Former French Midfielder Samir Nasri Retires From Football
Former France international Samir Nasri has announced his retirement from football, Naija News reports.
The 34-year old announced his decision on Sunday on Canal+, a media outlet where he is now a pundit.
Nasri came through at Marseille and transferred to Arsenal in 2008, spending three years at Emirates Stadium before he joined Manchester City.
At Manchester City, Nasri won two English Premier League (EPL) titles, a League Cup and a Community Shield.
He joined Sevilla on loan in 2016/2017 and seemed to have revitalised his career in La Liga, though the move was not made permanent.
A short spell in Turkey with Antalyaspor followed, but Nasri mutually terminated his contract in January 2018, before he received a six-month ban from football by UEFA.
This was for breaching WADA rules in December 2016 by receiving an intravenous drip of 500 millilitres of water containing nutrients.
Nasri returned to play with West Ham on a short-term contract in 2018/2019, playing five league games in total.
He linked up with ex-Manchester City teammate Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht the following season, though it was another ill-fated spell and he was released in 2020.
Nasri impressed at Arsenal, scoring 18 league goals and setting up a further seven across during his three seasons at the club, though injuries often kept his appearances down.
He never quite lived up to the billing at Manchester City, though he did help the club to their first-ever Premier League crown in 2011/2012.
In 2013/2014, he scored seven goals and created as many as Manuel Pellegrini’s side clinched the title.
His appearances dwindled later in his Manchester City career, and he played just 12 times in the league in his final full season at the Etihad Stadium.
Nasri started on only four occasions before he was loaned out by Pep Guardiola in 2016.
BREAKING: US Govt prepares 6,700 page documentary evidence for Abba Kyari’s
Embattled police cop, Abba Kyari’s woes are far from over as the United State Government has gathered over 6,700 pages of documentary evidence and 2,700 electronic files from trial in a $1.1 million fraud case involving him and disgraced fraudster, Ramon Olorunwa Abass a.k.a Hushpuppi.
It can be recalled that Kyari entered hot water earlier this year after he was indicted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI over his role in a massive $1.1 million fraud carried out on a Qatari businessman by Hushpuppi and a few others.
According to Premium Times, US prosecutors are currently scouring through investigative reports and “new discoveries” including documents obtained from foreign law enforcement. Prosecutors have asked the U.S. District Court for Central California to postpone trial from October 2021 to 17 May, 2022.
The parties jointly filed the application on Friday, citing various reasons for asking for trial postponement.
Apart from the need for additional time by the defence lawyers to prepare for the case, U.S. prosecutors also asked for more time to process troves of documents, including those obtained from foreign countries.
According to the application, the U.S. government has already handed to the defence approximately 2.31 GB of data consisting of 2,707 electronic files. The files contain, among others, exported chat logs, Cellebrite reports, WhatApp messages, audio recordings, etc.
It added that prosecutors were processing approximately 6,773 pages of additional discovery expected to be produced in two weeks’ time.
“Defendants are charged with violations of 18 U.S.C. § 1349 (Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud); § 1956(h) (Conspiracy to Engage in Money Laundering); and § 1028A(a)(1) (Aggravated Identity Theft).”
“The government has produced discovery to the defense, including approximately 2.31 GB of native data consisting of 2,707 files including exported chat logs, Cellebrite reports, WhatApp messages, audio recordings, and other social media content.”
“The government is currently processing approximately 6,773 pages of additional discovery including investigative reports and documents received from foreign law enforcement agencies for production and anticipates those materials will be produced within approximately two weeks,” the document reads, in part.
Three ready for trial in May, Abba Kyari, two others ‘at large’
The Media Office of the Hon. Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, has urged well-meaning people to disregard the invitation of some Groups, operating under The Nigeria Project 2023, purportedly to the inauguration of a Support Group for the Minister and the Governor of Borno State over the 2023 elections.
The social media was awash at the weekend with a poster from the Group allegedly presenting the Honorable Minister and the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum as Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates respectively of an unnamed political party.
Ordinarily, the poster and the various social media reports almost instantly orchestrated on its account would have been ignored as the handwork of mischief makers. However, it became necessary to issue this disclaimer for two key reasons.
The first of such was to answer with a strong negative to the numerous inquiries from right thinking and well-meaning Nigerians on whether the Honorable Minister had been contacted or if the Groups had his consent in issuing the invitation.
Without equivocation, no individual or Group has contacted the Honorable Minister for or on behalf of The Nigeria Project 2023. As Honorable Minister, Mr Fashola is currently focused on leading his dedicated Team in the Ministry of Works and Housing to deliver on the mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari for an expanded and upgraded road transport infrastructure; and affordable Housing nationwide in order to achieve economic growth and prosperity for the citizenry.
