Man City set to reward Raheem Sterling for stunning form with brand new contract

Mercy Lank

The England winger is the club’s top scorer, having already bagged 13 goals in his first 19 games. And according to Sky Sports, City chiefs are keen to tie him down to a long-term deal to scare away Premier League rivals that are keeping tabs on him. Sterling still has two-and-a-half years left on his current deal but the club feel his dramatic improvement is deserving of a pay rise. The 22-year-old was linked with a switch to Arsenal in the summer, with speculation suggesting he could be used as a makeweight in a deal to bring Alexis Sanchez to the Etihad.

But Sterling has established himself as a key part of Pep Guardiola’s plans this term and the Spaniard is desperate to keep hold of him. The Sun reported last month that City were trying to negotiate a new contract that would see him take home £200,000-a-week and an agreement is thought to be close. He arrived in Manchester from Liverpool two years ago in a deal worth £49m. His 96th minute winner against Southampton on Wednesday kept City eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.

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David Silva extends Manchester City contract

Mercy Lank

Spain midfielder David Silva extended his contract with English football club Manchester City. “David Silva has signed a one-year contract extension with Manchester City,” the club said in a statement.

The 31-year-old, who is widely recognised as one of Man City’s greatest ever players, has been in fine form the ongoing season during the record-breaking run of 19-consecutive wins that has seen Pep Guardiola’s side establish an eight-point lead at the top of the English Premier League (EPL) table. Silva said: “I am so happy to have committed my future to City. “I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved at City in my seven-and-a-half seasons here and with Pep in charge, I feel we are in a great position to win trophies this season and beyond. “The style of football we are playing is a pleasure to be a part of and I look forward to winning more titles in the years to come.”

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Michael Owen predicts 25-year-old will score in Brighton v Liverpool FC

Mercy Lank

Michael Owen is backing Mohamed Salah to score his 13th Premier League goal in Liverpool FC’s home clash against Brighton on Saturday.

The Reds made a swift return to winning ways at bet365 Stadium on Wednesday night following last weekend’s 1-1 draw with defending Premier League champions Chelsea. Salah broke the deadlock against his former club Chelsea before Willian netted an 85th minute equaliser to rescue a point at Anfield. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp opted to rest Salah for the trip to Stoke mid-week before the German coach turned to the attacker in the second half following Sadio Mane’s opener. The Egypt international netted a brilliant volley to take his tally to 11 goals following Mane’s tenacious play on the right wing.

Salah secured a 3-0 win at the Potters after he captialised on a mistake in the Stoke defence before he slotted a finish past Lee Grant in the home goal. Former Liverpool FC striker Owen is confident Salah will continue his goal-scoring run when promoted side Brighton welcome the Anfield side this weekend. “Midweek super-sub Mo Salah has now scored 12 Premier League goals in his first 14 league games for Liverpool after his midweek brace at Stoke and he is fast becoming Liverpool’s talisman,” Owen told BetVictor. “Brighton kept a home clean sheet against Palace on Tuesday, but it is difficult to see them keeping this exciting Liverpool team out for 90 minutes and I expect to see the Reds’ Egyptian forward among the goals again at the Amex.” Liverpool FC finished in fourth place in the Premier League table last term to secure a place in the Champions League.

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Incredible N'Golo Kante stats prove Chelsea midfielder is the league's most important player

Mercy Lank

N'Golo Kante won his second Premier League title in a row last season as he helped guide Chelsea to the crown as even picked up a Player of the Year award for himself. Considering how few people had even heard of the French midfielder just two years ago, his rise to become one of the best players in the world in a usually unheralded position is all the more remarkable. The Blues have not yet recaptured the sparkling form that saw them win 13 games in a row in the league at one stage last season and part of that is down to the absence of Kante for a full month. Having played nearly every game of the last two seasons for Leicester and Chelsea, the Frenchman is now coming to terms with having to play more regularly with his team in European competition for the first time in his career. After a mixed start to the season, things started to unravel without Kante available and the stats back up what the fans already know: Chelsea are much stronger with Kante in the team. The Blues conceded 11 goals and claimed just seven points in the five games during Kante's October absence - good for an average of 2.2 goals conceded per game.

