Phil Brown has been sacked as Hull City manager with the Tigers revealing they felt a change of leadership was the "correct option" in order to protect the club's top-flight status.
Hull have taken the decision to relieve Brown of his duties following a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday in which the Tigers conceded an injury-time goal having battled admirably despite being down to ten men following the first-half dismissal of George Boateng.
But Brown had been forced to deal with embarrassing headlines prior to the game when Nick Barmby and Jimmy Bullard were involved in a scrap in front of members of the Women's Institute near the Humber Bridge.
With the club in 19th place having won only five of 29 Premier League games this season, the board have now removed Brown and placed Brian Horton and Steve Parkin in temporary charge of the side as Hull seek to avoid relegation.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Samuel Peter Eyes IBF Title Shot
Samuel Peter is closing on another title shot after stopping Nagy Aguilera inside two rounds in an IBF heavyweight eliminator in Texas.
The 'Nigerian Nightmare' has now enjoyed four stoppage wins since re-dedicating himself following successive losses to Vitali Klitschko and Eddie Chambers.
Peter briefly held the WBC title before losing it to the returning Klitschko in a lamentable display that saw him quit after eight one-sided rounds.
However, now weighing in more than a stone lighter, the 29-year-old could be in line for a final eliminator against Alexander Povetkin.
Victory over the undefeated Russian could see Peter in a return match with Wladimir Klitschko, holder of the IBF, WBO and IBO belts.
Peter had the younger Klitschko on the deck three times in their first encounter back in 2005 but the Ukrainian fought back to take a narrow points decision.
Klitschko will first put his titles on the line against Chambers in Dusseldorf on Saturday night.
The 'Nigerian Nightmare' has now enjoyed four stoppage wins since re-dedicating himself following successive losses to Vitali Klitschko and Eddie Chambers.
Peter briefly held the WBC title before losing it to the returning Klitschko in a lamentable display that saw him quit after eight one-sided rounds.
However, now weighing in more than a stone lighter, the 29-year-old could be in line for a final eliminator against Alexander Povetkin.
Victory over the undefeated Russian could see Peter in a return match with Wladimir Klitschko, holder of the IBF, WBO and IBO belts.
Peter had the younger Klitschko on the deck three times in their first encounter back in 2005 but the Ukrainian fought back to take a narrow points decision.
Klitschko will first put his titles on the line against Chambers in Dusseldorf on Saturday night.
Mourinho Reunites With Mikel, Drogba As Inter Milan Battles Chelsea In Champions League Cracker
Portuguese coach, Jose Mourinho will be reuniting with most of the footballers he turned into world class players during his reign at Stamford Bridge as he will be returning to the stadium when Chelsea hosts Inter Milan in the make or mar cracker which will decide who amongst the two sides make it to the last eight. The likes of Nigerian born Mikel Obi, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, John Terry will be involved in what could be termed an 'emotional game'.
Basking In Hope And Expectation
At the start of the season Chelsea were one of the favourites for the Champions League trophy, and indeed they have looked good in Europe this campaign, although suspicions persist as to whether they were truly tested in the group stages. Therefore, Inter were their first main test in Europe's premier club competition and they did expressed their calibre and quality a fortnight ago.
Inter might have won the first leg of their Round of 16 tie 2-1 in Milan, but Chelsea weren't particularly bad and do have a valuable away goal, which Carlo Ancelotti and the rest of the Chelsea unit will be quick to point out as a potentially crucial factor in how the two sides approach the game on Tuesday evening. Chelsea know that they have to score to progress, while a draw will be good enough for the Nerazzurri.
The Premier League side have failed to make it to the semi-finals only once in the past six years and reached the final in 2008. Last season the Blues were knocked out in the semis by Barcelona on the away goals rule. Chelsea are going strong in the Premier League this campaign too, as they are currently second in the table, two points behind leaders Manchester United with a game in hand.
The Last 16 Curse
Inter have not gone past the Round of 16 in the Champions League for the past three seasons and in each of the last two campaigns they have fallen to English opposition. Last season they went out 2-0 on aggregate to Manchester United as a 0-0 scoreline at home was followed by a 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford. In 2007-2008 it was Liverpool who knocked them out.
But this time Inter do have a genuine chance of progressing in Europe's top tier club competition. They might have conceded an away goal, but they have a one-goal advantage going to Stamford Bridge. If the Italian champions of the last four seasons can strengthen their backline and soak up pressure playing in a traditional Italian style, then they will be confident of getting a 0-0 draw and going through.
Jose Mourinho never lost a league game at the Bridge when he was the coach of Chelsea, losing only once there in all competitions, and this will be his first return to his old stomping ground since leaving the Blues in 2007. He has proclaimed his affection for Chelsea but will certainly be looking to knock out his former club.
TEAM NEWS
Chelsea
Yuri Zhirkov and Deco should both be available after having recovered from their respective injuries. Jose Bosingwa, Ashley Cole and Michael Essien are long-term injury casualties, while Ricardo Carvalho is out with a hamstring injury. Both Petr Cech and Henrique Hilario are suffering from injuries, meaning that Ross Turnbull could be given a start.
Probable Lineup (4-5-1): Turnbull, Ivanovic, Terry, Alex, Zhirkov; Malouda, Ballack, Mikel, Lampard, Kalou; Drogba
Inter
Cristian Chivu is out with injury but Marco Materazzi is back. Davide Santon was not part of the Inter squad that lost to Catania on Friday and doubts persist on whether he will be taken to London. Mario Balotelli, who has struggled with injuries in recent times, is reportedly out of the squad for Tuesday's game.
Probable Lineup (4-3-1-2): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Zanetti; Cambiasso, Mariga, Stankovic; Sneijder; Eto'o, Milito
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
The Ivorian international striker has been in excellent form so far this season and has 21 goals and six assists in 24 Premier League games, with three goals in the Champions League. He wasn't perhaps very prominent in the first leg against Inter at San Siro but Drogba will certainly be a huge threat at Stamford Bridge. Inter's otherwise strong defensive unit exhibited cracks on Friday night when they conceded three goals in Catania and the Drog, placed sixth in the Castrol Rankings, will be eager to take advantage of any defensive slip-up on Tuesday evening.
Diego Milito (Inter)
The much under-rated Argentine international striker scored in the first leg in Milan and made England international central defender John Terry look average. Milito has scored 16 goals and given three assists in 26 matches in Serie A and has struck twice in the Champions League. The 30-year-old has not accomplished much in Europe and as such he will be keen to light up the continent. Milito's attacking instincts, shooting accuracy and ability to hold the ball up and bring his team-mates into play will be an important feature for Inter against a confident Chelsea side.
Anichebe, Yakubu Score For Everton As
Ajilore Grab Brace in Gronoiningen Win
AUSTRIA
Rabiu Afolabi (Salzburg): Nigeria defender Rabiu Afolabi continue to steer his club to the path of triumph as he was in action for 90 minutes again when they defeated Kapfenberg in their Austrian Premier League clash last weekend. The former Sochaux central defender who is hoping for a Super Eagles recall, to fight for a place in the World Cup squad, has made 17 league starts and scored twice this season as his club consolidated on their lead at the top of the table.
