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After a transfer triangle delivered both Arsenal and Chelsea the strikers they wanted, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang set his sights on becoming the new Thierry Henry, while Olivier Giroud drew a line under a “beautiful story” at the Gunners, crediting his new coach Antonio Conte with attracting the Frenchman to Stamford Bridge. Gabon striker Aubameyang completed his move to the Emirates Stadium from Borussia Dortmund yesterday morning for a club-record fee of €64million. It was later confirmed that Michy Batshuayi would head to Dortmund on a loan deal from Chelsea, with Giroud arriving at Stamford Bridge on an 18-month contract, reportedly for a fee of around £18m. He will wear Chelsea’s number 18 shirt. “Basically for me the most important thing has been talking with the coach Antonio Conte,” Giroud said. “I really feel like that he really wanted to work with me. Obviously, Chelsea is a massive club so it was a great opportunity for me to start a new adventure with Chelsea. I’m very p...

Fnishing in the top four would be a 'great success' for the Blues this season, according to their under-pressure manager Antonio Conte fears for Chelsea's top-four hopes following their 3-0 thrashing by Bournemouth but is adamant he is doing a "great job" at Stamford Bridge. The champions' title defence has not really gathered pace this season with Manchester City 18 points ahead of the fourth-placed Blues and looking certainties to take the trophy to the Etihad Stadium. Chelsea still have Champions League qualification to fight for but Wednesday's defeat to Bournemouth - courtesy of goals from Callum Wilson, Junior Stanislas and ex-Blues defender Nathan Ake - has made life more uncomfortable for Conte, although he remained bullish afterwards. He told reporters: "I think the pressure is normal. It's normal for a coach, for a manager. It's normal if you are Chelsea's coach. "After the first game this season [a home defeat to Burnl...

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s proposed political movement, Coalition for Nigeria, CN, has been launched in Abuja. The launch held at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja. Former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governors, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Donald Duke were in attendance. Obasanjo suggested the formation of the movement in his recent statement on President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration. Speaking at the event, Oyinlola said the group is not yet a political party. Oyinlola said for it to make electoral impact in the manner described by the former President, they would need to follow the constitution and register it as a political party. He said, “If and when we come to an agreement that we must metaphose into a political party, then we will. “We’re not a political party, at least, for now. “We recognise the facts that by the dictates of the Constitution, you can only contest on the platform of a political party.”

President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the Senate saying the police are working to arrest those responsible for the recent killings in the state. In a letter read by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday, Mr. Buhari said the federal government was initiating measures to address the killings and other security challenges, alleviate their consequences and forestall reoccurrence. The letter reads, “I thank you for your letter referenced NASS/8S/R/01/33 dated 18th January 2018 and carefully studied the resolutions and comments there in. As I briefed you and the RT. Hon speaker when we met, several courses of action have been taken prior to the senate resolution. “You may recall that I told you of the following steps taken as soon as the information came in to me about the Benue killings. “One, on Thursday 4th January, I sent the minister of interior and the deputy inspector-general of police in charge of operations for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation. Two, on ...

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has completed his club record move to Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund, it has been announced today. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has joined Arsenal for a record fee for the Gunners, a reported £56 million,from Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund, both clubs confirmed Wednesday. Aubameyang The 28-year-old Gabon striker, who has scored 141 goals for Dortmund since joining in 2013, signed a long-term contract with the storied London club. His transfer fee outstrips the £46.5 million that Arsenal paid for French striker Alexandre Lacazette last August. Aubameyang’s arrival is likely to lead to the departure of veteran marksman Olivier Giroud. “Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has joined us from Borussia Dortmund on a long-term contract for a club-record fee,” the statement from Arsenal said. The club described him as “one of the world’s most highly-rated strikers”. “He scored 98 goals in 144 Bundesliga games for Dortmund and had a hand in 172 goals in 213 matches in all com...

