THELEMA: May 2018

May 31, 2018

NIGERIAN SURGEONS SEPARATE 4-MONTH OLD CONJOINED TWINS

A team of Nigerian surgeons have successfully separated four-month-old twins conjoined at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Yola, Adamawa state.

According to Auwal Abubakar, Chief Medical Director of the hospital, speaking at a news conference in Yola, the operation which took four hours to perform, was conducted on May 14.

“We had a successful operation of conjoined female twins (omphilopagus). The development was recorded following a team work from different medical units,” he said.

Abubakar added that the twins have an “excellent” chance of survival.

He also called for more efforts to reduce the rate of medical tourism in the country, adding that Nigerian doctors are capable of competing with their counterparts in developed countries if given the necessary support.

“We must do well and reduce the number of people about to ask seeking medical treatment,” he said.

This feat brings to two the number of successful cases of such surgery carried out in the hospital.

Angry Nigerian man calls out Wizkid after he failed to fulfill his promise to 10-year-old Ahmed

- A Nigerian man has taken to social media to call out music star, Wizkid on a failed promise

- According to the displeased man, the singer failed on his promise to sign a 10-year-old boy named Ahmed

- This is coming after Wizkid during his concert in December 2017, promised the young boy N10m and a record deal

Recall a while back, Nigerian music star, starboy Wizkid, surprised many when he revealed he was going to sign a previously unknown fan that thrilled guests at his homecoming concert that took place in December 2017.

He also promised to take care of the 10-year-old boy who was later identified Ahmed while also stating that he will give him a whooping sum of N10m. Well, not so much has been heard about the promises or the young boy.

A clearly displeased Nigerian man took to social media to call out the singer on what he claims is his failure towards helping young Ahmed. He also rained insults on the father of 3 and told him never to compare himself with the likes of Davido since he has helped no one.

He also urged other musicians that have made it in the industry to extend a helping hand and sign talented artistes. See video below:

Although the starboy released a photo of the himself with the young boy, that seems to be the last time anyone heard of the supposed signee. It turns out Ahmed isn't the only one Wizkid has promised to help.

A while back, he promised to help a young vulcanizer named Basit through all stages of his education. Basit had shared a video of himself singing along to Wizzy’s unreleased song Gucci Snake.

Although no one has called him out on yet another failed promised concerning Basit, not so much has been heard about the fulfillment of that promise either.

Petition to ‘punish Sergio Ramos for intentionally hurting’ Salah passes 200,000 signatures

- A fan of Mohamed Salah, Mohamed Salah Abdel-Hakeem, has started a campaign on change.org

- The petition is urging UEFA and FIFA to punish Sergio Ramos for his tackle on Salah

- The petition has so far been signed by 200k + users

A petition by user 'Mohamed Salah Abdel-Hakeem' on change.org for UEFA and FIFA to ‘punish Sergio Ramos for intentionally hurting Mohamed Salah' has passed 200,000 signatures. The Real Madrid captain, Ramos, was the subject of much vitriol during Saturday’s May 26, Champions League final as a tangle between him and Salah led to the Liverpool ace being forced off with injury after just half an hour.

Ramos, 32, trapped Salah’s arm while the pair chased for the ball, and as the pair fell Salah’s arm remained pinned to Ramos’ body; Salah is reported to have dislocated his shoulder, and could even miss the World Cup.

As it stands, it has not been proven Ramos caused the injury on purpose - even if he has a history of bending the rules of the game - but some fans want to see the defender punished. The description for FIFA and UEFA to punish Ramos as started by Abdel-Hakeem' on change.org reads:

"Sergio Ramos intentionally kept Mohamed Salah's arm under his armpit, causing dislocation of his shoulder. Not only missing the rest of the game, but also missing the FIFA World Cup 2018. "In addition he kept acting that Liverpool players fouled him falsely, causing the referee to give Manne [sic] a yellow card he did not deserve.

