Live Commentary: Croatia vs. Nigeria

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMFYJf3FrFdwia372x26x0SFk07ZLkmkttZAW-dd65FUzUolMf4pQDv2GCJwJrxUlIY1eXdQw19yvb0Ha3-Z1pw9POaiQJz6zeUoLZ6WDCTaIjH0_q_G1XuIhRF4Y-wuEtCK6DZI_U00/s1600/Croatia+vs.+Nigeria.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMFYJf3FrFdwia372x26x0SFk07ZLkmkttZAW-dd65FUzUolMf4pQDv2GCJwJrxUlIY1eXdQw19yvb0Ha3-Z1pw9POaiQJz6zeUoLZ6WDCTaIjH0_q_G1XuIhRF4Y-wuEtCK6DZI_U00/s400/Croatia+vs.+Nigeria.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Good evening and welcome to <b class=""><i class="">Nigerianeye's</i></b> live coverage of the 2018 World Cup in Russia as Croatia take on Nigeria in Group D.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Vatreni head into their opener having won just one of their last seven World Cup fixtures, but will be hoping to make use of Argentina and Iceland's 1-1 draw earlier this afternoon.<br /> <br /> Nigeria find themselves in a similar run of tepid World Cup form, despite reaching the last 16 in Brazil four years ago.<br /> <br /> Follow all of the live action with our minute-by-minute updates below.<br /> <br /> <b>LINE-UPS</b><br /> <br /> <b>CROATIA:</b> Subasic; Vrsaljko, Strinic, Lovren, Vida; Rakitic, Modric, Perisic; Kramaric, Mandzukic, Rebic<br /> <br /> <b>CROATIA SUBSTITUTES:</b> Livakovic, Corluka, Kovacic, Brozovic, Kalinic, Jedvaj, Bradaric, Caleta-Car, N. Kalinic, Badelj, Pjaca, Pivaric<br /> <br /> <b>NIGERIA:</b> Uzoho; Abdullahi, Ekong, Balogun, Idowu; Etebo, Ndidi; Mikel, Iwobi, Moses; Ighalo<br /> <br /> <b>NIGERIA SUBSTITUTES:</b> Ezenwa, Akpeyi, Ebuehi, Musa, Ogu, Nwankwo, Onazi, Omeruo, Awaziem, Iheanacho, Echiejile, Obi<br /> <br /></div>

Latest-News Live Commentary: Croatia vs. Nigeria

Good evening and welcome to Nigerianeye's live coverage of the 2018 World Cup in Russia as Croatia take on Nigeria in Group D. The...

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‘We want to beat Croatia’ - Victor Moses

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrE96SCsHECbXkHW3-N37u4yLG5_UCkQ8TOxQmJHziSsn8bqoIazxjVfUKvqobEeLsKjEjc0kAhjiyBak1zHQJ5kD-egYy79KLqsnTBZ9j_Ujya6t70zdovfPZw0lxQhpClucMO-X8Vw/s1600/victor-moses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="600" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrE96SCsHECbXkHW3-N37u4yLG5_UCkQ8TOxQmJHziSsn8bqoIazxjVfUKvqobEeLsKjEjc0kAhjiyBak1zHQJ5kD-egYy79KLqsnTBZ9j_Ujya6t70zdovfPZw0lxQhpClucMO-X8Vw/s320/victor-moses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Victor Moses has stated Nigeria's intent to start their World Cup campaign on a winning run as they aim 'to beat Croatia’ on Saturday.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The three-time African champions last won their first match at the tourney in 1998, losing to Argentina in 2002, 2010 editions and shared the spoils with Iran in 2014.<br /> <br /> However, the Chelsea wing-back, aware of the importance of a team to win their opening match, has urged the West Africans to be concentrated throughout the encounter against Zlatko Dalic’s men.<br /> <br /> “This game is very important to us because it is very important to start winning and get a good result. We are optimistic, we want to beat Croatia,” Moses told club website.<br /> <br /> “The most important thing is to not lose this first game because they are sometimes the most important to qualify from the group. Croatia can beat anyone but Nigeria can beat Croatia. We’ll have to make it as a team.<br /> <br /> “You can see in the training that we were doing very well. We look good at this point, we will be good in the opening game.<br /> <br /> “Croatia is a great team with many top players. They have a particularly strong midfield and attack. The most important thing for us is to be concentrated, then we can beat Croatia.”

Latest-News ‘We want to beat Croatia’ - Victor Moses

Victor Moses has stated Nigeria's intent to start their World Cup campaign on a winning run as they aim 'to beat Croatia’ on Satu...

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Messi the fall guy as missed penalty costs Argentina win

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtpDc55SQU5ORRp-VN_88hZ436fYKm24TDvhsdEGAOda-3qBAUtf5-YH4mfYcSqGHXutAVULryYXp3bJwCZcLh5cOheMOK0paNWKEQ_iRbd1mHZbo1SEiWOmaqp3V7TeFX2W8KwvKJ5A/s1600/arg+1-1+ice.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtpDc55SQU5ORRp-VN_88hZ436fYKm24TDvhsdEGAOda-3qBAUtf5-YH4mfYcSqGHXutAVULryYXp3bJwCZcLh5cOheMOK0paNWKEQ_iRbd1mHZbo1SEiWOmaqp3V7TeFX2W8KwvKJ5A/s400/arg+1-1+ice.jpg" /></a></div> Lionel Messi had a penalty saved as Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by Iceland in their World Cup opener.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Messi's chance came and went after 63 minutes when keeper Hannes Halldorsson guessed right to parry the spot-kick and earn a hard-fought point.<br /> <br /> The Barcelona star had created the game's first moment of danger when, with six minutes gone, his free kick bounced off a defender and span wide.<br /> <br /> A couple of minutes later, Argentina came closer when Nicolas Tagliafico sent in a flicked header that curled just past the far post.<br /> <br /> But the best chance of the opening minutes fell to Iceland when a shot from outside the area after nine minutes took a deflection and fell to Birkir Bjarnason, who scuffed wide with just keeper Willy Caballero to beat.<br /> <br /> Messi, struggling to find space as Iceland closed him down relentlessly, created a bit of room after 17 minutes but his whipped shot from outside the area was beaten away by Halldorsson.<br /> <br /> Argentina, though, broke through within two minutes of that as Sergio Aguero scored his first-ever World Cup goal, getting away from a defender as the ball broke to him and lashing a shot high into the net.<br /> <br /> Messi tried his luck from outside the area soon afterwards, his curling strike held by Halldorsson -- but, out of the blue, Iceland were level after 23 minutes, Alfreo Finnbogason stabbing home amid defensive chaos. Gylfi Sigurdsson produced the initial cross, which deflected and eluded Caballero before falling to Finnbogason, who struck from close range.<br /> <br /> Nicolas Otamendi looped a header straight at the keeper as Argentina tried to respond, with Lucas Biglia then shooting over from long range.<br /> <br /> Sigurdsson had a low shot saved by Caballero as an entertaining first half came towards a conclusion, and the same player blasted a half-volley well wide.<br /> <br /> Argentina's Angel Di Maria created the first threat of the second half, winning a corner after a run down the left, but Otamendi steered his header well over.<br /> <br /> Back came Iceland, Bjarnason's cross from the left just evading Finnbogason, and Argentina made an early switch when Biglia was replaced by Ever Banega.<br /> <br /> Aguero was crowded out as he tried to get a strike in from the right of the area, and the Manchester City striker saw another attempt cannon to safety soon afterwards.<br /> <br /> Messi found Banega on the edge of the area as the hour approached, but his shot was blocked by Ragnar Sigurdsson and Messi's follow-up cross was hammered clear.<br /> <br /> Argentina then had their penalty when Aguero was barged to the ground by Hordur Magnusson -- but Halldorsson guessed right to save Messi's strike.<br /> <br /> Rurik Gislason came on for the injured Johann Berg Gudmundsson in an enforced Iceland change, and Messi curled a free kick over as he tried to make amends for his failure to score from the spot.<br /> <br /> Aguero shot straight at Magnusson before, with 15 minutes to go, Argentina brought off Di Maria and replaced him with Cristian Pavon and Iceland switched Gunnarsson for Ari Freyr Skulason.<br /> <br /> Almost immediately, Pavon appeared to be clipped inside the area -- but the referee waved play on, and no VAR review was forthcoming.<br /> <br /> Nine minutes from the end, Messi curled a superb strike narrowly wide from the edge of the D, and Argentina threw Gonzalo Higuain into the fray as they pressed for a late winner.<br /> <br /> Halldorsson made another good stop to claw away Pavon's dangerous cross and Iceland replaced goal scorer Finnbogason with Bjorn Sigurdarson and they held on despite Messi firing narrowly over in stoppage time.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Source: ESPN</div>

Latest-News Messi the fall guy as missed penalty costs Argentina win

Lionel Messi had a penalty saved as Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by Iceland in their World Cup opener. Messi's chance came and...

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Iceland hold star-studded Argentina, disappointing Messi misses penalty

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAjgC31Ul-uRBcWI0OAqvpNhSzFkZNxacVwQwO8uiYkhlT1rMlrD0fe5tiOFSHAN0h_DiDs9BqO6x8tnk_IRy8U6kvH9hPKwd4_iev5ab3NiV8Y0m1hNdbtl2-H4g39Q4GiCIZyqtk4c/s1600/messi+cry+arg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="221" data-original-width="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAjgC31Ul-uRBcWI0OAqvpNhSzFkZNxacVwQwO8uiYkhlT1rMlrD0fe5tiOFSHAN0h_DiDs9BqO6x8tnk_IRy8U6kvH9hPKwd4_iev5ab3NiV8Y0m1hNdbtl2-H4g39Q4GiCIZyqtk4c/s1600/messi+cry+arg.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> Iceland have pulled an upset at the ongoing Russia 2018 World Cup as the minor held star-studded Argentina to a 1-1 draw with Lionel Messi missing a penalty.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a>

Latest-News Iceland hold star-studded Argentina, disappointing Messi misses penalty

Iceland have pulled an upset at the ongoing Russia 2018 World Cup as the minor held star-studded Argentina to a 1-1 draw with Lionel Messi...

