United eye win, drop battle intensifies

Louis van Gaal fears a virus sweeping through the Manchester United squad could damage his side's hopes of sealing their place in the Champions League.

With just three games remaining in fourth placed United's Premier League campaign, a victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday combined with a defeat for fifth placed Liverpool at champions Chelsea on Sunday would guarantee their return to Europe's elite club competition after a one-year absence.

However, United, who currently hold a four point advantage over Liverpool, have lost their last three games against Chelsea, Everton and West Bromwich Albion.

And to make matters worse, they have been hit by an outbreak of illness at the club's training ground this week, leading boss van Gaal to voice his concern that it could affect them at Selhurst Park this weekend.

"We have a virus in our dressing room," said Van Gaal, who has also seen England midfielder Michael Carrick ruled out for the rest of the season with a calf injury.

"I have a little bit of pain in the throat. (James) Wilson also has had that for one week but is recovering now. Maybe he can be on the bench (at Palace).

"A lot of players are suffering (from it)."

Van Gaal could do with a favour from Chelsea, but after being crowned champions last weekend their players were given three days off by Blues boss Jose Mourinho, prompting suggestions they would be less than fully focused against Liverpool.

United's Dutch coach played down those fears, saying: "That (the extra time off) is the privilege of every manager when you are champion.

"I gave my players one day off more (than usual) but for another reason to what Jose Mourinho did.

"I think that Jose Mourinho can decide that and that his team shall play and do their utmost best (against Liverpool), I think."

'WE STILL ALIVE'

The mood is slightly sunnier across Manchester at outgoing champions City, who have rekindled their challenge for a second-place finish thanks to a run of three consecutive wins.

Manuel Pellegrini's team host second-bottom QPR on Sunday in a game that recalls the unforgettable final-day fixture between the sides in 2012 that saw Sergio Aguero give City the title with an injury-time goal.

QPR survived relegation despite losing that day, but with seven points separating the west London club from safety, a repeat result this weekend would condemn them to the Championship.

A point below QPR at the foot of the table, Burnley are also dangling above the precipice ahead of a crunch clash at Hull City, who are a point above the bottom three.

"Margins are tight," admits Burnley manager Sean Dyche. "It has frustrated me that we are not in a better position than we are in, but we are still alive."

Sunderland, a point from safety, retain a game in hand on the teams around them, but with that fixture a trip to Arsenal on May 20, they may need to take maximum points from Saturday's lunchtime game at 11th-place Everton.

Leicester City's stunning burst of five wins in six games has left Nigel Pearson's side level on points with Hull and they will be confident of victory at home to seventh-place Southampton, who are without a win in three outings.

Newcastle United have been dragged into the relegation picture after a run of eight straight defeats and welcome West Brom to St James' Park with just two points separating them from the drop zone.

Newcastle manager John Carver has urged fans to put aside their anger with owner Mike Ashley and managing director Lee Charnley, saying: "Forget about what you think of Mike and Lee and everybody.

"Get behind the football club, because we want to be in the Premier League next year."

West Brom look assured of survival on 40 points, but FA Cup finalists Aston Villa, five points below them, remain at risk ahead of Saturday's home game with mid-table West Ham United.

Fixtures

Saturday

Aston Villa v West Ham United
Crystal Palace v Manchester United
Everton v Sunderland
Hull City v Burnley
Leicester City v Southampton
Newcastle United v West Bromwich Albion
Stoke City v Tottenham Hotspur

Sunday

Chelsea v Liverpool
Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers

Monday

Arsenal v Swansea City

Photos: Atiku's son, Aliyu graduates from American University of Nigeria

Former VP Atiku Abubakar's son Aliyu graduated today, Match 8 from American University Nigeria which is located in Yola and was founded by his dad years back. Another picture after the cut...

Photo: Blogger Sisi Yemmie and husband welcome baby boy

Popular blogger Yemisi Aiyedun aka Sisi Yemmie, who married her man Yomi Odusanya in July 2014 has welcomed a son. The blogger took to her page to announce the happy news.

