Cristiano Ronaldo pole position for the Ballon d’Or - Neymar

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is the clear leader in the race to win the Ballon d’Or, says Barcelona’s Neymar.

Ronaldo helped Portugal win the European Championship just weeks after leading Real Madrid to Champions League glory.

Nigerians and the failed Turkey coup, by Reuben Abati

By Reuben Abati

Turkey is about five hours away from Nigeria by air, about 2, 634 miles from here, but the night there was a coup attempt in Turkey, July 15, with soldiers shutting down parts of Ankara and Istanbul, you’d think Ankara is a city somewhere in Nigeria and Istanbul is an extension of our country. Commentaries kept flying up and down on Nigeria social media space, with the coup attempt in Turkey becoming a trending topic. And yet the strongest connection between Nigeria and Turkey is probably trade, tourism, socio-cultural affinities, and the fact that many Nigerian travellers now find it easier and cheaper to travel through Turkey to other European capitals, with Turkish Airlines making all the profit and no Nigerian airline on that route! Still, if Turkey finds itself in a bad shape, as it has, that is not likely to affect the already sorry fortunes of the Naira or the forbidding cost of food items in Nigerian markets. On Friday, many Nigerians stayed awake and projected their own worst fears unto the Turkish situation.

VP Osinbajo urges African nations to address inequality, poverty

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has reiterated the need for African nations to quickly address the problems of poverty and inequality.

Osinbajo made the call at an event hosted by Ghanaian President John Mahama on Africa and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the African Union meeting in Kigali, Rwanda.

This is contained in a statement released by the vice-president’s Spokesman, Mr Laolu Akande, in Abuja on Saturday.

Diego Costa harasses referee as Chelsea lose first game under Conte (Watch Highlights)

Chelsea has lost their first game under new manager Antonio Conte. The Blues were beaten 2-0 in a friendly against Austrian side, Rapid Wien, with Diego Costa getting furious just after 13 minutes.

The very temperamental Costa charged at a player after he was fouled and also exhibited his usual anger towards the centre referee. 

Goals from Joelinton and Tomi Correa saw the Austrians emerge victorious, as Chelsea lost their first pre-season game ahead of the 2016/2017 season.

Nigerians come for Linda Ikeji’s Sister For Being ‘Childish’

Popular Nigerian blogger, Linda Ikeji’s sister, Laura Ikeji has sparked a variety of an online war after sharing a picture with a controversial caption.

Laura took to her Instagram page to narrate how she drove past her ex without as much as a hello.

She wrote:

Lagos housewife says "She want more than one round of sex" from Husband

A housewife in Lagos state, Afusat Simpa, says she is tired of her 51-year-old husband, Mohammed Simpa who cannot go beyond one round of sex. Speaking to The Sun, Afusat says her husband's inability to satisfy her sexually has caused them to have constant quarrels. According to her, she expects him to go three rounds whenever they have sex.

“I expect my husband to be able to take me to orgasm whenever I wish to make love to him. But no, that is not the case; instead he would stop at one round breathing as if he just climbed a mountain. It is unac­ceptable. But I understand his predicament,” she said.

The father of four attributed his partial impotency to an accident he sustained in 2003 while working at a pharmaceutical company some years ago. Ac­cording to him, he was injured above his pelvis and was operated upon. The operation from the injury he claimed affected his performance as a man.

Defence Headquarters plans Operation Accord to tackle herdsmen attacks

Following the cries of Nigerians for an arrest of the increasing attacks by the suspected Fulani herdsmen against host communities in parts of the country, the nation’s military has announced plans to launch Operation Accord that would tackle the menace.

This was disclosed yesterday by the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Gabriel Olonisakin, while receiving the acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris at the Defence Headquarters, DHQ in Abuja.

According to Olonisakin, “the armed force is preparing to launch ‘Operation Accord’ to tackle the menace occasioned by armed bandits in the recent spate of farmers and cattle herders’ clashes across the country.”

Tragic! Two sisters died in Enugu amusement park, 5 others injured

The Commissioner for Enugu State Capital Development Authority, Hon. Chidi Aroh, has described as unfortunate the death of two sisters – Ebubechi Ozumba, 8, and Onyinyechi Ozumba, 5, following an accident that occurred at the popular Oakland Amusement Park in the state.

The deceased, whose parents are currently in South Africa are natives of Anambra State.

They had joined other children last weekend at the park fun fare before they were confronted by the unfortunate incident.

While two of them died, five other kids who were involved in the accident, are currently receiving treatment at the Niger Foundation Hospital, Daily Sun is reporting.