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Russia World Cup: Lagos residents hail creation of six viewing centres

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSiF63scv6fRvkzwXjPzww7l4xnaAWYXHQZORrJUfvv7hR9VnWN65fgp30jEWho2FtWPJ2mkx4fCdNHQKJYNWPrm5m23TXRNa5VKVk41VLopjWFOoN1JUGQfmzjOFnDOeoLZCbgviid4/s400/ambode+ne.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> <br /> Residents of Lagos State on Saturday commended the State Government’s decision to set up six viewing centres across the State to enable them watch the ongoing World Cup matches in Russia.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, had last month promised to set up viewing centres in key locations that would afford residents watch all the 64 World Cup matches live in a serene and secured environment.<br /> <br /> The six centres currently up and running include Campos Mini Stadium Lagos Island; Teslim Balogun Stadium Surulere; Abesan Estate in Alimosho; Naval Yard Ajegunle; Bishop Aggrey School Mushin and Epe Recreation Centre In Epe.<br /> <br /> Some residents who spoke on the development alluded to the fact that the present administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was living up to its billing as an inclusive government that touches all sectors.<br /> <br /> At the Campos Mini Stadium, residents who shortly after the thrilling Group B match between Portugal and Spain described the initiative as laudable and novel adding that due to unstable electricity in some parts of Lagos Island , the Centre gave them the opportunity to watch the games.<br /> <br /> For some other spectators at the Centre, it afforded them the opportunity of watching the World Cup matches in a relaxed mood with stable electricity.<br /> <br /> A resident, Lukman Atanda said, “I enjoy watching football games among the people and the creation of viewing center by the Lagos State Government gave me joy because the atmosphere here at the Campos Stadium is lively. Kudos to the Lagos State Government. ”<br /> <br /> Also, Kelvin Obase disclosed that the viewing center at the Campos Stadium has guaranteed him that some of the matches he would like to watch during the World Cup is certain.<br /> <br /> “I don’t need to worried about electricity for the period of the World Cup,” Obase said.<br /> <br /> Speaking on some of the benefits of the viewing centres, Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Kweku Tandoh said because football is a unifying activity that brings the people together, football lovers therefore sees the government as one that touches other sectors such as sports.<br /> <br /> He said the creation of viewing center by the State was also complementing the various grassroots sports development championships and competitions that the administration of Governor Ambode has solely sponsored, which according to him is an added advantage to the numerous achievements of the Governor in other sectors of the Lagos economy.<br /> <br /> Besides, Tandoh said the Government has made adequate provisions for medical coverage, adequate security, traffic control and general sanitation at all the viewing centres.<br /> <br /> He also disclosed that a Public Liability Insurance Cover is also in place covering the six centres for the period of the World Cup.<br /> <br /> “Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who is a member of the Federal Government’s delegation to the Russia 2018 World Cup finals, wants Lagosians to have a feel of football action in the ongoing tournament and he believes the viewing centres will also serve as fun and relaxation spots for the people,” he said.

Latest-News Russia World Cup: Lagos residents hail creation of six viewing centres

Residents of Lagos State on Saturday commended the State Government’s decision to set up six viewing centres across the State to enable t...

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VIDEO: Missing woman discovered in python's belly

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh241PIlD_0dlz0EjeHEFK6m4USTYWbz935Fb9r0J99ELYjwyf9arb4iBo4dgODupWfX2IO9B1RxlDm_SsJJF48WbI7Gka1zaIDRt63fZLpF4ixSS28aU9GjmXHck-f1CQOycaE31FAvgQ/s1600/python+killer.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh241PIlD_0dlz0EjeHEFK6m4USTYWbz935Fb9r0J99ELYjwyf9arb4iBo4dgODupWfX2IO9B1RxlDm_SsJJF48WbI7Gka1zaIDRt63fZLpF4ixSS28aU9GjmXHck-f1CQOycaE31FAvgQ/s320/python+killer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Horrifying footage shows the moment a woman was cut from a 27ft python after being eaten alive - while she was gardening.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The mother-of-two, Wa Tiba, 54, was last seen on Thursday evening at 6.45pm when she went out to do some gardening. But her children were worried when there was no sign of her the next morning at home in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia.<br /> <br /> They searched for her at 6am and a found her sandals, machete and torch 30 metres from a patch of bushes that appeared ruffled.<br /> <br /> Wa Tiba's sons then made a chilling discovery - an enormous python lounged on the ground unable to move due to an enormous bulge in its belly after it had swallowed the housewife head first.<br /> <br /> The frantic lads called police and by 9am hundreds of villagers had gathered round the patch of grass in the remote Mabolu Village in the Lohia Regency of Muna province.<br /> <br /> Nightmarish footage captured the snake's skin being sliced open to reveal the slime-covered corpse. She was still wearing her brown leggings and dark red top.<br /> <br /> Wa Tiba's knife was found on the floor - suggesting she dropped it after being struck by the killer python. Her head was towards the snake's tail and her feet at its mouth - showing that she had been swallowed head first.<br /> <br /> Police superintendent Agung Ramos said: ''People took the snake into the village and started splitting the snake. The suspicions were true and there was a body intact inside the snake. Unfortunately, the victim was lifeless.''<br /> <br /> Wa Tiba had a traditional burial ceremony later that afternoon in keeping with traditional religious customs.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wcg7Dyid9fQ" width="640"></iframe><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></div>

Latest-News VIDEO: Missing woman discovered in python's belly

Horrifying footage shows the moment a woman was cut from a 27ft python after being eaten alive - while she was gardening. The mother-of...

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Match Preview: Belgium vs Panama

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2X3s6LwTAw0X4ZOPEsOuBhIaqHhyphenhyphenEyPLnLk2reX8CXYD7dnMVfNlSl2daovutWcZPYF1UwLa1ckmNfAYmvl3Wmeqr6Jg4I9EpsXLHcznf6zoPqfRLRauVaR1lejUYoBULrpc1Z7bYnbE/s1600/Belgium+vs+Panama.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2X3s6LwTAw0X4ZOPEsOuBhIaqHhyphenhyphenEyPLnLk2reX8CXYD7dnMVfNlSl2daovutWcZPYF1UwLa1ckmNfAYmvl3Wmeqr6Jg4I9EpsXLHcznf6zoPqfRLRauVaR1lejUYoBULrpc1Z7bYnbE/s320/Belgium+vs+Panama.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Belgium kick off their World Cup campaign on Monday, June 18th. They are to play arguably the weakest side in the entire tournament in their opening fixture.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The difference in quality between these two outfits is just massive and we expect a one-sided contest from the first whistle on the day.<br /> <br /> Belgium scored an impressive 43-goal tally in ten qualifying affairs winning nine of them.<br /> Belgium won three and drew one of last four friendlies and they’ll come up against a side which failed to score more than once in last five internationals.<br /> Panama are enjoying their maiden appearance at the biggest stage.<br /> <br /> Roberto Martinez will be under a massive pressure in Russia as he has the honour of leading the golden generation of Belgian players. The Red Devils enter the competition as one of the shadow favourites to go all the way this summer, but can the star-studded line-up live up to the ambitions?<br /> <br /> The opening match will not produce the answer to that given the European hopefuls are to take on the likes of Panama. Los Canaleros are actually the only debutants in this edition of the tournament having shockingly secured their tickets for Russia on the expense of United States who only came fifth at the end of the final round in the CONCACAF qualifying zone.<br /> <br /> Panama managed a huge comeback to secure the 2-1 victory over Costa Rica thanks to the 87th-minute match winner on the final day. United States lost their away fixture to Trinidad & Tobago with the same result even though their counterparts had already lost all hopes of qualifying.<br /> <br /> Panama have played eight friendly outings ever since, winning only two in the process. The lack of the attacking potential is obvious and one should not be shocked to learn that they’ve only scored once in last five internationals. The main strength for Los Canaleros is their head coach Hernan Gomez who has the World Cup experience having led Colombia and Ecuador at the big stage competitions back in 1998 and 2002.<br /> <br /> Belgium definitely do not share similar woes with the likes of Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens in their ranks. They have the world-class quality all over the place, starting from Thibaut Courtois to Romelu Lukaku. They boasted the best attacking record in the European Qualification zone having bagged as many as 43 goals in 10 matches.<br /> <br /> Manchester United’s star Romelu Lukaku notched 11 of 43, while Chelsea’s Eden Hazard contributed with six goals and five assists along the way.<br /> <br /> The second match of the Group G presents England against Tunisia, an hour after the conclusion of this game.<br /> <br /> <b>Belgium Team News</b><br /> Martinez will likely keep Man City center-back Vincent Kompany on the bench in the opener given Panama’s attacking line will not be a major test here.<br /> Michy Batshuayi also has fitness woes and will likely not be used on the occasion.<br /> Laurent Ciman of Los Angeles FC was used as the third center back in the 3-0 win over Egypt in the final WC warm-up.<br /> Martinez fancies the 3-4-2-1 formation with Lukaku as the sole striker with Hazard and Mertens behind him and that’s exactly what we expect to see in team’s opener in Russia.<br /> <b>Belgium Predicted Starting Eleven (3-4-2-1)</b><br /> Courtois – Alderweireld, Boyata/Ciman, Vertonghen – Meunier, Carrasco, Witsel, De Bruyne – Mertens, Eden Hazard – Lukaku.<br /> <br /> <b>Panama Team News</b><br /> Panama only have four Europe-based players in their ranks<br /> The main problem for Hernan Gomez is the physical condition of the vital center back Roman Torres.<br /> He will likely feature the match against the Red Devils due to the lack of adequate replacements.<br /> Gomez has to make the decision of whether he will be using Blas Perez (37-year-old) or Gabriel Torres as the lone striker.<br /> <b>Panama Predicted Starting Eleven (5-4-1)</b><br /> Penedo – Roman Torres, Escobar, Machado, Ovalle, Murillo – Gomez, Quintero, Barcenas, Godoy – Gabriel Torres.<br /> <br /> <b>Belgium vs Panama Head-to-head</b><br /> This will only be the first ever head to head encounter between Belgium and Panama.<br /> <br /> <b>Belgium vs Panama Predictions</b><br /> The Belgian attacking line is full of talent which was never exploited to the max under Marc Wilmots who led the team to underwhelming campaigns four years ago in Brazil and two years later at EURO in France. Panama just can’t be a match to such squad and the visitors could be even happy with the loss by less than four goals difference here given the realistic gulf in quality between the two.<br /> <br /> Los Canaleros revealed their defensive holes in a demolishing 6-0 defeat to Switzerland in March, while they failed to find the back of the net in back-to-back clashes with European WC absentees Northern Ireland and Norway in recent warm-ups. Belgium to keep a clean sheet should thus be a banker bet at the odds of 1.36, but we will try and grab the highest value chasing bets with higher odds.<br /> <br /> Belgium to win by three or more goals is definitely such, a must-take at 2.45. We expect Martinez’s side to push strong from the get-go and bag at least two goals in the opening 45 minutes. You can have Belgium to have at least a two-goal cushion on the break at the sky-high 3.30 odds.<br /> <br /> Predicted Full-Time Result is a clean sheet victory for Belgium in what could be a disastrous defeat for Panama.</div>

