Author: Chronicle Editor

Man United players will wear black armbands on Sunday in memory of the seven fans who lost their lives recently in Calabar, Nigeria. United welcome Swansea City on Sunday, April 30, 2017. A high-tension cable which fell inside the viewing centre in Calabar killed seven people and injured several others who were watching a game between Manchester United and Anderlecht in an Europa League fixture. United went on to win the game 2-1 and progressed into the semi-finals 3-2 on aggregate. Manchester United players will wear black armbands on Sunday, April 30, to mourn the seven fans that died at…

Romanian tennis great Ilie Nastase apologised Friday for derogatory comments about Serena Williams and for a foul-mouthed Fed Cup tirade that saw him suspended by the International Tennis Federation. He did however have another pop at Britain’s number one women’s player Johanna Konta, who was left in tears during last weekend’s combustible Fed Cup tie with Romania, and said his behaviour “has been exaggerated by all”. “My words during the Fed Cup have rightfully caused controversy and upset the audience, the press and, most painfully for me, the tennis world,” the former world number one, 70, said on Facebook. He…

Martin Keown My favourite north London derby at White Hart Lane was in May 1999 when Nwankwo Kanu flicked the ball over Luke Young’s head to wrap up a 3-1 win. There was a sublime arrogance about that goal. It showed the difference in quality between the two sides at that time. Then, we never got too involved in the hype surrounding the derby because Manchester United were our main opponents. When you are vying for titles you don’t worry about your neighbours unless they are your direct opponents in the race for the Premier League. That day Tottenham had…

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu was released from Kuje Prison on Friday after perfecting what was thought to be tough bail conditions. Kanu was brought from Kuje Prison to the Federal High Court Abuja to sign the necessary bail papers. The process, which took about 10 minutes saw Kanu emerging with smiles from the court in company of his sureties and relatives. Earlier, his lawyer, Mr Ifeanyi Ejiofor, his three sureties, the Chairman, South East Senate caucus, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, a Jewish High Chief Priest, Immanuu-El Shalom and a Chartered Accountant residing in Abuja,…

The Lagos State Government on Friday threatened to dethrone any traditional ruler found harbouring and aiding kidnappers in the state. The state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Alhaji Muslim Folami, gave the warning at the ongoing ministerial briefing in commemoration of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode’s second year in office. “Intelligence reveals that some of these Baales, particularly from Ikorodu and Ishawo collaborate with the miscreants to kidnapp innocent souls. “Yesterday, I told them to their faces this might lead to dethroning and we will do just that if investigations reveal that you are part of the criminality,” Folami said.…

A maternity hospital in a rebel-held part of Syria was hit by an airstrike, the humanitarian group Save the Children said Friday, the latest in a string of attacks on health facilities. “This is not an isolated attack. There have now been 12 health facilities hit in Syria this month alone,” said Sonia Khush, Save the Children’s Syria Director. “Nine of the attacks took place in recent days. “While the world turns the other way, the conflict is once again spiralling dangerously out of control,” Khush said. The maternity hospital in northern Idlib was hit by two missiles late on…

President Muhammadu Buhari did not attend today’s congregational Friday prayer at the Aso Rock Mosque. Mr. Buhari has been observing the weekly prayer at the mosque located behind his office since his return from medical vacation in the UK. Staff of the Aso Villa also confirmed the president was indoors and did not go to any other mosque for the ‘Jumat’ prayer. He was also absent from the meeting of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, on Wednesday raising concerns over his state of health. However, Mr. Buhari on Thursday assured Nigerians that despite insinuations about his alleged poor health, there…

The Lagos State Government on Friday sealed off the building that partially collapsed at Nicon Town Estate on Admiralty Way in Lekki on Thursday which reportedly killed two persons and left one other severely injured. The State Government has also ordered integrity test to be conducted on the structure. Speaking to reporters after carrying out on-the-spot assessment of the incident, the State’s Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Wasiu Anifowose, said the building would remain sealed till the completion of investigation by relevant government agencies, while the report of the investigation would be made public in due course.…

President Donald Trump, reflecting on a first 100 days in office that has featured no major legislative wins and low approval ratings, said Thursday he thought the job would be easier. “I loved my previous life, I loved my previous life. I had so many things going,” Trump said in an interview with Reuters. “I actually, this is more work than my previous life. I thought it would be easier.” He later added, “I do miss my old life. This — I like to work. But this is actually more work.” Trump barks, but struggles to find his bite Trump…

Nigerian officials on Thursday sought to allay fears about the health of President Muhammadu Buhari after his absence from the last two cabinet meetings. Buhari’s spokesman Garba Shehu said there was “no need for apprehension” that he had missed the meetings but he was only following medical advice. “As eager as he is to be up and about, the president’s doctors have advised on his taking things slowly, as he fully recovers from the long period of treatment in the United Kingdom some weeks ago,” Shehu said in an emailed statement. “Full recovery is sometimes a slow process, requiring periods…