ENGLAND
Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Victor Anichebe (Eveton): The duo of Yakubu and Anichebe were in scoring form for Everton on Saturday as they netted one each in their 2-2 draw against Birmingham at Saint Andrews. Young Anichebe who is fast regaining his form after a long term injury lay off put the Toffees ahead barely after 15 minutes - his first goal of the season - firing a left-footed pile-driver after swivelling to past Liam Ridgewell. Moyes has been deploying the Beijing Olympic silver medallist on the right side of the club's midifield where he has shown brave performances with his great physical ability and pace to trouble opposing defenders. Anichebe however suffered an ankle injury and was replaced by Dan Gosling with barely a quarter of an hour left to play in the encounter.
Anichebe's senior compatriot Yakubu who had a below par performance in the encounter scored his own strike three minutes after Anichebe's opener to stretch the lead for Everton. The former Portsmouth and Middlesbrough forward headed in a well-crafted cross from South African star, Steven Pienaar to register his fourth strike in all competitions for the Merseyside outfit this season. In a show involving two Nigerian strikers from the start, Anichebe showed more promises and the young man could be in-line for a return to the Eagles for the World Cup in South Africa after featuring in the qualifiers before he was sidelined by a broken leg.
The other Nigerian in the Everton squad, Joseph Yobo continued to suffer a torrid time on the bench.
Mikel Obi (Chelsea): If there is any good thing happening in the Chelsea midfield at the moment, it is certainly the industrious performance of their Nigeria midfielder Mikel who has been a key figure in the absence of powerhouse Michael Essien. The Blues have shown sloppy form in recent weeks with defeat against Everton, Manchester City and Inter Milan but the Super Eagles midfielder has shouldered huge responsibilities while the duo of Michael Ballack and Frank Lampard are battling to live up to expectation.
Mikel's mobility, passing ability and more importantly his tireless defensive performances has been great as he helped his London club to a 4-1 win over city rivals West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Besides his crucial tackles that broke up the Hammers' offensive play, the former Lyn Oslo star played a delightful part in the move that led to Chelsea's last goal of the encounter. After moving the ball around the centre circle looking for passing options, Mikel threaded a cheeky pass to Lampard who took a few steps into the opponents' area to unleash a powerful shot that goalkeeper Robert Greening could only parry into the path of Didier Drogba. The big Ivorian striker netted from the rebound to increase his season's tally to 27 in all competitions.
GERMANY
Obafemi Martins (VFL Wolsburg): Martins was rewarded with his first Bundesliga start of the year but he failed to score despite his club, Wolfsburg enjoying a 4-0 win on their trip to Borrusia Monchegladbach last weekend. The Eagles striker who was on target the previous week in the 4-1 win over VFL Bochum played for 63 minutes last Saturday but it was subtitute Wolves' leading striker, Edin Dzeko who grabbed a brace - one from the penalty spot - to lead the German champions to another impressive win away from their Volkswagen arena home ground. Martins who has scored six times for Wolfsburg this season was replaced by Ashkan Dejagah just after the hour mark.
FRANCE
Onyekachi Apam (Nice): Eagles defender Apam was expectedly in action for all 90 minutes but his club, Nice suffered a 1-0 defeat at Le Mans in their French Ligue 1 encounter. Apam, who has started all the 18 league games he has featured for his club in the ongoing campaign, even made a clearance off the goal line from a Vaclav Sverkos effort.
Lukman Haruna (Monaco): Haruna was on from the start as his club, Monaco were held to a goalless draw at home by French champions Bordeaux in their Ligue 1 encounter. The former Flying eagles star was booked in the 62nd minute before being replaced by Coutadeaur 16 minutes before the end of the game.
Oubayo Adefemi (Bolougne): It is not the best of times for Adefemi as he was again not involved in his club's 3-1 away win at Nancy, their biggest win this season, as they continued their battle to survive relegation.
HOLLAND
Femi Ajilore (Gronoiningen): Ajilore was the Eagles star of the week as he netted a brace to lead Groningen to a 3-0 away win at NAC Breda.
He has started 16 games and made three sub appearances for the team.
Basking In Hope And Expectation
At the start of the season Chelsea were one of the favourites for the Champions League trophy, and indeed they have looked good in Europe this campaign, although suspicions persist as to whether they were truly tested in the group stages. Therefore, Inter were their first main test in Europe's premier club competition and they did expressed their calibre and quality a fortnight ago.
Inter might have won the first leg of their Round of 16 tie 2-1 in Milan, but Chelsea weren't particularly bad and do have a valuable away goal, which Carlo Ancelotti and the rest of the Chelsea unit will be quick to point out as a potentially crucial factor in how the two sides approach the game on Tuesday evening. Chelsea know that they have to score to progress, while a draw will be good enough for the Nerazzurri.
The Premier League side have failed to make it to the semi-finals only once in the past six years and reached the final in 2008. Last season the Blues were knocked out in the semis by Barcelona on the away goals rule. Chelsea are going strong in the Premier League this campaign too, as they are currently second in the table, two points behind leaders Manchester United with a game in hand.
The Last 16 Curse
Inter have not gone past the Round of 16 in the Champions League for the past three seasons and in each of the last two campaigns they have fallen to English opposition. Last season they went out 2-0 on aggregate to Manchester United as a 0-0 scoreline at home was followed by a 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford. In 2007-2008 it was Liverpool who knocked them out.
But this time Inter do have a genuine chance of progressing in Europe's top tier club competition. They might have conceded an away goal, but they have a one-goal advantage going to Stamford Bridge. If the Italian champions of the last four seasons can strengthen their backline and soak up pressure playing in a traditional Italian style, then they will be confident of getting a 0-0 draw and going through.
Jose Mourinho never lost a league game at the Bridge when he was the coach of Chelsea, losing only once there in all competitions, and this will be his first return to his old stomping ground since leaving the Blues in 2007. He has proclaimed his affection for Chelsea but will certainly be looking to knock out his former club.
TEAM NEWS
Chelsea
Yuri Zhirkov and Deco should both be available after having recovered from their respective injuries. Jose Bosingwa, Ashley Cole and Michael Essien are long-term injury casualties, while Ricardo Carvalho is out with a hamstring injury. Both Petr Cech and Henrique Hilario are suffering from injuries, meaning that Ross Turnbull could be given a start.
Probable Lineup (4-5-1): Turnbull, Ivanovic, Terry, Alex, Zhirkov; Malouda, Ballack, Mikel, Lampard, Kalou; Drogba
Inter
Cristian Chivu is out with injury but Marco Materazzi is back. Davide Santon was not part of the Inter squad that lost to Catania on Friday and doubts persist on whether he will be taken to London. Mario Balotelli, who has struggled with injuries in recent times, is reportedly out of the squad for Tuesday's game.
