Brazil 2014 World Cup: Was the Nigerian Team Selection ONLY Stephen Keshi's?

Martha of BBC sport said: Another weak attempt by Nigeria. Only bright spot remains the goalkeeper but some of the players selected for this World Cup are questionable.

This team was built to defend and not to attack. We only scored 3 goals and conceded 5. But for Keeper Enyeama, we would have conceded much more. We didn't have a bench. 

When one of our player was injured, it took the coaching team almost 3 mins before they could find a substitution. Even when it became clear the player wasn't going to continue to play, the coaching crew were just looking around and did nothing to find a suitable replacement. Was it because there wasn't one or what?  Why was this so?

For whom was Sunday Mba dropped and why didn't that player play? Why was some players taken to a world cup and not played when a player who could make a difference left behind?

So many questions as lead me to ask, was the selection of the Nigerian 2014 World Cup Team solely that of Coach Stephen Keshi or was there external influences?

This team was good but not better than the Nation's Cup team. I maintain my initial submission.

DIVING OR BITING: What's worse?

What's worse.....the diving of Robben or biting of Suarez?

An expect Andy Hinchcliffe had this to say.

If you ask fans they say one thing. Diving and cheating has been around for years. Players would say biting or assaulting is abhorrent. Diving shouldn’t be tolerated but it’s been around for years. It's physical harm – biting, spitting and bad challenges are worse than diving. When you get knocked out the World Cup I understand Uruguay’s frustration. As a fan, you pay your money and see your team knocked out from a dive and I understand that, but as a player, being spat on or bitten then that is assault.

I think biting is worse. Diving is expected though sad as many teams now have professional divers who win games for them with a dive but biting only brings shame to the player, injury to the other player and possible failure to his team through retrospect suspension or red card.

BRAZIL WORLD CUP: Yobo 100 Caps and 1 Wrong Goal

Joseph Yobo was making his 100 caps for Nigeria. What should have been a grandeur ending to his world cup appearance for Nigeria ended up as a bitter and to be forgotten one.

In the 91st minute of Nigeria's game against France for a place in the Quarter Finals of the World cup, Yobo scored an Own Goal against the team he captained, giving France a 2 goal victory.

It was just a few seconds of a drop in concentration, sadly something the Nigerian team has been known to do as their matches’ draws to a close. Other teams seem to have noticed it. France took advantage. And Nigeria's tournament was over for sure.

The fault was not squarely Yobo's own.

The corner that lead to the goal was caused by another Nigerian player, Peter Odemwingie who should have allowed the ball ether go to a throw-in or save it but instead hit it to a corner.

It makes me wonder, please don’t read too much into this but is there something about Nigerian players and OWN GOALS?

Suarez Finally say Sorry

Luis Suarez of Uruguay has finally man-up and tendered an apology to Italy’s Chiellini over the biting incident at the Brazil 2014 World Cup.

"The truth is that my colleague Giorgio Chiellini suffered the physical result of a bite in the collision he suffered with me," said Suarez in a statement.

"I deeply regret what occurred," added Suarez. "I apologise to Giorgio Chiellini and the entire football family. I vow to the public that there will never again be another incident like this."

Responding to the statement, Chiellini sent Suarez a public message on Twitter, saying: "It's all forgotten. I hope Fifa will reduce your suspension.

I will say at least the stadium ban should be removed. Time to move forward. He wants to grow and we must now support him. 

Suarez you are forgotten, I won't write a negative thing about you in this blog until well, maybe you act funny again. My Word.

The Goal That Broke South Africa

The goal that broke the mark of the Number of goals scored at the last world cup was scored by Pogba in their 2 – 0 victory over Nigerian. Pogba scores the 146th goal of this world cup to beat the 145 scored in the whole of the 2010 world cup in South Africa.

Nigerian Girls being forced into early marriages and then divorced as early as 14.

Nigeria is on the news again and yes it’s not for a good reason. Mailonline is reporting a story about how some Nigerians girls are being married out at early ages and then divorced. Imagined being divorced at just 14 with no education.

