Don Jazzy advices Nigerians about Ebola, directs them to a page on Comeseesumting.com

Mavin boss and music producer, Don Jazzy  has gone on twitter to advice Nigerians about the deadly nature of the Ebola Virus. In a series of tweets just after the huge success of his Dorobucci video which premiered online on new daily videos website, comeseesumting.com, Don Jazzy directed all his fans and Nigerians to get information about the Ebola virus from a special page created by the Comeseesumting team pooling together videos and other content about the virus. Continue...

He says its time for everyone to take the Ebola Vrus seriously and get as much information as possible n how to avoid being a victim of the virus.

The special page is located here http://comeseesumti.ng/ebola/

The ComeSeeSumting Ebola page gives you a 60 second quick look along with a full documentary on Ebola and the history of this disease. The page also keeps you informed with all the latest stories on Ebola and you can also sign up to receive Ebola updates.

No matter how rich you are, should there be a limit to how much you spend on your young children?

Listen I love designer items, but even I have a limit. Unfortunately I can't share the pics because its from very private individuals but I saw a pic of a 13 year old Nigerian girl wearing a $3,500 designer dress. I heard she has plenty of those, even a dress as expensive as $5,600. One of her watches is a $21,000 Rolex. Her father is extremely wealthy, even owns a private jet, so it makes sense that he wants to spoil his little girl BUT...shouldn't there be a limit, especially if they are that young?

Take for instance, boxing champ Floyd Mayweather's 14 year old daughter, Iyanna, she can't drive yet but she has a Mercedes Benz s550 and G550 (pictured above). She has Hermes bags, diamond watches and a lot of stuff many of her followers describe as obscene for a girl that young.

So what do you think? No matter how wealthy you are as a parent, should there be a limit to how much you spend on your young children? Let's discuss...

No fresh case of Ebola in Lagos - Lagos state Government says

The Lagos state government says no fresh case of Ebola virus has been discovered in the state or in any part of the country. 

According to the Special Adviser to the Lagos state Governor on Public Health, Dr (Mrs) Yewande Adeshina, all the 59 people who had direct or indirect contact with late Liberian Patrick Sawyer who died last Friday in Lagos from the virus, have been traced, tested and found to be hale and hearty and have not exhibited any unusual body temperature or any other symptoms of the dreaded virus. Continue..


In a related development, the state Commissioner for Information, Lateef Ibirogba advised residents to be wary of the activities of fraudsters who are making spurious claims about their ability to provide cure for the Ebola Virus, urging them to always contact health providers to report unusual feelings noticed as only medical solutions are known to be appropriate for the disease. He warned those making false claims of being able to cure the disease to desist from it or would be made to face the full wrath of the law once they are caught. 
He reminded residents of the State to make use of the emergency phone numbers- 08023169485, 08033086660, 08033065303, 08055281442 and 08055329229 provided to contact health authorities in case anyone with observed symptoms of the Ebola disease is noticed.

Replying Mr Ibu would be trading intelligence with ignorance - Ibinabo Fiberesima

AGN president Ibinabo Fiberesima has finally reacted to actor John Okafor aka Mr Ibu's recent interview where he questioned what she did with money President Jonathan released to the guild (see here). Speaking with Punch, Fiberesima berated the comic actor, stating that replying him would only amount to trading intelligence with ignorance. She also said he's not even a member of the Guild..

"Which money is he talking about? That is why I said he is detached from the realities on ground. When we went to visit the President, there was no money promised to anybody. We didn’t go there to beg for money as Mr. Ibu is used to doing; we didn’t do that. They push you to the extent that you say things that you don’t want to. I’m not about money, for once they should stop and think, see what my team and I have achieved in two years. Replying Mr. Ibu would be trading intelligence with ignorance and I don’t think I have that time. I’m sure you have followed everything we have done and we have not hidden anything. Rather, we have been open about everything we have done, so if he attacks me the way he did, it clearly shows that he is completely detached from the reality, because he complained about things that we have achieved long ago, which shows that he is not part of the Guild,” she said. Continue...