"Sergio Ramos represents an awful example to future generations of football players. Instead of winning matches fairly, he uses tricks that defy the spirit of the game and fair play. "UEFA and FIFA should take measures against Ramos and similar players, using the video recordings of matches to keep the spirit of the game."

Incredibly, given the petition was only started on Saturday night, by midday on Sunday over 200,000 people had signed it! The petition probably will not ever amount to anything, but it is further proof at just how much Salah is adored across the world.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has sent an emotional and positive message to his fans following his sad and agony filled shoulder injury suffered in his side Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.

The Egyptian was on the receiving end of a horrible arm tussle with Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos that led to the former Roma attacker dislocating his shoulder which eventually led to his substitution in the 31st minutes.

Breaking: Zinedine Zidane quits as Real Madrid head coach

- Zinedine Zidane has announced he will be leaving his position as the head coach of Real Madrid this summer

- The Frenchman led Los Blancos to their third consecutive Champions League victory in Kiev last weekend after beating Liverpool in the final

- He is the first manager in modern day football to win three straight UCL titles

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has announced his resignation from the head coach of Los Blancos. The Frenchman led the Galacticos to their third straight Champions League triumph after beating Liverpool 3-1 in Kiev on Saturday, May 26.

He joined the Santiago Bernabeu outfit in the winter of 2016 after taking over from Rafael Benitez after working with the club's Castilla side. Zidane led the Galacticos to claim the 2016 UCL title after beating their city rivals Atletico Madrid in his first season at the club.

They repeated the feat in his second year following his 4-1 victory over Juventus last year and then beat Liverpool on Saturday to make his third triumph in Europa. The Frenchman has a running contract with his present club until the summer of 2020, but decided to walk away after the 3-1 victory in Kiev last weekend.

Los Blancos were runners up on the SPanish League table in his first year, but stepped up in his second season by winning the La Liga and the Champions League title. Having won three straight UCL titles, Zadane became the first manager in modern day football to achieve such mighty feat.

Madrid finished third behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid on the Spanish League table, compared to their usual high standards, as Barcelona ran away with the title.

Zidane’s men were defeated 3-0 in the first leg of their El Clasico clash at the Bernabeu in December, but managed to avoid defeat in the second leg later in the season as they played 2-2 draw at Camp Nou. However,

Madrid made the Champions League their priority as they dumped PSG, Juentus and Bayern Munich out of the championship on the way to Kiev. Madrid met Jurgen Klopp's swashbuckling Liverpool in the final in Kiev, and were more than a match for this campaign's surprise package.

Karim Benzema opened the scoring for Los Blancos, following a Loris Karius mistake, before Sadio Mane equalised for the Reds. Gareth Bale restored Real's lead with a stunning bicycle kick, before the Welshman put the icing on the cake with a speculative long-range effort that Karius palmed into his own net.

Zinedine Zidane says he wants Isco at Real Madrid for a long time after the Spaniard was linked with a move away from the club.

The 25-year-old, who was instrumental to the Galacticos’ successful Champions League title defence last season, has struggled for playing time this season – with just five goals to his credit in all appearances this term.

And the manager is hoping that the distracting reports can fade off once he has declared the importance of the midfielder to his team.

Isco played no part in Madrid’s 3-0 massacre in the first leg of the El Classico last December, while he started from the bench in last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Levante in their last league fixture.

INT’L FRIENDLY: WEMBLEY AGOG, AS NIGERIA BATTLE ENGLAND

Nigeria and England go toe-to-toe in what promises to be a thrilling Russia 2018 preparatory game for both teams at the Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday.

England hosted and won the FIFA World Cup in 1966, but have only gone as far as the semi finals since then, when Bobby Robson steered a squad including Gary Lineker and Paul Gascoigne to the last four in Italy 28 years ago.

Just like the Three Lions, the Eagles are dreaming of big things to come in Russia, despite both teams being ‘blessed’ differently with intricate opposition in the group stage.

Nigeria must negotiate the obstacles offered by two-time world champions and reigning world vice champions Argentina, hard-as-nails eastern Europeans Croatia and an Iceland squad that stunned England and world football in the Round of 16 at the 2016 European Championship in France. England must sort matters out with strong African opponents Senegal, Japan and Panama.