Read their story below:

Maimuna Abdullahi was sold into marriage by her parents for £120 and abused by her new husband, who locked her away and forced hard labour on her.

When she ran home she was beaten, first by her father, then her husband, and was summarily divorced by her husband for daring to flee - and she is still just 14 years old.

She is one of thousands in Nigeria with similar stories - and, shockingly, her husband blames his beaten former bride for her ordeal, saying she was disobedient and over-educated.

Nigerian Soldiers hide as Boko Haram attacks Churches

There are allegations that Nigerian Soldiers reportedly went into hiding in the bush as Boko Haram gunmen unleashed fresh attacks on Churches in the Chibok area of Borno State Yesterday.

Residents said dozens of people may have been killed in the raids on villages roughly 10 kilometres, (six miles) outside of Chibok, but no one was able to offer an authoritative death toll and the military was not immediately available to comment.

“The attackers went to churches with bombs and guns,” Timothy James, a Chibok resident said by phone.

Toddler left in car to die from heat may not have been an acident as dad researched hot-car death of children online – Officer said

Remember the man who left his son inside his vehicle until the baby died from heat, well, the father may have actually planned the whole event just to kill his son and it may not have been an accident as first insinuated. Read what CNN is saying below about the incident:

The suspect in a Georgia toddler's death told police he used the Internet to research child deaths inside vehicles, a search warrant said.

The father, Justin Ross Harris, 33, has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and second-degree child cruelty in the death of his 22-month-old son, Cooper Harris. The boy died after he was left seven hours in a sweltering SUV on June 18.

"During an interview with Justin, he stated that he recently researched, through the Internet, child deaths inside vehicles and what temperature it needs to be for that to occur," according to a sworn statement in the warrant from a police officer. "Justin stated that he was fearful that this could happen."

President Jonathan must declare and he must win” – Ateke Tom

Chief Ateke Tom, a former Niger Delta militant leader has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to declare his intention to seek re-election, according to reports from Punch.

Chief Tom who made this known during the week in Okrika, Rivers State, while celebrating his 51st birthday, noting that the delay by the president declaration for a second term in office was making his supporters unhappy. Tom also added that those trying to intimidate Jonathan from seeking re-election were wasting their time, adding that the President would contest in the 2015 poll.

MY THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Just like wise ones will tell you;
Its not the hospital where they carry out the operation that matters
But the doctor that handles it.

I have seen women lose their lives and that of their babies who went to give birth in expensive hospitals and I have also seen women who gave birth even at emergency on the street, who lived with their babies.

At the end of the day, its God who is the ultimate doctor. Choose your doctor and not the hospital wisely
Good morning Jesus, good morning All

Unknown Gunmen Kill 13 Fulani Herdsmen in Taraba

 And sadly, the killings continues as unidentified gunmen reportedly tracked-down and killed 13 Fulani herdsmen today who were returning from village markets in Maihula and Garba-Chede in Taraba.

The herdsmen were said to have gone to the market to sell their cows, and were waylaid on their way back to their abodes.

Joseph Kwaji, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state’s police command revealed that herdsmen were waylaid and killed by an unknown group of armed youths along a bush path in the outskirts of Maihula in Bali Local Government Area of the state, Vanguard reports

According to reports, no arrest has been made yet. The command has increased security in the area to trace the perpetrators. 

Brazil Fan dies of Heart Attack during Penalty Shoot-Out with Chile

A 69-year-old football fan suffered a heart attack and died during Brazil's tense penalty shootout against Chile.

The man was watching the end of the World Cup game at a bar inside the 62,000-seater Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte last night when he complained of feeling unwell. 

He was taken to a hospital south of the city centre but died a short time later.

According to the Brazilian newspaper the victim was one of 98 people to receive medical attention during he second round fixture.

Robben admits to diving to gain winning penalty for Holland

Its cool to admit after it helped your team to reach the World Cup Quarter Final.

Davido wins Best International Act Africa at the 2014 BET Awards!