She also queried him for not mentioning the names of those in the guild he  said were not happy with her

"Mr. Ibu cannot vote for me, he does not have the power to do that. He cannot even run for office because he is not a member, and I was expecting to see the names of the members whom he referred to because I don’t know them, and I hope they are members of the Guild because we have actors who are not members. You should not because of your interest in a name feel you can come out and talk off point to become relevant. When people say people should have education, it is for this kind of reason so they will know how to speak in public. They think running to the press and running me down on Facebook and others will deter me. No. I was not brought up like that, I’m a very thorough breed. I will do what I have to do to get to where I am going. It is the love that I get from people whose lives I have touched that keeps me going, not those who don’t know where they are going, because every sentence they make is money, where is the money?” she stated

The Kate Henshaw Political Campaign has officially begun

Told you guys yesterday that iconic actress Kate Henshaw is set to contest for a seat in the Federal House of Representatives...well, her political campaign has officially begun. Go here.

Below is what she plans to achieve as a candidate...  

I have a strong interest and desire to serve my people and especially show that there is a better more humane way to do things when you are in a position of leadership. Putting the people first and being accountable to them as well as being accessible.

I am also very keen to promote and champion the provision of clean water, good roads and sanitation in my constituency. 

One of my key areas of project focus areas will be provison of affordable education and quality healthcare especially for expecting and young mothers.

Genevieve's Comments About Poor Nollywood Movies

ollywood actress Genevieve Nnaji was recently at the receiving end of attacks from the movie industry following her remarks about the unprofessional-ism bedeviling it. She may have since retracted her comments, but did she say anything entirely new?

Nollywood, the nation’s movie industry may have come a long way, but the quality of her movies remains questionable. As dawn breaks, the industry plunges further into darkness. Take her earliest film, living in Bondage, that film, agreed was understandably a first timer, but you struggle to find films today even close to that flick. Today, if Living in Bondage can still stand shoulder tall with new movies, then it obviously leaves much to be desired. 

 

If the development in Nigeria leaves you dry and scrapping for safety, Nollywood seems to falter in providing an alternative to at least, ameliorate it. From stereotyped roles, costume, acting, directing, editing to even scripting, the sad story goes.

 

More heart reeking is the title of some Nollywood movies. Disparaging and uninspiring titles that leave you reeling with disappointment and wondering if it was scripted by a kindergarten or even the ridiculous parts that these movies are divided into, sometimes as much as six parts with different clueless titles.

 

That said, even the actors themselves leave you wondering where their heart lies. Take for instance; the thespian Olu Jacobs, despite his experience and talent, he is willingly restricted to royalty roles amidst substandard productions.

Amazingly, he sits comfortably on this, and seems to care little or nothing about professionalism, which is the line Genevieve apparently seems to be drawing.

 

Genevieve may have since gone past the shoddy production and unprofessionalism that Nollywood is riddled with. But like some of her colleagues, she will do well to further lift the bar. This does not necessarily mean going into producing herself. After all, not everyone is gifted with the garb of producing. 

PHOTOS: 2face Idibia Becomes Red Cross Ambassador

Top Nigerian singer, 2face Idibia has taken up a new reponsibility. He is now a Red cross ambassador.

2face Idibia

On Friday 4th July 2014, the Red Cross Society of Nigeria honoured the pop star at a press conference to announce a partnership between 2Face Idibia’s Million Voices for Peace campaign and the Red Cross Society of Nigeria.

The partnership with the Red Cross Society of Nigeria seeks to explore areas of collaboration in raising awareness on the needs of people affected by violence in Nigeria with the aim of mobilizing support for them.

Through this initiative, 2Face Idibia joins a list of renowned celebrities who have shown commitment in speaking up for some of the world’s most vulnerable groups.