Latest-News Match Preview: Belgium vs Panama

Belgium kick off their World Cup campaign on Monday, June 18th. They are to play arguably the weakest side in the entire tournament in the...

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Match Preview:Tunisia vs England

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Iu4C6onrp8vkpO3ufYMrbXd0yj-oc5L5gtOPgmrU2udALApKUIr2Any0iLHlumjCkEbpY7I6DTzSO3urZNq0511zSWdnQLgU2p-FbuyLuEWOn_IvpPVc5nQrhUX-3dcfkWsL3CmVDIs/s1600/Tunisia+vs+England.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Iu4C6onrp8vkpO3ufYMrbXd0yj-oc5L5gtOPgmrU2udALApKUIr2Any0iLHlumjCkEbpY7I6DTzSO3urZNq0511zSWdnQLgU2p-FbuyLuEWOn_IvpPVc5nQrhUX-3dcfkWsL3CmVDIs/s320/Tunisia+vs+England.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> England will lock horns with Tunisia in their initial fixture of the World Cup in Russia. The clash is set to be played on Monday, June 18th and the venue is Volgograd Arena with the capacity of just over 45.000.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> England are unbeaten in ten straight outings which saw them win seven and draw three in the process.<br /> They conceded just twice in last eight games.<br /> Tunisia will miss their star man Youssef Msakni whose absence significantly affected their ambitions in Russia.<br /> Harry Kane should lead the line for England after skipping the final warm-up against Costa Rica at Elland Road.<br /> <br /> England enter the tournament low on expectations, just as it had been the case four years ago in Brazil. However, the same destiny (a group stage exit) would be a massive catastrophe for the Three Lions here given they simply need to make it to the knockout stage past the likes of Tunisia and Panama.<br /> A win in the opening fixture against the African hopefuls would be a massive relief to Gareth Southgate and there are no doubts England will give their best to make it count on Monday in Volgograd.<br /> <br /> The Three Lions indeed had disappointing campaigns in back-to-back majors. The group phase exit from the World Cup in Brazil was followed by the shocking R16 loss to Iceland at EURO 2016 in France.<br /> <br /> Can Gareth Southgate’s term finally make the difference? Even though English squad does not appear to be a match for the world-class sides of France, Brazil, Spain, Germany or even Belgium, Southgate has reasons to be optimistic ahead of the trip to Russia knowing that his men are on a ten-game unbeaten run which saw the Three Lions play the likes of Germany, Brazil, Netherlands and Italy in the process.<br /> <br /> The Eagles of Carthage enjoyed a remarkable campaign in qualifications topping the Group A of the final round in the African zone. They clinched four wins and two draws in six affairs with Congo DR, Libya and Guinea conceding just four times in the process.<br /> <br /> The first match of Group G will see a free scoring Belgium take on the new boys Panama.<br /> <br /> <b>Tunisia Team News</b><br /> Maaloul, who is enjoying his third spell as Tunisia’s manager, will have huge problems with the squad fitness in Russia.<br /> <br /> Apart from the absence of his star man Youssef Msakni, important first team regulars Ali Maaloul, Mohamed Amine Ben Amor and Ghaylene Chaalali were all dealt with injuries and could get limits in the number of minutes on the pitch here.<br /> <br /> All eyes will be on Wahbi Khazri who bagged nine goals in a successful campaign on loan at Rennes in Ligue 1.<br /> <br /> <b>Tunisia Predicted Starting Eleven (4-2-3-1)</b><br /> Hassen – Ben Youssef, Meriah, Maaloul, Bedoui – Sassi, Ben Amor – Skhiri, Silti, Badri – Khazri.<br /> <br /> England Team News<br /> Harry Kane had a slight ankle injury which left him sidelined in the 2-0 victory over Costa Rica in the last warm-up ahead of the World Cup.<br /> <br /> Tottenham Hotspur talisman will make the starting line-up in the tournament opener, though.<br /> <br /> Marcus Rashford bagged a beautiful opener from outside the box in the mentioned victory and he will likely get some minutes.<br /> <br /> Gareth Southgate will stick to his 3-5-2 (3-5-1-1) formation which brought him fantastic results in both the qualifying process and friendlies.<br /> <br /> <b>England Predicted Starting Eleven (3-5-2)</b><br /> Pickford – Walker, Stones, Cahill,– Trippier, Dier, Alli, Lingard/Rashford – Sterling, Kane.<br /> <br /> <b>Tunisia vs England Head-to-head</b><br /> The two nations met each other two times in the past.<br /> The first clash saw them play a 1-1 draw in a friendly back in 1990.<br /> The second was a much more important one as England took a comfortable 2-0 victory in the group stage of the World Cup 1998 in France.<br /> <br /> <b>Tunisia vs England Predictions</b><br /> Tunisia’s World Cup ambitions suffered a massive blow when Youssef Msakni was dismissed with a cruciate ligament injury. Al Duhail’s (Qatar) striker had the essential role in carrying the team towards the top spot in their respective qualifying group scoring three goals in six games. The head coach Nabil Maaloul best described the importance of such absence by comparing it to Argentina’s ambitions without Lionel Messi in the squad.<br /> <br /> Tunisia would have not been genuine contenders even with Msakni in their ranks, but they will be even greater underdogs in such circumstances. However, Maaloul still has reasons for optimism ahead of the opening clash with England knowing that his men offered a strong resistance to the likes of Portugal and Spain in recent friendlies. The Lions of Carthage held the reigning European champions Portugal to a 2-2 draw in March, while they only lost 1-0 to Spain in the final test before the World Cup.<br /> <br /> Tunisia were nowhere near scoring a goal against La Furia Roja and we can hardly imagine them being dangerous in the final third here. England improved their defensive displays significantly under Gareth Southgate recently. The Three Lions conceded only two goals in last eight internationals and we will back them to keep a clean sheet here as the main betting option at the 1.66 odds.<br /> <br /> Harry Kane should be fit to make the starting line-up for England. He had a remarkable campaign with Tottenham Hotspur in last two seasons scoring 38 and 45 goals respectively. He is our top suggestion for the anytime goal scorer at 1.85.<br /> <br /> Predicted Full-Time Result is a clean sheet win for England in a tight affair as we don’t expect to witness a goal gest on the day.</div>

Latest-News Match Preview:Tunisia vs England

England will lock horns with Tunisia in their initial fixture of the World Cup in Russia. The clash is set to be played on Monday, June 18...

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Match Preview: Sweden vs South Korea

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJVI3isEFk_u33VqNqsRTvfotJ9zRuu6FDY3Rq-MdUEtj3c_kJvXbyFZuFdvUIoqEuQNJOkl5_Y2CWqottwd9BFaFaK-_xGVh0PBS_DcwT_hyphenhyphensSgbFz6Us3YmsD-xZS5Oj5f3NahjT1I/s1600/Sweden+vs+South+Korea.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJVI3isEFk_u33VqNqsRTvfotJ9zRuu6FDY3Rq-MdUEtj3c_kJvXbyFZuFdvUIoqEuQNJOkl5_Y2CWqottwd9BFaFaK-_xGVh0PBS_DcwT_hyphenhyphensSgbFz6Us3YmsD-xZS5Oj5f3NahjT1I/s320/Sweden+vs+South+Korea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Sweden return to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years and they have some tricky candidates to negotiate to make it through to the round of 16. The first of them will be South Korea on Monday, 18th June 2018; followed by Germany and Mexico.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Scandinavian side managed by Janne Andersson is considered as joint favorites with Mexico to clinch the second spot in Group F.<br /> <br /> Sweden were responsible for one of the biggest upset of 2017 when they defeated Italy in the play-offs for tickets to Russia.<br /> <br /> South Korea qualified for every World Cup since 1986, however, they have made through the group phase just twice. The Asian heavyweights didn’t have the best of runs in the qualifying stages as well. They could have missed out if not for Syria to lose by a narrow margin to Iran in the final qualifying group game.<br /> <br /> Shin Tae-yong’s men also failed to impress in the friendlies since and have managed just 1 win from their last 6 matches. It won’t be a surprise to see them finish at the bottom of the group.<br /> <br /> Germany take on Mexico in the first match of Group F at the Luzhniki Arena, Moscow on Sunday, 17th June 2018.<br /> <br /> <b>Sweden Team News</b><br /> Janne Andersson has been consistent with his squad selection and retained the majority of the players that drive through the qualifying phase.<br /> <br /> Jakob Johansson, who scored the lone goal in the play-off double header against Italy is unlucky not to be a part of the team after picking up an anterior cruciate ligament injury.<br /> <br /> <b>Sweden Predicted Starting Line-up (4-4-2)</b><br /> Olsen – Augustinsson, Granqvist, Lindelof, Krafth – Forsberg, Ekdal, Larsson, Durmaz – Berg, Toivonen.<br /> <br /> <b>South Korea Team News</b><br /> Korea’s head-coach Shin Tae-yong made some surprise inclusions in the final squad of 23. The Crystal Palace midfielder Lee Chung-yong is one of the major causalities alongside the experienced striker Lee Keun-ho and defender Kim Kee-hee who plays his trade with Seattle Sounders in the MLS.<br /> <br /> The player to watch is RB Salzburg striker Hwang Hee-chan, who will be partnering the ever reliant Spur’s attacker Son Heung-min.<br /> <br /> <b>South Korea Predicted Starting Line-up (4-3-3)</b><br /> Kim Seung-gyu – Park Joo-ho, Kim Young-gwon, Kim Min-woo, Lee Yong – Ki Sung-yueng, Lee Jae-sung, Koo Ja-cheol, Jung Woo-young – Heung-min Son, Hwang Hee-chan.<br /> <br /> <b>Sweden vs South Korea Head-to-head</b><br /> The teams met twice in the recent history and both friendlies played at the opposite end of calendar year 2015 ended in scored draws.<br /> <br /> <b>Sweden vs South Korea Predictions</b><br /> Sweden have a far better team than their opponents, but they found themselves in the wrong foot off late. They took the flight to Russia on the back of a four match win-less run and haven’t scored in the latest three. This is quite similar to what happened at the Euro 2016 when the team failed to get through the group stage without a win and scoring just once.<br /> <br /> On the other hand, South Korea haven’t won a game outside their home country since 2016. They also struggled to score goals which is confirmed by the 2 goals scored from 5 qualifying matches. They are currently on a 12 match win-less run away from home, drew 4 and lost 6.<br /> <br /> So, we have to highlight these two factors before making the predictions – first their poor form of these two sides and then their inability to score goals. Therefore, under 2.5 goals has to be our first option in a potential goal-less stalemate.</div>