That run included a 2-1 defeat to a Crystal Palace side who had not scored in any of their previous seven league games before toppling Antonio Conte's side. For comparison, Chelsea have lost just two games all season from the 14 in which Kante has featured - the shock opening day 3-2 defeat to Burnley and September's 1-0 humbling against Manchester City. Since losing to the Clarets on the first day of the season, Chelsea have not conceded multiple goals in a game in which Kante has played and even with the Burnley loss they have let in a total of eight goals in 14 games with the Frenchman. That means opponents average 1.6 fewer goals per game when the former Leicester man plays, as the Blues managed just one of their nine clean sheets this season without him.

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Michael Owen states his prediction for Chelsea v Newcastle

Mercy Lank

Michael Owen is backing Chelsea to win to nil against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening. The defending Premier League champions are on a five-game unbeaten run in the English top flight in the current campaign. Chelsea eased to victories over Watford, Manchester United, Bournemouth and West Brom before a 1-1 stalemate with top-six rivals Liverpool. The Premier League title holders have lost two home games in the Premier League this season following losses to Burnley and leaders Manchester City. Chelsea are in third place in the Premier League table and nine points adrift of Pep Guardiola’s men.

Antonio Conte’s men will welcome promoted side Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. The Magpies are winless in five games but managed to avoid fifth successive Premier League defeat following a 2-2 draw at West Bromwich Albion mid-week. Former Liverpool striker Owen backed Chelsea to win to nil against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge in Saturday’s early kick-off. “Newcastle deserve great credit for coming from two goals down to snatch a point at the Hawthorns midweek, but champions Chelsea cannot be opposed at Stamford Bridge,” Owen told BetVictor.

“The Blues weren’t at their best against Swansea midweek when it looked as if their busy schedule was catching up with them, but they picked up all three points and I think they may have a more comfortable afternoon in Saturday’s early kick-off.” Chelsea are looking to win a third Premier League title in four seasons. The Blues signed six players in the summer transfer window in an attempt to prepare Antonio Conte’s side for the Champions League.

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Man Utd news: Mourinho facing Matic blow ahead of Arsenal clash, Man City return eyed

Mercy Lank

EMANJA MATIC is poised to miss Manchester United’s clash against Arsenal but he could return for the Manchester derby, reports claim. The midfielder has been a permanent fixture of Jose Mourinho’s side and has fitted in seamlessly at Old Trafford following his £35million move from Chelsea over the summer. The Serbian signalled to come off in the 4-2 victory over Watford in midweek after picking up a muscular injury. According to the Daily Mirror, Matic has undergone tests in order to be match fit for the trip to the Emirates on Saturday (5.30pm). The report goes on to suggest that Mourinho will be eager to get Matic available for the Manchester derby a week on Sunday.

It is suggested that the medical staff will do everything they can to ensure that is the case. Mourinho revealed substituting Matic against Watford did impact upon the team despite eventually getting the three points. “We lost stability when Nemanja Matic had to come out but the important thing is the three points,” Mourinho said. “I saw happiness from the team and played with a free mind. "For Matic to tell me he wants to be replaced, he does not do that if it is nothing important. It is muscular.” United are currently second in the table, eight points behind Manchester City.

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StarTimes will show 2018 World Cup draw live — Elegbede

Mercy Lank

Nigerian fans are in for a swell time today as pay TV network, StarTimes has concluded plans to show today’s 2018 FIFA World Cup draw live to the homes of its subscribers. Elegbede The long wait is almost over for 32 teams bidding for glory at next summer’s football showpiece event as the World Cup draw holds today at the State Kremlin Palace, with Eagles fans waiting with rapt attention to know the three teams their darling team will battle in the group stage of the biggest sporting competition set to hold next year in Russia.