2face Idibia speaking at the event said: “Today we take a big step in improvising the plight of internally displaced persons in Nigeria through our partnership with the Nigerian Red Cross Society. My colleagues and I have followed closely the humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross society and I must confess that we are inspired and excited at the chance to support this cause.” 

A few months back, a track titled – Break the Silence, was released by the Million Voices for Peace campaign. Proceeds from the sale of the song will go towards supporting the work of the Red Cross Society of Nigeria.

Dutch fate undeserved - Sneijder

The Netherlands' penalty shootout loss to Argentina in the World Cup semifinals on Wednesday was an unjust way for them to exit the tournament, according to playmaker Wesley Sneijder.

"We deserve much better," said the Galatasaray midfielder, one of two Dutch players to see a penalty saved by Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero at Sao Paulo's Corinthians Arena.

"Argentina were playing for penalties, which wasn't the case with us. We tried to play.

"I missed my penalty. It's a shame. But it's particularly frustrating not to have capitalised on the chances we created over the 120 minutes."

Argentina won 4-2 on penalties after the contest finished 0-0 following extra time. They will play Germany in the final on Sunday.

Dutch centre-back Ron Vlaar saw his opening spot-kick saved by Romero, but having produced a commanding display over the course of the game, he said that he would not let it get him down.

"It's sport, and it's tough. But I'm a man and I'm not going to whinge about it," he said.

"Of course, I know that I played well, but positive feelings pass to one side now that I've missed my penalty.

"We're going home empty-handed. It's sad, because the only thing that counts is the title. There's still the third-place match (against Brazil). But it's not the same thing."

Van Gaal luck runs out over shoot-out

Jasper Cillessen and Louis van Gaal © Action Images

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal admitted he wanted to use substitute keeper Tim Krul in the penalty shoot-out defeat to Argentina on Wednesday.

Van Gaal said he would have taken off goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen for Krul -- in a repeat of the gambit which won the quarterfinal with Costa Rica -- but had run out of substitutes.

"I would have done it by I had already used my three substitutes so I couldn't do it," van Gaal said when asked if he'd thought about bringing on Krul.

It meant that Krul, who saved two spot-kicks against Costa Rica, was a frustrated spectator on the bench as Argentina prevailed in the shoot-out 4-2.

The defeat had an extra twist for van Gaal because Argentina keeper Sergio Romero saved two Dutch spot-kicks.

Van Gaal worked with Romero during the player's four-year stint at AZ Alkmaar.

"I taught Romero to stop penalties, so that hurts," van Gaal joked.

Fifa suspends Nigeria Federation

Nigeria was suspended from international football on Wednesday because of government interference, Fifa said in a statement.

World soccer's ruling body sent a letter to the Nigeria Football Federation (FFF) last week expressing its concern after the NFF was served with court proceedings preventing its President from running the African country's soccer affairs.

"As a result of this decision, no team from Nigeria of any sort (including clubs) can have any international sporting contact," Fifa said.

"During the period of suspension, the NFF may not be represented in any regional, continental or international competitions, including at club level, or in friendly matches."

Fifa said the court order compelled the Nigerian Minister of Sports to appoint a senior member of the civil service to manage the NFF until the matter was heard in court without giving any date for the hearing.

The authorities then appointed a person who decided to convene an extraordinary general assembly on July 5, Fifa said.

"This extraordinary general assembly was convened in violation of the NFF statutes," added Fifa.

"The suspension will be lifted once the court actions have been withdrawn and the properly elected NFF Executive Committee, the NFF general assembly and the NFF administration are able to work without any interference in their affairs," added Fifa.

Nigeria, the African champions, reached the last 16 at the World Cup in Brazil before losing 2-0 to France.

Shopping Complex in Egbeda, Lagos on fire

There is a fire outbreak at the Omolad shopping complex located by Egbeda Bustop in the Egbeda area of  Lagos. Reports say the fire started about an hour ago from a shop on the second floor of the complex. No one knows what caused the fire but are waiting for the arrival of fire service.