Probable Lineup (4-3-1-2): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Zanetti; Cambiasso, Mariga, Stankovic; Sneijder; Eto'o, Milito
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
The Ivorian international striker has been in excellent form so far this season and has 21 goals and six assists in 24 Premier League games, with three goals in the Champions League. He wasn't perhaps very prominent in the first leg against Inter at San Siro but Drogba will certainly be a huge threat at Stamford Bridge. Inter's otherwise strong defensive unit exhibited cracks on Friday night when they conceded three goals in Catania and the Drog, placed sixth in the Castrol Rankings, will be eager to take advantage of any defensive slip-up on Tuesday evening.
Diego Milito (Inter)
The much under-rated Argentine international striker scored in the first leg in Milan and made England international central defender John Terry look average. Milito has scored 16 goals and given three assists in 26 matches in Serie A and has struck twice in the Champions League. The 30-year-old has not accomplished much in Europe and as such he will be keen to light up the continent. Milito's attacking instincts, shooting accuracy and ability to hold the ball up and bring his team-mates into play will be an important feature for Inter against a confident Chelsea side.
Anichebe, Yakubu Score For Everton As
Ajilore Grab Brace in Gronoiningen Win
AUSTRIA
Rabiu Afolabi (Salzburg): Nigeria defender Rabiu Afolabi continue to steer his club to the path of triumph as he was in action for 90 minutes again when they defeated Kapfenberg in their Austrian Premier League clash last weekend. The former Sochaux central defender who is hoping for a Super Eagles recall, to fight for a place in the World Cup squad, has made 17 league starts and scored twice this season as his club consolidated on their lead at the top of the table.
ENGLAND
Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Victor Anichebe (Eveton): The duo of Yakubu and Anichebe were in scoring form for Everton on Saturday as they netted one each in their 2-2 draw against Birmingham at Saint Andrews. Young Anichebe who is fast regaining his form after a long term injury lay off put the Toffees ahead barely after 15 minutes - his first goal of the season - firing a left-footed pile-driver after swivelling to past Liam Ridgewell. Moyes has been deploying the Beijing Olympic silver medallist on the right side of the club's midifield where he has shown brave performances with his great physical ability and pace to trouble opposing defenders. Anichebe however suffered an ankle injury and was replaced by Dan Gosling with barely a quarter of an hour left to play in the encounter.
Anichebe's senior compatriot Yakubu who had a below par performance in the encounter scored his own strike three minutes after Anichebe's opener to stretch the lead for Everton. The former Portsmouth and Middlesbrough forward headed in a well-crafted cross from South African star, Steven Pienaar to register his fourth strike in all competitions for the Merseyside outfit this season. In a show involving two Nigerian strikers from the start, Anichebe showed more promises and the young man could be in-line for a return to the Eagles for the World Cup in South Africa after featuring in the qualifiers before he was sidelined by a broken leg.
The other Nigerian in the Everton squad, Joseph Yobo continued to suffer a torrid time on the bench.
Mikel Obi (Chelsea): If there is any good thing happening in the Chelsea midfield at the moment, it is certainly the industrious performance of their Nigeria midfielder Mikel who has been a key figure in the absence of powerhouse Michael Essien. The Blues have shown sloppy form in recent weeks with defeat against Everton, Manchester City and Inter Milan but the Super Eagles midfielder has shouldered huge responsibilities while the duo of Michael Ballack and Frank Lampard are battling to live up to expectation.
Mikel's mobility, passing ability and more importantly his tireless defensive performances has been great as he helped his London club to a 4-1 win over city rivals West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Besides his crucial tackles that broke up the Hammers' offensive play, the former Lyn Oslo star played a delightful part in the move that led to Chelsea's last goal of the encounter. After moving the ball around the centre circle looking for passing options, Mikel threaded a cheeky pass to Lampard who took a few steps into the opponents' area to unleash a powerful shot that goalkeeper Robert Greening could only parry into the path of Didier Drogba. The big Ivorian striker netted from the rebound to increase his season's tally to 27 in all competitions.
GERMANY
Obafemi Martins (VFL Wolsburg): Martins was rewarded with his first Bundesliga start of the year but he failed to score despite his club, Wolfsburg enjoying a 4-0 win on their trip to Borrusia Monchegladbach last weekend. The Eagles striker who was on target the previous week in the 4-1 win over VFL Bochum played for 63 minutes last Saturday but it was subtitute Wolves' leading striker, Edin Dzeko who grabbed a brace - one from the penalty spot - to lead the German champions to another impressive win away from their Volkswagen arena home ground. Martins who has scored six times for Wolfsburg this season was replaced by Ashkan Dejagah just after the hour mark.
FRANCE
Onyekachi Apam (Nice): Eagles defender Apam was expectedly in action for all 90 minutes but his club, Nice suffered a 1-0 defeat at Le Mans in their French Ligue 1 encounter. Apam, who has started all the 18 league games he has featured for his club in the ongoing campaign, even made a clearance off the goal line from a Vaclav Sverkos effort.
Lukman Haruna (Monaco): Haruna was on from the start as his club, Monaco were held to a goalless draw at home by French champions Bordeaux in their Ligue 1 encounter. The former Flying eagles star was booked in the 62nd minute before being replaced by Coutadeaur 16 minutes before the end of the game.
Oubayo Adefemi (Bolougne): It is not the best of times for Adefemi as he was again not involved in his club's 3-1 away win at Nancy, their biggest win this season, as they continued their battle to survive relegation.
HOLLAND
Femi Ajilore (Gronoiningen): Ajilore was the Eagles star of the week as he netted a brace to lead Groningen to a 3-0 away win at NAC Breda.
He has started 16 games and made three sub appearances for the team.
Zidane Interested In Coaching Algeria
Zinedine Zidane has been named as a possible future coach of Algeria after a meeting with country's president earlier thus month.
Algerian reports said the French World Cup star, whose parents hail from the north African country, expressed interest in a possible future role when it was discussed as courtesy call to President Abdelazziz Boutefika.
Zidane said he would like time to reflect on a suggestion that he replace Rabah Saadane after the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa.
Algerian reports said the French World Cup star, whose parents hail from the north African country, expressed interest in a possible future role when it was discussed as courtesy call to President Abdelazziz Boutefika.
Zidane said he would like time to reflect on a suggestion that he replace Rabah Saadane after the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa.
... Targets Man City Ace Onuoha
Nigeria coach, Lars Lagerback, has told Manchester City defender Nedhum Onuoha he would want him to feature for the country of his parents at the World Cup in June.
Onuoha could play for either Nigeria or England, where he was raised by Nigerian parents. Thus far, the 23-year-old defender has featured for England Under-21 while hoping to be capped at full international level by his adopted country.
“Lars has compiled a list of Nigerian-born players in Europe, who are yet to play for the team, but are still eligible to wear the green and white jersey of the country,” said Lagerback's representative, Emeka Enechi.
“One of those players is Onuoha, the Manchester City defender. He has made it known to the player how would want him to play in South Africa especially with many pundits and fans condemning the team's defence at the last Nations Cup in Angola.”
Enechi added: “Nedhum's coming along will increase competition for places and get the best out of the other players.”
Onuoha was first called up by Nigeria three years ago, but turned the Super Eagles down, saying he would prefer to wait for his England chance.
