Iniesta returns to Barcelona squad for UCL clash against Chelsea

More to follow...

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Man United vs Sevilla LINE-UPS: Lingard & Fellaini start as Pogba benched

The line-ups of Manchester United vs Sevilla have been announced.

Manchester United XI: De Gea, Valencia, 

Bailly, 

Smalling, Young, Matic, Fellaini, Lingard, 

Sanchez, Rashford, Lukaku

Subs: Romero, Lindelof, Pogba, Mata, Martial, 

Darmian, McTominay

Sevilla XI: Rico, Mercado, Kjaer, Lenglet, 

Escudero, N'Zonzi, Banega, Sarabia, Vazquez, 

Correa, Muriel

Subs: Soria, Ben Yedder, Geis, Pizarro, Pareja, 

Nolito, Arana

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UCL Preview: Barcelona take on Chelsea; Man United eye much-needed win against Sevilla

Man United vs Sevilla

Kick off: 20:45 CET

Date: Tue, 13-Mar-18

1st-leg score: Sevilla 0-0 Man United

Probable Lineups

Focus

Paul Pogba managed to take part in some of

Monday's training session after missing

Saturday's 2-1 win over Liverpool but remains

a doubt.

Jose Mourinho has confirmed Anthony

Martial is available again after a two-game 

absence, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic also

 returned to first-team training on Monday.

Marouane Fellaini is an option again after

coming on against Liverpool, but Ander

Herrera, Phil Jones, Daley Blind and Marcos

Rojo are sidelined. Jesse Lingard will serve a

one-match European ban with his next

booking.

Few changes are expected from the side that

beat Liverpool.

Sevilla have confirmed Jesus Navas will miss

Tuesday's trip to Old Trafford through injury.

Sébastien Corchia is also sidelined, while

Miguel Layún is ineligible.

Gabriel Mercado is expected to move out to

right-back with Navas, Corchia and Layun

unavailable. This will pave the way for Simon

Kjaer to start at centre-back.

Few other changes are expected to the side

that held Manchester United to a 0-0 draw in

the first leg.

Sergio Escudero, Éver Banega and Gabriel

Mercado are all a booking away from a one-

match ban.

Prediction

Man United 2-1 Sevilla

Roma vs Shakhtar Donetsk

Kick off: 20:45 CET

Date: Tue, 13-Mar-18

1st-leg score: Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 Roma

Probable Lineups

Edin Dzeko and Federico Fazio missed

Friday's 3-0 win over Torino through 

suspension but will be fresh to return against 

Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday. Rick Karsdorp i

s still sidelined for the hosts.

Maxime Gonalons ended a two-month period

on the sidelines as a substitute against Torino

but will have to settle for a place on the bench

here.

Diego Perrotti is a booking away from a one-

match ban.

Sergey Krivtsov has been sidelined since

picking up an injury in the first leg and is

expected to miss out here. Maksim Malyshev

is also sidelined for the Ukrainian side.

Taison and Facundo Ferreya are a booking

away from a ban.

Prediction

Roma 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk

Besiktas vs Bayern Munich

Kick off: 18:00 CET

Date: Wed, 14-Mar-18

1st-leg score: Bayern Munich 5-0 Besiktas

Probable Lineups

Focus

With Domagoj Vida suspended and Pepe

injured, Besiktas have a big problem at centre-

back ahead of Wednesday's meeting with

Bayern Munich.

Ricardo Quaresma is available for the home

side after missing Saturday's 1-0 win over

Genclerbirligi through suspension.

Quaresma, Pepe, Duško Tošić, Tolgay Arslan,

Caner Erkin and Anderson Talisca are one

booking away from a one-match ban.

Bayern Munich lead 5-0 from the first leg and

Jupp Heynckes may shuffle his pack on

Wednesday as a result.

Robert Lewandowski, Joshua Kimmich,

Sebastian Rudy and Corentin Tolisso and are a
booking away from a ban, which may

influence

Heynckes' selection.

Kingsley Coman, James Rodríguez and

Tolisso

are injury concerns alongside Manuel Neuer.

Prediction

Besiktas 1-3 Bayern Munich

Barcelona vs Chelsea

Kick off: 20:45 CET

Date: Wed, 14-Mar-18

1st-leg score: Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona

Probable Lineups

Focus

Lionel Messi missed the 2-0 win over Malaga

this past weekend due to the birth of his child

but will return against Chelsea on Wednesday.