Why Manchester United are better off without Nike

Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini poses with a Manchester United shirt made by Nike (Picture: Getty Images)

It was 1972 before Manchester United had their club badge on the football shirt. The red shirt with white collar was made by Umbro, who made the kits for a further three years, before Admiral took over the responsibility.

Then came the 1980s and Admiral was replaced with Adidas as the kit maker and produced probably the most popular shirts amongst the fans.

The designs for these shirts, both home and away, were iconic. With ‘Sharp’ as the sponsor across the front and the three white stripes along the arms, these shirts bring back a lovely bit of nostalgia for fans of a certain age.

Then came the Premier League era and Umbro again made United’s shirts. The collars tied up with laces, made famous by Eric Cantona, the green and gold away shirt in memory of the colours of Newton Heath, that classic black kit that Cantona made famous when kicking a Crystal Palace fan at Selhurst Park, to the red shirts worn when we won the Treble. Again, Umbro boasted some quality designs.

Whilst maybe it’s a sign of old age, believing that everything was better in the good ol’ days, the shirts United players have donned over the past decade just don’t compete.

Nike were given the contract in 2002 and you can count on one hand the amount of nice shirts we’ve had in that time. The 2006-07 shirt was fairly popular, with a design working as a tribute to the Busby Babes. But the designs have gradually got worse, reaching a climax with the gingham design in 2012-2013.

Nike released a statement yesterday confirming that they will not be extending their shirt-making deal with the club when it expires next year.

‘Manchester United is a great club with passionate fans,’ they said in a statement. ‘We are proud to have partnered with them for the last 12 years and will continue to sponsor the club until the end of the 2014-15 season. Any partnership with a club or federation has to be mutually beneficial and the terms that were on offer for a renewed contract did not represent good value for Nike’s shareholders.’

Nike were paying about £25m a year and recently announced that football revenue for the company was up 21 per cent to £1.3 billion in the last fiscal year. From July 2013 to March 2014, the publicly traded Manchester United pulled in £28m in retail, merchandising, apparel and product licensing revenue. United are reportedly looking for something closer to £60m a year now.

No football club sells more shirts than United, with them competing with Adidas’ Real Madrid for the most popular shirt in the world every season. Recent figures suggested they both sell around 1.4m shirts per year. Having lost Arsenal to Puma, Nike will now fall well behind Adidas, who make shirts for some of the biggest sellers, like Bayern Munich, Chelsea and AC Milan.

Warrior are a possibility, who have been making some truly awful shirts for Liverpool over the past couple of seasons. However, if reports are to be believed, Adidas are prepared to meet United’s asking price, which will greatly welcomed by the fans. Let’s hope we’ll see our players wearing quality shirts once more.

Manchester United ‘in advanced transfer talks to sign Angel Di Maria and Mats Hummels for £75million’

Angel Di Maria and Mats Hummels are Manchester United targets (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Angel Di Maria and Mats Hummels as part of a stunning £75million double deal.

United have ramped up their transfer activity in the last two weeks, with new manager Louis van Gaal directing operations despite being at the World Cup in Brazil.

Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera are already on board and now the Guardian reports that Di Maria and Hummels could be next through the door.

Di Maria has apparently asked to leave Real Madrid this summer and despite interest from PSG, United are pushing to close a £45million deal for the winger.

Louis van Gaal is working on transfers at the World Cup (Picture: Getty)

The club also hope to wrap up a transfer for Germany star Hummels, with talks ongoing with Borussia Dortmund over a deal which could eventually be worth £30million.

The Red Devils want all new signings secure well in advance of the new season with Van Gaal keen to get his new-look squad working together quickly.

Alexis Sanchez ‘accepts £150,000-a-week contract to join Arsenal from Barcelona’

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Alexis Sanchez has agreed personal terms with Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

Alexis Sanchez’s transfer to Arsenal has edged even closer after he reportedly accepted the club’s offer of a five-year contract worth around £150,000-a-week.