Onuoha could play for either Nigeria or England, where he was raised by Nigerian parents. Thus far, the 23-year-old defender has featured for England Under-21 while hoping to be capped at full international level by his adopted country.
“Lars has compiled a list of Nigerian-born players in Europe, who are yet to play for the team, but are still eligible to wear the green and white jersey of the country,” said Lagerback's representative, Emeka Enechi.
“One of those players is Onuoha, the Manchester City defender. He has made it known to the player how would want him to play in South Africa especially with many pundits and fans condemning the team's defence at the last Nations Cup in Angola.”
Enechi added: “Nedhum's coming along will increase competition for places and get the best out of the other players.”
Onuoha was first called up by Nigeria three years ago, but turned the Super Eagles down, saying he would prefer to wait for his England chance.
How Lagerback Will Shape The Eagles
The Swede, Lars Lagerback, is now Super Eagles new coach. The former coach of Sweden's national team arrived Nigeria on Tuesday, after briefly returning home to tidy up domestic matters before resuming fully on his new job.
Mindful of the little time available to accomplish what many Nigerian football fans consider an impossible mission (to take Nigeria to the semi-final of the World Cup in South Africa), he has submitted his programme to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
With the Swede still keeping his strategy close to his chest, a look at his coaching philosophy may provide an inkling into the shape the Super Eagles is likely to take under his direction. Just before he was appointed Eagles coach, he granted an interview to Europe's football governing body, UEFA. The interview, reproduced on their website, reveals the working of the mind of the Swede. In the interview, he takes a look at the different departments of a team and the kind of players he prefers in those departments.
Now that he is ready to work, we try to take a look at the direction in which the man may be heading as helmsman of the Eagles, based on his philosophy and the players available.
Attack of the attack
He says: "A really good striker is always at the right place. In a way, that is the most important thing - if you have good techniques, and you have high balls coming at you and you can finish with your first touch. They have something to read the game, be on the right spot at the right time, but also you want very good technique, how they finish with whatever part of the body they are using.
" If you look at Ronaldo, who has scored the most goals in the World Cup, he can be out of the game for 5 to 10 minutes but suddenly, he is there and scoring. So, for the classical goal scorer, this is typical. If you play at the highest level today - I do not see many teams having this kind of players - the forward has to be involved in the game because the demands on every position are rising every day."
In the Eagles attack at the moment, we have Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Obafemi Martins, Ikechukwu Uche, Michael Eneramo, Victor Anichebe and Joseph Akpala. This statement presupposes that he will defer to use the preferred playing formations of either 4-1-2-2-1 or 4-3-2-1. The number one(1) at the end of it is a lone striker who should be big, strong and reliable. That means Obafemi Martins and Ikechukwu Uche are out of that equation. Of the remaining three, only Yakubu Aiyegbeni has the experience to play that part perfectly and to some extent, his fellow Everton colleague, Victor Anichebe, who has the added attributes of youth and aggression.
It is almost a no-brainer that in whatever form, Yakubu will be in South Africa leading the line, unless he breaks a leg. He has scored the most goals for club and country and is the second leading foreign striker in the English Premiership, after Thierry Henry. His substitute may be Anichebe or Joseph Akpalla. There may not be a play maker in the mould of Austin Okocha, but there will probably be a shadow striker, and that role in the present Eagles' team is tailored for Osaze Odemwingie.
Lagerback continues:
"A target man must be able to receive the ball, shield and distribute but in the next phase of the game, he must also be able to score."
Yakubu has played as a lone striker for Everton on many occasions and his forte is probably bringing others into play. He can shoot with both legs and he is decent in the air.
Midfield
Lagerback prefers a lone holding midfielder who will act as an auxiliary defender. He says:
"You can compare this to the libero in times past, just like Franz Beckenbaeur. You must have extremely good running abilities. I will be pleased if he is not found wanting in the one-on-one defensive part of the game. He should be a good reader of the game and must have good passing technique. The first holding midfielder I saw in the modern game was Dunga - Brazil's captain to the 1994 World Cup. He was really a role model for that position, and he had good passing technique, was physically strong and could run - a very good all-round player."
The position Lagerback has in mind suits Sani Kaita to the bone. Mikel Obi will be the screen in midfield and will occasionally swap positions with Kaita. Either Etuhu or Ayila will also fit into the Kaita role. The U-23 star has also shown that he can pass the ball. But the important trait is that he can defend, but he should be more disciplined.
For a coach that is impressed with Dunga's playing style, Kaita will be in serious reckoning to play the screen for the defence. Kaita is a workaholic, who loves defending. So, expect this guy to be in the starting line-up.
Given Lagerback's thoughts on the role of a play maker, the Eagles may not play with a playmaker per se in South Africa but with a shadow striker, who has the attributes but more importantly, is expected to score his fair share of goals:
"If you talk about the playmaker, the typical No.10, I think they are disappearing more and more from the game. In today's game, I would rather call him a shadow striker, and he must definitely have offensive skills.
"Zinedine Zidane was the typical playmaker, but there is also Dirk Kuyt. They have the same characteristics. When you talk about the shadow striker, the only difference is that the shadow striker must also be able to score. It is not that important that the playmaker is a clinical goal scorer in the penalty area."
Osaze Odemwingie is about the only player that fits the shadow striker mode. He possesses guile, can shoot with both legs and is good running at defences. So, in the Locomotiv Moscow striker, we may have another certainty for the Eagles starting line-up.
Defence
The new Eagles coach likes his defenders to be tall. He says in the interview:
"For the centre half, it is important that he is tall, at least 185m, and he must be good in the air. That is a quality that I think is needed today. For me, the most important thing is that he can defend."
Where does that leave Onyekachi Apam and Obinna Nwaneri, compared to players like Danny Shittu and Joseph Yobo? Danny Shittu and Joseph Yobo are the tallest players in that department. Rabiu Afolabi of Red Bull Salzburg in Austria may come into serious reckoning now that Amodu Shuaibu has left the team.
Lagerback continues, regarding the centre half:
"He can move the ball well, attack well and win one-on-one situation. I want them to be tough, if I can use that word, but if they want to play at the highest level, he must have a good passing technique and a good understanding of how to start the attack. But my priority is that he must be a good defender."
Going by this comment, one of the toughest defenders in the current Eagles team is Danny Shittu. He is also always 100 per cent committed to the national cause.
Lagerback believes that for the team to be really solid at the back, there has to be proper co-ordination in the midfield and defence:
"In the midfield and in the back four, it is important that you have good leadership because they can see much more. So, if you have good leadership from those playing the central defence, I think that is very good. They can also talk a little bit more from that position. Talking of centre backs, they have all the players in front of them so perhaps, they have the best overview of how the team is working."
The combination will likely be Yobo, who will also captain the side, and Shittu. The only place where they need to work on is communication and concentration. If Lagerback is able to instil that discipline he is noted for on the defence line, the Eagles may stop letting in cheeky goals.