They have never won the FIFA World Cup, have never even managed to proceed beyond the Round of 16 at the quadrennial tournament, but the Three Lions must beware of a supremely motivated Nigerian squad aiming for the heights in Russia.

A proactive, diligent and equally ambitious NFF leadership signed a landmark agreement with the team on FIFA World Cup funds as far back as November last year, and the process is on to credit the account of the players with what is due to them, more than two weeks before their first match against Croatia in Kaliningrad.

“The most important thing about the World Cup is not the money. But I must admit that the fact that the money is there and we know is there gives us extra energy, extra motivation in the preparations,” forward Kelechi Iheanacho said.

Defensive stalwart Kenneth Omeruo, midfielders Ogenyi Onazi, Oghenekaro Etebo and Wilfred Ndidi and forward Odion Ighalo also admitted this.

On Tuesday night, at a brief event at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, Senate President Bukola Saraki spurred the team on with a cash gift of $50,000, and with a pledge of ‘special package’ for every unreplied goal at the World Cup finals in Russia

On Wednesday morning, the contingent met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Federal Council Chambers, and his words that they should go and fight with their spirit as the whole nation is behind them, are still ringing in the players’ ears.

After bidding President Buhari farewell, the delegation was flown to London aboard a luxury jet, and will train for the big match at the Wembley on Friday, between 5pm-6pm.

Skipper Mikel John Obi said: “We are in England, a terrain most of us know too well. I was here and won several trophies with Chelsea, including the Champions League. It will be an interesting encounter on Saturday.”

In truth, a high percentage of the travelling Nigeria party are familiar with the United Kingdom. Wingback Victor Moses recently won the FA Cup with Chelsea FC, the west London club where Mikel Obi achieved great things; Wilfred Ndidi is reverred at another side Leicester City where he won the Young Player of the Year for the second successive season; Iheanacho is also at Leicester City; Alex Iwobi is with north Londoners Arsenal FC; Olaloluwa Aina is with Hull City; Ahmed Musa only recently left Leicester City; Odion Ighalo was a star at Watford FC before leaving for China last year and; Kenneth Omeruo is officially with Chelsea even though he has been on loan in Turkey.

Iheanacho said simply: “England’s players know us and we know them. It will be a good match.”

Meanwhile, the Football Association on Thursday named Italian official Marco Guida as referee for Saturday’s prestige friendly between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and England’s Three Lions at Wembley Stadium, London.

Guida will be assisted by compatriots Riccardo Di Fiore and Alessandro Giallatini (Assistant Referees) and Davide Massa (Fourth Official), as well as Michael Fabbri (Video Assistant Referee) and Giulio Dobosz (Assistant Video Assistant Referee).

The match, which is the penultimate pre-World Cup friendly for both teams before their first matches in Russia, will start at 5.15pm UK time.

Laurent Blanc overtakes Sarri in the race to land Chelsea managerial job

- The Blues are said to be making a u-turn on their interest in signing Maurizio Sarri

- Laurent Blanc is not the new man target as the coach to take over the Stamford Bridge job

- The London club are turning their back on the former Napoli boss over his character against Mancini in a cup game in Italy last term

Chelsea FC are reportedly planning to sign former Paris Saint Germain manager Laurent Blanc ahead of Maurizio Sarri as Antonio Conte’s replacement. The former Napoli boss was leading the race to land the Blues job as soon as the head coach job is vacant, but new development at the Stamford Bridge reveals the former Napoli boss may not be the favourites any longer owing to the his controversial past.

According to the Sun, the 59-year-old clashed against the new Italy manager Roberto Mancini while he was at Inter during a Coppa Italia tie last season.

And the former Manchester City boss furiously said afterwards: "The confrontation on the touchline? You have to ask Sarri about that. "He is a racist. People like him do not belong in football. He used racist words.

I stood up to ask about the five minutes being added on and Sarri used derogatory words on me. "I would be proud to be that if he is what’s considered a man."