Just fresh from ruling the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards with several awards, Nigerian music star, Davido has now won the Best International Act – Africa award at the 2014 BET Awards.

He beat Mafikizolo, Tiwa Savage, Sarkodie, Toofan and Diamond Platnumz for the win!

Congrats to Davido for doing Nigeria proud.

More deaths as Bauchi and Kaduna are attacked

On Friday night, 11 persons were killed while 14 injured when gunmen attacked a hotel in Bauchi, Bauchi State. A total of 54 persons were killed in Bauchi and Kaduna States in separate attacks on Friday and Saturday.

The attack on Saturday according to the Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed, took place at Peoples Hotel, Bayan Gari, he told NAN.

He said corpses of the deceased had been deposited at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, while the injured were receiving treatment at the same hospital.

An eyewitness, Ahmed Maidoki, told NAN that five persons in military uniform carried out the attack by detonating explosives and shooting at random.

“We were just sitting down, watching highlights of the ongoing FIFA World Cup at the viewing centre located in between the two-storey building of the hotel when five men dressed in military uniform strolled in.

“We thought they were security personnel, who came to relax as well. I noticed they all positioned themselves at the four corners of the hall.

According to him, an explosion followed, after which the arena was covered with thick smoke. He further said he and his friends sprawled on the ground, shivering.

“We were trying to get out when the men started shooting sporadically at any one who tried to stand up, and in the process, killing many of the survivors of the blast,” he said.

Another eyewitness, Usman Hassan, said he was just about to enter the hotel when the blast occurred and immediately ran away from the scene.

“As soon as I was a bit far from the scene, I heard gun-shots. Few minutes later, a white Toyota Hilux vehicle zoomed out of the hotel on high speed with men wearing army uniforms,” he said.

The Bauchi State Police Commissioner, Lawal Shehu, on Saturday said one suspect had been arrested in connection with the attack.

Briefing newsmen on the arrest made, Lawal said the suspect was being interrogated and efforts intensified to apprehend his accomplices that fled.

This is one too many killings. I keep asking, when will all this stop. Too many Nigerians are been killed for no other reason but politics. What a big shame.

Nigeria bonuses paid as players set to travel

Nigeria’s World Cup squad has received the bonuses which the players were owed, the team spokesman said Friday, as they returned to training ahead of their second round match against France. The comments followed earlier reports that players were demanding unpaid bonuses and that a training session on Thursday night had been canceled because of the dispute. 

However, media officer Ben Alaiya told reporters: “It is settled now. It’s absolutely settled now.

Let’s not dwell on the past. There is no problem now — that is why everyone is training.” Alaiya said Thursday’s training had been canceled because a team meeting near its base in Campinas, north of Sao Paulo, had overrun, leaving no time for the session. “We never had problems with money,” Alaiya said. “Everybody is paid what they are due, up to date. There are no bonuses owed to the national team of Nigeria.” The African champions flew to the capital Brasilia on Friday ahead of the knockout game against the French on Monday.

APC may lose Lagos and Osun – Prophet

Chairman, Ikeja chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN),  Prophet Theophilus Ajose, has predicted that the All Progressives Party will lose two  strategic states, Lagos and Osun states to the ruling party — Peoples Democratic Party– except Bola Tinubu — a former Lagos state governor and an APC  chieftain–  follows the path of godliness and righteousness.

According to a statement released in Lagos following the defeat of Incumbent Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State by the Peoples Democratic (PDP) candidate, Ayo Fayose — a former governor of the state– in the June 21 gubernatorial election, the cleric noted that there an urgent need for APC to restore the rightful candidates to contest elections in Lagos and Osun. The statement  titled “Tinubu, I warned you ahead!” which was obtained by Daily independent stated  his past predictions in January 2013 and January 2014, saying;

Is Suarez the Serious? – Said he lost his balance

Luis Suarez just made a fool of himself with his defense of the biting incident with Chiellini when he said he lost his balance and fell on the Italian defender.

I have just one question for him?

So when you lose your balance, it’s your teeth you use in regaining it or supporting yourself, what happened to your hands?