And to satisfy its customers, StarTimes has promised to deliver all the moments and drama of the draw from the concert hall of the State Kremlin Palace, with a capacity of 6,000. Speaking yesterday to Sports Vanguard, Brands and Marketing Director of StarTimes, Qasim Elegbede, said the firm in its quest to continuously fulfil its commitment to deliver a fine mix of sporting events to its subscribers, acquired the right, which permits it to show the draw live as well as the behind the scenes happenings from the draw venue. While noting that the World Cup draw at any particular year it happens is the biggest event of the year, Elegbede said that ‘’today’s World Cup draw officially kicks off the beginning of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia as it will determine which teams will be playing against each other and how nations prepare for the event, vis-a-vis selecting camp sites and who to play in friendlies. ‘’At StarTimes, we are extremely delighted to inform our subscribers that we have the rights to show the 2018 FIFA World Cup draw live and for fans of the Super Eagles, we assure them that they are in a for a treat as we show the event live from Russia’’, added Elegbede While wishing Eagles the luck of the draw, Elegbede said StarTimes has lined up a lot of activities to make Nigerian fans have the best World Cup experience. ‘’We have a total package of the World Cup on StarTimes. We have lined up a lot of unique activities for fans during this World Cup period, starting with the World Cup draw. We plan to take Nigerian fans to Russia to watch the World Cup live. The fans are going to be subscribers of StarTimes. StarTimes is the place to be for all the juicy details of the World Cup’’, said Elegbede. He further hinted that StarTimes is the only pay TV network in Nigeria that will be showing the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi, pointing out that “fans will have the opportunity to watch Ronaldo, Ramos, Bale, Benzema and a host of other stars from other continental champions battle for the competition designed for the continental champions. We are the only ones with the rights to show the games and it is a testimony of our strength in depth in sports broadcasting. ‘’We are not going to go half way. That is we have signed a long-term deal with FIFA to show all their events and tournaments. And we are happy that we are delivering to Nigerians the best quality of sports content at the most affordable price because we are a customer-friendly operator’’. On what kind of opponents he will like the Eagles to draw, the StarTimes director said, ‘’honestly, it is better to have the luck of the draw on Eagles side because that will keep them fresher and fitter for the whole hog. A draw with the likes of Russia, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria is my ideal group because we are sure of at least a second round ticket and from there, we can only hope for the best’’. Eagles head into the World Cup draw as the first team from Africa to qualify for Russia 2018 and boasting a rich blend of experienced and emerging and enterprising talents. Not a few pundits are tipping the Coach Gernot-tinkered side to soar high at the tournament, a view shared by Elegbede, who rates Nigeria and Senegal as the two teams with the most probability to do Africa proud at the tournament. ‘’Nigeria and Senegal are the two African teams with the highest chance of doing well at the World Cup in Russia. I am excited with the talents in the Eagles side. The players are young, daring, without fear, enterprising and have the can-do-spirit, needed to do wonders in Russia. ‘’Senegal are the most complete team in terms of talents at their disposal. They have top quality players playing in top leagues of Europe and the only thing they need is to keep a calm head. Nigeria and Senegal have the ability to go as far as they can get. ‘’Granted that we have a good team but it is a little bit too early to start dreaming big and making bold predictions. The World Cup is a long journey of seven matches to win the trophy and because we defeated Argentina in a friendly match does not mean we will defeat every team that come our way in Russia”, added Elegbede. ‘’To get to the peak of our potentials, we must not allow the issue of bonus distract our players. I am not particularly impressed with the discordant tunes over bonus by the players and the NFF. We should learn from the past and avoid any banana peel that may cause our slip in Russia,” The 4-2 defeat of two-time world champions, Argentina in a friendly last month has seen many fans tipping Eagles as one of the teams to beat at the World Cup but Elegbede, warned that such a one-off performance was not enough to get Eagles such top ratings, Elegbede said. ‘’Issues concerning bonuses should never be brought to the front-burner during this period. You rarely hear of such with top traditional teams like England, France, Germany, Spain, Brazil and that is why you see them doing well. Our last experience in Brazil was not particularly pleasing and we should by all means try to avoid a repeat of that sour episode at Russia 2018’’. He commended Coach Rohr for bringing a new lease of life to the Super Eagles but urged him not to rest on his oars as the World Cup journey is only about to begin when the World Cup draw Is made today.