"I can't believe I am a mommy, my handosme little bobo, 4kg of God's blessings" she wrote. Congrats to her and her husband.

Michael Schumacher's wife sells off his $40m private jet and holiday mansion as 'he won't use them again'

Michael Schumacher was left disabled after a ski accident in December 2013 that caused major brain injuries which doctors say he will never fully recover from. According to new reports, Schumacher's wife Corina has sold his $40million private jet and a holiday mansion in Norway after accepting the formula legend won't be able to use them again. Insiders say his rehabilitation is not progressing.

Michael was worth over $600m before the devastating accident left him unable to function. He still can't speak and is immobile. Corina, who manages his empire, is reportedly also planning to sell another family home in France, where Michael and his children were staying before the ski accident.

The family currently lives in their mansion in Switzerland which has been specially adapted for the 47 year Formula 1 legend with a team of doctors, nurses and technicians working around the clock.

Denrele Edun Is Getting Married

The popular Channel O VJ and former Sound City presenter Denrele Edun, who is always in the news for his rather out-of-the-way fashion statements, is set to get hitched this year.

Denrele Edun

This really comes as a shock because the sexuality of the weird presenter is still unclear.
It will be recalled that during an interview on Twitter with Kimani off air on February 22, 2015, Denrele might have revealed that he is indeed gay. When he was asked if he was gay, he replied: “Being gay is a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it!”
But during an interview with Saturday Punch last February, the entertainer had said that although he had a lady in his life, he was not fully committed.

The entertainer has probably changed his mind and is ready to walk down the aisle with his lady love. In a telephone conversation with Saturday Beats, Denrele said that he would be getting married this year.
“It is true that I am about to get married but it is not now. I would get married later this year. It was meant to be a secret but I don’t know how everybody has heard. I just hope ‘bad bele’ people would not jinx the marriage for me and make the girl that wants to marry me change her mind. She is the same girl I spoke about with you during our last interview. I cannot explain how the girl captured my heart but everyone would find out on the D-Day. I don’t want to share the identity of my wife now. When the time comes, people would know who she is,” he said.

I Have Not Given Up On My Political Ambition - 9ICE

 

The Nigerian musician Abolore Akande, popularly known as 9ice, has revealed that he has not given up on his political ambition.
In an interview with Vanguard the musician talks about his ambition to become the governor of Oyo state.

”9ice”

Read excerpts from the interview below:
On lessons he learnt from his experience in politics:
“I’ve learnt that Nigeria lacks leadership. It’s ‘moneyticians’ that they see, and they have no choice but to follow whoever they see. During the course of my campaign, I learnt a lot, and I got closer to the people. I listened to their yearnings, and realized that they want a lot of things, but are not getting what they want.
I will also implore people who have the passion to lead their people to offer themselves up for service. The people that we have there now are not leaders; they’re just there for whatever they’ll gain.”

On his ultimate ambition:
“My ultimate ambition in politics is to become the governor of Oyo State. However, I’ll still run for the Federal House of Representatives to serve my constituency in the next election. I believe I can serve in that position very well, and I also know that I stand the chance to become the governor of Oyo State.”
On his plans for the people as the Special Adviser to the Oyo State governor on Youths:
“My plans are to spring up so many ideas that I already have at the back of my mind. Initiatives like the Governor’s Cup in terms of Sports, and also by organizing debates. The era of debates has died, and I think we need to encourage the brilliant students who have the capacity for that in Oyo State. I intend to present such students to the governor so they can be supported academically, and if the powers that be support the idea, then I think we’re good to go.”
On how he intends to combine his role as a public official and an artiste:
“I don’t think one disturbs the other. My political office is during the day as Abolore Akande, and music is performed at night by 9ice. I think I have already differentiated the two.”
On his plans to work towards regulating the industry in his own way:
“Definitely! That’s one of the reasons why I’m in politics. People in this industry complain every day, but there will be no change if we don’t participate. The more we are in government, the better it will be for us.”

