Photo taken during a shoot for their feature in Glitz Africa Magazine...
Rodgers bullish over Anfield future
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists there is no-one better to lead the club despite a disappointing end to the season prompting questions about his future.
A dismal FA Cup semi-final exit to Aston Villa last weekend, after back-to-back defeats to Arsenal and Manchester United derailed their top-four chances, led to speculation about the Northern Irishman's tenure - particularly in light of the availability of Jurgen Klopp who leaves Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
Sunday's Wembley reverse meant Rodgers became the first Liverpool manager since Phil Taylor in 1959 to not win a trophy in his first three years in charge.
However, the 42-year-old, is adamant there is no-one who could replace him.
"I don't think there is anyone better, that is the reality of how I see it," he said.
"Whenever you are at a club like Liverpool you will have many names mentioned.
"There is absolutely no problem with that, it is something that happens all the time if you lose a couple of games.
"You had former managers linked with the job before and that will continue whether you are good, bad or indifferent.
"Three months ago I was a tactical genius and performing to a good level and we lost a couple of games, some important games, and maybe were not so good but I feel the same now with what I did back then.
"I have a strong relationship with the owners and the partnership who run the club.
"They understand, like when we spoke at the beginning, this was going to be a process, this is not a group of ready-made players who were used to winning.
"I've not taken over a machine that was winning trophies for 10 years.
"That is something we are clear on but of course we want to be better next year."
Rodgers feels last season's title near-miss was down to a number of factors aligning and their runners-up finish was actually over and above what had been expected.
He believes the current campaign is a more realistic representation of the level the club is at.
"If you take the emotion out of last weekend this was a team which overachieved last year," he added.
"We weren't expected to get into the top four and that same team had a world-class striker (Luis Suarez) in it and someone on fire in terms of Daniel Sturridge, who has the potential to be that (world class) when when fit and playing.
"We have lost those players (Suarez to Barcelona and Sturridge to injury).
"We sit in fifth place, having reached two cup semi-finals, which is probably on par with where we are at.
"The ambition is to be much greater than that and we have to be planning forward and that means bringing in players in the summer, that is something which is well under way.
"This year was an opportunity, next year will be an even greater opportunity to kick on and keep improving."
Worringly for Rodgers, there is still no sign of a return for Sturridge, who has been sidelined with a hip problem for the last two matches after missing the first five months of the season with thigh and calf problems.
"We are unsure. He is certainly not available for the weekend," said the Reds boss when asked if there was a timescale for Sturridge's comeback.
Grecian earn
Exeter and Carlisle are the top tips for three points in our Sky Bet League 2 weekend preview package.
Here are Nick Hext's top two tips for this weekend in Sky Bet League 2. Team news and score verdicts will appear in this story on Friday.
Back Exeter to beat Hartlepool
All three of Hartlepool, Tranmere and Cheltenham fell to defeat last weekend so it’s as you were at the bottom of the standings ahead of the penultimate Saturday of the Sky Bet League 2 season. Pools are the side sitting one point outside of the relegation places and I think they should be opposed at home to Exeter. The Grecians are available at a very tempting 11/4 to get back on track after losing three matches in a row to three out of the division’s top four. Exeter can show they are a much better side than the struggling hosts.
Back Carlisle to beat Stevenage
I have a feeling Carlisle could spring a surprise at play-off dwellers Stevenage. The Cumbrians have made sure of their League 2 status for another season and are on a three-match unbeaten run, including a 1-1 draw at leaders Burton in their previous away game. Stevenage are nearly sure of a finish in the top-seven but I think they are up against a difficult Carlisle side on Saturday.
Rely on Rangers to sink Hammers
QPR headline our tips for Saturday's action in the premier League. Check out our match-by-match preview.
