Brazil moves to remove its own president, put her on trial

The extraordinary political turmoil in Brazil reached a watershed on Wednesday as members of the Senate neared a final vote to suspend President Dilma Rousseff from office for up to six months and put her on trial for alleged misdeeds in economic policy.

Even as the nation watched agog as a full day of mostly sober debate was broadcast on live television before a final vote expected later in the evening, it appeared all but certain that a simple majority in the upper chamber would be mustered to take the movement to remove Ms Rousseff to the next step.

“There is no path for us but opposition,” the most senior Senator of the President’s ruling Workers Party, Senator Humberto Costa told reporters, essentially acknowledging that a loss for the president and himself was nigh.

Audu Ogbeh Confirms FG Plan to Create Grazing Reserves for Herdsmen Across the Country

The Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, yesterday finally confirmed that the Federal Government was planning to create grazing reserves for herdsmen across the country in order to stem the orgy of renewed violence involving farmers and Cattle herders.

There have been many rumour and speculation on wether there is National Grazing Reserve Bill before the National Assembly or not. The two legislative chambers have seperately denied the existence of such a bill.

But Ogbeh, who stated this in his presentation before the House of Representatives at the ongoing sectoral debate on the economy, explained that the idea behind the grazing reserves was to discourage cattle roaming and indiscriminate grazing. He told the lawmakers that each state was expected to provide them 5000 hectares of land, which would be re-grassed by the government and provided with schools and other facilities for the comfort of the herdsmen and the cattle.

Brazilian Referee pulls gun on players during red card dispute

A Brazilian referee is facing disciplinary action after he reacted to a dispute with players by pulling a GUN.

Gabriel Murta was kicked and slapped by players from lower-league Amantes de Bola, while the manager invaded the pitch demanding a red card, it is claimed.

Murta, said to be a policeman by day, reacted by racing to the changing rooms and returning with a firearm.

Shocking footage captured by a spectator showed his linesman restraining Murta as he held the gun in his hand on the pitch.

BREAKING: Van Gaal direct trains to Manchester Unitedpre-season tour without vacation

The ManU bound Holland coach Van Gaal direct trains to Manchester United pre-season tour without vacation after the FIFA World Cup tournament in Brazil.

BREAKING: Netherlands have gained Third Place in the FIFA World Cup winning against Brazil 3-0

Brazil lost its last two matches by a combined 10-1. Not an expert, but that seems poor. Brazil have suffered a second defeat in a row, after they were beaten by the Netherlands in the SWC third/fourth place playoff.



Boos and handshakes follow the final whistle. The Brazilians were marginally better after the break, but it really was a clueless, disjointed performance from the hosts. Van Gaal now heads to Manchester United; Scolari to who-knows-where?

The Dutch were worthy winners. Truthfully, the scoreline would have been even more lopsided had they not eased up in the second half.

BLAME THE POLITICAL CLASS IF NIGERIA BREAKS-UP BY JAPHET

The acclaimed political class managing the resources and affairs of Nigeria has dangerously deviated from the ideological postulations of the first republic political class like Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alh Tafawa Belewa, Alh Ahmadu Bello, Chief Micheal Okpara, Chief Tony Enahoro etc. Nigerian Politicians are immersed in incurable corruption threshold, grossly lacking in manly firmness, decision of character and sense of direction, furiously luxuriating in lavish and extravagant lifestyles that has indirectly nurtured the spirit of looting and mismanagement. 

The present class of political elites has been in government with their descendants since 1970s and continues to perpetrate corrosive under-development agenda on the masses that has spiraled their frustration index, especially among the most economically inactive youths of the country. The categorized caliber of out-stretched and over-fed underperforming bunch of elders has embezzled the military, police and public servants pension funds with mincing confidence, and caused brain- drain in all sectors of human endeavor. They continue to display fancy expression for gross misapplication of our common patrimony with deceptive antics that is out of proportion by comparison. 

Argentina in the World Cup final

Argentine Sergio Romero saved two penalties as Argentina beat the Netherlands on Wednesday in a shootout, reaching the World Cup final after the first-ever semi-final to finish goalless after extra time.

Goalie Romero plunged low to his left to save the first penalty kick from Dutch defender Ron Vlaar and then made a superb stop from Wesley Sneijder. None of the Argentines missed and Argentina won the shootout, 4-2. The pressure of taking the winning kick fell to Argentina substitute Maxi Rodriguez who blasted the ball high to Jasper Cillessen’s right. The Dutch goalie reached the ball but could not stop it.

