Arsenal have let a number of key backroom staff members go as they continue their biggest restructuring in two decades following Arsene Wenger’s departure. A club source confirmed that head of medical services Colin Lewin was told on Monday that he was losing his job after 23 years at the club, joining several other long-term Wenger allies in departing. First-team coaches Neil Bamfield and Boro Primorac, goalkeeping coach Gerry Peyton and fitness coach Tony Colbert have also been let go. Wenger’s assistant Steve Bould has been told he can stay, although the Telegraph reported on Tuesday that the former Arsenal…
Author: David Folami
Rafa Benitez told Marca the Champions League final will pit Real Madrid’s experience against Liverpool’s advantage in intensity. He said Madrid had come through awkward moments to get to the final on May 26 in Kiev, Ukraine, while Liverpool’s ability to blitz opponents was shown in their semifinal against Roma. “It will be a very interesting final,” Benitez said. “Watching Madrid against Juventus and Bayern [Munich], you a realise they have experience and quality, know how to manage difficult situations in games. … That is a plus. “Liverpool, by contrast, have a lot of intensity, quality, rhythm. … The rhythm…
Diego Simeone has said “humility” will be key to his team’s chances in Wednesday’s Europa League final against Marseille. Simeone’s side, who dropped into the competition from the Champions League, are favourites to win in Lyon. “We are playing another final where there is a lot of emotion and excitement but, above all, humility,” he said. “When you play here, you need to have that attitude to work hard. Experience is important, but not decisive.” Marseille lead the Europa League table for yellow cards (30) and reds (three), while Atletico right-back Sime Vrsaljko and Simeone were sent off in the…
Joe Hart, Jack Wilshere and Gary Cahill have all missed out on England’s World Cup squad, sources have said, as manager Gareth Southgate overhauls the team that will compete in Russia. Southgate chose to omit West Ham goalkeeper Hart in favour of Burnley No. 1 Nick Pope, with Arsenal midfielder Wilshere’s space set to go to Manchester City’s Fabian Delph, sources said ahead of Wednesday’s confirmation of the 23-man squad. There is also no place for former England captain Cahill, with Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski on standby for a spot in Russia. Hart had been expected to join England as…
Georginio Wijnaldum says the opportunity for he and his Liverpool teammates to cement themselves in Anfield folklore is another motivating factor ahead of the Champions League final. “That’s what makes it more exciting,” the midfielder told reporters. “You can put yourself there with legends that won the Champions League. “That’s what everyone wants. That is what makes it really exciting for us because we have the opportunity now to win a big trophy with a massive club [that has been] waiting a lot of years for a trophy. We are lucky that we can give them one if we win.…
There was something fitting about Manchester City leaving it until the last kick of the season to secure 100 Premier League points, becoming the first club ever to make that landmark in the top flight. Gabriel Jesus’ strike right on the stroke of full-time in his side’s 1-0 success at Southampton came almost exactly six years to the minute that Sergio Aguero netted in the 3-2 victory over QPR to win the club’s first Sheikh Mansour era title in 2012. Add that to Paul Dickov’s equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Gillingham in the infamous Division Two playoff final in…
Roberto Mancini will talk to Nice forward Mario Balotelli about a return to the Italy team after being named the new national coach on Tuesday. Balotelli last appeared for his country at the 2014 World Cup but knows Mancini well from their time at Inter Milan and Manchester City. The 27-year-old could return for the forthcoming friendlies against Saudi Arabia, France and Netherlands. “I’ll definitely talk to him,” Mancini said at a news conference. “Probably I will call him up. We want to see Balotelli like he was under [Cesare] Prandelli at Euro 2012. “There will be room for everybody…
Mario Gotze was not included in Germany’s preliminary World Cup squad announced on Tuesday by the German football federation (DFB), which also revealed a contract extension for coach Joachim Low through the 2022 World Cup. Low, who had been linked with a move to Arsenal to replace Arsene Wenger, had been under contract through Euro 2020 and said he is driven by the idea of “developing and furthering a team which sets it sights on the highest goals.” “The planning horizon over four years is ideal, I’d like to think, especially because there might be some changes in the squad…
Governor Samuel Ortom has urged residents of Benue state not to take laws into their hands. He made the statement following the incessant killings in the state allegedly by Fulani herdsmen. According to reports, Ortom said that the security agencies should be allowed to do their jobs. Ortom also called on the Benue people not to attack innocent people adding that ‘Benue will not see these enemies again’. He said “We are not fighting any tribe but fighting for justice and fairness. We should not take laws into our hands in the course of fighting for justice. “We have indigenes…
Chief Olabode George, former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday said he was extremely pained by the death of his first son, Dipo. George, his wife, Roli, and other family members received Secondus and his entourage. George said he and other family members were devastated not only because the deceased was his first son, but also that he was a good child. He said Dipo was a child that any father would be proud of because of his accomplishments and good ways. George said the late Dipo was very humble, as he interacted freely…
Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai, on Monday said the Army would end the wanton killings and destruction of properties in Birnin Gwari and environs. Buratai gave the assurance during the flag-off the 2 Battalion Forward Operation Base (FOB) at the troubled Birnin-Gwari area of Kaduna State. ”The killings must stop, the wanton destructions of properties must stop not only within Kaduna state but across the country. ” In the next two to three weeks there must be a very resounding results that will bring these criminals to their knees finally.” He told the soldiers to protect them selves, adding ”If we cannot…
Charles Oputa, a.k.a Charly Boy, on Monday, May 14, led his ‘Ourmumudondo’ Group on a peaceful protest to the Federal Ministry of Justice, demanding the proscription of “Killer herdsmen” across Nigeria. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Group is a non-political coalition of Nigerians from all backgrounds who advocate for national reawakening, towards holding leaders responsible and ensuring good governance at all levels. According to Charly boy, the protest is to urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to declare the group as a common enemy of Nigerians. He said, “We…
Wole Soyinka says the anti-graft war would not be said to have been won until former Nigerian presidents guilty of corruption are jailed by the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). “I had asked for the presidential wing of the cells out of his human rights concerns to ensure such personalities are well treated while in detention,” Soyinka said. “But Magu said they are an egalitarian organisation that treats peoples equally. “Until we make some of our leaders walk through those doors [of the EFCC new office] the fight against corruption will not be won,” Soyinka added. Soyinka advocated for the…
The trial of Shiite leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his wife has been adjourned to June 21, 2018. According to reports, the Kaduna State government on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 dragged the Shiite leader and his spouse before High court on an eight count charge. The Cable News reports that the Shiite leader, who wore a neck collar and was limping was brought into the court premises around 8:30am. Counsel to El-Zakzaky made an oral application for his bail, but was asked by the judge, Justice Gideon Kurada to present a formal application. On Saturday, December 12, 2015, members of…
Muhammadu Buhari has commissioned the new head office building of anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in Abuja on Tuesday, May 15, 2018. He commissioned the new building after returning from his two-day working visit to Jigawa state. At the commissioning, President Buhari said his administration’s fight against corruption is an attempt to save the country and not to persecute anyone. “My objective of fighting corruption remains steadfast. The goal of this administration is to protect public trust. We are not engaged in witch-hunting,” he said. The office, located along Airport Road, Jabi, in the Federal Capital…
“Everything we had in the country belonged to the nation, belonged to the people and we must not touch anything. We made sure nothing like corruption happened, especially in the civil service”, former Nigerian military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon said. Gowon made the comments at the 8th Annual General Meeting and Conference of Heads of Anti-corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa. Speaking this week, Gowon says he feels really bad whenever anyone says all past Nigerian leaders were corrupt, because he wasn’t. “It is sad to read reports that all former Heads of State are thieves. During our time, we…
Muhammadu Buhari has said that trillions of Naira has been recovered from corrupt officials. Buhari said this at the inauguration of the new Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja. Buhari also called on the legislature to strengthen existing laws and enact new laws that will give bite to the anti-corruption agenda of his government. “This is another milestone in our determined and collective fight against corruption. “Throughout my journey in national service and since 2015, I have made a very conscious decision to pursue a vigorous fight against corruption in public life. “Since 2015, we have made…
Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole killed two Boko Haram terrorists and rescued an old man during an exchange of fire in the remote village of Gobara in Gwoza local government area of Borno state. Soldiers uncovered and successfully detonated three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) buried by the terrorists and also destroyed their camp, logistics and IED factory during the fire fight. They also recovered eight Dane guns, one G3 magazine, one IED making device, one unexploded ordnance, three tool boxes, three machetes, length of electric cable and a Boko Haram flag. According to a statement by the Deputy Director of…
Toke Makinwa is beside herself with excitement and it has everything to do with being featured on CNN’s African Voices. During her interview, the media personality talked about her brand and her journey so far. African Voices is a feature series that airs on CNN and examines Africa’s fastest rising stars who are making an impact in their various industries. She also took to her Instagram page to express her excitement. Makinwa is not the only Nigerian star who has been featured on the series. The likes of Waje, Tiwa Ssavage, Olajumoke Adenowo, Gbubemi Fregene, Funke Akindele, to name a…
Mc Galaxy has blasted Miracle Igbokwe for not showing appreciation for the support he received outside of the Big Brother Naija house, which inadvertently helped him win the reality TV show. The singer took to Twitter to express his disappointment over the fact that Miracle is yet to express gratitude for his assitance. He, however, noted that Miracle’s actions cannot stop him from helping others but he urged him to show appreciation to E Money who he asked for one million Naira, which was used for votes. Mc Galaxy advised Miracle to avoid changing his humble character over his N25…