Secondly, is the fact that entities unknown to a political party cannot present candidates on behalf of such a political party. As a ranking and loyal member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the individual and groups cited as promoters of The Nigeria Project 2023 are unknown to the APC and the Honorable Minister.
Against the backdrop of the foregoing, the Honorable Minister of Works and Housing , Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN urges members of the public to be wary of the antics of unsolicited individuals and Support Groups whose real intentions remain questionable. Every support possible should be given to the efforts of the current administration under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to deliver a better nation for all.
BREAKING! CNN discovers location of ‘Radio Biafra’ in London
For years now, Nigerians have asked for the location of ‘Radio Biafra’, a network of internet-based amateur radio stations broadcasting the agenda of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Yesterday, the Cable News Network, CNN, discovered a tucked away down a quiet, leafy street in Peckham, southeast London, the registered address of the group.
CNN described the place as a suburban spot, saying that it is the unlikely location of Radio Biafra.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu founded IPOB in 2012 and established Radio Biafra in 2009. The group was created to restore an independent state of Biafra.
Radio Biafra was also created to disseminate, enlighten, educate, inform and criticise the activities of the Nigerian government by Kanu.
IPOB was banned by the Federal government in 2017. However, in October 19, 2015, Kanu was arrested for treasonable felony, sedition, and ethnic incitement. He was released on bail in 2017 and fled to the UK.
IPOB has criticized the Nigerian federal government for poor investment, political alienation, inequitable resource distribution, ethnic marginalization, heavy military presence, extra-judicial killings in the South-Eastern, South-Central and parts of North-Central regions of the country.
He was re-arrested in Keyan and brought back to Nigeria to face his charges.
Popular Singer, Oritse Femi hospitalized After Surviving Ghastly Motor Accident
Nigerian singer, Oritsefemi Majemite Ekele, popularly known by his first name Oritse Femi, has been hospitalized after surviving a ghastly motor accident.
The singer made this known in a post via his Instagram story on Sunday.
According to him, he was on his way after a show when the unfortunate incident occurred.
He, however, noted that no life was loss, but added that he and one other sustained some injuries.
“God is really good. All I can say is that God is great and I give all thanks to him,” he said.
The Governor of Kano state, Abdullahi Ganduje has appointed Mr. Aliyu Ibrahim as the new Emir of Gaya.
This development was announced by the Secretary to the Kano state government, Usman Alhaji on Sunday.
In his words: “By the power conferred on the governor of Kano state by Kano emirates law 2020 (as amended) approved the appointment of Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir as emir of Gaya,” he said.
“The appointment followed the recommendation of the Gaya Emirate Kingmakers after presentation of three candidates from which the governor approved the appointment of Aliyu Ibrahim Gaya.”
The new emir succeeds Ibrahim Abdulkadir, his late father, who died on Wednesday at the age of 91.
“She Lied Against Me” – Sen. Grace Bent Speaks On Precious Chikwendu’s Arrest
August 5, 2021
Gulder Ultimate Search: 12 contestants Set To Be Unveiled Today
Contestants for the Gulder Ultimate Search ₦50 million prize will be unveiled at a selection party in Lagos on Sunday.
Twenty candidates advanced to the final selection stage of GUS 12 – ‘The Age of Craftsmanship’ after a series of regional screenings in Abuja, Enugu and Lagos and Sea School screening in Lagos.
The reality show, which borders on the survival instinct of contestants, hit the airwaves in 2004 and ran for 11 seasons before going off-air in 2014.
The contestants will be in the jungle to struggle against themselves and nature in their search for the hidden treasure that brings instant fame and fortune to the last person standing.
“The winner will take home a total prize worth over ₦50 million which includes N20 million naira in cash, a brand new SUV and other mouth-watering prizes while the other 17 will also be rewarded with various cash prizes, ”Morgan said.
GUS 12 will air on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv channel 151), Africa Magic Urban (DStv channel 153) and Africa Magic Family (DStv channel 154 & GOtv channel 2) on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 pm till 9 pm.
Fresh Crisis In APC As Aisha Buhari Plots To Install Younger Brother As Next Adamawa Governor
A report have emerge claiming Nigeria’s First Lady, Aisha Buhari, is making plans to instal her younger brother, Mohammed Halilu Modi, as the next governor of Adamawa State.
This, according to a report, is causing dissatisfaction among chieftians of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the northeast state.
Aisah Buhari, who is a very influential member of the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, enjoys the backing of the Chairman of the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Governor Malam Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.
