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That Nigerian football has followed the part of the country’s economy—always running cap in hand to the West despite its huge human talent—hasn’t come as a surprise to close followers of the game. With an enormous pool of players scattered all over Europe, the United States of America and other parts of the world, there are even suggestions that footballers could soon overtake crude oil as the country’s major export product. But behind this brain drain to the West is the harsh economic suffering that has befallen most players in the Nigerian Professional Football League. Besides playing on bad pitches and insecure match venues, they are frequently owed sign-on fees and salaries, are underpaid in some cases and lack proper medical care and insurance like it’s done in the western world. Unlike in the 1980s and 1990s when players blossomed on the domestic front before moving abroad, the anguish experienced by these players make them want to jump at any offer outside the shores of the ...

After long years of hiatus as a group since their fallout in 2012, former Mo’ Hits Records label stars: D’banj, Wande Coal, Don Jazzy, D’prince, Dr. Sid and K Switch, came together to deliver what can be described as an epic performance during Davido’s ‘30 Billion Concert’. But since the stage performance, some people have speculated that the only way D’banj and Don Jazzy would have shared a stage is if money was involved. However, when PUNCH Saturday Beats reached out to D’banj’s camp, his manager, Frank, revealed how Davido made the feat possible. Frank said, “Let us not get things twisted, not a dime exchanged hands for any reason. The entire performance was not motivated by money at all. It was Davido’s initiative, he wanted it to happen at his show so he went for it and he got what he wanted. He spoke to all of the former Mo’Hits crew members individually, they saw his point and they granted his request. Davido is a good kid, he spoke to every member of the Mo’Hits crew. He t...

Despite a few tricky weeks, the Nigeria midfielder can look back on a fine maiden year at Leicester City Wilfred Ndidi has been a revelation since joining Leicester City from Genk in January for £15 million. The Nigerian came in as a direct replacement for N’Golo Kante and succeeded where Daniel Amartey and Nampalys Mendy had failed. He may have missed out on the Goal Africa Team of the Year, and the Foxes may have encountered some difficulty recently, with the midfielder sent off against Crystal Palace, but there’s no disputing that Ndidi can look back on a superb year in the Premier League. His efficiency in tackles and aerial duels is why he has been a mainstay with the Foxes even after changing managers three times since his arrival. As the 2016 champions have climbed the league over 2017, Ndidi’s seamless adaptation to life in England, his ability to remain composed in the demanding context of the Premier League, and his dynamism in the heart of the park have all sto...

The year 2017 may not have been an all-round fantastic year for Nigeria as far as sports is concerned; but nonetheless, there were some glowing moments that will linger for a long time. As part of PREMIUM TIMES’ End of the Year review, we serve you the seven top sporting moments for Nigeria in 2017 in no particular order. 1. Aruna Quadri achieves best ranking ever (Table Tennis) Nigeria and indeed Africa’s ambassador in table tennis, Aruna Quadri, had another epic year even though there were some low moments for the talented table tennis star. In 2017, Quadri set a new personal record for Nigeria and himself as he was ranked 21 in the end-of-the-year ranking. Before this latest leap, Quadri’s best rating was 25th in the world. Having done this well in 2017, expectations are high that the Nigerian star would break into the world’s top 20 in 2018. Among other records to his name, Quadri prides himself as the only African to make it to the quarterfinal of the World Cup and Olympic...

The new year comes bearing gifts. For some, it is the gift of relief - relief that the last year is over. For others, a new year brings hope - hope for the future and for a better year than the last. A new year can also bring anticipation for what's ahead. Perhaps there's a new adventure to look forward to.  Or maybe we have goals for this year and look ahead to their completion. Often, when we consider our expectations for the new year, we tend to plan for and look forward to good things. We anticipate fun activities, new experiences, and increased blessings. We set goals and make plans to attain the things and experiences we've long desired. We resolve to make things better and improve ourselves and our lives. Sometimes though, like the ugly sweater or new appliance we never wanted, the new year brings gifts that aren't desired. Fear. Uncertainty. Dread. Just the thought of the unknown future can bring worry or paralyzing fear. If that last year was especiall...

Rihanna and rapper Trina both rocked this new D&G shades ..While Riri rocked hers last month, Trina rocked hers last night .. Who slayed ...

The police have said that making phone calls at filling stations is a criminal offence which could land the offender in jail. The Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, stated that an offender could be prosecuted and jailed for attempted arson. He noted that police officers have the authority to arrest anyone found making phone calls or smoking at filling stations. He described the filling station as a public facility where motorists cannot act as they like on account of the inflammable products like petrol and other petroleum products being dispensed there. Moshood, therefore, cautioned the public against violating the safety rules forbidding smoking and phone calls at filling stations. He said, “Making phone calls or smoking at filling stations is a criminal offence and the police, of course, could arrest anyone violating the safety rules put in place to safeguard life and property at the filling stations.” The post Make calls at filling stations and go to jail — Poli...

  Veteran Nollywood actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, officially opened his multi million naira house in his hometown in Aboh-Mbaise, Imo State on Wednesday December 27th. The housewarming was attended by former Anambra state governor, Peter Obi, his family members and friends. See the photos here The post Kanayo O Kanayo Opens His Multi Million Naira Mansion In Imo State appeared first on Nigerian Celebrity News + Latest Entertainment News .