Southampton v Tottenham (1245 BST)
It's rare that I'm taken aback by a set of prices, but I can't quite fathom why there should be such a disparity between the odds quoted about home and away wins here. Spurs lead Southampton by one point after 33 matches - in short, there's very little difference in the quality of these sides. So, with home advantage taken into account, I wouldn't have been surprised to see Saints quoted at 13/8, with Spurs around the 9/5 mark and the draw slightly bigger. You can argue that Southampton have more to play for since Aston Villa's victory over Liverpool in their FA Cup semi-final, a result which means that seventh place in the Premier League may no longer be enough to secure Europa League football next term. For Spurs, this may actually provide comfort should they finish seventh, which is where Southampton currently lie. Saints, however, would surely relish the opportunity to welcome European football to the south coast - their fans especially. That's all well and good, but Mauricio Pochettino will not yet have given up on the Champions League and he's certainly not going to encourage his players to throw in the towel just yet. What's more, for all that Southampton have built a fearsome reputation at home this season, they've lost more times than any of the other top-six sides. Interestingly, three of these four defeats have come to the teams currently positioned third, fourth and fifth in the table and I believe there's a better than 3/1 chance that Spurs add 'sixth' to that list. What's more, the visitors are set to have Hugo Lloris available for selection again and they won comfortably away from home last weekend. This is an altogether tougher test but Southampton's success has been built on clean sheets and they'll do well to keep Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen et al quiet for 90 minutes. Rewind to last season and Spurs ran out 3-2 winners, which when added to a 1-0 victory in the reverse means they're seeking their sixth consecutive victory over Southampton. What that's worth, who can say, but with so little between these sides on all available evidence it's a straightforward decision to side with the underdogs. Spurs are 3/1 to win the game and 7/4 in the draw-no-bet market and I'll take the former, given that they tend to either win or lose on the road. Admittedly, they have struggled against the best sides in the division but Southampton remain one step below that level and Spurs are value to show it.
Win with Watford and Wolves
Wolves and Watford are backed for victories in this weekend's Sky Bet Championship preview package.
Here are Nick Hext's top two tips for this weekend's Sky Bet Championship action. Team news and score verdicts will appear in this story on Friday.
Back Wolves to beat Wigan
Wolves need three points from the trip to Wigan to keep their bid for a play-off spot going to the final day of the season. The Latics are on the verge of relegation and I can’t see them winning their final home match of the season. You can get odds-against for the Wolves win across the board and that is well worth an interest given the short prices available to back the Championship’s top sides this weekend.
Back Watford to beat Brighton to nil
Sky Bet Championship leaders Watford travel to Brighton to get the weekend’s action started in front of the Sky Sports cameras. The Hornets are on the march to promotion with four victories claimed on the spin, three of those wins coming to nil. There’s 12/5 available for Watford to pick up three points without Brighton scoring and that’s my best bet for this game.
Adam Johnson charged
Adam Johnson has been charged with three offences of sexual activity with a child under 16 and one of grooming.
The 27-year-old Sunderland star attended a police station to answer his bail, where he was charged, Durham Police said.
He was initially arrested on Monday March 2, and will appear at Peterlee Magistrates' Court in County Durham next month.
The winger, who has played 12 times for England, was initially suspended and then reinstated by his club after being arrested at his mansion in leafy Castle Eden, County Durham.
Born in Sunderland, Johnson began his career at Middlesbrough before moving to Manchester City and then Sunderland for £10 million in 2012.
After his bail was previously extended by police, the decision was taken to allow him to return to play for Sunderland while the investigation continued.
Gerry Wareham, CPS Chief Crown Prosecutor for the North East, said he believed there was a realistic prospect of conviction and it was in the public interest for him to be charged.
"Following an investigation by Durham Police, I have today authorised police to charge Adam Johnson, aged 27, with four offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The offences are alleged to have been committed on one girl aged 15 at the time," he said.
"Adam Johnson was arrested on March 2 this year.
"We have reviewed the available evidence in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and concluded that there is a realistic prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest to charge Adam Johnson with one offence of meeting a child following sexual grooming, contrary to Section 15 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and three offences of sexual activity with a child, contrary to Section 9 of the Sexual Offence Act 2003. The alleged offences date from 30 December 2014 to 26 February 2015.
"Durham Police have charged the defendant accordingly and he is due to appear before Peterlee Magistrates on 20 May.
"May I remind all concerned that the defendant has a right to a fair trial. It is very important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.
"I would also remind people that the complainant in this case is entitled to lifelong anonymity under the law. For these reasons, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further."
Sherwood keen to land Cleverley
Aston Vila boss Tim Sherwood wants to sign Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley on a permanent deal this summer.
The 25-year-old, who is on a season-long loan from Old Trafford, will be out of contract at the end of the current campaign.
Everton are also been reportedly interested in signing the England international, despite manager Roberto Martinez refusing to be drawn on a potential deal.
However, Sherwood admitted Villa avoiding relegation could be crucial to his side being able to attract the player, with his side five points clear of the bottom three going into their final five league matches.
“I’ve been pleased with Tom,” said Sherwood. “I really like him and like what he adds to the side. He adds a lot of energy, gets back round goalside, links the ball very well.
“He certainly is one of the names I put on the team-sheet straight away. We’re certainly interested in talking to Tom, when the time is right.
“Tom and his representatives, and Aston Villa, are willing to put this on the backburner because they know how important it is to stay in the Premier League. After all Tom wouldn’t want to join the club in the Championship.