Latest-News Match Preview: Sweden vs South Korea

Sweden return to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years and they have some tricky candidates to negotiate to make it through to the ...

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Match Preview: Germany vs Mexico

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlvChGDvLtamVPfPun7jaRBTmL0vK60zajPY1SC-TwdCI2gvTn7NYEthynHg8w2Y91EmYvSqnZbIFohAEsnD02C05wg6ZfQHiQBYhwB81WvRvIUeUBfLjX5ZX1XJIcCqQDeGyz_pIpP8/s1600/Germany+vs+Mexico.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlvChGDvLtamVPfPun7jaRBTmL0vK60zajPY1SC-TwdCI2gvTn7NYEthynHg8w2Y91EmYvSqnZbIFohAEsnD02C05wg6ZfQHiQBYhwB81WvRvIUeUBfLjX5ZX1XJIcCqQDeGyz_pIpP8/s320/Germany+vs+Mexico.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Germany start their defense of FIFA World Cup against Mexico on Sunday, 17th June 2018 at the Luzhniki Arena in Moscow.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Joachim Low’s men qualified for the 2018 in stunning style with a 100% win record in their group and scoring a staggering 43 goals from 10 matches.<br /> The four times World Champions will be making their 17th consecutive appearance at this tournament at Russia and 19th overall.<br /> Mexico qualified for Russia by topping the CONCACAF zone.<br /> The 2018 edition mark the El Tri’s 7th consecutive appearance at the World Cup and they had made it until round of 16 in each of the previous 6.<br /> <br /> After qualifying for the World Cup 2018 in style, the defending champions had a tough run in friendlies. It took them until the last warm up match against Saudi Arabia to register their first win since October 2017, but this is no surprise and they always manage to produce the best in major tournaments. We have seen a similar run towards the Euro 2016 before they kicked off the part in France with a 2-0 win over Ukraine.<br /> <br /> Germany already had their taste of Russian condition after winning the Confederations Cup last summer. They met Mexico in the semifinals back then and bagged a staggering 4-1 win.<br /> <br /> Mexico often bring their killer instinct to World Cups and this is how they made it to the round of 16 in all six previous editions. They have a chance to repeat this as Sweden is struggling to find goals and South Korea are a team in decline.<br /> <br /> The El Tri had a decent warm up round to go with, as they picked up 4 wins and 2 draws from 8 games while losing twice. A 3-3 draw against Belgium and wins against Iceland, Poland and Scotland show this team can go the distance in Russia.<br /> <br /> <b>Germany Team News</b><br /> Joachim Low did a lot of experiments during the warm up games, however we are expected to see familiar faces to start against Mexico on Sunday evening.<br /> Mesut Ozil is expected to retain his role as the playmaker, which means Marco Reus have to wait on the bench.<br /> Timo Werner could be the preferred striker ahead of the experienced Mario Gomez.<br /> Elsewhere, we have seasoned pairs in Khedira and Kroos in midfield and Boateng and Hummerls in defense.<br /> <b>Germany Predicted Starting Line-up (4-2-3-1)</b><br /> Neuer – Hector, Boateng, Hummels, Kimmich – Khedira, Kroos – Draxler, Ozil, Muller – Werner.<br /> <br /> <b>Mexico Team News</b><br /> Juan Carlos Osorio has been quite flexible with his tactics and formation and this is further made possible by the versatility of players in the squad. He can go with a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 or even a 5-3-2 to counter specific threats.<br /> <br /> The duo of Hugo Ayala and Héctor Moreno is preferred at the center back which means Eintract Frankfurt’s Carlos Salcedo have to satisfy with a place in the bench.<br /> <br /> Osorio have plenty of options in midfield and any of the three from Héctor Herrera, Javier Aquino or even Miguel Layun could partner Captain Andrés Guardado<br /> <br /> Javier Hernández, despite the struggles to find the back of the net on a consistent basis is likely to keep his place in the eleven.<br /> <br /> <b>Mexico Predicted Starting Line-up (4-2-3-1)</b><br /> Ochoa – Gallardo, Ayala, Salcedo, Layun – Guardado, Herrera – dos Santos, Vela, Lozano – Javier Hernandez.<br /> <br /> <b>Germany vs Mexico Head-to-head</b><br /> Germany lead the h2h against Mexico by a fair distance, with 6 wins, 4 draws and 1 loss from 10 meetings in various competitions.<br /> Their last meeting was in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup in Russia ending in a comfortable 4-1 Germany win.<br /> The teams met in three World Cups, 1978, 86 and 98; Germany won on all three occasions.<br /> Germany vs Mexico Predictions<br /> Mexico are coming with some decent form and they will have confidence in their bags. That is alright, but they will be facing a different kind of challenge on Sunday’s World Cup group opener.<br /> <br /> Germany are the kind of team that sleep through the warm up games and suddenly kick start the tournament with a sucker punch. Portugal were destroyed in Brazil 2014 by a massive 4-0 margin and before it was Australia by the same margin in 2010 and then Costa Rica 4-2 in 2006 and Saudi Arabia 8-0 in 2002.<br /> <br /> So, I am afraid to say that those who are anticipating a close game on Sunday have to be disappointed.<br /> <br /> From the betting point of view, Germany are priced at 1.54 to win the Group F opener and we must grab this with open arms as this is nothing but a banker. But the bet I prefer is the -1.5 Asian Handicap on the defending champions for a juicy 2.51 odds.<br /> <br /> We can expect goals in plenty as well since Germany’s first matches at the competition in the last 5 editions saw 4 or more goals.</div>

Latest-News Match Preview: Germany vs Mexico

Germany start their defense of FIFA World Cup against Mexico on Sunday, 17th June 2018 at the Luzhniki Arena in Moscow. Joachim Low’s m...

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World Cup 2018: Supporters protest neglect, attack NFF

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeMYNURIkk7T97vz1r1Rc0EPE03yaYftgZ3X-Rc4q7vJnspkbYV4neksCMmYJvUBPls7AxwVzjRMB0ghjM29aK3pLGSYWKTDIm82kNkrluaDVwW-Eda5uTeQdpCHbpk5a668V2to1pEQ/s1600/nff.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeMYNURIkk7T97vz1r1Rc0EPE03yaYftgZ3X-Rc4q7vJnspkbYV4neksCMmYJvUBPls7AxwVzjRMB0ghjM29aK3pLGSYWKTDIm82kNkrluaDVwW-Eda5uTeQdpCHbpk5a668V2to1pEQ/s400/nff.jpg" /></a></div> The Nigeria Football Supporters’ club is currently locked in a showdown with the Nigeria Football Federation over the NFF’s alleged lack of concern for their presence in the in Russia.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> However, the supporters have pledged their support for the Super Eagles in the tournament despite the NFF’s alleged neglect.<br /> <br /> The club members like many other Nigerians in the  Eurasian country have been going through tough times with very expensive accommodation and transport fares.<br /> <br /> Some of the supporters, who on condition of anonymity told our correspondent the NFF did not help the club secure tickets for Saturday’s game against Croatia at the Kaliningrad Stadium.<br /> <br /> Speaking on the development of the NFSC President-General, Rafiu Ladipo, was scathing of the national football body, accusing them of a lack of respect and disregard for the club.<br /> <br /> “The supporters club was able to come to Russia for the World Cup because of Glo, Rev. Mother Esther, and the Lagos State Government,” the football enthusiast told our correspondent in Moscow.<br /> <br /> “We also contributed individually to ensure that the national team don’t lack our support during their matches.<br /> <br /> “We don’t  want any money from them  but they should at least recognise our presence here.”<br /> <br /> The businessman added, “We know that our relationship with the NFF has not been cordial, and they don’t want to see our faces.<br /> <br /> “We have worked with many NFF boards but the current one  has not supported us; it is the worst we have worked with.”<br /> <br /> Ladipo criticised a top member of the NFF for allegedly undermining the supporters’ club because “he doesn’t  want to see us”.<br /> <br /> He said, “We will support the Eagles to victory at the World Cup because we believe in Nigeria. We have sacrificed everything to be in Russia because we believe the Eagles can make the country proud and we want to be part of the success story. I love football and I’m passionate about it.</div>

Latest-News World Cup 2018: Supporters protest neglect, attack NFF

The Nigeria Football Supporters’ club is currently locked in a showdown with the Nigeria Football Federation over the NFF’s alleged lack o...