The much anticipated #30billionconcert by Davido which held on the 27th of December 2017 at the Eko Convention Center in Victoria Island saw a bevy of beautiful ladies turn up in style for the event. With the likes of Adunni Ade, Lola OJ, Eniola Badmus, Chidinma Ekile, Omowunmi Akinfessi, Liz John Black and a host of other well known faces gracing the red carpet, the style-o-meter was definitely off the charts. The event had performances from the creme of the Nigerian music industry such as the Mo’hits who reunited for the event, Nasty C, Olamide, Falz, Ikechukwu, Runtown, Wizkid, Niniola, Humblesmith, 2baba and lots more. Here are some the stylish ladies on the red carpet The post #30BillionConcert: Red Carpet Photos Of Female Celebrities Who Stole The Show appeared first on Nigerian Celebrity News + Latest Entertainment News .

Iceberg Slim in a recent interview with Punch has revealed that he doesn’t care what people think about his relationship with Ghanaian actress, Juliet Ibrahim. The music artiste said he is not bothered whether people think his girlfriend is older or richer than him adding that those opinions do not faze him. “We are actually the same age and she is not taller than me, except when she wears shoes with high heels. I don’t care if people think she is older than me or she has more money. A relationship is shared between the two people involved in it so if anybody has anything to say about our relationship, they should feel free, but it does not faze us. I mean, even Jesus Christ was criticised, so who are we? Anybody can say anything about us because, at the end of the day, everybody has freedom of speech. Whatever they say does not faze us because we know what we saw in each other.” Speaking on how they met and started their relationship, he said, “I met Juliet Ibrahim in Durban, ...

  Enyinna Nwigwe is all shades of hotness as he covers Tush Magazine’s December 2017 issue. The Nollywood star who played one of the lead roles in the widely-acclaimed movie ‘Wedding Party 2’ is one eye-candy ladies have taken to like fish to water. His role in the movie  was expressly highlighted in the magazine and his journey into Nollywood so far. Style in a leather jacket, shirt and a bejeweled beanie cap, Eyinna reminds us once again why he is totally drool-worthy as he poses in captivating shots. The post Enyinna Nwigwe Is The Perfect Eye-Candy As He Covers Tush Magazine’s December 2017 Issue appeared first on Nigerian Celebrity News + Latest Entertainment News .

The Nigerian Army says it has commenced its online registration for the 77 Regular Recruit Intake for both trades, non-tradesmen and women from December 29 to February 9, 2018. The army spokesman, Sani Usman, a brigadier general, said in a statement on Saturday that the exercise was aimed at selecting able bodied Nigerians and would take place in all states. “Interested applicants must be Nigerians between the ages of 18 to 22 for non-tradesmen and women, while tradesmen and women must be between 22 to 26 years by 1st March 2018. “Applicants are to visit the Nigerian Army official website http://ift.tt/1XxOacE to apply online,” Mr. Usman said. Application is free. For more details, applicants are to contact  08038575725 or 08037234828. source: http://ift.tt/2DBXjNl http://ift.tt/2lxQxkl

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday was back at the Cedar Crest Hospital, Gudu District, Abuja, where his son, Yusuf, who was injured in a motorbike accident, was hospitalised. The President, who got there around 6pm, had on Thursday alongside his wife and Yusuf’s mother, Aisha, visited the hospital. But the security situation around the hospital remained tense, as policemen screened those gaining entry into the medical facility. A guard near the hospital told a Punch correspondent that the First Lady was believed to have slept overnight till Friday. “The dignitaries have not stopped coming. We see luxury cars every 10 minutes, we see police escorts; I can’t mention everyone who has visited today. “But the wife of the President slept in the hospital. She is still with the injured son,” the guard who pleaded anonymity, said. It was learnt that Yusuf’s friend, Bashir Gwandu, was also at the Intensive Care Unit of the Cedar Crest Hospital, Abuja. The President’s son had c...

The Adamawa Police Command has confirmed the killing of four people at Kamale village in Michika Local Government Area of the state. The command’s Spokesman, SP Othman Abubakar, told newsmen that the member representing Michika/Madagali Federal Constituency, Adamu Kamale, narrowly escaped the attack. Abubakar, who did not give details of the incident, however said that gunmen who came with a list, going from house to house calling the names of their victims, carried out the attack. Abubakar said no arrest was made and that investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, a new Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Yerima, has assumed duty in Yola. Yerima, who assumed duty on Friday, was until his appointment the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Armament Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja.  source: http://ift.tt/2DBM9YX http://ift.tt/2lou4a6

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration is committed to promoting the establishment of privately financed modular refineries in the country. This, he said, will increase local refining capacity, create jobs, ensure peace and stability in the Niger delta region. A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Laolu Akande, said that the initiative which featured prominently in recent talks between the Federal Government and the oil-producing areas, as represented by PANDEF, will also reposition the petroleum industry and ensure self-sufficiency of petroleum products, while serving as a disincentive for illegal refineries and oil pollution . According to the statement released on Saturday, he said “At an end-of-the-year review meeting of the Niger Delta Inter-Ministerial Committee at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, before the holidays, Prof. Osinbajo noted that the Federal Government, in line with its Niger Delta...

The Presidency on Saturday explained why there were names of dead persons on the list of newly appointed chairmen and members of board of government parastatals and agencies. The list was released on Friday by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The Senior Special Assistant to the on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu said that the list was prepared before President Muhammadu Buhari took ill and was subsequently released by the SGF, Boss Mustapha without any alteration. According to him, the President requested for the submission of 50 names each by the state chapters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in 2015 which were later complied by the National Secretariat of the party. He also pointed out that the names were then submitted to the immediate past SGF, Babachir Lawal. He said: “However, complaint arose from some governors who felt they were not carried along in the process. To answer this, the president constituted a committee under ...