9ice, born as Alexander Abolore Adegbola Adigun Alapomeji Ajifolajifaola is a Nigerian musician. He is a south-westerner from Ogbomoso in Oyo state but he grew up in the district of Bariga in Lagos.
He is known for his use of Yoruba language in his music, but mixes the Yoruba proverbs with English, broken English, Hausa and Ibo sometimes.
The Gongo Aso crooner contested for the Federal House of Representatives, Ogbomosho North/Ogbomosho South/Orire Federal Constituency on the platform of his party, All Progressive Congress (APC) but lost out at the primaries in the just-concluded general elections. 9ice was later appointed as the special adviser to the Oyo state governor, Abiola Ajimobi, on youths

Buhari Takes A Ride On A Shuttle Bus (PHOTO)

General Muhammadu Buhari has continued to win the hearts of the populace as yet another mind-blowing picture of him has hit the internet.

The president-elect, whose popularity prior the election tripled, after he intelligently capitalized on the singular factor “corruption” to win a historic presidential election with the slogan of “change”, continues to be in the good books of the masses.

In what can be regarded as a simple act of the highest order, General Muhammadu Buhari was spotted on camera taking a road drive on a shuttle bus at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja earlier today.
A calm Buhari was spotted with some of his aides taking a ride on a shuttle bus and surprisingly! The president-elect was on his feet inside the bus while the seats were unoccupied.

See picture below;

President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari on the shuttle bus at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja earlier today (Photo credit: @Oaktvonline on Instagram)

This comes after the president-elect reportedly attended Jumaat prayers at Mambilla mosque, Abuja, yesterday, sparking jubilation from a mammoth crowd.

At C.O.D United, it is ladies first

When the C.O.D United Ladies team was set up only two years ago, the goal was to ensure that the huge impact it had made with the men’s team could also be made in female football. With a league that was floundering, structurally weak clubs and scant attention from fans, corporate Nigeria and even the game’s administrators, female football was sorely lacking in direction and opportunities for truly talented young girls were extremely limited.

Having recorded huge success with the men’s team at academy and professional level, the management of the club decided to do something about it and so the C.O.D United Ladies, football team, also known as the amazons,  was set up.

Fast forward 2 years and the club has blazed a trail of glory that has now culminated in the club securing promotion to the top echelon of Nigeria female football, the Nigerian women’s premier league, a laudable feat achieved with the club’s customary adherence to its ethos of DIET; Discipline, Integrity, Excellence and Teamwork and the first by any team in the C.O.D United football structure.  Their promotion is all the more remarkable when one remembers that they have now won back to back promotions in just two seasons of playing as a team.  Speaking on the vision that has propelled the club so far in such a short time frame, the club’s chief executive, Shola Opaleye said it is all down to the power of vision. “Like the male team and our academy, when we conceived the female team,” he starts, “we were always intent on making an impact but in the right way. We were not just looking to make an impact in terms of winning, we were actually looking to make an impact in terms of structure and how we set up the team in such a way that results and success will only be a reflection of the quality of our work. That was why we hired someone like Anne Chiejene as our coach. Apart from her wealth of experience as a coach, we also considered the fact that she always carried and conducted herself in a professional manner.”

g Even more remarkable is the fact that the C.O.D United Ladies team is the first team in the C.O.D structure to gain promotion to the top division of the league system. They played 9 games in all, winning 6 of them and scoring 19 goals along the way, 10 of them by Vivian Ikechukwu whose exploits have earned her a call up to the National U-17 female team. Other players that shown like true stars were the left back, Patience Dike who also featured for the Nigerian U-17 team at the World Cup in Costa Rica earlier this year. Nkechi Agamz and Grace Marcus were also very vital players as the team conquered challenge after challenge on their way to promotion. Not content with winning promotion, the girls also won the Lagos State F.A Cup, defeating F.C Robo by three goals to one. and carting away all the individual prizes including MVP, best coach and best goalkeeper.