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Match Preview: Brazil vs Switzerland

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzhYJl-Q4FAl5mM71_QQDUnxsxUIcLvHeK87AOFtAyrZv79Y7_wT9Kf82GAGcB_ctbVtqIvRK9rDpZ7j_rZSUrGn1JF3otEGfZQ2OUhrlecWgdCmNH940XqtaWWoJK_G4CTp_YBoE8LE/s1600/Brazil+vs+Switzerland.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzhYJl-Q4FAl5mM71_QQDUnxsxUIcLvHeK87AOFtAyrZv79Y7_wT9Kf82GAGcB_ctbVtqIvRK9rDpZ7j_rZSUrGn1JF3otEGfZQ2OUhrlecWgdCmNH940XqtaWWoJK_G4CTp_YBoE8LE/s320/Brazil+vs+Switzerland.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Brazil will feature the World Cup affair for the first time since the humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany four years ago on their soil. They are to open the 2018 campaign on Sunday evening against Switzerland at Rostov Arena.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> <br /> <ul style="text-align: left;"> <li>Brazil head into the tournament in high spirits after cruising their way to top the South American World Cup Qualifiers.</li> <li>They are favourites to win each of three group stage matches, but the first one against the stern defensive line of Switzerland could be their biggest test on the way.</li> <li>Both sides have been rock solid at the back recently and we don’t expect a goal fest on Sunday at Rostov Arena.</li> </ul> <br /> Being one of the main contenders to go all the way this summer, Selecao are heavy favourites to top their respective group. The other three sides, including Switzerland, will likely be battling it out for the second place finish and the advancement to the knockout stage.<br /> <br /> La Nati could be considered Brazil’s main challengers here mainly because of their fine set of results at recent majors. Switzerland were a tough nut to crack to all sides at both World Cup 2014 in Brazil as well as EURO 2016 in France. They were unlucky to concede a late extra-time goal from Angel Di Maria in the last 16 round of the tournament in Brazil four years ago.<br /> <br /> Head coach Vladimir Petkovic brought the same (mainly) group of players to Russia meaning we can’t expect anyone trash this tight defensive-minded Swiss outfit. The opening game against Brazil will be a massive test for such statement. As many as nine wins in ten qualifying games were not enough to send La Nati automatically at the World Cup as they were forced to play Northern Ireland in the play-offs for the place in Russia. A single goal made the difference for the Swiss outfit back then, though it did come through a controversial penalty after a doubtful handball in the first leg at Windsor Park.<br /> <br /> Brazil arrive to Russia as a heavily upgraded version to the team which reached the semi-final four years ago in their backyard. The new head coach Tite, who arrived midway through the qualifying campaign, has brought the much-needed solidness at the back as he took the most out of powerful defensive weapons in his ranks.<br /> <br /> David Luiz was substituted by Inter’s reliable center-back Miranda, while Real Madrid’s Casemiro was just the missing piece of the puzzle four years ago. Team’s attacking potential never came in doubt and the sovereign top-spot finish in complicated South American World Cup Qualifications came as a result.<br /> <br /> The Group E opens with Costa Rica taking on Serbia earlier the same day.<br /> <br /> <b>Brazil vs Switzerland Team News and Predicted Line-ups</b><br /> <b><br /></b><b>Brazil Team News</b><br /> <div style="text-align: left;"></div> <ul style="text-align: left;"> <li>The first-choice right-back Dani Alves was ruled out with an injury leaving Manchester City’s Danilo with a tough task to compensate.</li> <li>Other than this, Tite has the full squad on disposal.</li> <li>Brazil will come out in a 4-3-3 formation as we expect to see the identical starting XI from the final warm-up against Austria.</li> <li>Willian and Neymar played on the flanks behind Gabriel Jesus, while Coutinho, Casemiro and Paulinho made the midfield triangle.</li> <li>Brazil Predicted Starting Eleven (4-3-3)</li> <li>Alisson – Marquinhos, Miranda, Danilo, Marcelo – Casemiro, Paulinho, Coutinho – Willian, Neymar, Gabriel Jesus.</li> </ul> <br /> <br /> <b>Switzerland Team News</b><br /> <br /> <ul style="text-align: left;"> <li>Vladimir Petkovic has an experiences squad which played together at last two major tournaments.</li> <li>The biggest issue for the Bosnian-born manager was Admir Mehmedi’s injury.</li> <li>The attacking midfielder will be replaced by Steven Zuber, while the rest of the team will look more or less identical to the one which featured EURO 2016 in France.</li> <li>The main question is whether Breel Embolo or Haris Seferovic will start up front.</li> <li>We expect to see the same side that fought it out to a 1-1 draw to Spain on June 3rd.</li> <li>Switzerland Predicted Starting Eleven (4-2-3-1)</li> <li>Sommer – Schar, Akanji, Lichtsteiner, Rodriguez – Behrami, Xhaka – Shaqiri, Dzemaili, Zuber – Seferovic.</li> </ul> <br /> <br /> <b>Brazil vs Switzerland Head-to-head</b><br /> Interestingly, teams have a win, a draw, and a defeat each coming into their fourth head to head encounter.<br /> <br /> The first one took place at the Wold Cup 1950 when the sides shared spoils in a 2-2 draw in the group stage.<br /> <br /> The other two clashes had a friendly character, Brazil winning the one in November 2006 1-2 and Switzerland clinching the 1-0 victory in August 2013.<br /> <br /> <b>Brazil vs Switzerland Predictions</b><br /> Brazil improved their defensive displays heavily under Tite and they will be super tough to break down in Russia. Selecao shipped no more than two goals in last 11 outings across competitions. They kept their net untouched in five straight games coming into this one even though the opposition included the likes of England, Russia, Germany, Croatia and Austria in the process.<br /> <br /> Knowing that Switzerland generally do tend to struggle for goals, we have to see Brazil’s clean sheet as by far the best of the betting options, set at the odds of 1.85. La Nati also hardly concede goals and they proved their defensive stability by holding the full-strength Spain to a 1-1 draw in recent friendly earlier this month. They backed up such result with a 2-0 victory over fellow World Cup contestants Japan later on and we can say Vladimir Petkovic and his men will enter the tournament high on confidence.<br /> <br /> Switzerland will likely park the bus which is why we do find the value in backing the Under 2.5 goals FT bet at the odds of 1.90 here.<br /> <br /> Predicted Full-Time Result is a narrow victory for Brazil who could break the deadlock late on with Neymar’s moment of magic.<br /> <br /></div>

Latest-News Match Preview: Brazil vs Switzerland

Brazil will feature the World Cup affair for the first time since the humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany four years ago on their soil. They a...

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World Cup 2018: Russians will support Nigeria – Rohr

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGXs52HCJbxWsqUknT8lHmXA53DgLfN5fFAut9Gf9aAs_YtDODrmErNtCmXfuJVEBL9xKt6SZOzMrvURn7F8uslAADpErrw6vO79mJwFz7zMVtZI5HOaKdLZBGQpd2drk_OvDZ5hi-ZU/s1600/Gernot+Rohr.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGXs52HCJbxWsqUknT8lHmXA53DgLfN5fFAut9Gf9aAs_YtDODrmErNtCmXfuJVEBL9xKt6SZOzMrvURn7F8uslAADpErrw6vO79mJwFz7zMVtZI5HOaKdLZBGQpd2drk_OvDZ5hi-ZU/s320/Gernot+Rohr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr said Friday he believes his team will have the support of Russian fans, as he sought to play down fears of racism from some supporters ahead of their opening World Cup game against Croatia.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “We all are sure that there will not be any problems for the Nigerian players,” Rohr told reporters in Kaliningrad, which will host the Group D clash on Saturday evening.<br /> <br /> “Because the atmosphere we felt already arriving in Russia was very good.”<br /> <br /> The Russian game has been plagued by racist fans for decades, and world governing body FIFA last month fined the Russian football association 25,000 euros ($29,000) after several black players were subjected to discriminatory chants during a friendly game against France.<br /> <br /> But Rohr said he is confident local fans will get behind his squad for a number of reasons — not least the fact that captain John Obi Mikel’s girlfriend is Russian.<br /> <br /> “Perhaps they will have sympathy also because we have a Russian player in our team, he’s Russian and Nigerian, Brian Idowu,” Rohr said.<br /> <br /> The defender, whose mother is Russian, currently plays for Russian Premier League side Amkar Perm.<br /> <br /> “We have also Ahmed Musa who’s playing in (CSKA) Moscow and the captain’s family relation so perhaps we will have a little bit of sympathy from the public tomorrow,” the German coach said.<br /> <br /> “I think there will be much more Croatian supporters than Nigerians but I think we dont have anything to lose. And the players will go out there not thinking about discrimination or any other problems.”<br /> <br /> Rohr joked that he had answered a question from a Nigerian journalist before departing for Russia who asked if his players would be allowed to socialise at the tournament.<br /> <br /> “The only one who can meet a Russian girl is the captain, because he’s living with her,” he said.<br /> <br /> FIFA has instituted a three-strikes policy against any racist abuse from fans across the tournament, threatening to abandon matches if supporters ignore a stadium speaker announcement and then a pause in play.<br /> <br /> Both Nigeria and Croatia will seek a winning start on Saturday as they bid to get out of a tough Group D featuring Iceland — who finished about Croatia in qualifying — and two-time champions Argentina.</div>

Latest-News World Cup 2018: Russians will support Nigeria – Rohr

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr said Friday he believes his team will have the support of Russian fans, as he sought to play down fears of racis...

