressing, which she said has made some people to see her in a different light.

The actress, who is currently on set a movie titled ‘Living in Lekki,’ explained that she might start dressing just like a role she is playing in the yet-to-be-released movie.

In the film, Moyo is playing the role of a preacher wearing a cloth that covers most parts of her body.

“I totally loved the costumes. I need to start dressing up like this,” she said after posting a picture of her costumes.

Moyo had said in one of her interviews that people think she is sexy because of the roles she plays in films.

“I think it is ironic because I don’t think I am that sexy in real life. That was why last year, I did not accept any role that portrayed me as being sexy. The only roles I accepted were the very serious ones. I am trying to bring a whole new side of Moyo Lawal to the table.

Being a sex symbol is something I have accepted but it is time I pushed my career beyond projecting my sexiness,” she said in that interview.

Inter-agency rivalry rocks Aso Villa

A cold war is currently brewing among sister security agencies ahead of the relocation of President Muhammadu Buhari to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, THE PUNCH has learnt.

Since their inauguration on May 29, Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo have yet to relocate to the State House, because renovation works going on in their official residences had not been completed.

While the President currently operates from Defence House, the official residence of the President-elect, Osinbajo is said to be residing in a private residence.

Ahead of their relocation, however, our correspondent learnt that there is currently an ongoing inter-agency row on who will be in charge of the President’s security.

More prominent, it was learnt, is the cold war between the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services.

A Presidency source who pleaded anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the issue told our correspondent that one of the close aides of the President who is a retired military officer had written to the Nigerian Army, the DSS and the Nigeria Police to send a particular number of their men to be saddled with the responsibility of securing the State House.

He said the head of one of the security agencies had refused to take action on the directive because the author of the letter had not been given any formal responsibility by the President.

The official added that trouble started over the weekend when some officials of the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps were driven into the State House with the instruction that they be deployed in strategic positions, including the President’s office and residence.

He added that the DSS officials on duty at the time denied them access into the State House until when a directive came that they should be allowed in.

The officials of NAIC were said to have taken over from the DSS officials.

The official said, “The NAIC officials were first driven into the Villa in a Coastal bus on Saturday, but they were turned back by officials of the DSS.

“After a series of meetings, we were later told that we should allow them in. So they came in on Sunday while some others joined them on Monday.

“Naturally, it is DSS officials that are always in charge of the President’s inner security. But with this development, it seems they want to change the tradition and use the NAIC guys.

“The talk among operatives is that the development might be political considering the roles the DSS played in the build up to the 2015 general elections.”

Another source told our correspondent that DSS officials attached to the State House are also currently at loggerheads with officials of a private security outfit.

The security outfit is said to be owned by a retired DSS official who is also close to the President.

Security guards from the firm were said to have been working with Buhari long before he became the President.

The source told our correspondent on Monday that shortly after DSS officials arrived at the National Mosque, Abuja on Friday to cordon off the place ahead of Buhari’s arrival for the Jumat service, about 30 officials of the security firm also arrived.

They were said to have claimed that they were under instructions to take possession of the mosque’s premises, a step that was resisted by the DSS officials who insisted that the responsibility to secure the place for the Commander-in-Chief was solely theirs.

“After a lot of arguments, the officials of the security outfit agreed to leave the premises for the DSS officials as they were asked to go and stand outside the premises.

“That was the second time that the scenario played out in the mosque. On May 29 shortly after the President’s inauguration, that was the same way men of that firm showed up at the same mosque where the C-in-C worshipped,” the source added.

The DSS Deputy Director, Public Relations, Marilyn Ogar, said she had no information in the rivalry between the service personnel and soldiers.

“Nothing of such has been brought to my knowledge please,” she said in a text message.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, did not respond to calls to his phone.

He also did not respond to a text message asking him to clarify which security agency was in charge of the Presidential Villa security.

Credit: PUNCH

OMAWUMI BEGS ABANDONED CLOSE FRIENDS

Delta State-born singer, Omawumi Megbele, who is heavily pregnant with her second baby for Tosin Yusuf, has admitted disappointing some of his old friends since she attained fame through music.