The victory over FC Robo is even more satisfying because the C.O.D Ladies lost to the same team in last year’s final. With the victory, C.O.D United also became the first club to win both the male and female Lagos State F.A Cup. It also strengthens C.O.D United’s dominance of football in Lagos as one of its teams has played in the Lagos F.A Cup final in four out of the last five editions, something that makes Sola Aiyepeku, an Executive Director of the club very proud. “Lagos has a very competitive football space and to have our teams in 4 of the last 5 F.A Cup finals is no mean feat. There are many strong teams, male and female and as you know, the F.A Cup is the biggest competition there is in the state.

Teams come into it with a strong determination to do well and we have to match and surpass that. It is something to be proud of. In the 4 finals we have made, we have won 2 and lost the 2 by very close margins and all have been against our closest rivals. What we want to do next is to hold both titles simultaneously and then go and have a real go at the Federations Cup. We know that our dominance is something other clubs will be eager to upturn so we will prepare even harder for next year. We look forward to the increased competition and we will be ready. For their efforts and their achievement of the promotion dream of C.O.D United Football Club, members of the ladies team were treated to a reception by the City of David Church, Victoria Island. Addressing the team, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, C.O.D United’s number one fan and a firm believer in the impact football can make on young people in the society advised the girls not to rest on their oars but to see their achievement as the start of another journey. “What you have achieved is remarkable and we are proud of you.

We are happy that you have conducted yourself as good girls and represented our club with real dignity. Remember however that the real journey starts now. Achieving success is not the be all, end all. Sustaining it is the real test and I trust you to pass that test. I completely believe in you and I know you won’t let us down. The hard work to stay at the top begins now.” Anne Chiejiene, the chief coach of the team is also proud of her players and says it is the discipline that the girls have shown that thrills her the most. “I always tell my players that while talent is good, discipline is what will make them become successful and they are taking those lessons in. They listen to instructions and take advice.

They work very hard and they are ambitious. They realize they have a big opportunity by playing for a club that wants them to become good footballers but more importantly, great women who can also function and contribute to society off the pitch. The support of the management has been unbelievable as well and I hope other club owners and administrators can learn from it. The women’s game needs people who truly respect the girls and support them the way our management has done. I have been here and there and I see the difference in the level of support that we enjoy. It is a major difference and the girls see that and try to not fail them on the pitch. In all, I am just really happy to be part of something like this. I expect a few of these girls to go on and make a big impact in the women’s game at the senior level.

A few of them are already in the national teams and I am sure more will join. I have also told them that being called to the national team is a call to work harder and not relent. If your performances drop, you won’t be invited again. I have shared my experiences with them and hopefully, they will continue to listen. With the support that we have, I believe this team can make an unforgettable impact in female football. I am very excited about the future.” With so much success achieved on and off the pitch, it is perhaps apt to say that at C.O.D United, it is truly ladies first. 

Is there anything wrong with the way Rita Ora hugged Jay Z from behind?

Photo taken inside the Met Gala. Fans of Beyonce have come for Rita Ora after photos emerged of her hugging Jay Z, her boss (she's signed to Roc Nation) from behind, as he talked to Diddy. The Bey Hives have swarmed her page and letting her have it. Is it inappropriate though?

Photos: 8 year old boy found in suitcase at Spanish border

How can you risk your child's life this way? An 8-year-old boy from the Ivory Coast survived several hours locked in a suitcase, bundled in a fetal position, as his family tried to smuggle him into Spain. But they didn't succeed as police officers discovered him in the suitcase via scan on Thursday May 7 in El Tarajal, a terrestrial point of entry at Spain's border with Morocco. See more pics after the cut...

The boy, who is now in Spanish custody, is believed to have spent many hours in the pink, medium-sized polyester suitcase, pressed against a few personal belongings.