Sarri denied he was homophobic. He said: "I was just irritable … I was not discriminating against anyone. If I did indeed use those words, then I apologise to the gay community."

After investigations were carried out, Mancini was then fined €20,000 and banned for two Coppa Italia matches by Serie A for 'directing extremely insulting epithets at the coach of the opposing team'.

However, Chelsea are known to have zero tolerance for racism, sexism and homophobia a major club commitment in recent seasons.

And that has seen their interest in the Italian born tactician has gone down and has given Blanc the chance to rise up the list. Antonio Conte’s departure this summer is not certain after winning a Premier League and FA Cup titles in his first two seasons.

Blanc has experience of English football during his two seasons at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson between 2001 and 2003. And the 52-year-old would be immediately available as soon as Conte did leave. But the shock departure of Zinedine Zidane from Real Madrid could alter the dynamic and bring a fresh twist to the situation.

It is unclear what Zidane’s future intentions are but if he is available Chelsea would be expected to make at least an informal approach for his services.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has reportedly agreed deal with Italian professional football coach Maurizio Sarri for him to replace embattled gaffer Antonio Conte.

After spending three years at Italian club Napoli, the 59-year-old is currently a free agent and he is said to have had seven hours meeting with Blues' owner on Thursday, May 24. According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, the Chelsea owner will meet with Conte on Friday, May 25 to end his time at Stamford Bridge.

WHY I KILLED MY WIFE, DUMPED HER INSIDE DUST BIN – LADIPO TRADER

The fact has emerged on why the Ladipo trader, Mr. Tochukwu Chukwu killed his wife, Joy, in a cold blood by stabbing her to death as police investigation revealed.

The police investigation revealed that Mr. Chukwu actually planned and murdered his late wife due to suspicion and jealousy. This was confirmed by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Imohimi Edgal during interaction with the media.

The police boss said that the suspect, Mr. Chukwu actually killed the late Joy in cold blood at his residence in Oshodi, Lagos. He said that he murdered the victim by stabbing her from the back. And when he realised that he had killed her, he tied her two legs, squeezed her into a refuse disposal bucket in order to dump her inside the available refuse dump site before the vigilant security man on duty accosted him and discovered that it was human body that was inside the bin.

Edgal said that during interrogations, it was discovered that the couple had marital issues bordering on infidelity. He said that the suspect was having insecurity issues which made him overtly jealous and pushed him to kill the wife. He said that the suspect went ahead and tied the wife’s two legs with a tape before putting her in a big refuse bucket which confirmed his intent to conceal the crime. The CP said that the suspect will be charged to court soon over the murder.

Meanwhile, traders at Ladipo Market had burgled Mr. Chukwu’s shop and carted away some goods, believing that he will not come out of the case alive. It took the intervention of the market union leader, Mr. Jude Nwankwo who set up measures to prevent further looting of the shop and placed it under close supervision.

The revelation by CP Edgal has finally dispelled the rumour that Mr. Chukwu had wanted to use the victim for ritual purposes which had been reported in the media.

ARTIFICIAL EYELASHES CAN DAMAGE YOUR SIGHT, PHYSICIAN WARNS

A medical practitioner, Dr. Ayopo Adeyemi, on Sunday warned women against the use of artificial eyelashes, commonly used to enhance beauty, in view of its grievous consequences.

Adeyemi told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that the health implications of fixing false eyelashes included corneal abrasions or ulcers, damage of the natural eyelashes, and eye sensitivity, among others.

She said that fixing of artificial eyelashes had become an increasingly popular trend in the fashion world, as most ladies, regardless of the health implications, seek perfection and glamour.

According to her, natural eyelashes have their natural way of preventing dirt, sweat, bacteria and other foreign materials from entering into the eyes by trapping and keeping out anything that comes near.

Adeyemi, a practitioner at Mushin General Hospital, Lagos, said false eyelashes would accommodate the dirt, thereby causing different forms of allergy and infections.