The Gunners are on the cusp of pulling off a stunning deal for Barcelona star Sanchez, who was told he can leave the Nou Camp earlier this summer.

Arsenal have fended off interest from Liverpool, Juventus and AC Milan and now expect to complete the signing of the 25-year-old quickly, with personal terms now apparently agreed.

According to respected RAC1 radio, Sanchez’s representatives arrived in London on Monday and a five-year contract worth £150,000-a-week has been agreed on.

Sanchez was previously on £75,000-a-week at Barca but his Arsenal contract would make him the club’s joint top earner – alongside Mesut Ozil who also earns £150,000-a-week.

The deal is expected to be completed in the coming days with Sanchez due in London for a medical.

Brazil skipper apologises for defeat

Heartbroken Brazil captain David Luiz apologised to the nation on Tuesday after suffering a record 7-1 World Cup semifinal defeat to Germany.

"Apologies to everybody, apologies to all the Brazilian people," said a tearful Luiz after the mauling in Belo Horizonte.

"I just wanted to see my people smile. We all know how important it was for me to see all of Brazil be happy, at least because of football.

"They were better than us. They prepared better. They played better.

"It's a very sad day but it's also a day from which to learn."

The 7-1 drubbing was the worst defeat ever suffered by Brazil in their 100-year history.

Photos: GEJ swears in former Kano governor, Shekarau, 3 others as ministers

President Jonathan this morning swore in four new ministers into the Federal Cabinet. The new ministers are; former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau as new Minister of Education, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye as Minister of State for Works, Mr Stephen Oru as Minister of the Niger Delta and Mr Abdul Bulama as Minister of Science and Technology.

President Jonathan also announced the redeployment of current Minister of Works, Bashir Yuguda to become the Minister of State for Finance and substantive Minister of National Planning. See more photos after the cut...

When Heineken demonstrated unforgettable stunt in Nigeria

True to its brand promise of Opening Your World, the world’s most international beer brand, Heineken, dazzled Lagosians with an amazing stunt on the Falomo Bridge, Ikoyi, Lagos when it brought the real UEFA Champions League Trophy on a tour few months back. Unsuspecting onlookers were mesmerized by the grand spectacle on display on the bridge. Continue...

In what appeared to have been very carefully planned and deftly executed, the Heineken stunt involved a motorcade which took off from the Eko Hotels and Suites and proceeded to Falomo Bridge in Ikoyi. To add glamour and spice to the stunt, the motorcade included Dutch football legend and Heineken Ambassador; Ruud Gullit accompanied by Ex- Super Eagles superstars Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha and Sunday Oliseh.

Onlookers were taken by surprise when out of nowhere a carnival-like procession with people dressed up in the various European club team jerseys emerged cheering, dancing and singing amidst the blaring music and football commentary. With a helicopter hovering around the bridge, in an instant a part of the bridge was locked down briefly and a mini-pitch was set-up. Amidst deafening cheers Jay Jay Okocha and Sunday Oliseh stepped onto the pitch and displayed sublime football skills much to the amazement of onlookers.

The major highlight of the stunt was the unveiling of the UEFA Champions League Trophy. Similar to a victory tour of a championship winning team, two huge double-decker buses with open roofs added to the excitement of the stunt. With the UEFA Champions league theme song playing in the background, Dutch Legend, Ruud Gullit emerged on top of one of the double-decker buses with the UEFA Trophy. Onlookers were sent into wild frenzy when Gullit hoisted the UEFA Trophy for all to see.

 “I was on my way from work when I noticed there was something unusual happening on the bridge” said another onlooker, Ezekiel Chukwuma, “I decided to hang around to see what the fuss was all about. I was amazed by the event I witnessed. For me, the most interesting part was when I saw the UEFA Trophy lifted by Ruud Gullit. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity of seeing this Trophy.”