For the goal keepers, just like former German handler, Berti Vogts, Lagerback's preference is for big guys to man the goal posts. Austin Ejide stands in good stead in this regard. But in terms of agility, concentration and ability in one-on-one situation, Vincent Enyeama should be first choice in South Africa. The Swede says of this department:
"The length of the goal keeper is very important with the number of crosses that are coming in. The goalkeeper ideally should be tall. Understanding and reading the game are also vital. As the games are now faster, he cannot handle back-passes. You must also be very quick to react in today's game (agility). You need a keeper that is an athlete and he must be brave of course, because there are a lot of situations where you have to dive at somebody's feet and all. I also think they must have a special quality in concentration."
Lagerback seems to have a clear idea of what he wants. Whether he achieves the semi-final target the NFF has set remains to be seen. He knows quite clearly that he faces a daunting task, but he seems primed to give it a good shot. At his unveiling two weeks ago he had said:
"I think it is quite possible for Nigeria to reach the semi-finals in South Africa. I think every coach, every country going into a competition, always have their aim on winning it."
Well said, but for $1.5 million, anybody can say such. He went further to qualify why he said the above.
"You have good individual skills in Nigeria, so if we can get that together with the players, I think we have a fairly good chance to go far in the World Cup."
All the players have been told that there are no automatic shirts.
"You have to prove yourself but like they say in football, let the feet do the talking. I have always been impressed by the Super Eagles and Nigerian football."
His optimism aside, the truth may be that for most Nigerian football fans, he will truly be judged, not on his ability to meet this semi-final benchmark, but on whether he is able to restore confidence in our football.
Courtesy: Next.com
Mindful of the little time available to accomplish what many Nigerian football fans consider an impossible mission (to take Nigeria to the semi-final of the World Cup in South Africa), he has submitted his programme to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
With the Swede still keeping his strategy close to his chest, a look at his coaching philosophy may provide an inkling into the shape the Super Eagles is likely to take under his direction. Just before he was appointed Eagles coach, he granted an interview to Europe's football governing body, UEFA. The interview, reproduced on their website, reveals the working of the mind of the Swede. In the interview, he takes a look at the different departments of a team and the kind of players he prefers in those departments.
Now that he is ready to work, we try to take a look at the direction in which the man may be heading as helmsman of the Eagles, based on his philosophy and the players available.
Attack of the attack
He says: "A really good striker is always at the right place. In a way, that is the most important thing - if you have good techniques, and you have high balls coming at you and you can finish with your first touch. They have something to read the game, be on the right spot at the right time, but also you want very good technique, how they finish with whatever part of the body they are using.
" If you look at Ronaldo, who has scored the most goals in the World Cup, he can be out of the game for 5 to 10 minutes but suddenly, he is there and scoring. So, for the classical goal scorer, this is typical. If you play at the highest level today - I do not see many teams having this kind of players - the forward has to be involved in the game because the demands on every position are rising every day."
In the Eagles attack at the moment, we have Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Obafemi Martins, Ikechukwu Uche, Michael Eneramo, Victor Anichebe and Joseph Akpala. This statement presupposes that he will defer to use the preferred playing formations of either 4-1-2-2-1 or 4-3-2-1. The number one(1) at the end of it is a lone striker who should be big, strong and reliable. That means Obafemi Martins and Ikechukwu Uche are out of that equation. Of the remaining three, only Yakubu Aiyegbeni has the experience to play that part perfectly and to some extent, his fellow Everton colleague, Victor Anichebe, who has the added attributes of youth and aggression.
It is almost a no-brainer that in whatever form, Yakubu will be in South Africa leading the line, unless he breaks a leg. He has scored the most goals for club and country and is the second leading foreign striker in the English Premiership, after Thierry Henry. His substitute may be Anichebe or Joseph Akpalla. There may not be a play maker in the mould of Austin Okocha, but there will probably be a shadow striker, and that role in the present Eagles' team is tailored for Osaze Odemwingie.
Lagerback continues:
"A target man must be able to receive the ball, shield and distribute but in the next phase of the game, he must also be able to score."
Yakubu has played as a lone striker for Everton on many occasions and his forte is probably bringing others into play. He can shoot with both legs and he is decent in the air.
Midfield
Lagerback prefers a lone holding midfielder who will act as an auxiliary defender. He says:
"You can compare this to the libero in times past, just like Franz Beckenbaeur. You must have extremely good running abilities. I will be pleased if he is not found wanting in the one-on-one defensive part of the game. He should be a good reader of the game and must have good passing technique. The first holding midfielder I saw in the modern game was Dunga - Brazil's captain to the 1994 World Cup. He was really a role model for that position, and he had good passing technique, was physically strong and could run - a very good all-round player."
The position Lagerback has in mind suits Sani Kaita to the bone. Mikel Obi will be the screen in midfield and will occasionally swap positions with Kaita. Either Etuhu or Ayila will also fit into the Kaita role. The U-23 star has also shown that he can pass the ball. But the important trait is that he can defend, but he should be more disciplined.
For a coach that is impressed with Dunga's playing style, Kaita will be in serious reckoning to play the screen for the defence. Kaita is a workaholic, who loves defending. So, expect this guy to be in the starting line-up.
Given Lagerback's thoughts on the role of a play maker, the Eagles may not play with a playmaker per se in South Africa but with a shadow striker, who has the attributes but more importantly, is expected to score his fair share of goals:
"If you talk about the playmaker, the typical No.10, I think they are disappearing more and more from the game. In today's game, I would rather call him a shadow striker, and he must definitely have offensive skills.
"Zinedine Zidane was the typical playmaker, but there is also Dirk Kuyt. They have the same characteristics. When you talk about the shadow striker, the only difference is that the shadow striker must also be able to score. It is not that important that the playmaker is a clinical goal scorer in the penalty area."
Osaze Odemwingie is about the only player that fits the shadow striker mode. He possesses guile, can shoot with both legs and is good running at defences. So, in the Locomotiv Moscow striker, we may have another certainty for the Eagles starting line-up.
Defence
The new Eagles coach likes his defenders to be tall. He says in the interview:
"For the centre half, it is important that he is tall, at least 185m, and he must be good in the air. That is a quality that I think is needed today. For me, the most important thing is that he can defend."
Where does that leave Onyekachi Apam and Obinna Nwaneri, compared to players like Danny Shittu and Joseph Yobo? Danny Shittu and Joseph Yobo are the tallest players in that department. Rabiu Afolabi of Red Bull Salzburg in Austria may come into serious reckoning now that Amodu Shuaibu has left the team.
Lagerback continues, regarding the centre half:
"He can move the ball well, attack well and win one-on-one situation. I want them to be tough, if I can use that word, but if they want to play at the highest level, he must have a good passing technique and a good understanding of how to start the attack. But my priority is that he must be a good defender."
Going by this comment, one of the toughest defenders in the current Eagles team is Danny Shittu. He is also always 100 per cent committed to the national cause.
Lagerback believes that for the team to be really solid at the back, there has to be proper co-ordination in the midfield and defence:
"In the midfield and in the back four, it is important that you have good leadership because they can see much more. So, if you have good leadership from those playing the central defence, I think that is very good. They can also talk a little bit more from that position. Talking of centre backs, they have all the players in front of them so perhaps, they have the best overview of how the team is working."