Nélson Semedo is back in contention after

missing the first leg through suspension but

may miss out this time around through injury.

Ernesto Valverde has a potential problem on

his hands with Andres Iniesta a huge doubt

and Philippe Coutinho not eligible to play in

the Champions League.

Paulinho and Ousmane Dembele are battling

for a spot on the right flank with the former

expected to get the nod.

Denis Suarez and Sergi Samper are also

doubts but neither are first choice anyway.

Ross Barkley, Tiemoué Bakayoko and David

Luiz are all huge doubts for Wednesday's trip

to Barcelona.

Eden Hazard may be tasked with playing

through the middle once again even though

Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud are available.

Conte must decide whether to start Cesc

Fabregas against his former club or play

someone more defensive in midfield like

Danny Drinkwater.

Antonio Rudiger is expected to start in

defence at the expense of Gary Cahill once

more.

Prediction

Barcelona 2-0 Chelsea

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NHRC Boss Decries Failure To Prosecute Those Behind Hate Speech

The acting Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu has 

lamented over the non-prosecution of perpetrators of hate speech and election violence in Nigeria.

The NHRC boss said that the non-prosecution of these perpetrators has largely encouraged the use of hate speech in election campaigns and other related social activities.

Ojukwu said this on Monday at the Federal High Court complex in Kaduna State during the Public Hearing by the Commission.

This situation, Ojukwu said further, is detrimental to the country’s socioeconomic developmentThe Commission at the Public Hearing highlighted cases of hate speeches and electoral violence which took place during and after the 2015 general elections in the North West region of the country, with a view to forestalling reoccurrence.

The history of hate speech and incitement to violence in Nigeria is a long, widespread and an unhappy one. Hate speech and the fanning of ethnic discord was linked with violence after the 2011 elections that left hundreds of people dead and thousands displaced.

The same scenario played out again during the 2015 elections where unprecedented cases of tension and violence were recorded in many parts of the country.

According to the National Human Rights Commission boss, the public hearing for stakeholders from the North West zone of the country was necessitated by series of complaints received by the commission against persons or parties alleged to have been involved in promoting hate speech and violence in the 2015 elections.

It will also serve as a proactive measure by the commission to discourage such acts as the nation prepares for another general election in 2019.

“During the 2015 general elections, the commission carried out a similar campaign against hate speech and election violence. You will recall the tension created in the polity due to hate speeches during the 2015 general elections. It took the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure that the whole scenario did not degenerate into massive election violence like in 2011 general elections.

“In the past, violators of hate speech and election-related violence are hardly made accountable. This has encouraged the use of hate speech in campaigns and other election-related activities. The purpose of the present campaign by NHRC is to discourage use of hate speech and election violence during campaigns and other election activities as we approach the 2019 general elections,” he said.

The 2019 elections might be months away from now, but the verbal war and physical altercations in some cases between the gladiators, the political leaders and their followers seemed to be generating tension in the country. It is therefore hoped that such platforms like the public hearing will reduce election-related conflicts in the country

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About 1,000 laid off as labour dispute endangers Nigerian Content policy