Tottenham really need to win this contest if they are to stand any chance of catching second-placed Manchester United and our Kickoff predictive algorithm gives them a 48% chance of doing so as they look to extend their 11-match unbeaten run in the top-flight at their temporary home. Last Season's Score The Red Devils’ most recent visit back in May was a truly special one for everyone connected with Spurs, as goals from Victor Wanyama and Harry Kane helped the North London outfit to secure a 2-1 success in their final fixture at White Hart Lane, with the chances of the same result this time around rated at a healthy 9%. Team News For Spurs Following this match, Tottenham face Liverpool, Arsenal and then Juventus, so Mauricio Pochettino will be pleased to see the likes of Toby Alderweireld and Harry Winks nearing a return to action. Team News For Man Utd Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic remain unavailable to Jose Mourinho, but new signing Alexis Sanchez will be keen to ma...

The Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 17 year old boy identified as Nuhu Bulus of Boloji ward, Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State who killed his 65-year-old father, Bulus Azi. According to police reports, the boy killed the father by hitting him with a mud pot, wood and Sickle. It was gathered that the suspect’s other siblings, Samaila Bulus and Musa Bulus‎ reported the incidence at Toro police station on January 17th, 2018. They reported that they left their brother with the father and returned to find their father with head injuries allegedly inflicted on him by their brother. The father was later rushed to Toro General Hospital where he was certified dead by a medical doctor and the suspect was later arrested. Speaking to journalists after their arraignment, Nuhu Bulus confessed that they had an argument with his father which later degenerated and he hit the father several times on the head with various objects. He also admitted that he committed the act under ...

President Donald Trump on Tuesday slammed countries that voted at the UN General Assembly against US recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Buhari’s administration was one of the nations that kicked against Trump’s decision. The US leader, in his first State of the Union Address, wondered why there was opposition against America’s sovereign right to make the recognition. In his speech, Trump noted that America had greatly improved under his leadership. “American taxpayers generously send those same countries billions of dollars in aid every year. “That is why, tonight, I am asking the Congress to pass legislation to help ensure American foreign-assistance dollars always serve American interests, and only go to America’s friends. “As we strengthen friendships around the world, we are also restoring clarity about our adversaries,” he said. Reeling out his accomplishments in office in the past one year, Trump said 2.4 million jobs were created in the last one y...

The possibility of Michy Batshuayi joining Borussia Dortmund has been doing the rounds and now latest reports from reputable outlet BBC claim that the deal is done. The move could start a cascading effect in the January transfer window with both, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Olivier Giroud both set to join new clubs. Respected journalist David Ornstein had summarised the situation in his tweet: With Batshuayi now set to play at Dortmund for the rest of the season, Aubameyang might finally be heading to the Premier League. Batshuayi has struggled for regular playing time at Chelsea Having made the move to Stamford Bridge last season, the Belgian forward has struggled to win over Antonio Conte and has often been left out of the starting XI. Even with Alvaro Morata not available in recent weeks, Conte used Batshuayi sparingly, often preferring Eden Hazard to play in a 'false 9' position. With Batshuayi now set to join Dortmund, the German side might be willing to let Au...

The Muslim rights concern group (MURIC) has blasted the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, for religionizing politics. Prof. Ishaq Akintola, Director of the group said CAN is mobilising Christians to vote against Muslim candidates in the forthcoming 2019 general elections. The statement read in full ; “The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has begun subterranean mobilization of Christians in the country in preparation for the 2019 general elections. In CAN’s most recent election-related stunt, particularly on social media, Christians were instructed to shun Muslim candidates (especially President Muhammadu Buhari) and to vote massively for Christian candidates instead. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) condemns CAN’s resort to acrobatic religiosity in the political arena. It is parochial, pernicious, myopic and unpatriotic. READ Appeal Court Dismisses Suit against Oba of Benin Politicisation of religion will not take us anywhere in this country. It is to the glory of our...

General Overseer of South Africa based church, Freedom For All Nations, Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse has revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari will die if he tries to contest for second term. Akinbodunse also stated that God has destined President Buhari to be a one term President, and if he tries to go for second term, he won’t see the election. In the 2015 general election, Samuel Akinbodunse predicted correctly that candidate Muhammadu Buhari will be the winner and it came to pass.