Tiwa Savage loses cool at the Airport

Punch News is reporting that Saturday Beat on Monday witness Eminado crooner, Tiwa Savage descended on a member of staff of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company who she said was “rude” to her.

Tiwa who was seen in her black and white ensemble, was seen arguing and quarreling with the NAHCO staff and her action drew a little crowd.

However, the NAHCO lady was unfazed by Tiwa’s fame and didn’t allow her to intimidate her as she told the people around she wasn't rude to Tiwa.

“I was not rude to her. I only told her to go and board since she had checked in her luggage. I wonder how that could mean that I was rude to her,” Saturday Beats overheard the NAHCO staff saying.

If I expose the demons in APC, Nigeria will burn – Fani Kayode

Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Fani-Kayode, has said Nigeria will burn if he exposes the antics of his ‘former’ party, APC. Fani- Kayode also advised former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to put an end to his romance with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) because the party hierarchy detests him and are only ‘using him’ to ride to power. 

The controversial former minister who made the revelations via a statement on Sunday stated that it was unfortunate that the ex-president has not seen beyond the veil in his relationship with the leadership of APC. In his own words, “I will also use my good offices to talk to Baba Obasanjo to stop flirting with these demons in the APC, because deep down, they secretly hate him. Other than those that left PDP to go to APC, the rest of them despise OBJ and are only using him. We must save OBJ from them. “I once described the party (PDP) as a ‘sinking ship’ and, at the time, I meant it. However, it is now my firm resolve that we shall join hands with all men and women of goodwill from now on and, together, we shall stop that ship from sinking.

Woman Who Stole Neighbour’s Child is a Prayer Warrior – Neighbours of Kidnapped Child

As the Bibles said: “not all who call me Lord, Lord shall inherit the kingdom of God” Matthew 7:21

So it was not entirely out of place when a woman many had considered to be a prayer warrior turned out to be a kidnapper.

Rosemary Chukwu by many was seen as a prayer warrior; for it is by her prayer habits many have become uncomfortable.

“She would shout and scream and make noise while praying. She makes everybody uncomfortable. That is what everybody knows about her here. This is why we are still in shock about what she did,” said one of her neighbours at 33, Omo Ologede area in Majidun, Lagos.

I said “not entirely out of place” but still very shocking that a woman who many believed was a child of God turned out to actually be the servant of Satan.

MY THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

It just dawn on me why God Left us with the Word of God.
People forget things so easily and need to be constantly reminded.
Unbelievable!

Thank God for His Word, no excuses.
Good morning Jesus, good morning All

This Guy Needs More Help Than Suarez

An extreme body artist has taken piercing to a hole new level after creating giant flesh tunnels in his cheeks.

Pictured blowing smoke through his newly acquired modifications, Joel Miggler, 23, from Küssaberg, Germany, began experimenting with body modifications at the tender age of 13.

Since then, he has acquired a grand total of 27 different piercings, as well as six tattoos, an implant and has even had his buttock branded.

Is Barca the New Trouble Club – Wants Suarez, after Neymar mess?

Barcelona is still neck deep in the Neymar mess and now they want to add the Suarez biting catastrophe as well?

Barcelona has made inquiries about the availability of Luis Suarez, the “vampire” of the world cup with the intention of buying him from Liverpool who are sure to off load the ‘troubled’ player.

Suarez was just given an historic ban by FIFA for biting Italy’s defender Giorgio Chiellini. This was not his first biting offense but his third. Did it first in Ajax, then Liverpool and now at the World Cup.

So it was with great shock when I read that Barca were interested in the player. Barcelona has been a team with zero tolerance for anything call “drama”. They are mostly concern with football issues, trophies and championships.

MY THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Are You Looking For A Man

Who Is Responsible, Nice,

Kind, Loving, Caring,

Faithful, Cool, Honest,

Trust Worthy and

Very Nice???

Just Be Very Patient

3rd Mainland Bridge is safe, just undergoing maintenance - Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Godwin Eke

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Godwin Eke has allayed fears over the safety of the Third Mainland Bridge, saying it was safe, stable and undergoing routine maintenance.