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Match Preview: Costa Rica vs Serbia

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesWrCGjiJE29J3dYnslUADrO_Jm3hH7W9z-3_aa40Nkmteu4eQZeh4vTWJJPFj-6whgPOt3INLHBAQuvKgU_wwF_8kLVOol8DLWX6EPdQd1wlMl7soNcO4lsBW4C8rJO3z1wpFgNRhgg/s1600/Costa+Rica+vs+Serbia.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesWrCGjiJE29J3dYnslUADrO_Jm3hH7W9z-3_aa40Nkmteu4eQZeh4vTWJJPFj-6whgPOt3INLHBAQuvKgU_wwF_8kLVOol8DLWX6EPdQd1wlMl7soNcO4lsBW4C8rJO3z1wpFgNRhgg/s400/Costa+Rica+vs+Serbia.jpg" /></a></div> Costa Rica will be opening their 2018 World Cup campaign against Serbia having upset the odds to reach the quarter-finals in Brazil four years ago.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Oscar Ramirez's men will be coming up against a nation led by former Serbia defender Mladen Krstajic, who took over the role as manager when former boss Slavoljub Muslin was sacked last year, despite having guided his country through qualification for the showpiece in Russia.<br /> <br /> The Central American side return to the World Cup four years after pulling off the unthinkable to reach the quarter-finals at the 2014 tournament in Brazil.<br /> <br /> Costa Rica were drawn in a daunting group against Uruguay, Italy and England, but produced two wins on the bounce at the start of the tournament to secure progression into the knockouts with a game to spare.<br /> <br /> In fact, Los Ticos went all the way into the quarter-finals and were only denied a spot in the final four having lost out to Holland on penalties following a dogged display against Louis van Gaal's charges at the Arena Fonte Nova.<br /> <br /> This time around, Costa Rica found themselves in the midst of an exciting battle for qualification from the CONCACAF standings. Initially Los Ticos opened up the second stage of qualifying with productive wins over Trinidad and Tobago and the United States, but then picked up just two wins from eight matches going forward.<br /> <br /> Ramirez's side did just about enough to qualify in second place behind Mexico, while the country's final contest against Panama saw the relative minnows book a place in Russia with a shock 2-1 win over La Sele.<br /> <br /> Ramirez's charges have been troubled by similar inconsistencies since securing a World Cup spot, winning just two of seven friendlies and losing the other five contests, inclusive of defeats to England, Belgium and Tunisia. The country was beaten in both of their most recent warm-up games before travelling to Russia.<br /> <br /> Real Madrid stopper Keylor Navas will likely prove to be Costa Rica's most important asset throughout the group stages. The keeper conceded just eight goals across 10 games during the second stage of qualifying. Los Ticos' defensive record was bettered only by eventual group winners Mexico during qualification.<br /> <br /> Battling past what seemed like an improbable task in Brazil four years ago will inspire Costa Rica as they head into a group that potentially offers another similar-sized threat to the one posed in 2014. Picking up points against both Serbia and Switzerland will be crucial should Ramirez's charges be aiming for progression in second spot.<br /> <br /> Serbia make a return to World Cup action having missed out on qualifying for the tournament in Brazil four years ago.<br /> <br /> Questions of autonomy and political fragmentation have seen Serbia's footballing history dominated by the presence of Yugoslavia's success in the 1930s and 1960s, but as an independent state Serbia have failed to get out of the group stages.<br /> <br /> Qualification saw previous coach Muslin lead the nation to top their group and grab the only automatic qualifying spot ahead of the likes of the Republic or Ireland and Wales, only for the Serbian FSS to announce his departure at the end of October 2017.<br /> <br /> Granted Serbia only earned qualification on the final day with a crucial victory over Georgia, but current boss Krstajic would have found it difficult to believe that he would be the man enlisted to lead the Eagles in Russia.<br /> <br /> Former Serbia defender Krstajic has 59 caps for his country and played for Serbia and Montenegro at the 2006 World Cup. The coach also has experience as a director of football at former club Partizan Belgrade, although this is his first role as manager.<br /> <br /> The country's fortunes post qualification have been mixed to say the least. Serbia have won three out of six friendly matches recently. The peak of those saw frontman Aleksandar Mitrovic score a hat-trick in a 5-1 mauling of Bolivia.<br /> <br /> Beyond trying to pull off something special against either Brazil and sixth-ranked Switzerland, arguably the most exciting prospect for neutrals in Serbia's campaign will be the chance to see Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in action.<br /> <br /> The 23-year-old dynamic midfielder has been a mainstay in the gossip columns for large parts of the 2017-18 campaign, with reported interest from Real Madrid and Manchester United leading to speculation that he might well depart Serie A once the tournament is over.<br /> <br /> World Cup narratives often conjure up tall tales of one or two players having breakout campaigns, just as James Rodriguez will attest to. Russia 2018 might just prove to be one for Milinkovic-Savic.<br /> <br /> <b>Team News</b><br /> Los Angeles FC forward Marco Urena is likely to lead the line for Costa Rica on Sunday with support coming from a four-man midfield.<br /> <br /> Given the country's problematic warmup contests, Ramirez has late calls to make in the creative department, where Johan Venegas, Bryan Ruiz, Joel Campbell and Christian Bolanos are battling for starts in the wide areas.<br /> <br /> Ramirez will probably opt for a 5-4-1 formation that allows full-backs Cristian Gamboa and Bryan Oviedo to break forward from defence. Los Ticos' three-man central defence should comprise Bologna defender Giancarlo Gonzalez alongside Johnny Acosta and Espanyol's Oscar Duarte.<br /> <br /> For Serbia, Mitrovic will spearhead a 4-2-3-1 that sees creative support coming from Dusan Tadic, Adem Ljajic and Filip Kostic.<br /> <br /> Milinkovic-Savic and the vastly-experienced Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic will be occupying central roles deeper in midfield.<br /> <br /> Branislav Ivanovic, who now plies his trade at Zenit St Petersburg, will sit alongside Dusko Tosic in the centre of defence, while Antonio Rukavina and Aleksandar Kolarov are expected to feature as the full-backs.<br /> <br /> <b>Costa Rica possible starting lineup:</b><br /> Navas; Gamboa, Gonzalez, Acosta, Duarte, Oviedo; Bolanos, Guzman, Borges, Campbell; Urena<br /> <br /> <b>Serbia possible starting lineup:</b><br /> Stojkovic; Rukavina, Ivanovic, Tosic, Kolarov; Matic, Milinkovic-Savic; Tadic, Ljajic, Kostic; Mitrovic<br /> <br /> <b>Head To Head</b><br /> As with many of the opening fixtures at this year's tournament, the two sides will be meeting competitively for the first time in their respective histories.<br /> <br /> Costa Rica's best-placed finish saw the country reach the quarter-finals four years ago in Brazil, while Yugoslavia claimed fourth place in both 1930 and 1962, long before Serbia gained sovereignty as an independent state.<br /> <br /> <b>Prediction: Costa Rica 1-2 Serbia</b><br /> Costa Rica proved in Brazil that they can produce shocks on the grandest of stages and against formidable opponents.<br /> <br /> This tournament sees Ramirez's men coming up against problematic opponents in Brazil and Switzerland, leaving Serbia as their most likely route to three crucial points in the group.<br /> <br /> Serbia arguably have the more proven talents in their ranks and the prospect of both Matic and Milinkovic-Savic in midfield should make things testing for Costa Rica going forward.<br /> <br /> Mitrovic's form for Fulham in the Championship could also cause real issues for Los Ticos at the back and Krstajic will fancy his side to kick their tournament off with a victory at Samara's Cosmos Arena.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></div>

Latest-News Match Preview: Costa Rica vs Serbia

Costa Rica will be opening their 2018 World Cup campaign against Serbia having upset the odds to reach the quarter-finals in Brazil four y...

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VAR penalty and late Paul Pogba goal see France past Australia

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKodoTIXNv95Hbjnw_KzPkXMsJ_CCN5kS_roS4_3ALafFYNntlFiASfJUUY77oE-4CAiVlQrKW9yLUNqcNkI1wn2gLAZc-U1lLsRc6KfCcH2cWkPbmsCs651kD3PsXBCzvN0nznJrFFJY/s1600/Costa+Rica+vs+Serbia.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKodoTIXNv95Hbjnw_KzPkXMsJ_CCN5kS_roS4_3ALafFYNntlFiASfJUUY77oE-4CAiVlQrKW9yLUNqcNkI1wn2gLAZc-U1lLsRc6KfCcH2cWkPbmsCs651kD3PsXBCzvN0nznJrFFJY/s400/Costa+Rica+vs+Serbia.jpg" /></a></div> France snatched a 2-1 victory over Australia in a game that saw them awarded the first VAR penalty decision in World Cup history.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Antoine Griezmann converted to give his side the lead after a tight first half had ended 0-0, but Mile Jedinak converted from the spot minutes later to equalise before Paul Pogba's deflected strike hit the bar and bounced over the line late on.<br /> <br /> France fashioned the opening chance with two minutes on the clock, Kylian Mbappe bringing a save from Mat Ryan with an angled shot.<br /> <br /> With Didier Deschamps' side dominating the early possession, Mbappe won a free-kick 25 yards out minutes later, but Pogba's strike was straight at goalkeeper Ryan.<br /> <br /> A third chance in the space of the first six minutes arrived when Griezmann's attempt from the edge of the box following a swift France counter-attack was held by Ryan.<br /> <br /> Ryan was again in the right place when an attempted Mbappe cross took a deflection before Australia broke to win a free kick that was whipped in by Aaron Mooy but came to nothing.<br /> <br /> Mathew Leckie was booked for a foul on Lucas Hernandez after 12 minutes, but Australia repelled Griezmann's delivery into the box.<br /> <br /> But with 17 minutes gone Hugo Lloris prevented Australia from taking the lead, making a fine low save after another Mooy delivery was deflected towards his own goal by Corentin Tolisso.<br /> <br /> France's play had lost its early intensity, with passes beginning going astray and Australia growing in belief as the half-hour approached.<br /> <br /> Griezmann was thwarted by a well-timed Trent Sainsbury challenge as France tried to get back on the offensive, and another good challenge from Sainsbury saw Hernandez blocked after he had found space on the left.<br /> <br /> With five minutes until half-time and the game becoming increasingly scrappy, France were frustrated again as Mooy cleared and then Sainsbury got another key touch to a dangerous-looking cross towards Griezmann.<br /> <br /> Neither coach made a change at the break, but France came out on the front foot and broke through when, after a VAR review, referee Andres Cunha pointed to the spot for a contentious penalty.<br /> <br /> The moment came when, after 55 minutes, Pogba played the ball through to Griezmann, who was challenged by Josh Risdon. Cunha waved play on but, after a VAR review, a penalty was given and blasted home by Griezmann with 58 minutes played.<br /> <br /> But just four minutes later Australia had a penalty of their own when Samuel Umtiti handled a Mooy cross, Jedinak keeping his cool to roll the ball low beyond Lloris to level the scores after VAR had confirmed the handball.<br /> <br /> Tomi Juric replaced fellow forward Andrew Nabbout as Australia made a change and, buoyed by the equaliser, they threatened again as a good move involving Mooy resulted in a crossing opportunity that France blocked.<br /> <br /> France coach Didier Deschamps made a double change as Olivier Giroud and Nabil Fekir came on for Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele, with Australia replacing Tom Rogic with fellow midfielder Jackson Irvine soon afterwards.<br /> <br /> Deschamps made his final switch, Blaise Matuidi brought on for Tolisso, as the game headed towards the last 10 minutes.<br /> <br /> And a minute later his side took the lead when Pogba's effort clipped off a defender and bounced off the bar and in, goalline technology confirming that it had crossed the line and another VAR check ruling that there had been no offside in the build-up.<br /> <br /> Teenager Daniel Arzani came on for Robbie Kruse as Australia chased an equaliser, but they were unable to conjure another goal as France held firm for five minutes of added time.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Credit: ESPN</div>