Arsene Wenger has reacted angrily to Arsenal’s 3-1 loss to Swansea City in the Premier League on Tuesday night. The Gunners took the lead just past the half-hour mark courtesy of Nacho Monreal but fell apart as Swansea scored three. Sam Clucas scored the equalizer within 2 minutes before Jordan Ayew gave them the lead in the second-half and Clucas added a third, four minutes from time. With the result the Gunners’ hopes of making the top four has been dented as they are now eight points adrift of Liverpool who won comfortably 3-0 at Huddersfield. Arsene Wenger questioned his players’ discipline and blasted them for making “big mistakes”. He told BBC Sport, “I felt defensively we were very poor and made big mistakes. “It’s better not to talk about the second or third goals. “Swansea were sharp, disciplined and hungry. Unfortunately I believe we were not good enough, I believe we were not disciplined enough. “I don’t want to talk about second or third goals.” The match was...

Liverpool went back to winning ways with a 3-0 victory over Huddersfield Town in the Premier League on Tuesday night. First-half goals from Emre Can and Roberto Firmino set Jürgen Klopp’s team on their way to a much-needed result at the John Smith’s Stadium, following back-to-back defeats last week. Mohamed Salah’s penalty 13 minutes from time banked three points at the expense of the Terriers on a productive evening for the Reds. #5 Liverpool show much-needed solidity Make no mistake, Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool were under tremendous pressure coming into this game. The Reds had not lost two successive league games since 2015 which made this tie all the more important. Irrespective of the performance, Liverpool needed three points at all costs. But the Reds delivered a professional performance in Yorkshire. They were quick off the blocks, the combination play was brilliant and the Reds also dominated the midfield. Finishing was on point from the attackers though the scoreline wou...

Chelsea have signed defender Emerson Palmieri from Roma on a long-term deal. The Blues need cover at left-back for Marcos Alonso, having allowed Kenedy to join Premier League rivals Newcastle on loan until the end of the season. Palmieri, 23, has committed to a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Premier League club. He told Chelsea’s official website: “English football is something I have been watching since I was 15 years old. It is a really beautiful game over here, but it is going to be even more beautiful to play it. “I came here because it’s a great team with a great history. Today I am realising one of my dreams to pull on the shirt of such a great club.” Former Brazil under-17 international Palmieri , who has since switched international allegiances to Italy, has been restricted to just two appearances in all competitions for Serie A club Roma this season following a serious knee injury. As such, the defender will be eligible to play for Chelsea in the upcoming Champion...

Governor Rochas Okorocha, on Tuesday met with the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MISS NIGERIA), Miss Ugochi Ihezue who is an indigene of Imo State at the Government House and they agreed to aggressively pursue Youth-Oriented Programmes and Policies. Governor Rochas Okorocha with the current MISS NIGERIA, Miss Ugochi Ihezue (left) and the parents Mr. and Mrs. Ihezue when they visited the governor at the Government House on Tuesday,. Miss Ihezue is from Akokwa in Ideato North LGA, Imo State. Governor Okorocha who received the beauty pageant and her entourage including the parents said although his administration has embarked on certain programmes and policies for the youths in the State, but the current war his government is waging against illicit drugs and other related matters in the State is very dear to him, because the exercise is aimed at saving the youths from self-destruction. He described Miss Ihezue as a good example of what a youth should be, adding that her status as MISS NI...

David Luiz could find himself joining Arsenal, if the latest reports are accurate. The Blues are reported to have offered the Brazilian international to the Gunners. He is deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, where he has struggled to play this season. One of the bigger surprises of Antonio Conte’s first season, he has since found himself riding the bench. The Daily Star claim that Chelsea have offered the Brazilian to Arsenal in exchange for Olivier Giroud. The Gunners are having some big defensive struggles, while their opponents have been looking for a striking alternative to Michy Batshuayi. The Pensioners had been linked to Edin Dzeko, but the move was kiboshed by owner Roman Abramovich. Luiz, for his part, was sent to PSG several seasons ago, but bought back when Antonio Conte couldn’t land either Kostas Manolas or Alessio Romagnoli. Things have been difficult for him since, however, Cesar Azpilicueta and Toni Rudiger taking over in the middle.

Chelsea are closing in on a deal for the defender with reports in Italy stating he is on his way to the Blues for a medical today, having agreed a four-year deal. But Conte didn’t go into detail on the speculation of his impending arrival. “If you remember I said that in case the club decides on loan Kenedy we have two options, to buy another player or work with a young player like [Dujon] Sterling, who is a good prospect,” he said. “I don’t know, if there is news then the club will tell you. “I don’t remember Palmieri because he only played in Italy last season. He had a bad injury, he hurt his ligament. “He is recovering, I don’t know if he is ready to play. We are talking about a player of another team at this moment.” Chelsea have been chasing the Brazilian-born for some time but a deal has stalled with the west London outfit hopeful of getting his team-mate Edin Dzeko too. However, the Blues have failed to agree terms with the former Manchester City striker and will n...