“The use of harmful chemicals on the eyelashes can cause them to fall out quicker than they naturally would and it is also dangerous when tools to be used come in close proximity to the eye.

“Artificial eyelashes can cause trauma to the eye either through the glue and other materials used or unprofessional operators. There could be introduction of microbes into the eyes, causing conjunctivitis of all types.

“The lashes themselves can cause allergic conjunctivitis trapping and retaining dirt around the eye,” she said.

Adeyemi advised ladies to minimise the rate at which they fix false eyelashes if they must retain healthy natural ones.

May 30, 2018

Russia 2018: We aren’t the best nor the favourites – Messi

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has urged his compatriots to be realistic in their World Cup expectations, warning that other teams heading to Russia are better.

In an interview with Argentine Canal 13, Messi also discussed why he did not take the chance to play for Spain and said that Barcelona will be his only European club.

“People need to know that we are not going to Russia as favourites but we have a group of very good players and we are ready to scrap,” Messi said.

Asked if Argentina could win the World Cup, Messi swerved between hope and realism.

“I believe so, I have faith in this team,” he said.

“We have players with talent and experience. We cannot send the message that we are the best, because that’s not true.”

“Quite a few squads are better,” he said singling out Brazil, Spain and Germany.

Messi has won multiple Champions League and Club World Cup titles with Barca.

But he “would swap any one of those titles with Barcelona” for a World Cup win.

Messi moved to Barcelona at the age of 13 and would have been eligible to play for Spain.

“The other day I was talking to a friend and he said to me: ‘Look, if you had stayed with Spain, you would be world champion’,” Messi said.

“But it wouldn’t have been the same. Obviously, it never crossed my mind at any time.”

Messi repeated that he dreams not only of playing for Argentina but in Argentina, preferably for his boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys.

“I am more and more clear that, in Europe, Barcelona is going to be my only home,” he said. “I’ve always said that I want to play someday in Argentina.”

“It would be Newell’s, no one else. I’d like to do that for at least six months, but you never know what is going to happen.”

In Russia, Argentina will face Iceland, Nigeria and Croatia in what he called “a complicated group”.

Iceland, he said, “compete with anybody” pointing to their surprising run at Euro 2016.

Nigeria, Messi said, are “always tough for us”. He missed the friendly in Krasnodar in November that Nigeria won 4-2. The countries have met four times in the World Cup and Argentina have won by one goal every time.

Messi compared Croatia to Spain “for controlling the ball, the quality of their midfield players”.

“We have to think we will finish first in this group, but it won’t be easy.”

Argentina play Haiti on Tuesday in Buenos Aires and Israel on June 9 in Jerusalem in their two warm up games.

Bale unhappy with Ronaldo's Real Madrid exit rumours

- Gareth Bale furious with Cristiano Ronaldo over Man United rumours

- The Welsh international scored a brace in the Champions League final

- The pair's goals were awarded the best at the just concluded tournament

Real Madrid attacker Gareth Bale is angry with Cristiano Ronaldo over his Manchester United transfer hints, Daily Star, quoting reports. Both Madrid players have given a hint about their departure following Los Blacons 3-1 win over Liverpool in the Champions League final.

After securing their third title in a row the pair spoke about leaving the European champions in the summer window.

The Wales international came off the bench to score a brace while the Portugal captain was muted for much of the match. In their post-match interviews the duo both made comments hinting at a potential Bernabeu departure. Bale said: "Obviously I need to play and that hasn’t happened this season for one reason or another.

"I was injured for five or six games and I’ve been fit ever since. “I’ll have to sit down in the summer, discuss it with my agent and take it from there." And Ronaldo also made similar comments but in a more subtle manner. He said: “In the next few days I will give an answer to the fans that have always been on my side.

"It was very nice to be at Real Madrid, in the coming days I will talk about it more." And according Spanish media outlet Diario Gol, the former Manchester United superstar has made Bale furious for playing transfer games.

The former Tottenham ace has made a legitimate demand to the Real board, he feels Ronaldo has taken the limelight.

Ronaldo could stay in La Liga and his comments were directed at securing a new contract with the Bernabeu outfit.