“I think there is a good chance we will try and do a deal if it’s right for both parties.”
Meanwhile Sherwood has warned fellow-midfielder Jack Grealish to be aware of his responsibilities following allegations in a morning tabloid, regarding the behaviour of the 19-year-old in his private life.
The newspaper published an image of Grealish blowing into a balloon, claiming the photo was taken at a hotel six months ago.
West Brom striker Saido Berahino and Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling have both been pictured in a similar manner recently, when they have been alleged to have inhaled a ‘legal high’.
Grealish is eligible to represent both England and Ireland, whom he has already played for at U17, U18 and U21 levels, but Sherwood claims he does not care which country the teenager choses.
Rodgers bullish over Anfield future
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists there is no-one better to lead the club despite a disappointing end to the season prompting questions about his future.
A dismal FA Cup semi-final exit to Aston Villa last weekend, after back-to-back defeats to Arsenal and Manchester United derailed their top-four chances, led to speculation about the Northern Irishman's tenure - particularly in light of the availability of Jurgen Klopp who leaves Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
Sunday's Wembley reverse meant Rodgers became the first Liverpool manager since Phil Taylor in 1959 to not win a trophy in his first three years in charge.
However, the 42-year-old, is adamant there is no-one who could replace him.
"I don't think there is anyone better, that is the reality of how I see it," he said.
"Whenever you are at a club like Liverpool you will have many names mentioned.
"There is absolutely no problem with that, it is something that happens all the time if you lose a couple of games.
"You had former managers linked with the job before and that will continue whether you are good, bad or indifferent.
"Three months ago I was a tactical genius and performing to a good level and we lost a couple of games, some important games, and maybe were not so good but I feel the same now with what I did back then.
"I have a strong relationship with the owners and the partnership who run the club.
"They understand, like when we spoke at the beginning, this was going to be a process, this is not a group of ready-made players who were used to winning.
"I've not taken over a machine that was winning trophies for 10 years.
"That is something we are clear on but of course we want to be better next year."
Rodgers feels last season's title near-miss was down to a number of factors aligning and their runners-up finish was actually over and above what had been expected.
He believes the current campaign is a more realistic representation of the level the club is at.
"If you take the emotion out of last weekend this was a team which overachieved last year," he added.
"We weren't expected to get into the top four and that same team had a world-class striker (Luis Suarez) in it and someone on fire in terms of Daniel Sturridge, who has the potential to be that (world class) when when fit and playing.
"We have lost those players (Suarez to Barcelona and Sturridge to injury).
"We sit in fifth place, having reached two cup semi-finals, which is probably on par with where we are at.
"The ambition is to be much greater than that and we have to be planning forward and that means bringing in players in the summer, that is something which is well under way.
"This year was an opportunity, next year will be an even greater opportunity to kick on and keep improving."
Worringly for Rodgers, there is still no sign of a return for Sturridge, who has been sidelined with a hip problem for the last two matches after missing the first five months of the season with thigh and calf problems.
"We are unsure. He is certainly not available for the weekend," said the Reds boss when asked if there was a timescale for Sturridge's comeback.
Henderson signs Liverpool deal
Almost three years after nearly leaving Liverpool Jordan Henderson has committed his long-term future to the club convinced he can win silverware at Anfield.
Late in the summer of 2012, just a couple of months into the reign of Brendan Rodgers, he was lined up as makeweight in a failed bid to sign Fulham's Clint Dempsey only for the midfielder to reject the move.
His determination to prove himself, and justify the £16million price tag which came with him from Sunderland the previous summer, has been rewarded not only with a new five-year £100,000-a-week contract but with the prospect of him taking over the captain's armband from Steven Gerrard when he leaves for the Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the season.
But it is the unfulfilled potential which persuaded the 24-year-old England international to commit what should be the best years of his career to the club.
"A few years ago I had an opportunity to leave but I always knew how big this club is and I wanted to stay here for as long as possible - and nothing has changed since then," he told liverpoolfc.com.
"I feel as though I have got a good connection with the club now and there was no doubt where my future was going to be and it was just a matter of time for my agent and the club to sort it out.
"I have been through difficult times but I would never change that because I know there will be more difficult times ahead and I'll have to use that and I'll be able to handle it a lot better.
"Hopefully we've got many years ahead of winning trophies.
"I'm the same as every other player, I want to be playing at the highest level - in the Champions League, winning trophies and being very successful.
"I had good conversations with the manager about the future of the football club and it was very bright, I was very pleased with what I was hearing.
"I want to be a big part of that and hopefully I can.