Chelsea will refuse any Manchester City bid for Eden Hazard – even if the Premier League leaders offer to break the world-record fee of £200 million. It emerged over the weekend that City, having missed out on Alexis Sánchez, are interested in Hazard and are ready to rival a summer bid from Real Madrid if the Belgian does not extend his contract. But while Chelsea may ultimately be powerless to stop Hazard joining Real if the Spaniards lodge a huge bid, they will not allow him to join English rivals for any amount of money. City are yet to make a bid Chelsea still hope to convince Hazard to sign a new contract worth more than £300,000 a week, but they know he has always been interested in playing for Real. Hazard wants to weigh up his options, but it seems Chelsea’s stance will effectively leave him with the choice of staying put or waiting for Real to make a bid. Real have held a long-standing interest in Hazard and are expected to overhaul their squad in the summer. Cristiano Ro...

Liverpool FC have officially sent Daniel Sturridge out on loan to West Bromwich Albion and it’s a situation that’s win-win for everybody. Sturridge was far out of favor when it comes to Jurgen Klopp’s selection, as the English international made only five appearances in Premier League competition this season, after making 20 in 2016-17. He’s now seeking regular first team action, amidst worries that his lack of playing time could get him left off England’s World Cup roster for next summer. West Brom is the perfect destination, as the Baggies could use an upgraded centre forward, and they badly need goals, if they are to avoid relegation. “This is the right fit,” as Daniel Sturridge himself said. Although it’s worth noting that the Englishman had been coveting a loan move to Inter Milan. West Brom are currently 19th in the table, and the upgrade that Sturridge provides over Salomon Rondon and Hal-Robson Kanu could be just the edge they need to stay up. Alan Pardew must definite...

Nigerian singers Davido, Wizkid and South African comedian Trevor Noah have made the list of the most followed Africans on the social networks Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, a report has said. According to campsbaymedia, the African Social Media Power Report: Top 50 Footballers and Entertainers was released on January 26. The Power 50 has a combined following of almost 400 million, a number that is more than half the population of Europe and twice the population of Nigeria, Africa’s most populated country. The Power 50, which weighs the social media influence of African pop culture stars and football personalities, was compiled by Lagos-based sports communication company, CampsBay Media. “In a world where social media continues to play a big role, the influence of African entertainers and footballers, the crème of popular culture on our continent, continues to fascinate and that is why we have compiled this list,” said Lolade Adewuyi, chief strategist at CampsBay Media. “We ha...

ts Manchester United will not stand in the way of Zlatan Ibrahimovic if he wants to leave the club, manager Jose Mourinho said on Monday. But the Swedish striker, linked by British media with a move to LA Galaxy, has not mentioned the subject to his manager. “If that is true and Zlatan wants a future in another club in another country then I will help and create conditions for that to happen,” Mourinho told reporters. The 36-year-old Ibrahimovic, who joined Manchester United in 2016 and is out of contract in the summer, has hardly played this season after suffering a knee ligament injury in 2017. But Mourinho said Ibrahimovic was striving to get back to peak condition. “He’s working hard to be fit. I’m not saying injured because he’s not injured. I think he’s in a moment of trying to feel really ready for the demands of English Premier League football.” Mourinho also gave an update on midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who is free to talk to other clubs as his contract ticks down. ...

Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund have agreed a principle a £60m fee for the transfer of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to Bild. The 28-year-old now looks set to become a Gunners player, although the deal is dependent on Dortmund being able to sign a replacement. They are expected to move to bring Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi in on loan for the remainder of the 2017/18 season. Batshuayi, aged 24, is down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and, despite his two goals in yesterday’s FA Cup fourth round win over Newcastle United, expected to make the switch to Germany. Dortmund failed to convince Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud to join them as a makeweight in the Aubameyang deal. Gabon international Aubameyang returned to the Dortmund starting lineup for the first time since December 16 for Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Freiburg. The Gunners will hope that the deal can now be finalised before Wednesday’s transfer deadline. Manager Arsene Wenger will be keeen to add goals to his s...