‘’Rohr has done well with the team. We have a crop of players who are playing good football. The strength of the team is in the blend of the experienced hands with the young and promising talents. What I particularly like about the team is that the young ones are not scared of going on the offensive. The combination of Leon Balogun and Trost-Ekong in Eagles central defence is great and the defensive work of the young Shehu Abdullahi gives me hope. Our attack is bursting with talents, that I just feel that going forward that Eagles can just surprise and get the job done, which will be a dream come true for us all’’, added Elegbede.

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Goodluck Was Never Power Hungry – Saraki

Mercy Lank

President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, said former President Goodluck Jonathan was never desperate for power, but got there by providence. He stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the unveiling of a book titled “On a Platter of Gold“ written by Mallam Bolaji Abudullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Saraki, who was the chief host of the occasion, said “a country produces the kind of leadership it gets’’. “I think it is us Nigerians, that produce the kind of leaders we get; no matter what you say about Jonathan, I don’t think he was someone who was desperate for power,“ he said. He added that Jonathan was not someone that was prepared for leadership but became the president of the country either by “misfortune or fortune“. The president of the senate added that it was unfortunate that Nigerians knew the right things to do, but would not do it but would keep playing the blame game. He expressed optimism that the book would be cherished by Nigerians going by its quality.

In his remarks, Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno, said that there was need for the political class to place national interest above other considerations to ensure the country`s development. The governor, who was the chairman of the occasion, also tasked politicians to work assiduously towards building the country in the interest of all. He spoke extensively on the Peoples` Democratic Party and President Goodluck Jonathan`s administration, saying that though Jonathan was a “decent person“, he was surrounded by wrong people. “Sadly, Borno was the epicentre of the crisis that engulfed the Jonathan administration; I think President Jonathan is essentially a decent person, an unsophisticated country politician caught up in the vortex of power politics in Nigeria. “When the Chibok girls saga started, they made the president to believe that there was no abduction, that the Chibok girls were kidnapped by the governor of Borno,“ he said. Shettima said that Jonathan believed the story, which was meant to embarrass his administration. “I was in Chibok, my wife was in Chibok and there was a global outcry on the issue, but Jonathan was in a world of his own created by the clowns and also the misfits around him,’’ he said. He added that in spite of the situation, Jonathan was an honest man.

According to the governor, sheer display of bad governance, lack of political sagacity and will-power squandered the enormous goodwill the Jonathan administration commanded. He said that such situation consequently got him voted out of office in 2015. Shettima disclosed that because of Jonathan`s honesty, “he recently confided in Sen. Ben Bruce that his major undoing was his poor relationship with the Borno governor’’. He wished Jonathan luck in his retirement, saying “ he can redeem himself by serving God, humanity and Africa“. The governor insisted that rather than emphasising issues of restructuring the country, efforts should be made to improve governance. “Let us work for the people, invest in education and create jobs for our people,’’ he said. On his part, Kwara Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, said that the book would serve Nigerians and help review the country`s political history. He also said that the book would be important to politicians and history students across the country.

Mr Dele Momodu, while presenting the book to the public, said that the intrigues and the behind-the-scenes in the Jonathan`s administration captured in it, were mind-bugling. He added that the book was bound to stir lots of debate and controversies, saying that it was a painstaking piece that must be read by all. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the occasion was attended by APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and members of the party’s National Working Committee. Also in attendance were some ministers, representative of Emir of Ilorin and members of Kwara House of Assembly. The book chronicled the ascension of Jonathan, the power play, and the intrigues that led to his loss of power in the 2015 presidential election.

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Mohamed Salah has 'been a revelation' for liverpool, says Phil Thompson

Mercy Lank

The 25-year-old tops the goalscorers' chart in the English elite division and the Reds’ legend stated how his virtouso showings has taken him aback Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson says Mohamed Salah 'has been a revelation' for the Anfield outfit. Salah came off the bench to net a brace in the Reds’ 3-0 victory over Stoke City in Wednesday’s English top-flight outing which earned Jurgen Klopp’s men their seventh league win. The forward has registered 17 goals in all competitions this term, thus, surpassing his performance at Chelsea, where he scored just four times in his 27 appearances.

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Conte charged by FA after being sent to the stands

Mercy Lank

LONDON — Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has been charged with misconduct after he was sent to the stands during a Premier League game. The English Football Association said Thursday that Conte has until Tuesday to respond to the charge. Conte was sent from the dugout in the first half of Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Swansea on Wednesday after furiously protesting the award of a Swansea goal kick.