The combination will likely be Yobo, who will also captain the side, and Shittu. The only place where they need to work on is communication and concentration. If Lagerback is able to instil that discipline he is noted for on the defence line, the Eagles may stop letting in cheeky goals.
For the goal keepers, just like former German handler, Berti Vogts, Lagerback's preference is for big guys to man the goal posts. Austin Ejide stands in good stead in this regard. But in terms of agility, concentration and ability in one-on-one situation, Vincent Enyeama should be first choice in South Africa. The Swede says of this department:
"The length of the goal keeper is very important with the number of crosses that are coming in. The goalkeeper ideally should be tall. Understanding and reading the game are also vital. As the games are now faster, he cannot handle back-passes. You must also be very quick to react in today's game (agility). You need a keeper that is an athlete and he must be brave of course, because there are a lot of situations where you have to dive at somebody's feet and all. I also think they must have a special quality in concentration."
Lagerback seems to have a clear idea of what he wants. Whether he achieves the semi-final target the NFF has set remains to be seen. He knows quite clearly that he faces a daunting task, but he seems primed to give it a good shot. At his unveiling two weeks ago he had said:
"I think it is quite possible for Nigeria to reach the semi-finals in South Africa. I think every coach, every country going into a competition, always have their aim on winning it."
Well said, but for $1.5 million, anybody can say such. He went further to qualify why he said the above.
"You have good individual skills in Nigeria, so if we can get that together with the players, I think we have a fairly good chance to go far in the World Cup."
All the players have been told that there are no automatic shirts.
"You have to prove yourself but like they say in football, let the feet do the talking. I have always been impressed by the Super Eagles and Nigerian football."
His optimism aside, the truth may be that for most Nigerian football fans, he will truly be judged, not on his ability to meet this semi-final benchmark, but on whether he is able to restore confidence in our football.
Courtesy: Next.com
Know the lyrics2
Know the lyrics
Chorus 1
Oh, e get as you dey do me, do me, do me
Na the way you dey do me
Girl, I love the way you do me (do me 6x)
Boy, I love the way you do me (do me 6x)
Na the way you dey do me, do me
You go wound oh, you go wound oh, my baby
Na the way you dey do me, do me
You go wound oh, you go wound oh
Verse 1
So na she step into the club house
See how the boys dem a drop down
And all the ladies just dey hala say
Them no know say wahala dey
If you no sodji, take am easy, make you no dey fall
This na the song for the dancehall
The way you move your body, ebe like say
(ebe like say) you no know say wahala dey
Na the way you do the things you do
Ebe like say you get plans for me and you
if I put it on you, you put it on me
What a man can do, a woman can do
Hook
If you do me, I do you, (man no go vex)
Step on the dance floor (man no go vex)
Touch me I touch you (man no go vex)
You say, I say (man no go vex)
If you do me, I do you, (man no go vex)
Step on the dance floor (man no go vex)
So won't you give it to me (I will give it to you)
So make you give it to me some more (some more)
E get as e dey do me, so make you give it to me, give it to me
Eget us e dey do me, so make you give it to me some more
E get as e dey do me, so make you give it to me
Na the way you dey do me (do me 3x)
So you can give it to me some more
So make you do me (do me 6x)
Make you do me (do me 6x)
Verse 2
Omo, check out the way she twist and wind it
Make me feel like and grind it, grind it
Every girl, I know say you dey eye me, eye me
After the show na the party for my room
Strictly for me and you, you
We get plenty things to do, do
So pull off the bump... and move, make we groove
Boy, you know say talk is cheap and you are tempted to roll with me
Me, I no be the bizzy body wey you see
What a man can do, a woman can do so
Repeat Hook
Na the way you dey do me, do me
You go wound oh, you go wound oh, my baby
Na the way you dey do me, do me
You go wound oh, you go wound oh
From the way you do the things you do
Ebe like say you get plans for me and you
Me, I no be the bizzy body wey you see
What a man can do, a woman can do so
Repeat Hook till fade
Na the way you dey do me, do me
You go wound oh, you go wound oh, my baby
Na the way you dey do me, do me
You go wound oh, you go wound oh
Chorus 1
Oh, e get as you dey do me, do me, do me
Na the way you dey do me
Girl, I love the way you do me (do me 6x)
Boy, I love the way you do me (do me 6x)
Na the way you dey do me, do me
You go wound oh, you go wound oh, my baby
Na the way you dey do me, do me
You go wound oh, you go wound oh
Verse 1
So na she step into the club house
See how the boys dem a drop down
And all the ladies just dey hala say
Them no know say wahala dey
If you no sodji, take am easy, make you no dey fall
This na the song for the dancehall
The way you move your body, ebe like say
(ebe like say) you no know say wahala dey
Na the way you do the things you do
Ebe like say you get plans for me and you
if I put it on you, you put it on me
What a man can do, a woman can do
Hook
If you do me, I do you, (man no go vex)
Step on the dance floor (man no go vex)
Touch me I touch you (man no go vex)
You say, I say (man no go vex)
If you do me, I do you, (man no go vex)
Step on the dance floor (man no go vex)
So won't you give it to me (I will give it to you)
So make you give it to me some more (some more)
E get as e dey do me, so make you give it to me, give it to me
Eget us e dey do me, so make you give it to me some more
E get as e dey do me, so make you give it to me
Na the way you dey do me (do me 3x)
So you can give it to me some more
So make you do me (do me 6x)
Make you do me (do me 6x)
Verse 2
Omo, check out the way she twist and wind it
Make me feel like and grind it, grind it
Every girl, I know say you dey eye me, eye me
After the show na the party for my room
Strictly for me and you, you
We get plenty things to do, do
So pull off the bump... and move, make we groove
Boy, you know say talk is cheap and you are tempted to roll with me
Me, I no be the bizzy body wey you see
What a man can do, a woman can do so
Repeat Hook
Na the way you dey do me, do me
You go wound oh, you go wound oh, my baby
Na the way you dey do me, do me
You go wound oh, you go wound oh
From the way you do the things you do
Ebe like say you get plans for me and you
Me, I no be the bizzy body wey you see
What a man can do, a woman can do so
Repeat Hook till fade
Na the way you dey do me, do me
You go wound oh, you go wound oh, my baby
Na the way you dey do me, do me
You go wound oh, you go wound oh
Akintola, Okereke Battle Others For AMAA Diadem
Nominations for the 2010 African Movie Academy Awards have set star actresses, Bimbo Akintola and Stephanie Okereke, in keen contest for the Best Actress in a Leading Role.
While Akintola is in the race for her performance in Freedom in Chains, Okereke's appearance is based on her role in Nnenda.
Both are, however, in battle with their continental colleagues - Flora Suya, Akofa Asiedu, Jackie Apia, Lydia Farson - also nominated on the strength of their performances in Season of Life, I Sing of a Well and The Perfect Picture.