"We have given everything and I'm incredibly proud of this team," the Netherlands’ Arjen Robben said after the game. "It came down to penalties and they simply did better," he told Dutch broadcaster NOS. "To lose like this simply sucks, it hurts."

Coach Keshi, Captain Yobo quit Eagles after World Cup exit

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has stepped down from his position after the Super Eagles' exit from the World Cup in Brazil.

France scored twice in the last 11 minutes in Brasilia on Monday to reach the quarter-finals at their expense.

The 52-year-old was appointed Nigeria boss in 2011 and helped them become African champions two years later.

Nigeria captain Joseph Yobo also retired from international football following their exit.

Fenerbahce's Yobo, 33, scored a late own goal after Paul Pogba's header had broken Nigerian resistance.

Coach Keshi becomes the sixth manager to leave his job during the World Cup, following the departures of Honduras's Luis Suarez, Iran's Carlos Queiroz, Japan's Alberto Zaccheroni, Italy's Cesare Prandelli and Ivory Coast's Sabri Lamouchi.

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Fierce heat forces first cooling breaks in World Cup

The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil had its first cooling breaks of the competition during the Round of 16 match between the Netherlands and Mexico in Fortaleza.

It took place in both halves when referee Pedro Proenca signalled a three-minute time-out as temperatures reached above 32C inside the stadium.

Both set of players rehydrated with drinks, while both coaches took the opportunity to give team-talks.

The heat forced fans to move to the back of the stadium to get shelter.

“Climate conditions will be evaluated and should the temperature exceed 32 degrees, then the FIFA Venue Medical Office will recommend cooling breaks to the FIFA General Co-ordinator and Match Commissioner.

Netherlands defeat Mexico 2-1 reach World Cup quarter-finals

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored an injury-time penalty Sunday to give the Netherlands a 2-1 win over Mexico and a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals. 

The Dutch were awarded the penalty when Rafael Marquez took down Arjen Robben in the area. Wesley Sneijder equalized for the Dutch in the 88th minute, just when it looked like the Netherlands was headed home.

Giovani Dos Santos scored for Mexico in the 48th, pouncing on a poor headed clearance, chesting down the ball and sending a left-foot shot through three defenders and into the corner of Jasper Cillessen's goal. Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa had kept his team in the match until Sneijder's strike with two great saves.

World Cup 2014: James Rodríguez Leads Colombia Over Uruguay

RIO DE JANEIRO — His name is James, but he pronounces it Hahm-ez, and that was the way the Colombian fans shouted it on Saturday night. They have been singing James Rodríguez’s praises all along, in fact, but in the flurry of goals and teams and story lines in this World Cup, there was a chance a few people had not yet noticed Rodríguez. Everyone knows him now.

Rodríguez scored two more goals — giving him five at this World Cup — in a 2-0 victory over Uruguay that sent Colombia to the quarterfinals for the first time. Things become tougher now, to be sure, with a matchup against host Brazil on Friday in Fortaleza. But with Rodríguez having scored in each of Colombia’s games, and with Brazil struggling past Chile on penalty kicks earlier Saturday, anything seems possible.

“We’re very happy because we’re making history,” Rodríguez said. “We want to do even more.”

World Cup: Yobo's Dream

....what if I can make it to 104 in Brazil?

For Joseph Yobo, the pre-match ritual is as much a part of the game as the half-time team talk. In his 16 years as a professional, the Nigeria defender has always readied himself for action the same way, slipping on his shirt and then singing and praying before stepping on to the pitch. It is a routine he has gone through innumerable times – but on precisely 100 occasions for the Super Eagles. A sterling servant for his country, Yobo had the honour of bringing up his century of caps against Argentina in Nigeria's final Group F game at Brazil 2014.

Although his side slipped to a 3-2 loss in that match, the 33-year-old came away with almost entirely positive memories. After all, not only did he hit a significant personal milestone, Bosnia and Herzegovina's 3-1 victory against Iran ensured that Nigeria tied down a berth in the Round of 16. "Qualifying for the knockout phase was our first objective," the Super Eagles' captain told FIFA.com. "We're very happy because that hadn't happened to us since 1998. This time, we did it with pride, by finishing second and trying to win first place against Argentina."