The Italian at first sat behind the dugout, but then had to move due to the proximity of his new seat to his coaching staff. Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Henrikh Mkhitaryan doing extra work to regain his place

Mercy Lank

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is doing extra gym work in an attempt to regain his Manchester United place, Manchester Evening News reported. M.E.N. Sport understands Mkhitaryan has been putting in additional hours in between his United training schedule after losing his place in Jose Mourinho's starting XI. Mkhitaryan, 28, has been dropped from three of the last four matchday squads and has not started since the November 5 defeat at Chelsea, where Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher claimed United played 'with 10 men' due to Mkhitaryan's apparent anonymity. The Armenia international is believed to be working hard and putting in extra hours away from the club's Carrington training complex after Mourinho admitted he was unhappy with Mkhitaryan's form.

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Everton Confirms Signing of Sam Allardyce as New Manager on 18-Month Deal

Mercy Lank

Everton have officially announced the appointment of Sam Allardyce as the club's new permanent manager. After six weeks of searching following the dismissal of Ronald Koeman, while David Unsworth acted as interim boss, the Toffees have now confirmed the 63-year-old former Bolton Wanderers and Crystal Palace manager has signed an 18-month contract. Allardyce agreed to re-open talks over the possibility of taking over at Goodison Park despite initially ruling himself out of the running.

The man who was England manager for a single game was in attendance alongside Toffees owner Farhad Moshiri on Wednesday night as Everton beat West Ham (another of Allardyce's former clubs) 4-0 at Goodison Park, while the club's official Twitter account made a pre-announcement on Wednesday, afternoon after speculation increased that his installation was imminent. Allardyce was seemingly not the first choice for Moshiri and the Everton board, with Watford rejecting two bids for Marco Silva, while Shakhtar Donetsk's Paulo Fonseca, Louis van Gaal and Diego Simeone were all linked with varying levels of credibility.

Allardyce, who holds the proud record of never having been relegated from England's top flight, has been out of work since his departure from Selhurst Park in July, and will be tasked with securing Everton's Premier League status after their horrendous start to the season. The Blues moved up to 13th in the league standings on Wednesday night as Unsworth's final game as manager resulted in a win. However, the Toffees still have one of the worst defensive records in the Premier League this season; something Allardyce will look to rectify fast with the Merseyside derby just 10 days away.

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Slave trade:Protest holds in front of Libyan Embassy

Mercy Lank

Dozens of people on Thursday embarked on protest condemning slave auction in Libya. The protest is being held in front of Libyan embassy, United Kingdom. Protesters were seen holding placards with inscriptions like “Blacks are not for sale’ ‘Where are our African leaders, White silence is violence, ‘End slave auctions in Libya.’ Nigerian Government on Wednesday repatriated 242 migrants from Libya. 

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Manchester United should be furious if Man City coach Pep Guardiola avoids ban

Mercy Lank

If Jose Mourinho had prodded, gesticulated and ranted at an opposition player there would have been a communique from the Football Association detailing his latest improper conduct charge. Mourinho, the man billed an 'enemy of football' for daring to criticise a referee, is never going to generate swathes of sympathy for dismissals, but because of the FA's victimisation of him, the flashpoint between Pep Guardiola and Nathan Redmond has already become a Mourinho versus Guardiola issue ahead of next week's Manchester derby. http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/man-utd-news-guardiola-mourinho-13974142#share=true&playerID=6345b443e2192e5564ba30abc7.y34vu6acsp9x1pu8t337ybx5r&time=0&vid=119ytc9j2efop1r7s9xx8ampkr For those who have not seen it, Guardiola confronted Nathan Redmond after Manchester City's dramatic victory over Southampton on Wednesday night, animatedly patted him and ranted at the winger as he approached the tunnel.