Omawumi, who is presently out of the country, said, "I have had a bit of time to reflect these past months waiting for ‘belle to come down’ (put to bed).”

She further “observed amongst other things” that she has not been “a good friend to most of my friends especially my old friends from 'before I blow',” adding that “I have not reached out to some people who out of love did their bit to nudge me in the right direction.”

Continuing, she said, “If I start to name name, we go old here. Friends from my childhood, from demonstration, from Ekpoma, from Port Harcourt, from my Idol days, on my journey as a musician, you wey put money or sweat for me."

The former West Africa Idols first runner-up begged for forgiveness and promised to “try to change my ways.”

“Please feel free to reach out to me so we can repair the chain of communication,” she begged.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Mother Arrested For Carrying €55,000

Cristiano Ronaldo’s mother got herself into trouble with the law recently when she was found to have been travelling with €55,000 (which equals N12.3million) in her hand luggage. according to reports in Spain.

Europa Press reports that Dolores Aveiro was in the Barajas airport in Madrid in April when a routine search found out how much money she was carrying. The maximum amount of cash a person is permitted to carry on an aeroplane when leaving Spain is €10,000, leading to the mother of the three-time Ballon d’Or winner being detained when it was revealed she had over five times the legal limit.

The press agency reports that she could not justify the amount of money she was carrying, so the police confiscated €45,000 and allowed her to travel to Portugal with the remaining money.

In carrying so much, Aveiro committed an administrative offence and now must pay a fine to the tax authorities in order to free up the remainder of her money.

Bukola Saraki emerges as new Senate President

After much controversies as regard who will emerge the next senate president, Senaor bukola saraki is now officially the elected senate president.

Former governor of Kwara State,Bukola Saraki, has been elected the president of the eighth Senate. Saraki of the All Progressives Congress, APC, defeated his party’s preferred candidate, Ahmed Lawan, to emerge the Senate president.

He was nominated by Sani Yerima and seconded by Dino Melaye. Saraki has been sworn into office. The immediate past deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has been re-elected. Mr. Ekweremadu of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was nominated by Abie Sekibo from Rivers State.

70 Year Old Man Arraigned For Stealing Goat In Katsina

The police on Monday arraigned a 70-year-old man, Isa Hussaini, at the Upper Customary Court, Sabongari, Zaria, for stealing a goat. Hussaini, a resident of Funtua LGA in Katsina State is facing a one-count charge of theft.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Bashir Abdullahi, told the court that the matter was reported through a distress call by the village head of Yakawada, Alhaji Rilwanu Yakawada in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

He said that on June 2, Hussaini was found in possession of a goat suspected to be stolen.

Abdullahi said that when the suspect was challenged, he confessed to the theft, contrary to Section 319 (a) of the penal code.

The accused person pleaded guilty to the offence but the Judge, Mr Atiku Sarki-Yohanam, granted him bail in the sum of N30,000 and one reasonable surety in like sum.

The judge then adjourned hearing in the case until June 11. In an interview after the hearing, the accused person confessed that he had spent 15 years in stealing business.

He said “I started this ugly job 15 years ago and I started by stealing maize and later started stealing goats because I sell beef kebab.

I steal to feed my two wives and six children,’’ he added.

Credit: NAN

Saraki dumps APC to run with Ekweremadu

Plan to get Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators-elect and members of the House of Representatives-elect to vote en bloc for principal officers during today’s inauguration of the Eighth National Assembly collapsed yesterday.

There was also a split among the PDP governors on who to support between Senator Ahmed Lawan and Senator Bukola Saraki for Senate president.

But The Nation learnt this morning that at a meeting of PDP Senators-elect in Abuja, 28 agreed to back Saraki/Ike Ekweremadu ticket; 17 agreed to back Lawan/Akume ticket. That was after Saraki decided to work with PDP in a desperate move to win the race.

Some senators and members-elect rejected the suggestion by Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose that PDP senators should vote Saraki.

Lawan at the weekend emerged the choice candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after a mock election by the party’s senators-elect. But the Saraki camp rejected the straw poll and vowed to contest for the position on the floor today.