"He was shocked when we opened the suitcase to see so many people looking at him," a Spanish police spokesman told CNN. He also said the boy is in good condition.

The police spokesman said police officers in El Tarajal became suspicious when a 21-year-old woman, a Moroccan National, showed signs of nervousness as she attempted to cross the border wheeling the suitcase down the street.

"Our officers asked her if she needed help as the wheels began to give in," the spokesman said.

Suspecting a drug smuggling case, police brought the suitcase in for an x-ray. That is when they found the boy. 

He was immediately taken to a state child custodian and awaits judicial process, the official said.

A man who is apparently his father, identified as A.O., was arrested a few hours after the boy was found. The man, who has permanent residency in Spain, awaits formal charges.

The spokesman said this is the first time they have found this type of smuggling, in which a child was locked into a container. 

Source: CNN 

Artists from around the world given opportunity to 'Set The Stage' with Africa's biggest acts

After the success of last year's African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA), Big A Entertainment in conjunction with African Muzik Magazine has decided to give one lucky upcoming artist and One lucky dancer/dance group from anywhere in the world the opportunity to win a round trip ticket, hotel and VIP Access to perform live in Dallas at the 2015 AFRIMMA Ceremony! 

To enter the contest, every contestant must record a video of themselves performing a song or dance routine. 


Next, the contestant must log on to http://afrimma.com/set-the-stage/, follow the instructions and upload their video to the website. 
 

The Contest starts on the 4th of May and ends on the 8th of August, 2015. The last day to enter your submissions is July 20, 2015. 5 finalists will be announced at the end of every month. At the end of the contest, 20 finalists will be compiled; these finalists will have their work uploaded to the website for a voting process to start. 

Do you have what it takes to perform on the AFRIMMA 2015 stage alongside Africa's biggest artists? Log on to http://afrimma.com/set-the-stage/ for the full rules and guidelines of the contest or email setthestage@afrimma.com for inquiries.

NOTE: Be sure to tag your video and everything related to it with the hash tags #STSAfrimma and #AFRIMMA2015

Amber Rose tries to take back what she said about Kanye, blames it on alcohol

Amber Rose has a gag order not to spill any secrets about Kanye from when they dated. Well, she did last weekend while hosting at a club when she accused Kanye of not writing his own songs. After the video went viral, Amber took to her Instagram page to kinda take back what she said and blamed it on being drunk.

Mariah Carey suffers wardrobe malfunction on stage

45 year old Mariah Carey suffered wardrobe malfunction during her performance on Thursday night at her debut Mariah: #1 to Infinity show at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

The singer who was dressed in a pink gown with a very high slit, flashed her tan panties to the whole audience when she dropped down to the floor in her heels and the dress slit revealed her underwear. She didn't stop though, the star kept on singing. 

Will you rock Kendall Jenner's knee-high gladiator boots? (Photos)

Kendall Jenner stepped out in these knee-high gladiator boots with stiletto heels to go watch the Clippers game (basket ball). You like? More photos after the cut.

Pics: Madonna & daughter wear matching outfits to MET after party

56 year old Madonna wore leather hotpants, a top and a jacket to the MET after party while her daughter Lourdes, 18 wore matching hot pants and a top to the same party. More photos after the cut.

Photo credit: newzcard.

Khloe Kardashian shows off her hour glass shape (photo)

Khloe shared this photo of herself working out in the gym wearing her waist trainer. 

Coco Austin and her sister's Yoga moves are off the chain (photos)

It's called AcroYoga and sometimes the sisters do it in heels. Coco is a model, reality star and is married to Ice T. Her sister is married with three kids. See the photos after the cut...

Man steals jewelry at gunpoint but brings it back because it's fake

A Miami man, Daniel Sion Palmer, 26, man was recently arrested after authorities say he robbed a man at gunpoint, took off running and returned moments later to complain that the stolen goods were fake.