"I was telling Nathan Redmond how good he is at the end," Guardiola said. "Southampton have some super talented players, Redmond is so good one against one. But they didn’t want to play, they were time wasting from the ninth minute. I just wanted them to play." It is an explanation to launch a thousand gifs from United fans of Ron Burgundy remarking 'Don't believe you.' Arsenal reveal Mesut Ozil stance ahead of United fixture Guardiola is prone to eagerly motivating his players as if he is performing in a pantomime but his behaviour towards Redmond appeared intimidating, like a Catalan Martin Keown. Keown was suspended for three matches after his treatment of Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2003. It is unacceptable behaviour and Guardiola's antics could mark a watershed moment in the FA's inconsistent handling of managers. Coincidentally, Antonio Conte was sent to the stands for the first time in his Chelsea career on Wednesday night. Conte can be as antagonistic as a Donald Trump tweet and, like Trump, his behaviour has usually gone unpunished. Jurgen Klopp is another coach who has remarkably escaped censure for his overzealous behaviour and it is a bugbear for Mourinho.

"The rules for me are different," Mourinho insisted after United drew with Hull in January. "I don't want to speak much because I pay lots of fines. I pay more than others, much more than others. For example, yesterday one manager [Klopp against Chelsea] was told by an official 'I love your emotion'." Klopp had aggressively celebrated Simon Mignolet's denial of Diego Costa's penalty the previous night by squaring up to fourth official Neil Swarbrick, who feebly smiled and did not report the offence. Michael Oliver similarly wasn't tough enough when Joe Hart butted heads with him in an attempt to get Chris Smalling booked during the November 2014 derby. Hart succeeded. "You know clearly I am different," Mourinho added. "The rules for me are different." He has a point. When Mourinho committed the heinous crime of punting a water bottle against West Ham a year ago, a three-man FA panel concluded Mourinho had 'endangered people around him'. Mourinho served a one-game touchline ban for that whereas Arsene Wenger justifiably received an apology for doing the same thing seven years earlier at Old Trafford.

Guardiola's conduct was not comparable with Wenger when he lost it and began man-handling fourth official Anthony Taylor, or Alan Pardew's headbutt on David Meyler nearly four years ago. "It has to be the same for every manager," Mourinho said after he kicked a water bottle against West Ham last year. "It has to be the same."

The FA has a decision to make.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte apologises for fourth official rant but still faces FA ban

Mercy Lank

Antonio Conte is waiting to find out if he will face a touchline ban after he was sent off during last night’s 1-0 home win over Swansea. The Chelsea boss was dismissed by referee Neil Swarbrick just before half-time, having ranted at fourth official Lee Mason after a decision went against his team.

Conte said he later apologised to the officials, and was this morning waiting to hear if he is to be charged. The FA were waiting for the referee’s report of the incident before making a decision, with Conte hoping he will be in the dugout for Saturday’s home game against Newcastle. Meanwhile, Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas says he is starting to fear that Manchester City’s name is written on the Premier League trophy. City extended their winning run to 12 League games last night and maintain an 11-point lead over Chelsea. Chelsea star Fabregas fears Man City's name is written on PL trophy “When you’re in the kind of form City are in, that whatever you do — you score one, two, three, four late winners — sometimes this shows you it could be your year and everything is happening for you,” he said.

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Griezmann chooses Man Utd shirt number after giving Mourinho his word

Mercy Lank

Antoine Griezmann has reportedly promised Manchester United he will move to Old Trafford after a fresh round of transfer talks with Jose Mourinho. According to reports in Spain, the United boss took a flight to Madrid on Wednesday morning and met with the France international to discuss the finer details of his proposed transfer next summer. Griezmann was close to joining United earlier this year before Atleti’s transfer ban and a change of heart from Mourinho saw the player pledge his immediate future to the La Liga side.

But United’s interest in Griezmann has never cooled and Don Balon claims Mourinho stepped up his pursuit for the former Real Sociedad man by flying to Madrid for talks with the player after deciding it was he, rather than Gareth Bale, he wanted to sign next summer. It’s believed United have decided to act now after Barcelona stepped up their interest in the player and also signaled their intent to match the buyout in his Atletico deal. But the Spanish outlet claims Griezmann has now given Mourinho his word on the move and has chosen to take the vacant No 7 shirt at Old Trafford, made famous over the years by the likes of George Best, Eric Cantona and David Beckham.

