Author: David Great

Morocco’s extraordinary run in Qatar continued on Saturday as they claimed another massive scalp in beating Portugal 1-0 to become the first African and Arab country to reach the World Cup semi-finals. A hugely significant victory broke new ground for the game outside of Europe and South America, who have been the dominant force in the sport, winning all 21 previous editions of the World Cup. The result could also go a long way towards vindicating the controversial decision to host the tournament in the Middle East. Youssef En-Nesyri’s 42nd minute goal at the Al-Thumama Stadium means Morocco are only…

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Nigerian authorities to investigate allegations of forced abortions reportedly perpetrated by the Nigerian army, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Friday. Reuters reported on Wednesday that the Nigerian Army has run a secret, systematic and illegal abortion programme in the country’s northeast since at least 2013. The programme involved terminating at least 10,000 pregnancies among women and girls, many of whom had been kidnapped and raped by Islamist militants, according to dozens of witness accounts and documentation reviewed by Reuters. “The Secretary-General takes note with concern of the allegations of systemic and coerced…

It was another moment of joy and celebrations in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Friday as a lawyer, Chimeka Woke, received the keys to a 3-bedroom apartment won in the ongoing Festival of Joy promo packaged by the foremost digital services company, Globacom. The 26-year -old Woke, a father of one, said he could not believe his ears when he received a call from Globacom. According to him, he had just dropped off his recuperating father in the hospital for a physiotherapy session and was waiting when his phone rang only to be told that he had won a 3-bedroom…

The national chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Abdullahi Adamu has debunked claims making the round that he was the one in a viral video of a man stripped naked at the Emir’s palace in Lafia, Nasarawa State. Dismissing the video, Nata’ala Mohammed, his personal assistant on new media in a telephone interview on Saturday in Keffi, said those making such allegations were mischievous characters who are only seeking relevance. “A viral video of a man that was stripped naked on Thursday, Dec. 8 at the Emir of Lafia’s palace, which was also insinuated and suspected to be the…

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved penalties from Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis before Lautaro Martinez scored the winning spot kick to secure them a 4-3 shootout win over the Netherlands on Friday after their World Cup quarter-final finished 2-2 after 120 minutes. In a scrappy half-hour of extra time with the scores level, Enzo Fernandez rattled the post in the closing seconds while Martinez and German Pezzella also had efforts blocked or parried away as Argentina desperately pushed for a winner. The Netherlands had rarely troubled Argentina during the match before substitute Wout Weghorst’s header 10 minutes later sparked…

Croatia stunned favourites Brazil 4-2 on penalties on Friday to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the second time in a row after battling back from a goal down in extra time, in one of the biggest knockout-phase upsets in the tournament’s history. The 2018 runners-up came through their second straight shootout after beating Japan on penalties in the last 16 and will now face either the Netherlands or Argentina, who were playing each other in the later game. In an evening filled with tension and drama, Brazil superstar Neymar thought he had won it for the five-time champions when…

The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) has released Oladapo Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj on self-recognition following days of questioning. Chronicle NG reported that the singer, songwriter, and, music producer was detained by the anti-graft agency after he was accused of fraud in a government’s empowerment scheme, N-Power. The singer through his lawyers denied any involvement in the scheme and cautioned the ICPC against a media trial. His lawyers noted that D’Banj had no contractual or incidental relationship whatsoever with any group or persons within or outside government in relation to the disbursement, operations, access or control of the operation…

Sanwo-Olu has been a tested, proven loyal public servant, says Pro-Chancellor Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his colleagues, Governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo) have been conferred with honorary doctorate degrees by the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, a foremost Anglican University in Nigeria. The three governors were conferred with honorary doctorate degrees in different disciplines on Friday during the 14th Convocation Ceremony of the University at its campus in Oyo. Governor Sanwo-Olu was honoured with Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa) while Governors Wike and Makinde were conferred Doctor of Law (Honoris Causa) and Doctor of…

Labour Party (LP) on Friday sacked Abayomi Oluwafemi Arabambi as its national publicity secretary for anti-party activities. Announcing the sack of Arabambi and the dissolution of the Labour Party executives in Ogun state, Umar Farouk, National Secretary, said the decision was made after an investigation by a committee set up by the party. He explained that the dissolution of the executives of Ogun State chapter of the party for alleged anti-party activities. According to him, a disciplinary committee was constituted to investigate the spokesman’s anti-party activities as a member of the LP. Chronicle NG reports that the Ogun State chairman…

Paris St-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi says Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford, 25, could be a summer target for the French club. (Sky Sports) Having already scored three goals at the World Cup, England’s Rashford says nothing beats scoring for his country. (Mirror) Al-Khelaifi also said he was confident Argentina forward Lionel Messi, 35, would extend his stay in Paris when they discuss his future in January. (Sky Sports) Real Madrid are interested in Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho – the 18-year-old Argentine who scored his first Premier League goal against Fulham last month. (Revelo – in Spanish) But Real Madrid are not intending to make a move for Garnacho, AC…