Old Trafford have been the most likely destination for both superstars, and Bale believes Ronaldo is messing the Red Devils around at his expense. Ronaldo and Bale's over-head kicks against Juventus and Liverpool respectively, won the best goal in the Champions League.

The Portuguese acrobatic kick at the Allianz Arena was in first position while Bale's spectacular in the final against the Reds came second.

May 25, 2018

Cristiano Ronaldo set launch a new boot for this year's Champions League final

- Cristiano Ronaldo set to launch a new boot for the UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool

- He is gunning for his fifth career UCL title

- Meanwhile, Real Madrid are gunning for their 13th straight title

Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed the boot he will use for this weekend’s UEFA Champions League final in Kiev on Saturday, May 26.

The 33-year-old has netted 15 goals in the competition so far this season and he will be hoping to increase the tally against the Reds this weekend. His tally for the season is 43 in all competitions this season – one behind Mohamed Salah’s total of 44 goals in the 2017-18 season.

However, he will lead the Galacticos’ attack for their most important game of this season, as they stand a chance of winning their first title of the recently concluded league season. Real Madrid reached this year’s final after beating Bayern Munich 4-3 on aggregate in the semifinal stage of the competition.

The Spanish League giants are the defending champions and they will be gunning for their 13th title in Europe, while their opponent’s in tomorrow’s game are chasing their sixth.

They finished third on the Spanish League table behind champions Barcelona and second place Atletico Madrid. NAIJ.com earlier reported that Cristiano Ronaldo claimed he is a different player from Mohamed Salah.

The former Manchester United forward also insisted that he is taller and uses his head to score some times as compared to a shorter Salah.

MUSIC STAR 2FACE IDIBIA BEGS NCC TO INTERVENE COSON CRISIS

Innocent Idibia, better known as 2Baba, has called on the Nigeria Copyright Commission to urgently intervene in the lingering crisis rocking the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON).

He made the plea in a letter addressed to the Director General of the Nigeria Copyright Commission, Afam Ezekunde, on Monday.

The music star also copied President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki and the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.

2Baba employed the authorities to take necessary actions to halt the now embarrassing public crisis that has rocked the Copyright Society of Nigeria for years.

In his letter, the music star referenced the recent arrest of the contending president of the commission, Efe Omorogbe, which was allegedly masterminded by the embattled chairman, Tony Okoroji.

Omorogbe, 47, is well known in the music industry for managing 2Baba for more than a decade.

He condemned the drama referring to it as disheartening.

It is quite unfortunate and disheartening that a simple call for accountability and transparency has degenerated into relentless media attack, harassment and intimidation of the group of people who made the call.”

He explained that some members of the COSON’s board who are seeking accountability and transparency are allegedly being harassed and intimidated by the police.

“The personal interest of a few should not supersede the collective interest of generality of members and overall well-being of the society.

“I will like to implore you to use your good office to engage the Inspector General of Police with a view to setting the records straight and reversing the embarrassing and dangerous scenario where Mr Omorogbe and Mr Joel Ajayi, chairman and members of the commission-recognised board acting well under the directive of the regulator, are now being harassed, intimidated, demonised and prosecuted by a sister government agency – The Nigerian Police Force,” 2Baba’s petition read in part.

“Our CMO is under siege and our commonwealth is threatened by Chief Tony Okoroji and his agents who, for personal ends, continue to demonstrate deep contempt for regulation and the call for accountability,” he wrote in the petition.

The musician also said Nigeria is a nation of laws and the music industry stakeholders and regular citizens have only the government to turn to for protection at perilous times.

Some members of the commission’s board in December 2017 installed Omorogbe as the new chairman, having legally recalled Okoroji from his position as chairman of COSON.

The former was replaced over allegations of impropriety.

It was alleged that Okoroji collects 10 per cent commission on licensing income deemed to have been brought in by him and primarily, because he contracts COSON projects and events to his company, TOPS Limited.