Brazil vs Germany match is the most discussed single sports game in Twitter histroy

35.6million people talked about this disastrous match on Twitter last night. I'm still recovering from it

Fifa reject Silva plea, Neymar probe

Juan Camilo Zuniga with Neymar © Gallo Images

Colombia defender Juan Camilo Zuniga will not be punished for the tackle on Neymar that left the Brazil striker with a broken bone in his back and forced him out of the rest of the World Cup.

After investigating the incident from Friday's quarterfinal, won 2-1 by Brazil, Fifa's Disciplinary Committee ruled on Monday that no retrospective action could be taken.

In a statement, soccer's world governing body said their own rules prevented them reopening the case because the incident had already been dealt with by the referee on the pitch.

"After an analysis of the matter and the extensive submission and documentation received from the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation), the chairman came to the conclusion that the Fifa Disciplinary Committee cannot consider this matter in light of the conditions outlined in the Fifa Disciplinary Code (FDC) for the Disciplinary Committee to be able to intervene in such a situation," the statement read.

"In particular, in this specific case, no retrospective action can be taken by the Fifa Disciplinary Committee, since the incident involving the Colombian player Juan Camilo Zuniga Mosquera did not escape the match officials..."

Fifa also said it could not consider Brazil's appeal against captain Thiago Silva's yellow card that will keep him out of Tuesday's World Cup semifinal against Germany. The governing body said there was "no legal basis" to grant such a request.

The defender was booked against Colombia for blocking keeper David Ospina as he was taking a kick, and as it was his second of the tournament he was automatically suspended.

NEYMAR DISAPPOINTMENT

Fifa, in a break from its standard formal statements, expressed its disappointment that Neymar - one of the host nation's most popular and charismatic players - had been ruled out of the World Cup because of the injury.

But Fifa said the extent of the injury and the profile of the player involved could not have any bearing on their disciplinary rules.

"It is important to note that the conditions by which the Fifa Disciplinary Committee can intervene in any incident have to be considered independently of the consequences of that incident, such as an unfortunate injury suffered by a player," Fifa said.

"Finally, as a general remark, Fifa and the Fifa Disciplinary Committee regret any incidents occurring on the pitch that in particular have a negative impact on the health of players.

"We wish Neymar a prompt and complete recovery as we wish the same for all players who have sadly been ruled out of the World Cup through injury."

Neymar's premature exit from the World Cup has provoked a mixture of shock and anger in the samba nation.

Brazilian television stations interrupted their normal programming on the weekend to broadcast live shots of Neymar leaving the team's training base on a helicopter while Brazil President Dilma Rousseff sent the injured player a letter.

The initial shock over Neymar's injury quickly turned to fury as the collision with Zuniga was further scrutinised.

Neymar was carried off the field in tears, and later diagnosed with a fractured vertebra, when Zuniga came rushing in from behind and kneed the Brazilian striker in the back.

Zuniga was not booked over the incident and sent a personal note to Neymar explaining that it was an accident but not everyone agreed with his version of events with former Brazil striker Ronaldo calling it an "evil" tackle.

D'banj presents Bono with over 2million Do Agric Petition signatures

In January 2014 during the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, D'banj helped launch the Do Agric Petition. A petition that calls on leaders for more and better investment in Agriculture. D'banj was the first to publicly sign the petition.

In April, he led 19 of Africa's top artists to record the hit song "Cocoa Na Chocolate" to promote the petition and help rebrand Agriculture among Africa's youth. 

The campaign has been a great success as over 2 million Africans from every African country has signed the petition.

D'banj recently met with ONE co-founder Bono and presented him the petition in recognition of the way he has inspired Africans themselves to lead the fight for change in Africa.

Jude Okoye and fiancee Ifeoma Umeokeke set to wed July 17th

P-Square's older brother and manager, Jude Okoye, and his fiancee MBGN Tourism 2012 Ifeoma Umeokeke, who got engaged on April 24th after dating for a few months, have picked July 17th for their traditional wedding. The wedding will hold at the bride's home town in Nnewi, Anambra state. Their white wedding will hold after Ifeoma, who is said to be pregnant, gives birth. Congrats to them.