Latest-News VAR penalty and late Paul Pogba goal see France past Australia

France snatched a 2-1 victory over Australia in a game that saw them awarded the first VAR penalty decision in World Cup history. Antoi...

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‘Igbo have realised APC is only the realisable path to Nigeria’s presidency in 2023’

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qybunvEqSg_R7nN57zLSjiV-Nwfdj1cNQo4CryhRbdwhM5YYjcotYdwJPkStkJibS42zHhDX7CIAev7VzuRDpjPpLR8Wjhy-rC1eMSJWdET7ZfjolTEY1ONtkWIEEgca4cM1RsND4xA/s1600/voting.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qybunvEqSg_R7nN57zLSjiV-Nwfdj1cNQo4CryhRbdwhM5YYjcotYdwJPkStkJibS42zHhDX7CIAev7VzuRDpjPpLR8Wjhy-rC1eMSJWdET7ZfjolTEY1ONtkWIEEgca4cM1RsND4xA/s320/voting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>  The immediate past Representative of Ohaukwu/ Ebonyi federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Peter Oge-Ali, has said that the Igbos had full embraced the All Progressive Congress (APC).<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Oge-Ali, who made the disclosure on Friday in Abakaliki in an interview he noted that the Igbos have realised the mistakes they made during the 2015 general elections.<br /> <br /> The APC stalwart, who was formerly of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), said that Igbos had realised that APC was the only realisable path to the country’s presidency in 2023.<br /> <br /> “During the 2015 presidential elections, the APC received less than 200 votes in the South-East Zone but the people have presently seen the importance of linking to the centre.<br /> <br /> “This can only be achieved by identifying and voting for the APC because it is difficult to get the nation’s presidency without negotiation.<br /> <br /> “The Igbos will have the bargaining power for the 2023 presidency if they vote for APC in 2019 and this is the message we are preaching to the people,” he said.<br /> <br /> Oge-Ali urged the Igbos not to vote for parties that assume regional dimensions because the possibility of getting the presidency in 2023 is real.<br /> <br /> “They should massively vote for President Muhammdu Buhari for a second term in office because he is determined to correct the anomalies that have bedeviled the country.<br /> <br /> “The president should be allowed to complete his eight years in office to adequately sanitise the country and set it on the path of greatness.<br /> <br /> “Buhari’s works will not be appreciated presently but in the future with landmark achievements such as signing the Not-Too-Young to run law, financial autonomy to the legislative and judiciary, among others,” he said.<br /> <br /> He urged the National Assembly to cooperate with the executive arm of government to ensure effective legislation and implementation of governmental policies and programmes.<br /> <br /> “Both arms of government should cooperate instead of engaging in excessive squabbles but it should be understood that such situations are normal even in developed democratic settings.<br /> <br /> “However, it shows that democracy is finding its roots in the country but the interest of the country should supersede other interests,” he said. </div>

Latest-News ‘Igbo have realised APC is only the realisable path to Nigeria’s presidency in 2023’

 The immediate past Representative of Ohaukwu/ Ebonyi federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Peter Oge-Ali, has said ...

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NAF Fighter aircraft neutralises Boko Haram terrorists in Borno

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jQlQeGO28F2NYJR_ygqVqfWgdVn-AHysYadvujQ5X9QSEHUZvQdb2QQwVV0u2yBhHVU1R8ERMsjpsKvYkqkeOZyvy9B-bfaKach25G1cqMECw0eNWyFS9XU7uDh_0i40-LruyH9LIhc/s1600/naf+helicopter.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jQlQeGO28F2NYJR_ygqVqfWgdVn-AHysYadvujQ5X9QSEHUZvQdb2QQwVV0u2yBhHVU1R8ERMsjpsKvYkqkeOZyvy9B-bfaKach25G1cqMECw0eNWyFS9XU7uDh_0i40-LruyH9LIhc/s400/naf+helicopter.jpg" /></a></div> The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, has neutralised some Boko Haram terrorists at Parisu and Takwala, both in Borno, through successful air strikes.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> AVM Olatokunbo Adesanya, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, who confirmed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said the operation was conducted on Friday.<br /> <br /> “The mission followed the discovery, by NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, of activities of BHTs in the 2 locations.<br /> <br /> “Consequently, the ATF detailed two NAF Alpha Jet aircraft, armed with rockets and cannons, to interdict the locations.<br /> <br /> “Overhead the objective, the NAF fighter aircraft acquired and attacked the objectives with rockets and cannons.<br /> <br /> “At the end of the mission, it was observed that the attack platforms successfully engaged the remnants of the terrorists hibernating within the settlements and consequently neutralised them,” he said.<br /> <br /> Adesanya said that the NAF would continue to deploy its platforms to conduct intensive ISR missions aimed at discovering the locations of possible remnants of BHTs in the entire Northeast. </div>

Latest-News NAF Fighter aircraft neutralises Boko Haram terrorists in Borno

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, has neutralised some Boko Haram terrorists at Parisu and ...

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We will play Croatia like cup final – Mikel

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkWVItYSWj7u5S1V_aQFZm9WAGCofiqN7N_vMssgChyRq-iokRKB2tshBK73-J5zZC1vwy8cvb7KQ5Psc9CqPgzjtkZ6rMZKeSKnRveKkDT39jxJdzP8SafBK5IRzgPeESoYLtCOYhWc/s1600/mikel1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkWVItYSWj7u5S1V_aQFZm9WAGCofiqN7N_vMssgChyRq-iokRKB2tshBK73-J5zZC1vwy8cvb7KQ5Psc9CqPgzjtkZ6rMZKeSKnRveKkDT39jxJdzP8SafBK5IRzgPeESoYLtCOYhWc/s320/mikel1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Nigeria captain  Mikel Obi says  the Super Eagles will not focus their attention on stopping  Croatia stars Lukas Modric and Ivan Rakitic but will play  for victory in the Russia 2018 World Cup opener in Kaliningrad on Saturday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Spain-based duo are expected to play with Italy-based duo  Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Perisic  to tear down the Nigerian defence, but Mikel says  the Eagles are not losing sleep over the Croatia stars.<br /> <br /> “I don’t want to talk about any player but it will  be a game of 11 versus 11,” the China-based midfielder told reporters ahead of the clash on Friday.<br /> <br /> “We are going to play the game like a cup final because we want to win our first match in the tournament. It’s very important to win the first match and we want achieve that, we want to start  well.”<br /> <br /> The 2012 UEFA Champions League winner is backing young Deportivo La Coruna goalkeeper Francis Uzoho  to do a good job against Croatia and in subsequent encounters in the competition.<br /> <br /> Mikel said, “Yes, he’s a young keeper but  he has experience. We have been talking to him. I have been talking to him personally. We try not to talk to him too much because we don’t want to confuse him. We hope he’s going to have a great tournament.”<br /> <br /> The former Chelsea star added, “We are united. There’s no quarrel among us; the camp is quiet.”<br /> <br /> The veteran player  is amazed by the support from Russian fans, saying it has boosted the confidence of the three-time African champions ahead of today’s match.<br /> <br /> He said,Russain fans have been amazing. I don’t know why they are always nice to Nigerian teams. Maybe because my girlfriend is a Russian.  The support will help the young players play better.”<br /> <br /> Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr expressed the team’s readiness for   the clash, saying they should not be judged on the defeats  they suffered in the friendlies.</div>

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Evans’ lawyer, Ogungbeje, withdraws from case