The APC is the majority party in the Senate, with 59 senators-elect. The PDP has 49 senators.

It was learnt that at a meeting held by the PDP caucus on Sunday night in former Senate  President David Mark’s residence in Apo, Abuja, the divided PDP senators-elect and their governors were said to have threatened to draft one of them into the race if the APC failed to agree on a consensus candidate.

Some of the PDP senators said to be rooting for Saraki allegedly suggested that they should forge a vibrant opposition on Tuesday by voting against the APC consensus choice as a signal of what form of opposition to expect in the Senate in the new dispensation.

The PDP senators were said to have contended that voting against APC’s preferred candidate would signpost a resolute stand to keep the PDP alive.

A source at the meeting said a former principal officer in the Seventh Senate was the brain behind the proposal.

The source said most of the senators disagreed vehemently with the suggestion.

Those opposed to the suggestion, it was learnt, averred that toeing the line of action would only serve the interest of a few, particularly the governors, rather than that of the PDP as a party.

The source noted that most of the senators agreed that “we should wait and see what the APC senators will come up with”.

He said: “The surprise of the night was that some of the governors who former President Goodluck Jonathan laboured to install were those at the vanguard of the Saraki project, a man who practically destroyed PDP.

“Most senators at the meeting viewed supporting Saraki as robbing Peter to pay Paul.

“They contended that it will be bad politics to reward a man who took up arms against his party, destroyed it and moved to build another one.”

The meeting was said to have ended without the Senators taking a final decision on who to back for Senate president.

A former acting National Publicity Secretary of PDP Chief Bode Ojomu, yesterday warned the party against supporting any of its defectors from either being the Senate President or the Speaker.

Another source said: “At the end of the day, we could not agree on bloc votes for any of the candidates for the Senate and House of Representatives. Governor Fayose pleaded with party leaders to see the battle as one between the PDP and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. He begged the party to ‘clip’ Tinubu’s  wings.

“But some senators-elect warned Fayose against going personal. They queried the morality behind PDP supporting candidates who defected from the party to the APC. They alleged that their defection led to the defeat of PDP at the polls.

“The governors were also split on who to back for the National Assembly offices.”

“At the end of the day, we could not reach a consensus on casting our votes en bloc for either of the candidates. I can tell you that everyone is on his own.”

The difficulty in arriving at a consensus has created an upset in Saraki’s camp.

It was gathered that those who are pro-Saraki were trying to strengthen the accord between their candidate and the immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, Chief Ike Ekweremadu.

The latest plot will lead to Saraki dumping Senator Ali Ndume as his favourite for Deputy President of the Senate.

Another source added: “They will continue to sell a dummy to Ndume that he will be Deputy President of the Senate if Saraki gets the ticket.

“But as soon as Saraki wins, they will nominate Ekweremadu who is expected to deliver the bloc votes of the Senators-elect from the SouthEast in collaboration with Senator Andy Uba.”

Uba and Ekweremadu could not be reached for comments last night.

It was gathered that the collapse of consensus by PDP has created a serious setback for Yakubu Dogara who is seeking to contest for Speaker of the House of Representatives with the party’s candidate, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Dogara could only garner support from 55 out of the 209 APC members-elect for the House of Representatives.

Another source said: “Dogara had banked on permutations that 120 PDP members-elect will vote for him but his hope was dashed last night by the split in the party.

“In fact, to earn the support of PDP, he was mandated to mobilise at least 70 members-elect from the APC. But Dogara is stranded as he could only secure the backing of 55 members-elect from the APC.

“As it is now, the moves to frustrate Gbajabiamila’s aspiration have failed. This is why they have resorted to blackmail and wild-chase in the court.

“Some pro-Dogara members-elect were also last night whipping up religious sentiments to set the core North against the party’s candidate.”

Ojomu warned the PDP against supporting any of its defectors from either being the Senate President or the Speaker.

He said those who defected from PDP to APC could not turn back to the party they decimated for succour.

Ojomu, in a statement, warned the PDP against playing politics of “pay back time” against the APC.