Moscow (CNN)Russia said a US Treasury report that could extend sanctions against Moscow for meddling in the 2016 US presidential elections is "a direct and obvious attempt" to interfere in its own upcoming presidential vote. By the end of Monday, the Treasury must send Congress a list of rich Russian business figures and detail their ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. US President Donald Trump reluctantly signed the legislation last August that ordered the report, even though US investigators believe he was the main beneficiary of Russian meddling. "We do think that this is a direct and obvious attempt to time some sort of action to coincide with our elections in order to influence them," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on a telephone conference call Monday. "We disagree with this, and we are sure this will have no influence." He said publication of the report "will be analyzed in Moscow, so that our interests and the inte...

Former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has alleged that Nigerian politicians are behind the incessant clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in the country. Bafarawa also blamed the federal government for not heeding to advise ‎that would give people the opportunity to evolve measures that would address the menace. ‎In an interview with journalists in Sokoto, Bafarawa on Sunday evening, described as unfortunate what the country was going through. “Politicians have succeeded in penetrating the two sides involved in the crisis. “What has conventional herdsmen have to do with guns and why now?” “If the FG had listened to the views of the people right from time the killings we are witnessing would not have continued,” he said.

ts The Federal Government has opted for full military force to deal with the bandits believed to be behind the killings in parts of the country especially regarding the crisis often associated with herdsmen, authoritative sources say. A Presidency source, who wanted to remain anonymous, disclosed that this was one of the outcomes of the Working Group formed less than two weeks ago by the National Economic Council with nine governors, and chaired by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in a renewed bid to end the impunity that has marked the activities of the bandits resulting in several deaths and maiming especially the recent case of Benue State. The source also confirmed that the military were already engaged and would soon begin to implement decisive military steps to tackle the situation. Also the Nigerian Police and other security agencies have been asked to recruit more rank and file to tighten security in the troubled spots and in the country generally. The source also hinted tha...

The Blues beat Newcastle 3-0 in the FA Cup yesterday to bounce back from their disappointing 2-1 loss to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. But now Antonio Conte must focus on the league once more, as he looks to pull ahead of Liverpool and make up ground on Manchester United. However, there are several personnel issues meaning he has some tough team selection decisions to make. Thibaut Courtois, Alvaro Morata, David Luiz and Willian are all doubts for the Blues with minor injuries, but Cesc Fabregas:CM is fit to play once again. Michy Batshuayi:CF - who scored twice yesterday - might be unavailable as rumours persist around a possible loan move away before the transfer deadline closes, just minutes after full time on Wednesday.

The January transfer window is in full swing so clubs are working hard trying to strengthen their squads for the second half of the season and put deals in place for the summer. Today, the latest on Liverpool’s move for Alisson Becker… AS Roma have told Liverpool they will only sell Alisson Becker if their £44m valuation is met after rejecting Jurgen Klopp’s opening bid for the goalkeeper, according to a report in the Mirror. Klopp is on the look-out for a new number one as neither Simon Mignolet nor Loris Karius have managed to establish themselves between the sticks at Anfield over the past two years. Mignolet has once again lost the first team shirt after a string of poor displays while Karius has failed to take his opportunity to cement his position with a number of unconvincing performances. It’s left Klopp searching for a reliable number one and Alisson has emerged as a key target with widespread reports this month suggesting Liverpool have lined-up the Roma star as th...

United have struggled to find a top talent to take his No.7 shirt, with Memphis Depay and Angel Di Maria failing to impress. But journalist Duncan Castles think the club are onto a winner with Sanchez who joined last week from Arsenal. He thinks manager Jose Mourinho will use the Chilean in a similar way to how he coached Ronaldo while in charge at Madrid. "I think Mourinho is going to use him (Sanchez) in much the same way he used Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid," Castles said on the latest episode of The Transfer Window Podcast. "Make him a focal point of the attack and allow him a freedom to play the position he would like to play against particular opponents and use his skills to build the rest of the attack off. "I think that's the way things are going to go with him." Castles also claimed Ronaldo expects to leave the Bernabeu this summer - with a move to United a possibility. "As far as he's concerned, he's been informed by the...