Allah destined me to rob – Fulani Herdsman

The Oyo state police command on Friday paraded a Fulani herdsman, Amidu Umoru, and his accomplice, Umoru Sanda for alleged armed robbery and murder.

Umoru, 20, who was arrested by the Oyo State Police Command, along Igangan/Iganna road via Iwere Ile in Oke-Ogun area of the state, said despite being a herdsman, he was destined to rob.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP, eye Oyebade, while parading the suspects before newsmen, said Umoru and Sanda were accused of attacking one Kehinde Rafiu, beating him with a shepherd club and machete before robbing him of his motorcycle.

BBC shades President Buhari over Ear Infection

In an article titled, "Was Buhari's trip to London 'medical tourism'?", BBC Africa has just sparked up a media controversy and mixed reactions.

Under the article, BBC wrote; 

#HonourKilling: Pakistan Social Media Queen, Hacked to Death by Brother (PHOTOS)

Pakistan's first social media celebrity has been killed by her brother in an apparent 'honour killing,' for posting controversial pictures of herself on social media. 

26-year-old Pakistani social media celebrity, Qandeel Baloch has been killed by her brother in an apparent 'honour killing' in the province of Punjab.

According to BBC, the police say Qandeel who was strangled to death by her own brother on Friday night following an argument, recently caused controversy by posting controversial pictures of herself on social media, including one alongside a Muslim cleric.

BUSTED! Female Immigration Officer Capture on Tape Extorting Money from Nigerians (Watch Video)

A secret video recording revealed by SaharaReporters, shows a female Nigerian Immigration officer extorting money from Nigerians at the Seme border.

The video which has already gone viral online and social media, shows the officer requesting for money just because the person was a first-time traveller.

Watch below:

Rio 2016: Siasia picks Mikel Obi, Akpeyi as over-aged players

Head coach of Nigeria’s U-23 team, Samson Siasia, has decided on Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi and South Africa-based goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi, as his over-aged players for this year’s Olympic Games.

“Siasia will be going to Rio with only two over-aged players – Mikel and Akpeyi,” an official told AfricanFootball.com.

(PHOTO) 27-year-old Female School Teacher Found Dead Lying in the Pool of Her Own Blood

In what will come across as a rather shocking development, a young school teacher has been found dead in her room. 

She was supposed to go to her parents’ house at Oshodi on that fateful Friday like she usually did every weekend after closing from work as a secondary school teacher at Abule Oko, a community in Ogun State.

But this day June 23, 2016, turned out to be different for both her and her family.

After waiting until Friday night and still didn’t hear anything from her daughter, with her two mobile phone lines switched off, her father was troubled and had to come looking for her.

Oh Mine! See the Extremely Provocative Dress this Lady wore to a Party

I know some persons would say it was a party, but isn't this too revealing? A young lady has been spotted at a party wearing a really provocative dress that has got tongues wagging. 

GEJ's Former Special Adviser, Doyin Okupe interrogated by EFCC

Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Public Affairs, Doyin Okupe, has been questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over alleged fraud to the tune of N162m.

The anti-graft agency grilled the PDP chieftain over alleged N162 million illicit payments to him and his companies by a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), and Chanchaga Local Government in Niger State.

The influential politician who was not detained was given the privilege to be reporting at the commission’s office at regular interval.

Niger Delta Avengers threatens ExxonMobil says "We will attack your workers if you attempt to fix Qua Iboe pipeline"

Niger Delta Avengers has warned that any repair work on ExxonMobil blew up pipeline will lead to an attack on the oil company workers.

Recall that the group had on Monday claimed responsibility for the attack on Exxon Mobil Que Iboe 48-inch Crude Oil Export Pipeline in Akwa Ibom.

But the company’s spokesperson, Todd Spitler denied the claim of the attack, saying the damage that occurred was due to “system anomaly.”

Barrister Okoro says No legal impediment can stop the swearing-in of new CAN President

A Counsel to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Barrister Edwin O. Okoro, yesterday said there is no legal impediment that will restrain the swearing-in of the newly elected President of CAN, who is also the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC), Rev. Supo Ayokunle.

Okoro made the disclosure in Jos while speaking with journalists.

He said, “As I speak to you now, there is no any valid legal process in court to stop the swearing-in of the President elect of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

According to him, the Plaintiff’s application to stop the CAN elections was refused in the Federal High Court, Abuja on the 9th of June, 2016.