The statement said: “It is worrisome to observe that many of those who walked out were former PDP members who joined the APC and are acting out exactly the same script of ‘give a dog a bad name to hang it’ adopted as strategy to exit from the PDP for their safe landing in the APC.

“Today, by their actions and inactions alongside, other several factors left PDP comatose and one wonders if everybody acted like them who will be PDP senators and House of Representatives members to be now courted to defend their interest for victory at all cost against their ruling party’s official position.

“They decimated the PDP and now want to rely on it as strength to climb to number three and four in our nation. That’s crass opportunism and the PDP leaders in the Red and Green Chambers should not provide themselves as ready tools for self-serving pursuits.

“Strengthening party supremacy, party discipline, national stability and cohesion in government are the gains of PDP in National Assembly, standing firm that any political party official position or policy shall stand.

“Nigeria needs men of stable character. After all, those who stand for nothing fall for anything. The men and women that constitute the Nigeria’s Legislature must stand for something and in these circumstances it is principled position on party supremacy, notwithstanding that the former A.C.N botched that principle in the choice of speakership in 2011.“

Ojomu said the APC had the right to put forward those who should be on its platform in the National Assembly leadership.

The statement said: “Let it be noted that if the party was ever right to sponsor senatorial/House of Representatives candidate for election, it must also be right to determine who to put forward on its platform.

“No responsible political party in a democratic process that outlaws individual, independent candidate for elective offices will abdicate its historical and natural responsibility to present a sole candidate for each of the NASS Principal Offices.

“It will be unconventional for APC to watch helplessly for its members to contest in a free for all manner in the Red and Green Chambers.

“The gladiators need to drop sophistry in their argument and be educated that there is nothing undemocratic in the ruling party adopted open balloting process as opposed to secret balloting that was preferred by contending parties. Option A4 adopted in the Third Republic with SDP and NRC was adjudged one of the best democratic processes this country has ever witnessed. You queue behind your preferred candidate or party.”

Enyeama To Retire From Super Eagles After AFCON 2017

Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, has said he would retire from super eagles after AFCON 2017.

According to the goalkeeper, he had wanted to retire after the team failed to qualify for 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but the then Governor of Akwa Ibom, Godswill Akpabio, his wife and Pastor all discouraged him from retiring.

Below is what Enyema said about his planned 2017 retirement..

“I actually wanted to stop, it wasn’t a rumour. Nigeria is blessed with great goalkeepers, just that we need to give them confidence.

“Nobody gave me a chance when I started, I was a rookie also; I belt it up, I worked hard for it and became the big person that nobody wants to lose.

“What changed my mind was the passion of Nigerians; I had a lot of calls, my governor, Akpabio.

“A lot of people talked with me. These things, you don’t just ignore and my wife also talked with me.

“My wife didn’t want me to leave yet. I talked to my pastor and he said if everybody said stay, why not; so I decided to continue, but then, there is going to be a time to call it quit.”

“I can’t keep doing the same thing forever; there is going to be a time I have to stop and give it up to some other person.

“I am the only face here since 2002, but 2017 Nations Cup finals will be my last game; I just said my target, anything can happen after.”

Alaafin of Oyo attends NASS inauguration with wives

His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, (J.P, C.F.R, LL.D) The Alaafin Oyo arrived Abuja from Ibadan with four of his wives to witness the Inauguration of the National Assembly, all dressed in white.

According to a statement on his Facebook page:

Oba Adeyemi III, The Alaafin of Oyo will be joining all Nigerians and the good people of Oyo State and Oyo town to witness the Inauguration of the National Assembly of which Prince Akeem Adeyemi a.k.a Skimeh Obasegun is one of the Federal Honourables to be inaugurated as the Representative of the four local governments in Oyo Metropolis and Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu the Senator Representing Oyo Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly both are indigenes of Oyo and they represent the four local governments in Oyo Metropolis.

Gallant Falcons claw back to hold European giants

A great second half display ensured Edwin Okon ladies began their 2015 Women's World Cup campaign on an impressive note after forcing the Europeans to a draw on Monday night

A commanding second half display by Nigeria Women saw them hold Sweden to a 3-3 draw in their opening game at the Winnipeg Stadium, Winnipeg.

