Author: Chronicle Editor

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho says he would “help pack and carry” assistant Rui Faria’s bags should Arsenal want him as their new manager. It has been reported Faria, 42, is on Arsenal’s shortlist to replace Arsene Wenger, who will leave at the end of the season after 22 years in charge. Faria has been assistant to Mourinho at six clubs since they combined at Porto 14 years ago, winning 25 trophies. Mourinho said his number two would be a “good fit” for the job. “I say it because, more than because he is my assistant, he is my friend,”…

Former head of state Yakubu Gowon has warned those plotting to impeach President Muhamamadu Buhari that “it is too early to start impeaching Presidents in Nigeria.” Noting that the plot to impeach Buhari would not augur well for Nigeria’s democracy. There have been rumours that a faction within Nigeria’s national assembly especially the senate is scheming to have President Buhari removed. Gowon told members of the Northern Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly, NLSA, who paid him a courtesy visit on Thursday that disagreements are vital components of democracy. “There is no President that will not get impeached because of interest groups.”…

In what might just be the best day ever, a Canadian man has won a lottery jackpot on the day he retired, which was also his birthday. Vancouver’s Ping Kuen Shum bought a lotto ticket on 28 April as he was in high spirits from his birthday and the last day of his working life. That night, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation confirmed that he had just scooped C$2m ($1.5m; £1.1m). Mr Ping celebrated by tucking into a dim sum meal with family and friends. He is planning a trip to China with his newly acquired retirement nest egg. READ:…

A flight linking Singapore and the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur has become the busiest international route in the world, research shows. Planes made 30,537 trips between the two airports in the year to February 2018, OAG Aviation said. The route overtook Hong Kong-Taipei in a list dominated by Asian destinations. Flying between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur takes about an hour, and there are plans to build a high-speed rail link between the two. The figures mean an average of 84 flights per day plied the route. The route is operated by a host of budget carriers such as Scoot, Jetstar,…

Portuguese defender Rolando side-footed the decisive goal in the 116th minute from a controversial Dimitri Payet’s corner as Marseille beat Salzburg on 3-2 aggregate score. Marseille snatched a dramatic extra-time winner to reach the final of the Europa League after surrendering their two-goal first-leg advantage against Red Bull Salzburg. Amadou Haidara’s poked effort and a Bouna Sarr own goal had ensured the hosts took the tie into extra time. Marseille will meet Atletico Madrid in the final in Lyon on 16 May. READ: Diego Costa fires Atletico Madrid to Europa League final against Arsenal After a relatively untroubled first period…

Canada officials are working with US visa officers in Lagos, Nigeria to stop issuing so many visas to Nigerians who then make refugee claims in Canada. The plea comes as Ottawa is urging US to help it curb the growing number of refugee applicants. The Canadian government is trying to stem the flow of asylum seekers illegally walking across the US border even as their ranks grow. About 2,500 asylum seekers crossed into Canada to file refugee claims in April, according to estimates from the federal immigration and refugee department — the highest level since August and almost triple last…

Diego Costa scored in the extra time of the first half as Atletico Madrid beat Arsenal at the Metropolitano stadium to secure his side’s passage to the final of the Europa League. This means manager Arsene Wenger will not be given a last chance to lift silverware with Arsenal as he ends his almost 22-year reign with the Gunners. Antoine Griezmann slipped the crucial pass through to Costa after coming close with a powerful strike from a tight angle. Arsenal were crestfallen going into the break but almost responded within minutes of the restart when Aaron Ramsey found himself through…

Not many football fans expect Arsenal to beat Atletico Madrid at the Metroplitano and reach the final of the Europa League but match facts suggest otherwise. Match facts On the previous two occasions Arsenal have drawn the first leg of a European semi-final, they’ve progressed to the final (1979-80 and 1993-94 Cup Winners Cup). Arsenal are winless in their past six European visits to Spain (D2 L4), last winning in February 2006, – a 1-0 victory against Real Madrid in the Champions League. However, the past five teams to achieve a score-draw away from home in the first leg of…

PEN Nigeria joins PEN International in calling for the repeal of criminal defamation and insult laws across the African continent. We also call for the unconditional release of the Nigerian journalist, Jones Abiri. As we celebrate World Press Freedom Day today, May 3, 2018, PEN International, Nigerian Centre (aka PEN Nigeria) calls for the repeal of criminal defamation and insult laws. Over 150 writers and NGOs from across the African continent have joined PEN’s calls by signing a PEN petition, led by African PEN Centres, calling on African states to abolish criminal defamation and ‘insult’ laws as a matter of…

President Muhammadu Buhari’s spokesman has provided reasons why he stopped over in London following a working visit to the White House. Buhari was due to have returned to Nigeria two days ago but due to some technical reasons he has not. Garba Shehu said the president had to stop over in London on his way back from the United States for technical reasons. The big jet is under repair. It has been taken for major repairs. So the president is using a small plane and there is a limit to the distance the small plane can cover,” he said in…