Police Service Commission, PSC, approves 18 AIGs, appoints 37 CPs for Police

The Police Service Commission, PSC, has approved the promotion of 18 Commissioners of Police, CPs, to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, AIG, even as it approved the appointment of 37 Commissioners of Police including nine Deputy Commissioners of Police, DCPs.

The commission redeployed four AIGs and deployed 12 others to man Police Zonal Commands while the remaining 10 will head special formations including: Operations, Training, Police Academy, Info-Tech, Investment, Maritime.

Suspected cultists shot and killed Polytechnic student in Kwara (Graphic Pic)

The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the death of a student, Kazeem Oloto, of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, who was shot by suspected cultists on Wednesday.

The Police spokesman, Mr. Ajayi Okasanmi, told the Punch on Saturday that the victim might have been shot dead in a bush by suspected cultists who later dragged his lifeless body to the roadside.

According to Okasanmi, the police recovered some exhibits at the scene and later deposited Oloto’s body at a mortuary.

Manchester United defeat Wigan Athletic in the first match of Mourinho's Era (Watch Highlights)

Jose Mourinho began his reign in charge of Manchester United with a win as his side beat Wigan Athletic 2 – 0 in a pre-season friendly game.

New signings Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan made their debuts for the club with Memphis Depay, Daley Blind and Anders Herrera also starting. Left back Luke Shaw also got 45 minutes under his belt following his recovery from a broken leg.

Annie Idibia Show off her abs in New Photos (PHOTOS)

Hmm ... Annie Idibia looking hot, bet Tubaba would have all eyes on you ...

Jim Iyke Steps Out Looking all Swag Up (PHOTO)

Nollywood Actor, Jim Iyke knows how to swag up ... But he actually looks like Timaya here

Breaking: Chelsea complete N'Golo Kante deals

Chelsea has announced the signing of Leicester City midfielder N’Golo Kante on a five-year deal.

The 25-year-old is the second signing for the club after Michy Batshuayi. Kante was one of the key players as Leicester City won a maiden Premier League title last season.

After signing a five-year contract, Kante said: “I am so happy to have signed for one of the biggest clubs in Europe. It’s a dream come true for me. 

Del Bosque tips Guardiola for Spain job

Vicente del Bosque has tipped Pep Guardiola to become Spain coach at some stage in the future and believes the current Manchester City manager's Catalan roots will not be an issue.

Del Bosque stepped down as Spain boss in the wake of their last-16 exit at Euro 2016, having previously guided them to 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 glory.

Guardiola is not among the candidates to take the vacancy following his recent arrival at City, but the Del Bosque has backed him to lead his country later in his career.

Transfer News: Payet´s agent denies West Ham stay reports

West Ham star Dimitri Payet's agent has denied the France international ever said he was "100 percent staying" at the Premier League club.

The 29-year-old was quoted by The Sun as saying he was certain to stay at West Ham despite interest from elsewhere.

However, his agent Jacques-Olivier Auguste denied that was the case, insisting Payet had never spoken to the publication.

Liverpool don´t need big names - Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists there is no need for him to sign "big names" ahead of the Premier League season.

The German has added Sadio Mane, Joel Matip and Loris Karius to his squad for the upcoming campaign, with further additions expected.

Klopp said he had no plans to go for players based on their status, focusing instead on what was best for his side as a whole.

No Pogba contact with Manchester United - Giuseppe Moratta

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta insists his club have received no contact from Manchester United despite the reported interest in Paul Pogba.

The English giants are reportedly preparing a bid in the region of €100million to bring the midfielder back to Old Trafford, where he left on a free transfer in 2012 having made just three league appearances under former manager Alex Ferguson.

Turkey Coup Attempt: Messi and Iniesta not in Turkey, Arda and others safe

Barcelona stars Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta are still in Spain ahead of their planned appearance at a charity match in Turkey, which has been embroiled by a military coup on Friday. 

Messi and Iniesta were scheduled to take part in the charity event organised by former Barca striker Samuel Eto'o, who now plays for Antalyaspor in Turkey. 

However, an army group in Turkey says it has taken over the country, with military scattered across the capital Ankara and Istanbul.

Ronaldo is not as arrogant as people paint - Quaresma

Ricardo Quaresma insists his Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo is misunderstood and is not as arrogant as perceived.

The pair played together at Sporting CP in the early 2000s before Ronaldo's move to Manchester United, and have teamed up regularly for the national side.

The Real Madrid superstar has unquestionably earned a place among the pantheon of the greatest players in history, but his on-field demeanour and sometimes seemingly selfish attitude have drawn criticism in the past.