Chris Brown and Karrueche Tran call it quits...again?

What are these two up to again? Just last week, it was all good between them with Chris posting butt pics of Karrueche on his instagram page. But it looks like they may have called it quits....again!

Over the weekend, fans noticed that Chris and his long-suffering girlfriend Karrueche had deleted all photos of each other from their respective Instagram accounts...and then Karrueche posted cryptic posts right after deleting Chris Brown from her Instagram life. See the things she posted after the cut

2014 World Cup: Enyeama, other players get $130,000 each

According to reports, Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and a few other players received $130,000 ( N21 million) each as appearance fee for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

“It was not a flat rate, but some of the players like Enyeama, who were involved in both the qualifiers as well as the World Cup in Brazil got as much as $130,000,” an official told AfricanFootball.com.

The money is outside the match bonus and daily allowances they were paid. Team officials were also reportedly not left out as some of them received $25,000. But According to the football site, there were disagreements over the money, particularly as regards whether those who qualified the team for Brazil 2014 should also get part of the appearance fee.

"There was a big issue among the senior players whether those who were part of the qualifiers should also get something. At the end of the day, Joseph Yobo prevailed that they also have to be included. So, even some players like John Utaka & Raheem Lawal, who played just a couple of qualifiers, will also get something" An official said

Pride and sorrow for tearful James Rodriguez(COLOMBIA)

James Rodriguez © Gallo Images

Colombia were not helped by the decision-making of referee Carlos Velasco Carballo, tearful playmaker James Rodriguez said after their World Cup quarterfinal defeat by Brazil on Friday.

"I'm crying because we gave everything. Unfortunately, the referee didn't help much. Brazil is a good team but we gave everything so we are calm. We wanted to carry on, but we hold our heads high. Thank you Colombia," said Rodriguez, the tournament's leading scorer with six goals.

"We fulfilled all the dreams we had ... It's a shame we have to go."

Brazil, leading 2-0 after defender David Luiz's stunning 69th minute free kick, appeared to be cruising into the semi-finals.

But Colombia, who have charmed the neutrals with their attacking football and carefree attitude, came roaring back and scored from the penalty spot after Brazil keeper Julio Cesar brought down Carlos Bacca.

Rodriguez took the responsibility for the spot kick, netting his sixth goal of the World Cup, but there will be no more at this tournament after Brazil clung on for a 2-1 victory.

Many observers felt Rodriguez was not given sufficient protection after he was fouled repeatedly, and questioned the Spanish referee's decision to brandish a yellow card, not a red, at Cesar for the foul.

Veteran Colombia captain Mario Yepes also had a goal disallowed for offside in the 66th minute, and Rodriguez was shown a yellow card shortly afterwards.

"THANK YOU COLOMBIA"

Rodriguez, the poster boy of the World Cup who has eclipsed even home favourite Neymar, was inconsolable after the game. But once he had calmed down, he paid tribute to the support back home.

"Thank you Colombia, because you always had faith," he said. "Unfortunately we stop here, but we wanted to carry on. We're sad but we also have to feel proud because we left our skin out there."

Rodriguez became one of only 12 players to score in five consecutive World Cup matches, according to Fifa, and only two have made it six in a row.

Colombia coach Jose Pekerman said he had tried to comfort his inspirational midfielder after the game.

"I tried to calm him down, because personally he deserves huge congratulations," the Argentine told reporters. "He is to be commended, because ... we enjoyed the way he plays and no doubt he will show it to us in the future."

Pekerman said a key to Brazil's victory was the early goal, when captain Thiago Silva bundled the ball into the net from a corner in the seventh minute.

"It was a quick goal, and that is always key," he said. "Brazil had the moment. Colombia slightly lost that sense of play that it had shown so far. We wanted to find a quick equaliser, and that destabilised our usual style of play."

He also felt that the high level of intensity detracted from the football in a hard-fought, and sometimes niggly Latin American clash.