Despite Omorogbe’s election, Okoroji was reinstated as the chairman at an extraordinary general meeting of COSON, held on December 19.

A faction of the board loyal to Okoroji reinstated him and sacked those who voted for Omorogbe.

The crisis got messier last week as police from Zone II Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, arraigned Omorogbe before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos for alleged impersonation and forgery.

According to the prosecuting officer, Sergeant Friday Mameh, the defendants (Omorogbe and others) had stormed the meeting of venue of the COSON chairman, with thugs on December 7, 2017 and conducted themselves (in a manner) likely to cause breach of peace.

Mameh alleged that Omorogbe and others forged the COSON letter-headed papers, “with intent to defraud, knowingly use the forged COSON letter headed with intent that it may in anyway be used or acted upon as genuine whether in Nigeria or elsewhere to the prejudice of COSON.”

Omorogbe and Ajayi pleaded not guilty.

Their counsel, S. Ehiwelele and Chibuzor Nwankobi, prayed the court to admit them to bail on liberal terms.

My wife’s relatives’ll kill me if Eagles miss W’Cup – Mikel

Mikel Obi

Festus Abu

Mikel Obi has vowed to do everything to ensure the Super Eagles qualify for next year’s World Cup in Russia.

Nigeria, who currently sit atop Group B Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers on six points, are gearing up for their vital qualifying double-header against their eternal rivals Cameroon, who are second in the group on two points.

The Eagles host the Indomitable Lions in Uyo on August 31, with the African champions receiving the Nigerians in the reverse fixture in Yaounde on September 4.

And Nigeria captain Mikel, who has been struggling to regain fitness after undergoing surgery in London in April following an injury he sustained while playing for his Chinese Super League side Tianjin Teda, has warned his Eagles’ teammates to expect a tough test against the Lions over the two legs.

“As everyone knows, they are a very good team,” the former Chelsea midfielder, who represented Nigeria at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil in 2014, was quoted by FIFA.com as saying of Cameroon on Wednesday.

“They are strong and they play with confidence. We must get ourselves well prepared for this game and try our best to get on top against them. It won’t be easy but these are important matches. If we win both, we will be almost there.”

The 30-year-old admits he is under pressure to feature in the world football showpiece in the country where the mother of his twins comes from.

He said, “My wife is Russian, and many of our relatives and friends are from Russia. They are all expecting Nigeria to qualify for the next World Cup. I think they will kill me if I fail them.”

The 2012 UEFA Champions League winner laments the injury, which has sidelined him for months, promising to do everything within his power to be fit for the double-header.

“I had maintained good form until this injury,” the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner said.

“So it was a shame. But this is part of the game and now I am focusing on recovery and on coming back stronger. I will do whatever I can to get fit to play for Teda and my national team.

“This Nigeria team look up to me for advice. My teammates miss me and they need me. As the captain, I want to fulfil my role and help them with my experience.”

Mikel added, “I am glad with what I have done. But at the same time, I am not satisfied. I want to achieve more, so I must push harder.

“ The next World Cup in Russia will be a fresh chance for us but, first, we have to make it there. Then the next challenge will be to make sure we enjoy an even better tournament in Russia than we did in Brazil.”

Medical Records Officer Needed Federal University Lafia Nasarawa 14d ago

The Federal University Lafia , Nasarawa State, invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the under listed position below :

Departments

Human PhysiologyMedical Laboratory SciencePsychologyGeographyScience Laboratory TechnologyStatisticsGeologyComputer ScienceLibrary and Information ScienceBusiness EducationScience EducationSpecial EducationModern LanguagesPhilosophyIslamic StudiesChristian Religious StudiesNigerian LanguagesMass CommunicationMedical BiochemistryHuman AnatomyEpidemiology and Community Medicine

Requirements

The candidate must have a Ph.D degree in the relevant field from a recognized institution plus six (6) years post qualification teaching and research experience.

The candidate must also have a minimum of seven (7) publications in reputable journals with evidence of continuous research and ability to supervise graduate students.

A degree in Medicine, registration with Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria will be an added advantage.

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