About 1,000 laid off as labour dispute endangers Nigerian Content policy

The Federal Government’s much avowed local content policy appears to be endangered following prevailing war by labour leaders against fledgling indigenous service companies that form the engine of the policy drive, as about 1,000 staff of companies were laid off recently.
It was gathered that labour crisis in the service segment of the petroleum industry arose from futile struggle by indigenous companies to retain indigenous workers they groomed under various capacity building programmes that took substantial investments.
The workers’ unions protest boils down to financial entitlements while the oil service companies point at low oil price cycles, dearth and outright cancellation of contracts by operators whose projects have dropped from investment tables, as well as elongated downtime due to call-off contracts. President of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, Mr. F.O. Johnson, did not respond to call put to him on the matter but other members of the group confirmed that the oil workers’ union is driving a movement against nearly 20 companies that fail to meet their demands for internal unionism, reinstatement of sacked workers and payment of fat exit packages to disengaged staff. It was gathered that some of the workers demanding severance packages are leaving for foreign multinational oil service firms after they have been employed as pupil staff and trained by the indigenous firms to meet industry skills standards. Currently, over 17 indigenous service companies based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, are battling to save their businesses from impact of attacks from National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN over unresolved entitlement issues. Five other companies have received demand notices from the workers’ groups. One of them, Ciscon Nigeria Limited, has been forced to declare insolvency as hostility from labour unions and sacked employees take threatening dimension. The situation has led to massive staff load off after resolution agreement failed. The company pointed at low business cycle in the industry as the reasons for delays in payment of entitlements. Chairman/Chief Executive, Ciscon, Mr. Shawley Coker, explained that the company had to downsize in response to activity downturn in upstream operations after weak oil prices and low oil income forced operators to call off projects and cancel contracts at a time government offered no buffer for companies that staked funds on equipment and facility acquisition. He lashed at the leadership of PENGASSAN for being too parochial in their appraisal of prevailing situation in the industry and advised them to get clear understanding of their roles as partners in building the nation’s economy and not to align with agents that demolish business structures that create jobs. With the massive downsizing going on in the oil services segment of the petroleum industry, he said, the country has recorded active job losses, shed substantial industry capacity to create new employment for new graduates, and lost deep pocket investments in local job delivery capacity. Chairman of Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, PETAN, Mr. Bank-Antony Okoroafor, said the group was working on all parties in the disputes to address the worrisome development. He said a meeting has been scheduled to look into series of complaints by workers and employers involved in the disputes. He clarified that over 15 other companies outside PETAN are also affected by the labour dispute. He admitted that low activity cycle affected the financial capacity of most service companies in the country, adding that labour leaders should situate the prevailing crisis in the industry in the context of the current economic condition of the country and close ranks with investors to move the sector up from the doldrums.

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How militancy affected oil output, revenue

How militancy affected oil output, revenue

THE nation has been cautioned to tame militancy as it culminated in a significant drop in output and revenue a few years ago
Stating this at the just concluded Kaduna International Trade Fair, the Chief Executive Officer, Koinowia Ventures Limited, Mr. Olufemi Boyede, said that the various issues that breed militancy should be addressed
He also indicated that: “the non-oil sector, has continued to remain the main driver of growth in the immediate-to-medium term hence, at the inception of President Buhari’s administrations, the government immediately adopted an adjustment strategy that hinges on combating corruption and shoring up non-oil revenues to compensate for dwindling oil revenues. The reality and imperative of diversification therefore became clear. “This is why Government, in 1986, introduced about 18 different incentives to support exports. However, as of today very few are operational. ‘’In recognition of its mandate to formulate and implement policies and instruments to grow Nigeria’s non-oil exports, the Nigeria Export Promotion Council has recently produced and is currently validating a “New Basket of Export Incentives” for Nigeria.’’

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Serena Williams ousted from Indian Wells by sister Venus

Serena Williams ousted from Indian Wells by sister Venus

Serena Williams’ return to tournament tennis came to an abrupt end Monday as she crashed out of Indian Wells with a 6-3, 6-4 loss to her sister Venus.Venus closed out the 29th career meeting between the two on her second match point as Serena sailed a forehand long to end the third round match in front of a main stadium crowd of about 13,000. It was the first meeting between the sisters since they clashed in the final of the 2017 Australian Open, which Serena won before taking a 15-month hiatus due to her pregnancy. Serena said she is still easing her way back into match fitness. “It wasn’t very easy, obviously,” she said. “It was good to play and try to get in the rhythm and get into the swing again. “I can’t really replicate the situation no matter how much I do in practice. I make those shots 10 times out of 10 in practice. “It’s just the nerves, the anticipation you feel naturally. It’s a little bit of everything that comes in a match that just doesn’t normally happen.” The 10th seeded Venus moves on to the round of 16 where she will face Anastasija Sevastova, who defeated 12th seeded Julia Georges 6-3, 6-3. It is rare for the Williams sisters to play this early in a tournament. It is the earliest they have faced each other since their first encounter at the Australian Open in 1998. They arrived outside the stadium together on a golf cart then walked through the tunnel with Serena entering the court first, as many in the crowd stood and cheered. Venus blasted six aces but had eight double faults in the one hour 26 minute main stadium match. Serena is still shaking off the rust after the long layoff as she hit four aces but had her serve broken four times. “I just have a long way to go,” Serena said. Despite the loss Serena still leads their career series 17-12. This was their first encounter with Venus as an aunt and Serena as a new mother after giving birth to her baby daughter, Alexis Olympia, on September 1. – Booing incident – Venus’s victory also comes 17 years after an ugly booing incident led to a 14-year boycott of the tournament by the sisters. For some it brought closure to the once testy relationship between Indian Wells and the sisters who hail from the Los Angeles suburb of Compton. Serena returned to the tournament in 2015 and Venus a year later. Asked about the incident finally being put to rest, Venus said, “It never crossed my mind.” Serena said she is trying not to look too far into the season. “(Get) ready for the next tournament. I have a lot to improve on,” she said. “It’s good that I don’t have to say that this is the best tennis I have ever played and I lost. My room for improvement is incredible. “So I have just got to keep saying at each tournament that my goal is just to be better than the last. I don’t want to go backwards.”