It was gathered that a former Vice-Chairman, North-East Zone, Mustapha Salihu, and the Financial Secretary of the party, Saidu Naira, are allegedly working to facilitate the emergence of the First Lady’s brother as the governorship candidate of the APC in the state.
According to sources, Buhari’s wife recently sent Modi to the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State, to study in other to prepare him for the governorship seat.
At the just-concluded Local Government Congresses of the APC in the state, the First Lady reportedly hijacked the party structure from perceived political opponents of her brother such as Senator Dahiru Binani, Senator Mohammed Jibrilla Bindow (former Governor of the state) and Senator Ishaku Abbo (APC-Adamawa North).
“There is a serious problem brewing at the Adamawa APC, which if not resolved quickly, may cost the party the seat of governor again like it did in 2019,” a source told Sahara Reporters.
“Recall that in 2019, the party lost the governorship contest to the incumbent and member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, Mr Ahmadu Fintiri, over this same power tussle between Mrs Buhari, Bindow, Binani and other opponents in the quest to make her brother become the governor.
“In the same vein, security chiefs in the state were threatened with sack if they did not cooperate by facilitating Modi’s aspiration.”
The first casualty of the threat was the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Aliyu Adamu Alhaji, who was replaced by a new CP, Mr Mohammed Ahmed Barde.
The redeployed CP was said to have insisted on fully supervising the congresses in Yola South.
As a result, the First Lady’s candidate lost to Senator Binani’s candidate.
“As things stand today, all the heads of federal agencies in the state, whose line of duty relate to supervising party congresses, are living in fear of the unknown, should they attempt to work against the interest of the First Lady’s brother“, another party official said.
Sources further revealed that most of the names from the ward and local government congresses sent to the national secretariat of the APC were altered by the quartet in Abuja, which led to aeries of litigations challenging the alterations.
Aisha, who is not hiding the fact of her deep involvement in the ongoing manipulation, was quoted to have said, “I will not repeat the mistake of 2019 where we allowed Governor Bindow to have total control of the party to the disadvantage of many of us.”
Sources said Aisha had vowed that she could not afford to leave office with her husband in 2023 without any of her family members taking over Adamawa State in a bid to sustain their political relevance in the years ahead.
“Except something is done urgently to amicably resolve the grievances from the ward and local government congresses, especially that the state congress is close by, many stakeholders may defect to the PDP.
“If this is allowed to happen, it is the APC that will be the big loser again in 2023, just like it happened in 2019. The way they are going, they can only help the PDP and governor Fintiri to win re-election in 2023”, a top party official stated.
BREAKING! Anthony Joshua defeated By Oleksandr Usyk: how it unfolded and how the world reacted
Round-by-round analysis of how Usyk outclassed Joshua, plus what the boxing world said about the defeat
Anthony Joshua could not deal with the skilful Ukranian
Oleksandr Usyk shocked Anthony Joshua on Saturday night, defeating the heavyweight champion by unanimous decision to take his belts.
The Ukranian outperformed the Briton for the majority of the fight, showing off the skills that allowed him to dominate the cruiserweight division but going up in weight.
Here is how Joshua lost his belts – and what the reaction was to the defeat:
Round 1
Usyk settles well and lands a couple of lefts while Joshua fails to connect with anything of note.
Round 2
Joshua struggles to cope with the movement of the Ukranian who lands a couple of straight lefts, sneaking the round.
Round 3
Usyk lands a left hook which rocks Joshua. The champion became unsteady on his feet before roaring back with a right hand of his own. Another roound to the challenger.
Round 4
Joshua manages to close the space quicker in this round but still cannot land any combinations. The champion edges the round.
Round 5
Usyk’s movement slows down a touch and AJ makes it count, landing a crunching body shot which brings out a grin from the Ukrainian – the Briton’s best punch of the fight. The round ends with both fighters standing and trading in the middle of the ring.
Round 6
The two fighters exchange blows but Joshua begins to dominate the centre of the ring, working behind his jab.
Round 7
No question about the winner of this round. Usyk is back to his best in the seventh, delivering a couple of telling blows, including a jab-left hand combination which had Joshua stumbling across the ring. A couple of supremely timed counter-punches from Usyk mean he takes this round at a canter.
Oleksandr Usyk strikes Anthony Joshua
Oleksandr Usyk strikes Anthony Joshua CREDIT: PA
Round 8
Joshua lands a one-two combination which backs Usyk up – but the Ukrainian comes firing back with a couple of lovely left hands of his own. Joshua then lands a powerful upper cut and body shot before the round is out.
Round 9
Usyk’s head movement continues to cause problems. Joshua ends the round with a noticable mark on his eye.