"Brazil needed the victory, we aspired always to achieve that victory, and in every play there was a lot of intensity and that sort of interrupted the game," Pekerman told a news conference. "We lost the fluidity of the game because of that."

Meet the 33 contestants of the 2014 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant

The 2014 edition of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant will hold in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state on July 27th. See the faces of the 33 contestants vying for the crown. 





Later, will bring full photos with the states they are representing so you can vote for your favorite.

Injured Neymar out of World Cup

Brazil forward Neymar has been ruled out of the World Cup after fracturing his vertebrae in the closing stages of the 2-1 quarterfinal win over Colombia on Friday, his team said.

"It's not serious in the sense that it doesn't need surgery, but he'll need to immobilize it to recover," team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said after the player had been taken to hospital.

"Unfortunately, he's not going to be able to play," he said, adding he expected the recovery period to take at least a few weeks."

Neymar, who has scored four goals in the tournament to lead Brazil's bid for a sixth world title, went down after a challenge by Colombia's Juan Zuniga in the 88th minute and looked to be in pain.

His side will face Germany in the semifinal in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday but the absence of Brazil's poster boy is a major blow for the hosts.

The 22-year-old, who plays for Spanish club Barcelona, had to be carried off on a stretcher and was replaced by defender Henrique for the final minutes of the game.

"We lost Neymar on that play, and based on what I've seen, I think it's going to be tough for him to play," Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari had earlier told reporters.

Many Brazil fans had gathered outside the Fortaleza hospital, shouting "Forca Neymar" (be strong Neymar) as the player was being wheeled into the building.

Brazil will also be without captain Thiago Silva when they take on Germany, after he was booked on Friday and misses the game through suspension.

Neymar also received support from the country's president, Dilma Rousseff, who tweeted: "Like all Brazil I am one of those cheering from the sidelines for our star Neymar to get better."

Nigerian army blames this morning's attack at Palmgrove on area boys..4th July

Say what? The Nigerian Army has denied the involvement of its men in the vandalism and burning of some BRT buses this morning at Palmgrove, Ikorodu road.

Speaking with Premium Times, the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Olajide Olaleye, blamed area boys for the attack.

"It’s not true that the soldiers destroyed buses or set any bus on fire. What happened was that a BRT bus knocked down a soldier and killed him. As usual in Lagos, area boys gathered and a few soldiers stopped at the scene as well. The GOC has dispatched military policemen to the scene to help restore law and order,” Mr. Olaleye said.

Lol. Blame it on the area boys when there's photo evidence. 6 BRT buses and 3 other cars were burnt after the soldier's rampage this morning. Even a woman soldier waka join inside...continue...

lagos wahala and BRT...

Nigeria face Fifa suspension

African champions, Nigeria, could come under an international suspension from the world football governing body, Fifa.

This follows an order from a High Court in Jos, Plateau State restraining the Nigeria Football Federation [NFF] headed by Aminu Maigari, to control, command or manage football matters in the country pending the hearing on the Motion of Notice on July 11.

The order from the court to Maigari and other NFF executive committee members to step aside comes just days after the Super Eagles saw their Fifa World Cup ambition end with a 2-0 defeat to France.

The latest scenario is a deja vu of a 2010 episode when the NFF was dissolved by the Nigerian government.

Fifa did write to the Nigerian government to reverse its decision as it frowns at government intervention in running the sport.

The Nigerian government later rescinded its decision to remove its country's football managers. It also set aside the withdrawal of its national teams from international football for two years.

In the wake of the court order, the Nigeria sports minister, Tamuno Danagogo, appointed Lawrence Katken as sole administrator as the High Court instructed in its injunction this week.

There are now fears that Fifa's suspension looms on the African champions since the world football governing body prohibits any government intervention with its member association.

As at Friday, the NFF president, Maigari, had allegedly been picked up by security operatives for questioning and later released while the football federation's office in the country's capital, Abuja, was under strict surveillance by security men.