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COUTINHO ADDS TO LIST OF BARCA PLAYERS BACKING NEYMAR'S RETURN

Ivan Rakitic talked up the possibility of the PSG star returning to the La Liga leaders and his fellow Brazilian has followed suit

Article continues below

Philippe Coutinho said it would be "awesome" to have Neymar back at Barcelona amid speculation over a possible return to Camp Nou.

Neymar only left Barca for French giants Paris Saint-Germain in August last year – the Brazil star becoming the world's most expensive player after his €222million release clause was activated.

However, the 26-year-old – who is recovering from a broken foot – has been linked with a sensational move to Spanish and European champions Real Madrid, while rumours of a return to Barca have now emerged.

Ivan Rakitic talked up the possibility of Neymar wearing the Barca jersey again following Saturday's 2-0 win over Malaga and Coutinho has now backed his Barcelona team-mate's comments.

"I am thinking as Rakitic does, I would like to have here the best players and Neymar is one of them," said fellow Brazil international Coutinho, who arrived from Liverpool in January.

"I am playing alongside him with Brazil and it's a privilege. It would be awesome to have him back."

Neymar, who suffered a cracked metatarsal in PSG's 3-0 victory over Marseille last month , has scored 28 goals across all competitions this season.

While Barcelona's stars want to see the 26-year-old back in the side, manager Ernesto Valverde says he does not know anything about reports that Neymar could return . 

"I don't know where that has come from," Valverde told reporters on Friday. "Let's not talk about hypothetical situations."

Barca, meanwhile, are 11 points clear atop the La Liga table after 28 matches but are level at 1-1 heading into the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Chelsea. 

The La Liga leaders welcome the Premier League champions to Camp Nou on Wednesday. 

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NON-PAYMENT OF SALARIES: C’River workers forced to sleep in uncompleted buildings, churches

NON-PAYMENT OF SALARIES: C’River workers forced to sleep in uncompleted buildings, churches