Round 10
An even round with both fighters having their moments. Fatigue starts to set in and the champion’s eye continues to darken.
Round 11
A cagey, hard-fought round but once again the better of the work is executed by the Ukraninan.
Round 12
Usyk’s rapid handspeed on show right to the end as he lands a flurry of punches which rock Joshua. AJ ends the fight in serious trouble up against the ropes.
How the boxing world reacted to Joshua’s defeat
Former British heavyweight champion Dillian Whyte accused Anthony Joshua of lacking ambition after he lost his heavyweight titles in a crushing defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk claimed a stunning unanimous decision win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after the judges scores of 117-112, 116-112 and 115-113 confirmed a dominant victory.
“I said if Joshua tried to box he was always going to lose,” Whyte told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“If he had come out and bullied him and pushed the pace and let his hands go he could have knocked him out in the first even round.
“But he came out and was being too negative he seemed like a gun shy fighter. You are the bigger man, have a go.
“I don’t know, he lacked ambition in the ring there tonight.
“The first round, Usyk landed the first strong blow and Joshua was a negative fighter. He got tagged with a left and he was worried the whole time.”
Whyte will next face Otto Wallin on October 30 at the O2, but vowed he would have a “shoot-out” with Usyk if ever given an opportunity.
He added: “I have to go through Wallin first, after we will see.
“But I tell you what, I will not be losing to an overall decision like that, I can tell you that now.
“I will go out and I will have a shoot-out – if I get knocked out, I get knocked out, but I will have a shoot-out, I am not getting out boxed over 12 rounds like that, no chance.”
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said the camp were “gutted” at the defeat and admitted Joshua got the fight wrong.
“We have obviously been here before, but this time we are here against a pound-for-pound great fighter,” Hearn said.
“The (Andy) Ruiz defeat was difficult to take because it was a shock to the system.
“This is one we knew could happen if he didn’t get it right, and he didn’t get it right.
“I don’t think AJ boxed a great fight tonight, Usyk boxed an excellent fight.
“It was all the things we worried about in the fight before, the over-thinking, trying to stand and box with him, and he took too many shots early.
“Usyk went through the gears and was a bit more aggressive than I thought he was going to be. He was the deserved winner tonight”
Carl Froch, the former super-middleweight world champion, felt Usyk was worth his victory.
He said: “All the boxing purists who know the game, we always knew Oleksandr Usyk could out-perform AJ, out-box him and beat him on points.
“I don’t think any of us knew he could do it in such a manner. Towards the end, he took control, then started to beat him up when he didn’t need to.
“That was a boxing match and a proper fight, which in the end Oleksandr Usyk was in control of. He deserves every credit.
“Anthony Joshua did his part, he tried to box with him and work the body at time, but it wasn’t enough, he simply wasn’t good enough.”
Former lightweight champion Anthony Crolla heaped praise on Usyk.
“AJ has brought some of the most special nights in British Boxing history. Tonight he lost to a very special fighter. A once in a lifetime fighter,” Crolla wrote on Twitter.
“I’m not going to be going home tonight, crying about it,” Joshua said. “Because this is war. I can’t sulk. That is wasting time.”
And there will be a rematch.
“Oh, 100% … 110%,” Joshua said.
Joshua later tweeted: “Keep positive even if the world’s crumbling in front of you! London I love you & thank you each and every time.”
After the fight Usyk said via a translator on Sky Sports: “This means a lot for me. The fight went the way I expected it to go. There were moments when Anthony pushed me hard but it was nothing special.
“I had no objective to knock him out because my corner pushed me not to do that. In the beginning, I tried to hit him hard but then I stuck to my job.”
Liverpool, Brentford reach stalemate in six-goal thriller
Yoane Wissa scored a late equaliser as Brentford held Liverpool to a draw in a thrilling encounter at the Brentford Community Stadium.
Wissa’s dinked finish over Alisson rescued a point for the hosts, who matched Jurgen Klopp’s team for long spells and created enough opportunities to claim all three points.
Ethan Pinnock had given Thomas Frank’s side a deserved early lead, poking home from close range after Ivan Toney flicked Sergi Canos’ low cross into the defender’s path.
Diogo Jota brought the visitors level just three minutes later, rising unmarked to head Jordan Henderson’s looping cross into the corner from the edge of the six-yard box.
Mohamed Salah’s 100th Premier League goal for Liverpool put the Reds ahead for the first time in the match, only for Vitaly Janelt to equalise once more after Pontus Jansson had rattled the crossbar.
Curtis Jones restored the visitors’ lead with a long-range drive that took a wicked deflection off Kristoffer Ajer on its way in, but Brentford and Wissa had the last word.