He told NAN on Friday in Lagos that here was no problem with the expansion joints which he said had earlier been repaired. The controller said the abutment of the bridge was being reinforced because of erosion which were wearing its foundation, adding that some roller bearings would also be replaced on the bridge. He said the contract for the repair of the abutment of the bridge was awarded in 2012 and that it was ongoing.

The explanation is prompt and effective. 

....And what was he thinking?

He must have thought he was driving a mini instead of a lorry. Bravo! Good night All.

National Conference Backs State Police, Advice President To Stop Pardoning Thievies

Members of the National Conference Thursday voted for the establishment of State Police in the country.

The conference also adopted the recommendation by the Committee on National Security that state laws should be used a guide to community policing.

They however disagreed on the mode of transfer of federal policemen to the states. Some members were in support of police officers be allowed to served only in their states for effective policing but other disagreed, saying such a gesture could be misused by politicians.

After much deliberation, the delegates adopted the recommendation that at least, 70 percent of federal police officers from the rank of Deputy Superintendent to Constable be allowed to serve in their state of origin.

World Cup Twist and Turns - A good laugh

Due to the twist of turns in the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the World Dictionary Union has come to terms to release some new words and incorporate them into our written and spoken English. 

Here are some of the new words:

3rd Edition of The Lagos Accessories Fair Kicks Off Today, June 27 At Terra Kulture VI

Xa! Enterprises, Owners of the Model of Africa Franchise present the 3^rd Edition of the Lagos Accessories Fair.

It would be a two-day events taking place at the famous Terra Kulture Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, from Friday 27^th to 28^th June, 2014.

The event kicks off with a free to attend seminar by industry leaders covering areas such as branding, quality control and new industry trends.

The Fashion Show and Awards will take place on the second day and will see 50 stunning African models strutting their stuff on the runway while showcasing diverse beautiful accessories from leading designers and brands.

Some of the honourees for this year’s Accessories Awards include Chris Aire, J3V3, L’uomo and Polo Limited who have all contributed towards the development of the industry. Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija is also billed to receive an honorary award as the Accessories Fashion Icon.

Details of the event:

Beyonce’s Tribute to Michael Jackson on The Fifth Anniversary of His Death

Yesterday June 25^th was the fifth anniversary of Michael Jackson, king of Pop’s death. The name given to him by Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor.

Beyonce who had always credited Michael as one of her biggest inspiration, wrote an emotional tribute on her website, Beyonce.com for him about how he help her become a better performer.

Read:

Pregnant Uche Ogbodo and Hubby Split - Etcetera is Correct

I remember the article written by Etcetera about Nigerian actresses marrying ‘tokunbo’ husbands and how some of them reacted. But of course we all know that he was saying the truth.

Now we are hearing another actress Uche Ogbodo who married, oh sorry according to her, was engaged to a Norway based football agent Ato Ubby have reportedly split. This of course was after she got pregnant for him.

The Nollywood actress tied the knot in a secret ceremony in Nkanu, Enugu, in October 2013.

Uche had in the past told everyone who wanted to listen that she was married to Ato but after the split she pleaded for forgiveness for rendering false claims. Right!

What Fayose can do, I, Omisore can do also – Omisore copies Fayose

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Wise women have heeded to this simple advice and gotten the reward thereof.

So it’s no surprise that after Ayo Fayose of the PDP won the June 21, Ekiti election because according to poll pundits, he was a man of the people; a populist who panders to the wishes of the people; who rides on bikes; drinks the local wine with them; plays ‘ayo’ a popular Yoruba game and that he wasn't aloof like Fayemi, the man he defeated, Iyiola Omisore, a senator who also is gunning for the governorship seat of Osun State has taken to copying some of Fayose’s acts like riding on bikes in other to defeat the APC governor, Rauf Aregbesola.

I won’t be surprised if this tactic works. Nigerians have not been known for having good memories; they easily forget the past and remember only recent events.