CALABAR—NUMEROUS workers of the Cross River Geographic Information Agency, CRGIA, and Cross River State Water Board Limited, CRWBL, Calabar, thrown out of their homes by their landlords for inability to pay house rent currently sleep in uncompleted buildings andSome of the affected workers owed a backlog of 15-18 months salaries by the state government have also been dragged to court by the landlords. Penultimate Thursday, angry workers of the two agencies barricaded the Governor’s Office, Calabar, saying they were exhausted. They noted that different government officials had promised them that something would be done when the arrears were about six months, only to surprisingly renege and now, it has soared to 15 months for CRGIA and 18 months for CRWBL workers. We’re treated like beggars – Ibor, CRGIA worker One of the affected workers and a staff of CRGIA, Nelson Ibor, confirmed that his landlord charged him to court because he could not pay his house rent that elapsed in November, 2017. His words: “Our situation is like a nightmare which we are begging God to wake us up from. We are being owed 15 months salaries while our directors and other management staff have received salaries till date. We are treated like beggars; I have three children and all of them have been sitting at home for more than two terms.” 16 workers thrown out by landlords “To make matters worse, nobody is doing anything about it; we have been left in the dark. As we speak, 16 of my colleagues have been thrown out of their houses already, some sleep in churches while some sleep in uncompleted buildings. We are really suffering. His Excellency, Prof. Ben Ayade should look into our plight because it has already gotten out of hands. Many of us collected bank loans that we do not even know how to pay back,” he asserted. “As I speak with you, I will be appearing in court on Tuesday, my landlord sued me because I have not paid him since July, last year. Two of my children have dropped out of school, I am a widower, and I have three children. I now live from hand to mouth. We generated a lot of money in 2017 – over N200 million – I do not understand why they have turned us to beggars. We live at the mercy of friends and good spirited people. I and my children live in uncompleted building  –  Casual staff A casual staff said: “I now live in an uncompleted building with my children and my wife had to go back to the village, Okpoma in Yala. Because I cannot afford to allow my children to drop out of school, I live in an unfinished building with my children hoping that I will be able to raise money before the end of March to pay rent, even if it is a one-room apartment. “We were thrown out in November last year because I have owed my landlord for a year and two months, he ran out of patience and I do not blame him at all. Not everyone will even be as patient as he was with me for that long. “We are pleading with His Excellency, Prof. Ben Ayade and Commissioner for Lands to please help us, they should pay our money, we are dying, we have become destitute and internally displaced persons, IDPs, in our own land. A labourer deserves his wages, we have worked, we should also be paid,” he asserted.  SOS to Gov. Ayade In a letter to the governor, CRGIA workers said: “We want to bring to the notice of Your Excellency the non-payment of salaries at CRGIA for over 15 months. It would interest you to know that the agency generated N260 million in 2017, N400 million in 2016 while it generated N800 million in 2015, but our salary was just a meager 55 million, yet, nobody wants to attend to our plight. “We are appealing to His Excellency to come to our aid and help us clear the backlog of our salaries, most of our colleagues have died, many are sleeping in churches because they have been thrown out of their houses, we are going through a lot of psychological, physical and emotional   trauma because of this ugly development,” they said. CRWBL workers also cry out On their part, CRWBL staff, who also blocked the entrance to the Governor’s Office, demanded their 18 months salaries, adding that they could no longer continue to work without pay. “They owe us for one year and six months. Many of our counterparts have died, some of us have put in 12 years as ad-hoc staff (casual workers), we want the meager allowances to be paid now, some of us receive as low as N25,000, yet they have owed us this money for 18 months. We know Ayade has a listening ear, he should help us. 6 staff almost suffocated in the office last week’ “We are the heart of Water Board, amongst us, we have highly technical personnel who have been working with water board for over a decade, yet they have not been absorbed into the system. “But that is not even our problem now, they should pay us, those who work in the chemical section, the main people who mix the chlorine and do water treatment. I cannot even remember the last time I got milk from the office. Last week, about six of our colleagues almost suffocated  because they could not get milk,” he stated. Gov working on the matter already- Orji, Commissioner Contacted, Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr. Odu Orji, said: “The governor whose philosophy is to make sure that there is food on the table of every citizen of the state has already directed an official, Dr Stephen Odey, to take charge of the place in a bid to ensure that the matter was handled appropriately.” “You people should exercise more patience, the matter will be resolved in the soonest possible time,” he assured. Director-General of CRGIA, Patrick Agida, referred our reporter to Mr. Christian Ita, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, who was unreachable as at the time of this report. 

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BBNaija 2018: Ifu Ennada reveals why she was evicted

Evicted Big Brother Naija 2018 housemate, Ifu Ennada has highlighted reason she was evicted from the ongoing reality television show.

Recounting her time on the reality show, Ennada said her refusal to cultivate relationships with fellow housemates led to her exit.Speaking with African Magic, Ennada also said she enjoyed her partnership with Leo who was also evicted, on Sunday.

Ennada said, “The strategic partnership I enjoyed the most was with Leo because with him I won the Pepsi roc-da-mat challenge and the Heritage Bank competition.

“Aside strategic partnership I would have chosen Teddy A because he’s very real and we connected on several level.

“What I realized about the game is that you need relationships to move forward.“As much as I’m like a one man Army, I felt like If I had gotten more involved with people or even faked relationships I would probably have continued.”

Recall that Ennada, alongside, Leo were on Sunday evicted from the ongoing show.

Speaking after she was evicted, Ennada gave reason for not cultivating romantic relationship while on the show.