Furthermore, it’s suggested Griezmann will sign a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with the player giving United his word on the deal by signing a pre-contract agreement. Griezmann will cost United €100million (£88million) after the club agreed to pay the transfer release clause in his Atleti contract. Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo addressed rumours Griezmann was set to leave in the January window earlier this month when he stated: “He wants to stay here.

“That is what he is saying and nowhere has he said he wants to leave us, in fact he has said the opposite. “He has a contract with Atletico.” However, the latest developments would seem Griezmann will move to United in the summer of 2018.

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Another Kogi civil servant commits suicide over non-payment of 12 months salaries

Mercy Lank

Barely one month after a top civil servant committed suicide in Kogi State allegedly over non-payment of salaries, another civil servant, a 47-year-old Abdullahi Uye Zhiya from Oguma in Bassa Local Government Area of the state has also taken his own life. Zhiya was said to have terminated his own life due to frustrations he encountered as a result of non-payment of 12 months’ salaries owed him. He was said to have killed himself by drinking a liquid substance suspected to be poisonous chemical.

Zhiya, the chief store officer at the state Universal Basic Education, Oguma, who was said to have killed himself early this week did not leave a suicide note, but he was said to have complained bitterly to a friend over his inability to feed his family members. A close family source told our correspondent that due to his economic distress caused by the non payment of his salaries, four of his children could no longer go to school while the deceased could no longer afford to buy drugs for his health challenge that has turned for the worst .

The source who described the deceased as a hardworking man, said his situation became unbearable because those he was indebted to kept on taunting him and would not accept that he had not been paid, a situation they said made life more miserable to him. At the beginning of his predicament, it was gathered, many of his relations were reaching out to him to help in assisting his family members with foodstuffs, but all that were said not to be sufficient as he decided to end it all.

However, some of his relatives indicated that though the deceased was owed 12 months salaries it was not enough for him to end his life abruptly. “Zhiya may not have taken his life because of his economic challenges ,there seemed to be other challenges which he refused to disclose,” a family source hinted. “We suspected that what happened has a spiritual undertone. The deceased at some point became withdrawn, but even when we asked he was never forthcoming but the frustration of staying for months without salaries contributed a lot” he added.

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Despite Buhari’s Promise Of Change, Life Is Becoming Harder For Nigerians – Cardinal Okogie

Mercy Lank

Ex President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, has condemned the Muhammadu Buhari government, demanding why life is becoming harder for Nigerians after it promised them change. He said this in a piece sent to media houses on Tuesday titled ‘The Truth and Nothing But the Truth,’ complaining about the bitter state of the country. “What, for example, happened to all the lofty promises made during the campaign season that preceded the 2015 elections? Why are our politicians unwilling to be accountable? Why is transparency in government a taboo? Did they not promise to change this country into a paradise? Why is it, then, that life is getting even harder for the average Nigerian? Why is the level of insecurity so high that people are abducted even from their homes? Why has our country’s leadership failed to create an environment for investments to thrive?” “A government that is more powerful than the people is not accountable to the people. It does not consider transparency a sacred obligation. That is the situation as we write. Our government is not accountable to the people. Even when government functionaries are invited to the National Assembly to answer some questions, they arrogantly fail to honour the invitation. And they get away with such insolence! But that is not what we need in Nigeria. For in a veritable democracy, the government is at the service of the citizen. Such is the profound significance of going to the polls.

“The citizen hires his president, governor, senator, etc. If the people are not satisfied with their performance, those they hired are fired at the polls. But that remains a tall dream in Nigeria where, precisely because those we hire are more powerful than their employers, they are in a position to perpetuate themselves in office through an electoral process whose integrity exists only in the breach.” The retired bishop added that the country could not take its rightful place in the comity of nations while the political class imposed its “counterfeit democracy of sole candidates and ‘divinely’ anointed contestants on the rest of us”.

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2019: Mbaka warns Nigerians on voter’s card

Mercy Lank

Ahead of the 2019 general election, fiery Enugu priest, the Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka has come hard against Nigerians who were yet to obtain their voter’s card. The priest, who has backed Nigerian youths to take up the mantle of leadership in the country, said it was sinful to stay by the side and watch wrong people rule the nation. Mbaka, the spiritual director, Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Nigeria, spoke ahead of the ministry’s annual crusade due to start from 13th of December to the 31st Night December night when the ministry usually experienced the largest crowd of worshippers. He vowed to lend his support to the youths of Nigeria to take over the leadership positions in the nation.

