Author: Chronicle Editor

US First Lady Melania Trump has expressed concern over a controversial policy that separates families who illegally enter the country. Mrs Trump “hates to see children separated from their families” and wants to see “successful immigration reform”, her spokeswoman said. Her comments follow growing controversy over President Donald Trump’s “zero-tolerance” immigration policy. Former First Lady Laura Bush also spoke out, labelling the policy “immoral”. In a recent six-week period there were nearly 2,000 family separations following a crackdown on illegal border crossings. Adults who try to cross the border, many planning to seek asylum, are placed in custody and face…

Pre-tournament favourites Brazil failed to win their opening game of a World Cup for the first time since 1978 as Switzerland earned a valuable draw in Rostov-on-Don. The five-time champions, so often lauded for their flair, failed to sparkle after Philippe Coutinho’s superbly curled opener on 20 minutes. Tite’s side – with Gabriel Jesus and Willian alongside Neymar in a front three – could offer only fleeting moments of fluid play and Steven Zuber’s header from a corner earned the Swiss a deserved point. Brazil may point to a push by Zuber to free him from his marker but the…

Mexico recorded the first shock win of the 2018 World Cup as Hirving Lozano’s strike earned a deserved victory over lacklustre champions Germany. Dangerous on the break, Mexico took the lead when PSV Eindhoven’s Lozano cut inside Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil before firing low past Manuel Neuer. Germany went close through Toni Kroos, whose free-kick was pushed on to the bar by Guillermo Ochoa. Joshua Kimmich and Timo Werner also had good chances for Joachim Low’s side. The result means Germany are the third champions in succession – following Italy (2010) and Spain (2014) – to start their defence with a…

By Nathaniel C. Adoji The man Femi Fani-Kayode is twisted. He has a twisted mind and he writes and says things that are twisted. He is incoherent, inconsistent and very unstable like an internet connection. He has accused Presidents, ministers and politicians only to turncoat and defend them with more vigour and enthusiasm. It’s the same for switching political parties and turning on the fingers that once fed him and even helped him when he was down. The issue of substance abuse has popped up a couple of times, with many concerned that he sometimes says things when he’s on…

Nigeria made a losing World Cup start against Croatia, but there are stats that shows why the Super Eagles failed to pick a point in the Group D match in Kaliningrad. No shots on target for 59 minutes – the key stats Nigeria’s Odion Ighalo had the first shot on target in this match in the 59th minute – the longest wait for a first attempt on target in a World Cup match so far this tournament. Croatia’s opening goals at Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018 have been own goals – Brazil’s Marcelo four years ago and Oghenekaro Etebo this…

Croatia made a winning World Cup start against Nigeria, as Oghenekaro Etebo’s own goal and a Luka Modric penalty decided a poor Group D match in Kaliningrad. Etebo, who joined Stoke City from Portuguese club Feirense for £6.35m on Monday, turned Modric’s first-half corner into his own net after Ante Rebic and Mario Mandzukic had both got touches. Modric then converted a 71st-minute penalty – Croatia’s first shot on target – after William Troost-Ekong had manhandled Mandzukic at a corner. Nigeria offered little attacking threat, although Dejan Lovren blocked Alex Iwobi’s shot just before half-time, and Odion Ighalo glanced a…

Nigeria’s foremost telecommunications company, Globacom has congratulated Nigerian men on the occasion of this year’s edition of Father’s Day. The third Sunday of June every year is set aside by many countries, including Nigeria, for celebrating fathers and their sterling contributions to the family units. Globacom in a press release from its head office in Lagos said, “The occasion of Father’s Day reminds us all of the pivotal role of fathers in every home,” adding that fathers are the pillars that sustain the family units. READ: FG ready to support more private businesses – Osinbajo The telecommunications company said the…

Lionel Messi had a second-half penalty saved as 2014 runners-up Argentina were held by World Cup debutants Iceland. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was denied by Hannes Halldorsson after Hordur Magnusson fouled Sergio Aguero. Aguero had scored his first ever World Cup goal to put two-time winners Argentina ahead on 19 minutes. However an unfazed Iceland, the smallest nation to qualify for a World Cup finals, equalised just four minutes later through Alfred Finnbogason. The draw was no less than Iceland, who are the smallest nation ever to play in a World Cup finals, deserved. Their disciplined, defensive tactics frustrated…

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has explained that the Federal Government is actively supporting private investors in the power sector, and continuously working to ensure the business environment is conducive for businesses to thrive in the country. He said this at a media chat with journalists, after a tour of the Azura Power Plant near Benin City, on day two of his working visit to Edo State. Azura-Edo Independent Power Plant is a 450MW open cycle gas turbine power station. Prof Osinbajo stated that the additional 460MW to the National Grid has greatly improved the power situation in the country, while…

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a sensational late free-kick to round off his hat-trick and salvage a draw for Portugal against Spain in a captivating match. The Portugal captain put his side ahead with an early penalty and restored their lead just before half-time. Diego Costa twice equalised with well-taken goals, with Nacho’s majestic goal appearing to have won it for Spain. But Ronaldo stepped up to fire into the top-right corner with two minutes remaining to secure the draw in Sochi. Ronaldo was just Ronaldo. The star attraction for many of the thousands of fans from all over the world who…