"I feel there's a lot of potential, but we need to start turning that potential into winning things. I've got a good feeling that we can do that."
Rodgers hopes other players - youngsters Raheem Sterling (who has rejected a £100,000-a-week offer), Jordon Ibe and experienced defender Martin Skrtel are all currently negotiating new deals - will follow Henderson's lead.
"We are obviously delighted. It is great news for the club and Jordan that he will be spending best part of his career and development here at Liverpool and he is a big part of the plan going forward," said the Reds boss.
"I am delighted for him and the club and we can continue his development.
"The club paid big money for him at the time because he had big potential and that potential has been developed and he will go into the next phase of that.
"The likes of Jordan and Raheem are very important players and the club, behind the scenes, is working very hard to ensure we sign these type of players.
"The model is to develop young players and when they have improved it is important you nail them to the club and make sure they are here for the best part of their careers."
Gameiro breaks Zenit hearts
A review of the action in the Europa League quarter-final second legs as holders Sevilla knocked out Zenit.
Kevin Gameiro's goal four minutes from time settled a thrilling tie as holders Sevillaprogressed to the semi-finals of the Europa League at the expense of Zenit St Petersburg.
Unai Emery's side, leading 2-1 from the first leg, looked set for victory when Carlos Bacca smashed home his 22nd goal of the season from the penalty spot after six minutes at the Petrovsky Stadium.
However, Jose Rondon pulled Zenit level on the night and the match looked set for extra time after Hulk's wonderful long-range effort, only for Gameiro to pop up with his 15th goal of the campaign to send Unai Emery's side through.
Elsewhere, Mario Gomez and Juan Manuel Vargas got the goals as Fiorentinabeat Dynamo Kiev 2-0 on the night to win 3-1 on aggregate.
Gomez netted in the 43rd minute before substitute Vargas capped the success in stoppage time at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
La Viola will be joined in Friday's draw by Serie A rivals Napoli, whose 2-2 draw at home to Wolfsburg saw them advance 6-3 on aggregate.
Second-half goals from Jose Callejon and Dries Mertens looked to have put Rafael Benitez's side out of sight after their 4-1 first-leg triumph in Germany last Thursday.
Timm Klose and Ivan Perisic scored in the space of three minutes to make the scoreline more respectable, but that was as good as it got for Dieter Hecking's Wolves.
Dnipro will make up the final four, the Ukrainian outfit securing their progress with a 1-0 triumph at the NSK Olimpiyskyi stadium to end Club Brugge's record 11-match unbeaten run in the competition.
Myron Markevych's men had managed a goalless draw in the away leg in Belgium, and it was down to Brugge's Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan to keep the hosts at bay on Thursday for almost the entire game.
However, Brugge's defence was breached deep into the second half courtesy of substitute Yevgen Shakhov, with the narrow win enough to see Dnipro book a first semi-final berth.
Delta Woman Dies after Accidentally Consuming Poisoned Soup She Prepared for Cheating Husband
A woman in Delta State is dead after she consumed some Egusi (melon) soup she had prepared for her husband.
The woman, Egwoli, had reportedly put some substances she obtained from a native doctor into the soup, as she had been told the substances would make her husband find her more desirable, reports have it that. However, she didn’t know that the “charm” was actually poisonous.
According to reports, Egwoli visited the native doctor because she believed her husband was cheating on her, as they hadn’t slept together since they got married two years ago.
When she returned from the native doctor, she mixed the charm into the soup she intended to serve to her husband. However, her husband was not home at the time. Somewhere along the line, she is said to have mistakenly mixed the charm into her own soup not knowing it was poisonous. She subsequently ate it, went to bed and died.
Speaking on his wife’s death, the husband says, “my wife had threatened to make me impotent when I stopped making love to her for obvious reasons and I found some fetish items in her room, including the egusi soup she ate before her death.”
Adorable Family! Check out More Photos from Damilola Adegbite & Chris Attoh’s Feature in Glitz Africa Magazine’s 11th Issue
A few days ago we were excited to share the cover of Glitz Magazine’s 11th issue featuring Nollywood actress Damilola Adegbite and Ghollywood actor Chris Attoh.
The celebrity couple was tagged for the magazine’s ‘Relationship Issue’ and the issue presents the concept of relationships as experienced in our every-day lives, a peak into the life of Bola Ray, one of Ghana’s biggest media mogul, an inspirational journey into the life of Theresa Ayoade, our ultimate woman, and a presentation of splendid fashion to elevate African fashion to the world.
TV personality Kojo Frimpong and designers, The D’piper twins are just some of the other names featured in this issue.
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