Speaking during an all night crusade organized by the Directorate of Inter-Faith, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, an interdenominational programme hosted last weekend at the Adoration ground, Mbaka charged the youths to stand up and stand out for the leadership positions in the country and to stop being used as stooge and political thugs during elections. In his words “The time of old and incompetent politicians using the youths as thugs is totally over. It is pathetic that men the youths should be leading are ironically leading them. It is a shame to our youths.” Mbaka noted that he had earlier charged all his ministry worshippers to acquire their voter’s card, stressing that he would take stern measures against the worshippers who do not have their voter’s card. “It amounts to a sin as it paves way for the election of wrong and corrupt leaders”, he said, lamenting that he felt the brunt of evil leadership as unemployment and social problems created by bad government stretched his acts of charity. He specially prayed for the youths against every physical and spiritual inhibition that would stop them from experiencing their breakthroughs and taking the pride of their positions in their families and the society. The all-night youth programme ushered in the commemoration of the Christ the King celebration at the Adoration Ground the following morning.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Barr. Maximus Ugwuoke, it was the first time the ministry celebrated the event at their adoration ground following Fr Mbaka’s transfer from his former parish. The transfer, it could be recalled came with some measure of controversy as some worshipers did not take it in good faith. Ugwuoke quoted Mbaka as saying, “as Christians, we must be patient in our expectations. We should be patient and wait for God’s time. Last year, we ended our celebration in sorrow but today, we are happy to be celebrating it today in our own ground. “We are not going to anyone’s parish to celebrate. And within this one year, God has mightily blessed us with structures far bigger than what we left in our former parish. God has made us kings so that He becomes the King of kings.” He called on all Christians to realize that they were kings and as such should not be intimidated by negative circumstances.

Speaking in an interview, the vice president of Adoration Father’s Association, Engr. Okechukwu Agbo stated that the essence of the celebration was to show the supremacy and kingship of Christ. He revealed that members of the congregation were happy to celebrate the feast for the first time at the venue, urging the congregants to join hands to enthrone Christ in their lives as they celebrated. Also speaking, the President of the Women Association of the ministry Mrs. Ann Aligwe expressed happiness that the event could hold at the ground barely one year after their spiritual director was transferred from the Christ the King Parish.

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic set for talks with Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho about contract extension

Mercy Lank

The 36-year-old recently returned to the first-team squad following seven months out with a cruciate ligament injury he suffered in April. The Swede scored 28 goals during his debut season at United and was due to leave during the summer, but the club handed him a year’s extension as they offered support during his rehabilitation.

Ibrahimovic was thought to be planning on seeing out his current deal before heading to America to finish his career in MLS. But according to the Sun, the striker will meet Mourinho for discussions in the new year about staying beyond the summer, with the pair promising one another absolute transparency. United are currently second in the table, eight points behind leaders City. They’re back in action this weekend as they face Arsenal at the Emirates.

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Alexandre Lacazette Officially Ruled Out of Manchester United Clash

Mercy Lank

The weekend’s headliner Premier League fixture, Manchester United at Arsenal, has lost some luster. For the home side, their leading scorer, Alexandre Lacazette, has been ruled out due to a groin injury. For the visitors, the anchor of their middle and most important player to their offense, Nemanja Matic, most likely will be missing. “Lacazette has a groin problem and he is out, certainly, for Saturday’s game,” Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger confirmed after his side trounced Huddersfield Town 5-0 tonight.

Lacazette scored in the first half (his seventh in league play), but did not return after halftime. He was replaced by Olivier Giroud, who bagged a brace for the Gunners. Lacazette broke the Gunners club transfer fee record when he moved over from Lyon in the summer. Arsenal are favored in the late afternoon/early Saturday evening kickoff by the ever so slightest of margins. The bookies are showing the Gunners at 8/5 to win, 12/5 for a draw, and Manchester United at 83/41. That’s just about a pick’em there.

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