So carry go Omisore. Wisdom has taught you well. If riding bikes is what it takes to win Osun State election, ride on and then after you win, Lexus no mi!

MY THOUGHT FOR TODAY

The flesh came from the dust and to the dust it shall go but the spirit cannot die.

Because the spirit comes from God, it can not die but will be housed either in Heaven or Hell.

Choose where you want yours to be. 

Heaven or Hell

Jesus is the only guarantor to a House in Heaven

Good morning Jesus, good morning All

Yes its a Dog, World's Ugliest dog

Peanut scored the title this weekend after wowing judges at the annual contest in California with his wild hair, bulging eyes and protruding teeth. 'Oh I think it's gorgeous! Look at him!' his overjoyed owner, Holly Chandler said, as Peanut's new look was revealed in the TV studio.

Good night All

Snakes and Bees are attacking us – Boko Haram members’ claims

When I first heard this story I thought it was a joke. Mysterious bees and snakes fighting the dreaded Boko Haram sect members in Sambisa forest? Are you serious, common give me a break.

But then I thought to myself, this is Naija where anything can happen. So this is the story.

Some members of Boko Haram who were arrested are claiming that Mysterious Snakes and Bees were attacking them and causing them to flee Sambisa Forest and they viewed it as a spiritual attack. They also claimed these animals have killed many of their leaders.

Top Niger Politician's Wives arrested for Trafficking Nigerian Babies

Abdou Labo and Hama Amadou 

Two wives of prominent Niger Politicians were arrested in Niger for trafficking babies. The babies according to the police arrived Niger from Nigeria via Benin.

The police arrested more than 20 suspects on Monday as part of an international investigation involving police from Nigerian, Benin and Niger. Those arrested were ‘mostly women’ and included one of the wives of Niger’s former prime minister and current parliament speaker Hama Amadou, who is seen as the main challenger to President Mahamadou Issoufou in election due in 2016.

The wife of Niger Agriculture Minister Abdou Labo was also detained the report said.

“The trafficking network is used primarily by couples who are unable to have children,” a source close to the case told AFP.

Suarez Banned For 4 Months and 9 Matches: FIFA has once again proven just how Weak and Corrupt they are

FIFA this afternoon banned Uruguay striker Luis Suarez for biting Italy defender, Giorgio Chiellini.

Suarez was banned for four months and 9 International matches. The ban takes immediately effect, meaning Suarez is out of the 2014 World Cup even though Uruguay has progressed to the knock out stages.

FIFA also placed a stadium ban on the player for the duration of the ban.

Suárez cannot play for Liverpool until late October as he begins another season on the sidelines due to biting an opponent. He has also been fined 100,000 Swiss Francs by Fifa and cannot train with Liverpool during the duration of the ban.

My Take:

Toke Makinwa’s Vlog: Pineberries – Talks about fruits that keep “down here” tasty and smelling nice. Lol…

Toke Makinwa, media personality presents another edition of her Toke Moments Vlog. This week’s episode is titled “Pineberries =Tasty Vagina”.

In the video, she speaks about fruits that keep the female genital smelling nice and also tasting great. Na wa. 
Na for females only oh, abeg! Enjoy after the cut:

Suarez and the biting issues. Possible causes and how it may have started.

Suarez has just bitten a little more than he can chew. In case you don't live in this planet, let me tell you what has just gone down in the world cup.

Luis Suarez in Uruguay's final group game against Italy bit the shoulder of Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini in their victory over the Italians.

Italians were eliminated from the world cup and Uruguay progressed to the second round but most likely, this will be without Suarez.

This is not the first time Suarez was biting a fellow footballer and in fact he wasn't the first sport personality to engage in the act famously reversed for Count Dracula.

MY THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Life has taught me enough to know that taking risk pays and the fear of the Unknown is just what it is, unknown.

The one thing to do when taking risk is, open your eyes

Calculate the pros and the cons, because if it pays, it could change your life but if it fails, make sure it won’t destroy you.

Good morning Jesus, good morning All