Goals from Asisat Oshoala, Ngozi Okobi and Francisca Ordega were all Edwin Okon’s ladies needed to fight back having gone down by two goals in the first half.

The Falcons, who have never defeated the Europeans, came into the game full of hope but were soon down in the 21st minute after Desire Oparanozie put the ball into her own net when Emma Berglund’s header ricocheted off her and into the net following a corner kick that left the Nigerians jittery.

Few minutes later, Nilla Fischer tapped into an open net from another corner kick owing to poor clearance by the African champions’ back line as veteran goalkeeper Precious Dede fluffed her clearance.

It was clear that the higher-ranked Swedes had perfected their game plan to employ corner kicks in rattling the Nigerians who had not lost in 10 matches coming into the encounter.

While youngster Oshoala saw an attempt go just wide of goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl's goal and Oparanozie could not deliver a pin point cross into the box, the Nigerians went into half time facing an uphill task and a battle to regain their pre-match confidence.

Whatever coach Edwin Okon told his team at half time, it surely worked as the Falcons came back strongly into the game.

On resumption of the second half, Nigeria got two quick goals to draw level. First it was Okobi’s cool finish in the 50th minute that geared her team back to life. She received an Oparanozie pass from the right and shot under Lindahl to give some momentum to the Nigerians.

Three minutes later before the Swedes knew what hit them, Oshoala leveled up with a fine individual effort after a well-played long ball from Onome Ebi. The Liverpool ladies striker raced past experienced defender Fischer and Lindahl to get the Africans back into the game.

Just as the Nigerians were still celebratng and had taken their eyes off the ball, Linda Sembrant handed the lead back to Sweden after good build-up play on the left side resulted in Lina Nilsson’s cross that the substitute managed to direct past Dede with her thigh in the 60th minute.    

However it was the Nigerians that would laugh last as Ordega salvaged a point for the Super Falcons three minutes from time with a shot that slipped through the legs of Lindahl, leaving matters level at 3-3.

Ngozi Okobi was named player of the match and Nigeria would next face Australia while Sweden would meet tournament favourites USA.

Credit: Goal

Alaafin of Oyo attends NASS inauguration with wives

His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, (J.P, C.F.R, LL.D) The Alaafin Oyo arrived Abuja from Ibadan with four of his wives to witness the Inauguration of the National Assembly, all dressed in white.

According to a statement on his Facebook page:

Oba Adeyemi III, The Alaafin of Oyo will be joining all Nigerians and the good people of Oyo State and Oyo town to witness the Inauguration of the National Assembly of which Prince Akeem Adeyemi a.k.a Skimeh Obasegun is one of the Federal Honourables to be inaugurated as the Representative of the four local governments in Oyo Metropolis and Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu the Senator Representing Oyo Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly both are indigenes of Oyo and they represent the four local governments in Oyo Metropolis.

Bukola Saraki Endorses David Mark To Spite APC

In a bid to frustrate the leadership of their party over their support for Senator Ahmed Lawan’s candidacy for the 8th session of the Nigerian senate, Senator Bukola Saraki and his supporters have devised a new plan.

Sahara Reporters reports that the senators have now decided to endorse ex-senate president, David Mark for a third term as the senate president.

The disgruntled lawmakers allegedly reached an agreement with their Peoples Democratic Party counterparts where it was agreed that Mark will be their sole candidate for the election.

It was revealed that Mark himself had plans to retain his seat and so he reached out to the Saraki group where he offered them heads of juicy committees in the upper chamber as a reward for their imminent support for is aspiration.

Another source revealed that some PDP senators took advantage of the desperation of the contenders to demand outrageous sums of money in exchange for their votes.

Just four days ago, Mark had said PDP senators would not contest for presidency in the 8th Senate, giving reasons for his stand, he said: “the position was for the APC which he noted enjoys the majority in the Red Chamber.”

Reports had emanated earlier today that the Saraki camp has commenced a discreet plot to take out their rage on the leadership of the APC.

Just last week, Saraki expressed confidence that there is high hope for him to emerge as the new senate president.