This was part of the report given by AMAA's College of Screeners on Saturday night, when the nomination party was held in Accra, Ghana. Amidst musical and comic performances, the College's Chairman, Mr. Shuaibu Hussein, gave details of how it arrived at a short list of 30 films from the 500 entries it received. While many were disqualified for flouting AMAA rules, he said, 208 were treated by the screeners, with 65 making it to the third level of screening.
“Eventually, 30 films were handed over to AMAA's jury,” he said at the occasion held at Menvic Hotel, where many stakeholders were present.
For the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, the nomination projects films dominant in other categories. Here, Ramseh Noah, hero of Kunle Afolayan's The Figurine, is nominated alongside Lucky Ejim, his counterpart in Jude Idada/Ejim's The Tenant shot between Canada and Nigeria. They are in the race with Majid Michael (Sin of the Soul), Odera Ozoka (Soul Dispora) and John Agyeman (I Sing of a Well). Further nominations show that the films here are a force to reckon with.
For instance, while Afolayan is on the list for the Best Director category, alongside Shemu Joya (Seasons of a Life); Shirley Frimpong-Manso (The Perfect Picture); Leila Djansi (I Sing of a Well); and Jude Idada and Ejim (The Tenant), The Figurine is also nominated for the Best Cinematography and Best Picture categories.
Other Nigerian films that gave a good account of themselves are Nnenda, AMBO's The Child nominated in The Best Costume and Most Promising Actor; and OmoIya Kan, nominated in the Best Film in Indigenous Language.
The impact of Yoruba films is very thin. Unlike last year when Tunde Kelani's Arugba and some others, as well as Funke Akindele stood to be counted, only Omo Iya Kan made it to the final. But Hussein's explanation on the disqualified films largely account for this. Some of the Yoruba films submitted are punctuated with adverts as their promoters failed to send editor's copies.
But as was the case last year, the nominations indicate that Nigerian films that have so far survived the pruning have a keen battle ahead of them as products from Ghana, South Africa and other countries are waiting to be counted.
While Akintola is in the race for her performance in Freedom in Chains, Okereke's appearance is based on her role in Nnenda.
Both are, however, in battle with their continental colleagues - Flora Suya, Akofa Asiedu, Jackie Apia, Lydia Farson - also nominated on the strength of their performances in Season of Life, I Sing of a Well and The Perfect Picture.
This was part of the report given by AMAA's College of Screeners on Saturday night, when the nomination party was held in Accra, Ghana. Amidst musical and comic performances, the College's Chairman, Mr. Shuaibu Hussein, gave details of how it arrived at a short list of 30 films from the 500 entries it received. While many were disqualified for flouting AMAA rules, he said, 208 were treated by the screeners, with 65 making it to the third level of screening.
“Eventually, 30 films were handed over to AMAA's jury,” he said at the occasion held at Menvic Hotel, where many stakeholders were present.
For the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, the nomination projects films dominant in other categories. Here, Ramseh Noah, hero of Kunle Afolayan's The Figurine, is nominated alongside Lucky Ejim, his counterpart in Jude Idada/Ejim's The Tenant shot between Canada and Nigeria. They are in the race with Majid Michael (Sin of the Soul), Odera Ozoka (Soul Dispora) and John Agyeman (I Sing of a Well). Further nominations show that the films here are a force to reckon with.
For instance, while Afolayan is on the list for the Best Director category, alongside Shemu Joya (Seasons of a Life); Shirley Frimpong-Manso (The Perfect Picture); Leila Djansi (I Sing of a Well); and Jude Idada and Ejim (The Tenant), The Figurine is also nominated for the Best Cinematography and Best Picture categories.
Other Nigerian films that gave a good account of themselves are Nnenda, AMBO's The Child nominated in The Best Costume and Most Promising Actor; and OmoIya Kan, nominated in the Best Film in Indigenous Language.
The impact of Yoruba films is very thin. Unlike last year when Tunde Kelani's Arugba and some others, as well as Funke Akindele stood to be counted, only Omo Iya Kan made it to the final. But Hussein's explanation on the disqualified films largely account for this. Some of the Yoruba films submitted are punctuated with adverts as their promoters failed to send editor's copies.
But as was the case last year, the nominations indicate that Nigerian films that have so far survived the pruning have a keen battle ahead of them as products from Ghana, South Africa and other countries are waiting to be counted.
I'm In Love With Genevieve Nnaji - D'banj
In what must be the biggest piece of news to hit the entertainment scene this year, it has been revealed that two of Nigeria's biggest stars in the music and film industry D'Banj and Genevieve Nnaji are reportedly in a sizzling hot romance! Our sources reveal that the two have been meeting on the down low for sometime now but unfortunately some eagle-eyed journalists got wind of it and tried to black mail them in a bid to make some quick money. It was then that D'banj decided that rather than being blackmailed he would come out with the news. He recently granted an interview to a soft selling magazine. Excerpts…
So you are in a relationship with her and you used her for the shooting of the video of ''fall in love''.you must have been looking at her whilst you were singing.were you really telling her your feelings?were you just singing or talking to her?
I am in love with Genevieve, its been long I felt this way about anyone. I dont know what other words to use to qualify my feelings but when you see the video,you will know that its not just a video,it was me talking to my girl for real.
D'banj you have been reportedly spotted with a lot of ladies,you have supposedly dated high profile celebrities,they say you are into sexual orgies,you like to have sex before you go on staget to perform and after .Why have you chosen to step out with Genevieve Nnaji officially as a couple?
None of them have has been true,like you said ''rumoured'' but it is Genevieve and this is the first time because this is the truth.
So what is this?A marriage headed relationship?
Oh well,like I just told you now, Genevieve is my girlfriend, infact I dont like using that word, shes my baby, she's my everything and I love her. We are both very mature people and we are also very private people. There's a big difference between our public lives and our private lives. We would like to take it one step at a time right now and would appreciate it if people will respect our need for privacy at this time.
Need for privacy? D'banj when the news of this relationship hits the streets, I am sure you both know what will happen next.there will be talk everywhere, stories about whom you both have been with, the press will do a re-run on you both in every way they can.my question is, are you both ready for this?
.(breathes deeply)well,what can I say? Like I said Genevieve is the biggest african star that i know and i am also in the public eyes so it is to be expected but i personally do not care about any news that wants to come out,like i am telling you,i have been rumoured to have dated people i have never even met before .
For once,i am very proud of whom i am with,when i met genevieve i knew what i wanted and i went after what i wanted and i am still with what i want,and shes the one i want, they can say anything they like.people know me as an entertainer and i will do what i do on stage and off stage i live a private life,people think they know me, they say all sorts but no one really knows anything about who i am and i like it that way.
Right now, the only woman in my life is Genevieve and she knows that.we dont know about tomorow so we are taking one day at a time,right now we want to be together and we dont want to hide it anymore.i want to be able to take her out,walk into anywhere with her and not have to hide,we are both single so we are not committing any crime.
Hmm…what say we? Certainly sounds like a man in love doesn't he? So what do you think? A match made in entertainment heaven or a publicity stunt? As they say, 'morning will show the day'…lets wait and see. Meanwhile congrats to the two love birds!