The incident happened about 3 a.m. when Palmer allegedly pointed a gun at a man from New York, grabbed his gold chain and then took off.
Police say Palmer apparently was not satisfied with his freshly stolen jewelry, and so he approached the victim again a block away, just so he could tell him the jewelry was fake.

“That was a brazen move and because of that he was able to be apprehended,” Det. Ernesto Rodriguez said.

The victim was able to flag police down and point out Palmer, who was now driving a Mercedes. Investigators say he sped disregarding the police officers who had turned on their lights and sirens, he was eventually apprehended and arrested.

He has since been charged with armed robbery, fleeing and eluding, reckless driving and possession of a suspended license, police said. 

Characteristics Of True Love

God is the only source of true love. Love is beyond an emotional feeling, and it is unconditional.
True love is a disciplined decision to love irrespective of wrongs done to you. It loves even when people do not deserve it.

Save Your Jewelries From Turning Green

If you do not wear expensive and brand jewellery, there is a high chance you have had your jewellery, most especially bracelets and rings turn green at some point.

This can be pretty annoying, and definitely do not have the kind of money that their original versions cost.

Say good bye to your green jewellery problems with this one DIT tip.

Nail polish

Simply apply one or two coats of clear nail polish on the area of your jewellery that comes in contact with your skin.

What this does is that it prevents your skin and the metal the jewellery is made of from coming in contact, thereby preventing the metal from oxidizing or any chemical reaction from taking place.

The green colour your jewellery turns is as a result of the oxidation process that occurs when the metal the jewellery is made from comes in contact with your skin.

Governor Donates 50M And Ambulance To NYSC

  Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio has donated N50 million and an ambulance to the state directorate of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The governor spoke at the opening of this year’s Batch ‘A’ orientation camp of the NYSC.

He said the donation was meant to assist the scheme to start work on the structures at its permanent site.

Akpabio urged the Corps members to shun all vices.

The governor said his administration would ensure the comfort of the Corps members.

He said the ambulance would be handy to them during emergencies.

Akpabio also promised to donate one of the housing estates under construction to the Corps members.

Nollywood Queen Thinks Mayweather Is A 'Smart Fighter'

• 

Time Magazine's acclaimed Nollywood queen, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde thinks American boxing champ, Floyd Mayweather is a smart fighter after watching his match against Manny Pacquiao on May 2, 2015.
According to the actress and entreprenuer, who watched the match alongside her hubby- she actually confessed to watching a boxing match for the first time- Floyd Mayweather is a smarter fighter but she loves Pacquiao's game and smile.
In her words, 'i think @FloydMayweather was just a smart fighter.Loved @MannyPacquiao's game and smile...Emm sticking with wrestling...'  she wrote on her Twitter handle.

Omotola is one of the top Nigerian celebrities that rooted for Pacquiao's victory but had to concede defeat to Mayweather's victory.

Denrele Is Set To Wed

The popular Channel O VJ and former Sound City presenter Denrele Edun, who is always in the news for his rather out-of-the-way fashion statements, is set to get hitched this year. 

Denrele Edun

This really comes as a shock because the sexuality of the weird presenter is still unclear.
It will be recalled that during an interview on Twitter with Kimani off air on February 22, 2015, Denrele might have revealed that he is indeed gay. When he was asked if he was gay, he replied: “Being gay is a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it!”
But during an interview with Saturday Punch last February, the entertainer had said that although he had a lady in his life, he was not fully committed.
The entertainer has probably changed his mind and is ready to walk down the aisle with his lady love. In a telephone conversation with Saturday Beats, Denrele said that he would be getting married this year.
“It is true that I am about to get married but it is not now. I would get married later this year. It was meant to be a secret but I don’t know how everybody has heard. I just hope ‘bad bele’ people would not jinx the marriage for me and make the girl that wants to marry me change her mind. She is the same girl I spoke about with you during our last interview. I cannot explain how the girl captured my heart but everyone would find out on the D-Day. I don’t want to share the identity of my wife now. When the time comes, people would know who she is,” he said.