'I'm proud of our team'
They gave the South Americans a genuine scare too, though Yobo feels they could have done even more. "We're disappointed because we didn't play that game to win it from the very first minute," explained the Fenerbahce stopper, who spent the last six months on loan at Norwich City. "We thought a draw would be a good result, but in the second half we came out even stronger to try and win the match. That's what we should have done from the very first minute."

Brazil 2014: Stephen Keshi blasts Nigerian fans

           Local World Cup viewers tune out after opener

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has lashed out at the country’s fans, saying it is a shame they have abused his person for the team’s showing at Brazil 2014. The Super Eagles and coach Keshi came under heavy fire from angry fans after they could only manage a 0-0 draw with Iran in their opening group game at the World Cup in Brazil.

But Keshi has taken serious exception to the fans’ rage, saying there was no justification for them to insult his person. “I am disappointed, totally disappointed (by the personal attacks), but it’s their thing, no wahala (no problem),” blasted Keshi in Brazil.

Captain Yobo Prefers a win Against Argentina as Oboabona resumes training ahead of the clash

The Super Eagles' Captain, Joseph Yobo, who is just one game away from joining the centenary group with 100 international caps, has warned his teammates that the last Group F clash is going to be a difficult one.

“The Argentina match is going to be another exciting and difficult game because we know how good they are with a lot of talents.

“It will be great to achieve the centenary mark for Nigeria. It shows what I have been able to contribute to Nigeria’s progress in the game. But the most important thing for me is to help my country do well at the World Cup.

Yobo was quoted as saying he preferred a win on Wednesday to his much advertised attainment of 100 caps if featured in the match against Argentina.“It is good news that I will reach that milestone, but what is uppermost in my mind is for the team to win and for us to advance to the next stage.

Nigeria Police Arrest Suspected Kano Bomber

The Nigeria Police in Kano State has arrested a suspect in connection with Monday afternoon’s bomb blast at the Kano State School of Hygiene, BUK Road, which killed eight people and injured 12 others.

According to Kano State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aderenle Shinaba, who spoke with journalists briefly after visiting the scene of the crime, investigations will begin immediately on the suspect’s motive for the act.

“The suspect is in our custody, and the vehicle he used for the operation has also been towed to the police headquarters," Shinaba said.

“We will get to know the motive behind the attack, and who sent him on this deadly errand."

Brazil 2014; World Unite Against Boko Haram (photo)

Fans display banner against Boko Haram at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Boko Haram sects had claimed responsibility for an attacked on football viewing center in Damaturu, Yobe State in Nigeria during Brazil vs Mexico world cup match. No less than 20 people killed.

Bomb attack Yobe spurs on Super Eagles

The Nigeria Super Eagles said on Wednesday that a bomb attack that killed at least 21 people watching a World Cup game in  state gives them added determination to do well in Brazil.

The bomb exploded in the midst of a crowd watching Brazil play Mexico on a giant screen in Damataru, capital of Yobe state, on Tuesday night.

The team held a minute's silence before they started training under the floodlights in Campinas, outside Sao Paulo, on Wednesday.

LACKING IN FRONT, LAGGING BEHIND; THE BURDEN OF AN UNSCRUPULOUS TREASURY LOOTING RULING ELITE; BY JAYE GASKIA

Why do some nations lag behind other nations? Why inspite of the immense human and natural resource potential does our country Nigeria, continue to lag behind? Why have we not fulfilled the promise of independence? Why are we nowhere near realising even half of the potential of this tremendously endowed Nation?

What manner of administratively inept and congenitally light fingered ruling class have we been saddled with as a people?

Brazil World Cup: Jonathan’s delegation dwarfs Obama’s, others in Africa

Nigeria, again, will spend a fortune on officials traveling abroad with President Goodluck Jonathan’s typically oversize presidential delegation to the World Cup in Brazil announced this week. If the mega-size team had any chance escaping public attention, a similar presidential delegation announced by United States President Barack Obama, sealed it.

Mr. Jonathan’s team comprises governors, ministers, federal lawmakers and diplomats- totalling more than a dozen; while Mr. Obama’s has an advisor, a diplomat and two former athletes only.

Full Time: Mexico 1-0 Cameroon

Mexicans defeated the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon to secure their maximum three points in the ongoing FIFA world cup in Brazil.