According to her, she decided not to be in a relationship this year but can only kiss a guy and move on.

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BBNaija 2018: Nina emerges Head of House for week 6

Controversial Big Brother Naija 2018 housemate,Nina has emerged the head of house, (HoH) for Week 6.

Nina won the Head of House after a task involving 4 housemates who qualified for the final challenge.The 10 housemates had competed in an egg and tape challenge after which Nina, Miracle, Tobi and Cee-c qualified for the final round.

However, for the final HOH challenge, the four finalists, were made to arrange letters to form, ” Head of House.”

At the end, Nina luckily picked all letters before other housemates.

Meanwhile, housemates would henceforth be separated from being pairs and there will be no immunity for the Head of House.

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BBNaija 2018: Why I was evicted – Leo

Leo, one of the evicted Big Brother Naija 2018 housemates, has opined why he was voted out.

Recall that Leo, was on Sunday evicted alongside his strategic partner, Ifu Ennadaafter having the lowest vote.Leo, however, claimed his eviction might not be unconnected with his pair, winning the Pepsi Roc Da Mat challenge and the Heritage bank Challenge.

According to him viewers of the reality show did not vote ”Lifu” because they felt they won two challenges and should rather vote others who are yet to win anything.

Speaking to African Magic, Leo said, ”Eviction was inevitable for us because we won the Pepsi and Heritage bank challenge.

”I mean we have a VVIP ticket, capital, money in the bank.”So as a voter, the fist thing I will look at is that the pair ”Lifu” already have a foundation, so let us help people that have gotten nothing from the house.”

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BBNaija 2018: Cee-c’s family reacts to recent fight with Tobi

Big Brother Naija 2018 housemate, Cee-c’s family has reacted to the heated argument involving her and former strategic partner, Tobi.

Recall that following Tobi’s accusation that Cee-c touched his manhood, viewers of the reality show blasted the former strategic partners for their immature acts.However, Cee-c’s family on her official instagram page@cee_official, said although they had a lot of unanswered questions concerning the fight, they do not understand Cee-c and Tobi.

The statement read, ”Just before I went to bed last night I did a short prayer.

“Lord please no Cebi drama when I wake, Amen.

”And Voila! Enough Cebi drama to last me a lifetime. And to even see that they made up and lay on the same bed after such heated moment. Like who does that?”Even most married couples don’t make up that fast!

”I’m done with these two. Can’t be troubling myself over what I don’t understand. But I sure have a lot of questions unanswered.”

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CHELSEA LEGEND DROGBA REVEALS RETIREMENT PLAN AFTER TURNING 40

The iconic Ivorian striker is planning to hang up his boots once an upcoming campaign with American side Phoenix Rising comes to a closeChelsea legend Didier Drogba has announced that he is to retire at the end of an upcoming campaign with Phoenix Rising.

The iconic Ivorian striker will take part in the 2018 USL season, but will then hang up his boots.

Drogba turned 40 on Sunday and feels that the time is right to walk away after more than two decades in the game.

He told Telefoot: "It's really a pleasure for me to play.

"I started late at the top level. I really enjoy playing. I like my role of owner-player a lot. I'm surrounded by a lot of youngsters, and I like passing my know-how on to them. But this season is the last. I'm 40, it's time now."

Drogba made his debut for Le Mans at the age of 20 in 1998.

He would go on to take in spells with Guingamp and Marseille before joining Chelsea for £24 million in the summer of 2004.

Over the course of two spells at Stamford Bridge he plundered over 150 goals while securing four Premier League titles and the Champions LeagueA glittering career has also taken him to Shanghai Shenhua, Galatasaray and MLS side Montreal Impact.

Age has finally caught up with him, but the Drogba dynasty looks set to continue as eldest son Isaac recently linked up with the Guingamp youth academy.

Drogba could also return to France at some stage, with a non-playing position at Marseille appealing to a man who has achieved just about everything on the field.

He added: "We'll have to see what is offered. I'm always ready to help.

"In any case, Marseille are showing good things this year. Rudi Garcia's project is taking shape, they're building a team with young players. It's excellent to stay in the top three with a team like that. As a fan, I have a lot of faith in them

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Why I revealed how much we earn as senators – Shehu Sani

Shehu Sani, the Nigerian senator who revealed that he and his colleagues receive N13.5 million as running cost monthly, has explained why he exposed his colleagues.