So you are in a relationship with her and you used her for the shooting of the video of ''fall in love''.you must have been looking at her whilst you were singing.were you really telling her your feelings?were you just singing or talking to her?
I am in love with Genevieve, its been long I felt this way about anyone. I dont know what other words to use to qualify my feelings but when you see the video,you will know that its not just a video,it was me talking to my girl for real.
D'banj you have been reportedly spotted with a lot of ladies,you have supposedly dated high profile celebrities,they say you are into sexual orgies,you like to have sex before you go on staget to perform and after .Why have you chosen to step out with Genevieve Nnaji officially as a couple?
None of them have has been true,like you said ''rumoured'' but it is Genevieve and this is the first time because this is the truth.
So what is this?A marriage headed relationship?
Oh well,like I just told you now, Genevieve is my girlfriend, infact I dont like using that word, shes my baby, she's my everything and I love her. We are both very mature people and we are also very private people. There's a big difference between our public lives and our private lives. We would like to take it one step at a time right now and would appreciate it if people will respect our need for privacy at this time.
Need for privacy? D'banj when the news of this relationship hits the streets, I am sure you both know what will happen next.there will be talk everywhere, stories about whom you both have been with, the press will do a re-run on you both in every way they can.my question is, are you both ready for this?
.(breathes deeply)well,what can I say? Like I said Genevieve is the biggest african star that i know and i am also in the public eyes so it is to be expected but i personally do not care about any news that wants to come out,like i am telling you,i have been rumoured to have dated people i have never even met before .
For once,i am very proud of whom i am with,when i met genevieve i knew what i wanted and i went after what i wanted and i am still with what i want,and shes the one i want, they can say anything they like.people know me as an entertainer and i will do what i do on stage and off stage i live a private life,people think they know me, they say all sorts but no one really knows anything about who i am and i like it that way.
Right now, the only woman in my life is Genevieve and she knows that.we dont know about tomorow so we are taking one day at a time,right now we want to be together and we dont want to hide it anymore.i want to be able to take her out,walk into anywhere with her and not have to hide,we are both single so we are not committing any crime.
Hmm…what say we? Certainly sounds like a man in love doesn't he? So what do you think? A match made in entertainment heaven or a publicity stunt? As they say, 'morning will show the day'…lets wait and see. Meanwhile congrats to the two love birds!
Ibori Faces New Investigation
The immediate past governor of Delta State, James Ibori, who was recently acquitted of a 170-count corruption charges brought against him by Nigeria's anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is not home free, as the agency has launched a fresh round of investigations on the activities of the former governor.
In addition to the fact that the EFCC has, since December 2009, filed a notice of appeal against the December 17, 2009 judgement which absolved Mr. Ibori of all wrong doing, the commission has begun this new round of investigations on the former governor following a petition by members of the Delta State Elders, Leaders and Stakeholders Forum, which was made available to the public last week.
Last week, the chairman of the EFCC, Farida Waziri, held a meeting with the acting president, Goodluck Jonathan, during which Mr. Jonathan re-emphasised the determination of the federal government to wage a vibrant anti-corruption campaign.
The latest petition against Mr. Ibori, signed by 10 leading citizens of Delta State headed by a former minister of information, Edwin Clark, includes a demand for a probe of the former governor over alleged illegal disposal of 528 million shares belonging to Delta State, in Oceanic Bank. The shares were said to have been disposed of in 2007 by government officials.
In the petition, which was also published in some national dailies, the group asked the anti- corruption agency to hold Mr. Ibori liable for the disposal of the shares. Mr. Ibori was alleged to have unlawfully used the 528.01 million units as “a collateral for a loan from Intercontinental Bank for his private company, Ascot Offshore Nigeria Ltd.”
Officials of the EFCC, who declined to be named, confirmed over the weekend that the agency has launched fresh investigations into several allegations against Mr. Ibori made by Mr. Clark, a delta chief and head of the Elders Committee of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“The EFCC has initiated investigations into some other allegations, including the ones made by Clark and co,” an operative of the agency told NEXT over the weekend.
However, the spokesman of the EFCC, Femi Babafemi, declined to speak on ongoing investigations against the former governor. “We are looking into the petition,” he said.
Mr. Babafemi however confirmed that the commission was eager to go on with the earlier case, but that the appeal court was yet to fix a date for hearing on the matter.
“After the December 17th judgement, the EFCC on December 23rd filled a notice of appeal at the appeal court in Benin. We are just waiting for the appeal court to fix a date for the hearing,” Mr. Babafemi said.
The EFCC had slammed a 170-count charge of corruption on Mr. Ibori in 2007. After two years, a trial judge, Marcel Awokulehin, ruled the case in favour of the former governor in a Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State.
Mr. Ibori, however, still faces money laundering charges brought against him and some of his associates by the Metropolitan Police in London. The case is being heard at the Southwark County Court, London.
In addition to the fact that the EFCC has, since December 2009, filed a notice of appeal against the December 17, 2009 judgement which absolved Mr. Ibori of all wrong doing, the commission has begun this new round of investigations on the former governor following a petition by members of the Delta State Elders, Leaders and Stakeholders Forum, which was made available to the public last week.
Last week, the chairman of the EFCC, Farida Waziri, held a meeting with the acting president, Goodluck Jonathan, during which Mr. Jonathan re-emphasised the determination of the federal government to wage a vibrant anti-corruption campaign.
The latest petition against Mr. Ibori, signed by 10 leading citizens of Delta State headed by a former minister of information, Edwin Clark, includes a demand for a probe of the former governor over alleged illegal disposal of 528 million shares belonging to Delta State, in Oceanic Bank. The shares were said to have been disposed of in 2007 by government officials.
In the petition, which was also published in some national dailies, the group asked the anti- corruption agency to hold Mr. Ibori liable for the disposal of the shares. Mr. Ibori was alleged to have unlawfully used the 528.01 million units as “a collateral for a loan from Intercontinental Bank for his private company, Ascot Offshore Nigeria Ltd.”
Officials of the EFCC, who declined to be named, confirmed over the weekend that the agency has launched fresh investigations into several allegations against Mr. Ibori made by Mr. Clark, a delta chief and head of the Elders Committee of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“The EFCC has initiated investigations into some other allegations, including the ones made by Clark and co,” an operative of the agency told NEXT over the weekend.
However, the spokesman of the EFCC, Femi Babafemi, declined to speak on ongoing investigations against the former governor. “We are looking into the petition,” he said.
Mr. Babafemi however confirmed that the commission was eager to go on with the earlier case, but that the appeal court was yet to fix a date for hearing on the matter.
“After the December 17th judgement, the EFCC on December 23rd filled a notice of appeal at the appeal court in Benin. We are just waiting for the appeal court to fix a date for the hearing,” Mr. Babafemi said.
The EFCC had slammed a 170-count charge of corruption on Mr. Ibori in 2007. After two years, a trial judge, Marcel Awokulehin, ruled the case in favour of the former governor in a Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State.
Mr. Ibori, however, still faces money laundering charges brought against him and some of his associates by the Metropolitan Police in London. The case is being heard at the Southwark County Court, London.
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