Mr. Sani in an interview with BBC said the payment is a ‘moral issue.’

“I decided to burst it open. It was a moral issue,” he said.

He said that the National Assembly is being run with little accountability about how the money is spent.

He wants the illegal payment to be scrapped so that the legislative arm of government will be attractive only to people who can contribute ideas.

“The National Assembly is one of the most non-transparent organs of government. It pricked my conscience and I decided to burst the bubble and open the National Assembly to public scrutiny.

“If the expenses payment system was ended then parliament would only be attractive to people who contribute ideas,” he told BBC.

Mr. Sani had in an interview with TheNews revealed that he and his colleagues receive N13.5 million monthly as “running cost”, aside a N750, 000 monthly consolidated salary and allowances which they also receive.

Mr. Sani’s revelation is the first by a lawmaker from the Senate since the clamour by Nigerians for a full disclosure of lawmakers’ earnings.

The revelation has sparked widespread anger among Nigerians who had always criticised the lawmakers for arbitrarily allocating jumbo pay to themselves.

The Senate on Sunday confirmed the payment but said the revelation is ‘nothing new’ as the information was already in the public domain.

The presidency is yet to react to the development.

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MOURINHO'S UPDATE ON MARTIAL AND POGBA

MOURINHO'S UPDATE ON MARTIAL AND POGBA

Jose Mourinho has confirmed Anthony Martial is fit and available to play in Manchester United’s UEFA Champions League last-16, second leg tie against Sevilla at Old Trafford on Tuesday, although it remains to be seen if Paul Pogba is available to face the La Liga side.

Pogba missed the weekend’s important Premier League victory over Liverpool due to a small injury, which the France international unfortunately picked up at the Aon Training Complex on Friday.

Paul was not pictured at training on Monday morning but, when asked about the midfielder during the following pre-match press conference, Mourinho revealed the player joined the session later on.

“He did [train] after you left,” Jose told the press, before the boss was then asked if Pogba could face Sevilla. "I don't know. We don't know yet, but he trained a little bit after you left.”

United defenders Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind are all expected to miss the game, while central midfielder Ander Herrera is also unavailable due to injury.

It remains to seen how Zlatan Ibrahimovic is and whether he might be involved, after the Swedish striker was pictured training with the group on Monday morning. He has been working hard on his fitness, since making his last Reds appearance in the 2-2 draw against Burnley on Boxing Day.

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Plane catches fire while landing, at least 40 dead, 23 injured

• AGENCY REPORT


• 12 MAR 2018

At least 40 people were killed and 23 injured when a Bangladeshi passenger plane crashed near Kathmandu airport Monday, an official said.

“Thirty-one people died at the spot and nine died at two hospitals in Kathmandu,” police spokesman Manoj Neupane told AFP, adding another 23 were injured.

There were 67 passengers and four crew on board the US-Bangla Airlines plane from Dhaka.

The plane crashed after catching fire while trying to land.

Witnesses described seeing the plane flying at a low height before crashing onto a football pitch at Nepal’s only international airport in the capital, Kathmandu.

Amanda Summers, an American who works in Nepal, watched the crash happen from the terrace of her home office.

“It was flying so low I thought it was going to run into the mountains,” she said.

She said it was unclear if it had reached the runway when it landed. “All of a sudden there was a blast and then another blast,” she said

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Buhari in Benue: Tiv people not happy with you – Akume tells President

Former Governor of Benue State and serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, George Akume, has informed President Muhammadu Buhari that his people are not happy with him for his cold reaction over the killing of his kinsmen in the state.

Akume recalled that Benue people overwhelmingly voted for Buhari in 2015 despite the fact the then Senate President, David Mark, who is a member of the PDP hailed from the state.

He called on the president to help end the killings of citizens in the state.

He said, “Your Excellency, you could recall that Senator David Mark was Senate President while Suswam was the Chief Security of the State, yet the Tiv people voted for you in 2015.

“We have no federal project in Benue State, Ortom does not make law, Benue People made the law, JS Tarka fought for the unity of our country Nigeria, Mr. President the Tiv people are not happy about your reaction towards the killing of Tiv farmers by Fulani herdsman.”

Details later…

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