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VT56Op67bYf_1pU5SzZyBlViV4lokQDlzzxL70BBNzlieNxe6xzv3vh2RTK76q86-jd6-8CQIkQg30MjMAv3vp2f15dIq547UHlFVLoE-OzxavVyvgZM9ZrihHrMiDI16CQnjMhCDM0/s1600/evans+kidnapper.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VT56Op67bYf_1pU5SzZyBlViV4lokQDlzzxL70BBNzlieNxe6xzv3vh2RTK76q86-jd6-8CQIkQg30MjMAv3vp2f15dIq547UHlFVLoE-OzxavVyvgZM9ZrihHrMiDI16CQnjMhCDM0/s320/evans+kidnapper.png" width="320" /></a></div> The lead counsel to alleged kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike a.k.a. Evans, Olukoya Ogungbeje, has withdrawn from the case which is currently before the Lagos State High Court.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Ogungbeje, in a press statement, said his withdrawal was based on “personal reasons.”<br /> <br /> According to him, his life and that of his co-defence lawyer have been repeatedly threatened.<br /> <br /> The statement read in part, “For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state categorically that we have fought a good fight this far despite repeated and sustained threats to my life and my co-defence lawyers, I dare say we have no regrets whatsoever having conducted the criminal charges involving our client this far.<br /> <br /> “For the sake of history we have been able to enrich the basic principles of our Criminal Jurisprudence especially the principle premised on an accused person being presumed innocent until the contrary is proved no matter the public opinion and the criticism.<br /> <br /> “We have been able to keep the prosecution on their toes in the art of Forensic, proper and thorough investigation and prosecution of accused persons.”</div>

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Live Commentary: Portugal 1-0 Spain

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkhLIXn95fZuIlVCss2D3hoKRMRKh62feN0SvtsZPdCw91IzSzfX1oYAmVGC422DbUj9ezThURnZt3EwIqsdqyyaA_7d8QRPXWFEi50BNYM5fkMcRFxZtCXiZRLVcDoGU-Wj1MO84tGI/s1600/Portugal+vs+Spain.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkhLIXn95fZuIlVCss2D3hoKRMRKh62feN0SvtsZPdCw91IzSzfX1oYAmVGC422DbUj9ezThURnZt3EwIqsdqyyaA_7d8QRPXWFEi50BNYM5fkMcRFxZtCXiZRLVcDoGU-Wj1MO84tGI/s320/Portugal+vs+Spain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Welcome to <b><i>Nigrianeye's</i></b> live text coverage of the World Cup clash between Portugal and Spain at the Fisht Olympic Stadium.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> This is arguably the pick of the group-stage fixtures, as the 2010 tournament winners face the reigning European champions in Sochi.<br /> <br /> La Roja head into the competition in a state of disarray, however, having parted company with manager Julen Lopetegui two days before this mouth-watering opening fixture.<br /> <br /> Follow all of the action as it unfolds with our extensive updates below.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <b>5 min</b> In his 36th outing at a major tournament, Cristiano Ronaldo gives Portugal the lead from the penalty spot. The Real Madrid superstar stuck the ball to David de Gea's left; the keeper went the opposite way. After seeing a replay, the referee did appear to make the right call.<br /> <br /> <b><span style="color: red;">4 min GOAL! PORTUGAL 1-0 SPAIN (CRISTIANO RONALDO, PEN)</span></b><br /> <br /> <b>3 min PENALTY TO PORTUGAL!</b> Explosive start to this match! Cristiano Ronaldo was sent to the ground by Nacho following a couple of step-overs. A penalty is awarded, but to me it looked like the Real Madrid ace made the contact with his clubmate rather than the other way around.<br /> <b><br /></b><b>1 min KICKOFF!</b> Spain, sporting an all-white strip in Sochi this evening, get us under way in the pick of the group-stage fixtures. Portugal, the reigning European champions, are looking to make a fast start at the Fisht Olympic Stadium.</div>

Latest-News Live Commentary: Portugal 1-0 Spain

Welcome to Nigrianeye's live text coverage of the World Cup clash between Portugal and Spain at the Fisht Olympic Stadium. This is...

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Ronaldo may spend up to two years in prison, agrees to $20m tax settlement

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8Et-GrgHByNrrhZFlHT90KKNLm5iwToH-oZmj4oeCC9fUhVUB4d-5Y2MrMA1RjWUMyTiYzJ5S9j-4ODi73lmFatPlubtW-HqKqS-D6oGejl_tCZAGOREEHJPx581MOmt6OLjn4GRGGs/s1600/cr3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8Et-GrgHByNrrhZFlHT90KKNLm5iwToH-oZmj4oeCC9fUhVUB4d-5Y2MrMA1RjWUMyTiYzJ5S9j-4ODi73lmFatPlubtW-HqKqS-D6oGejl_tCZAGOREEHJPx581MOmt6OLjn4GRGGs/s400/cr3.jpg" /></a></div> Real Madrid star, Cristiano Ronaldo, has agreed to pay the Spanish taxman 18.8 million euro ($20 million) to settle a tax fraud claim, a legal source said Friday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The deal between the fiscal authorities and the advisors of the star comes hours before Ronaldo’s Portugal face Spain in the World Cup in Russia.<br /> <br /> The agreement still has to be ratified and will likely come with a two-year jail term — although sentences of up to two years are not generally served in Spain.<br /> <br /> The former Manchester United player, who is at the World Cup on the back of a third straight Champions League title with Real, appeared in court last July at Pozuelo de Alarcon, a wealthy Madrid suburb, to answer four counts of tax evasion.<br /> <br /> Prosecutors allege the five-time Ballon d’Or winner took “advantage of a company structure created in 2010 to hide income generated in Spain from his image rights from tax authorities”.<br /> <br /> He is alleged to have used companies in low-tax foreign jurisdictions — notably the British Virgin Islands and Ireland — to avoid having to pay the tax otherwise due.<br /> <br /> In 2014, Spanish authorities say he was late in declaring that year just 11.5 millions euros of revenue earned in Spain for the period 2011-2014 when his earnings in his country of residence totalled 43 million euros.<br /> <br /> The Spanish taxman also found he did not declare 28.4 million euros in image rights agreed for 2015-2020, leaving 14.7 million owing. His legal team had blamed the affair on a simple different interpretation of which revenue he was obliged to declare in Spain.<br /> <br /> In May, legal sources indicated that the Portuguese, the world’s highest-paid sportsman last year with $93 million for 2016-2017 according to Forbes magazine, had proposed making a 14 million settlement.<br /> <br /> Had the case gone further, without the player offering a full settlement, he could have faced a fine of a reported 28 millions euros as well as a three-and-a-half-year jail term, according to the Spanish tax office union Gestha.<br /> <br /> Ronaldo’s big La Liga rival, Barcelona’s Argentinian star Lionel Messi, paid a two-million-euro fine in 2016 in his own tax wrangle and received a 21-month jail term, the latter reduced to a further fine of 252,000 euros equivalent to 400 euros per day of the original term.<br /> <br /> In a statement issued by the Gestifute sports agency which represents him, Ronaldo insisted last year that he had “never hidden anything, nor have I had the intention of evading taxes”.<br /> <br /> Prosecutors had alleged a “voluntary and conscious breach of his fiscal obligations in Spain.”</div>

Latest-News Ronaldo may spend up to two years in prison, agrees to $20m tax settlement

Real Madrid star, Cristiano Ronaldo, has agreed to pay the Spanish taxman 18.8 million euro ($20 million) to settle a tax fraud claim, a l...

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Osinbajo holds closed-door meeting with Oba of Benin

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tTnIVeX_KQ1RF5A3RVojoixaVp12X0BUGG26pQDmYkE9uuc4VuADe4n7ZSW9cquOm353AuGT_ockgi-7F9j3Fb5eMNC4IYmoIhojzGOG_D5SnPYnXkuyk_Utp-V8fSwZvN0kjw-RGm4/s1600/yemi+osinbajo.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tTnIVeX_KQ1RF5A3RVojoixaVp12X0BUGG26pQDmYkE9uuc4VuADe4n7ZSW9cquOm353AuGT_ockgi-7F9j3Fb5eMNC4IYmoIhojzGOG_D5SnPYnXkuyk_Utp-V8fSwZvN0kjw-RGm4/s320/yemi+osinbajo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday held a private meeting with the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II at his Palace in Benin, the Edo capital.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Also at the meeting, which lasted about 45 minutes were the Governor of Edo, Mr Godwin Obaseki, his Deputy Governor, Phillip Shaibu and former Governor of Edo, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.<br /> <br /> Journalists were however not briefed about what transpired at the meeting.<br /> <br /> The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Vice President left the palace to the Benin Airport for Abuja at about 2.00 pm<br /> <br /> NAN also reports that Osinbajo arrived Benin on June 14 for a two-day working tour of Edo.<br /> <br /> During the visit, the Vice President performed the groundbreaking ceremony of 1800 Housing Units Emotan Garden Estate at Ikpoba Okha Local Government Council and commissioned the Solar Lighting Project at Edaiken Market in Benin.<br /> <br /> Osinbajo also launched the South-South Innovation Hub and attended the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises  Clinic, where he had a chat with owners of Small and Medium Enterprises and beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programme.<br /> <br /> He also visited the Azura Power Project in Benin.</div>

Latest-News Osinbajo holds closed-door meeting with Oba of Benin

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday held a private meeting with the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II at his Palace in Benin, the Edo capital...

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Fashion magazine, VOGUE hails Super Eagles outfit designed by GT Stiches & PiolaFootprints

<div class="separator tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy53DdaSPnE6WndwWznPgKl-e33FcnqX9z9UZsSUekXday3s0ZEC6XREeRAvc0evi5W5uWi7bKaUPRctlj9zgRb_4uiagXvr-BhBzaSt11pJj0vXsefvbpYCYVDaWmFFqDqiXKSQdFjXA/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2018-06-11+at+22.18.26+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="970" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy53DdaSPnE6WndwWznPgKl-e33FcnqX9z9UZsSUekXday3s0ZEC6XREeRAvc0evi5W5uWi7bKaUPRctlj9zgRb_4uiagXvr-BhBzaSt11pJj0vXsefvbpYCYVDaWmFFqDqiXKSQdFjXA/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2018-06-11+at+22.18.26+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="574" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <b>The Nigerian football team have ‘officially’ been crowned the kings of the fashion for the 2018 FIFA World Cup after their travel outfits to Russia were hailed by the reputable fashion magazine,<a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/nigerian-soccer-team-best-dressed-plane-and-jerseys">VOGUE</a></b><br /> <br /> <span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b>The stylish traditional attires was designed by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gt_stitches/" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><b>GT Stiches</b></a>, a reputable Warri based clothing brand in collaboration with<a href="https://www.instagram.com/piolafootprints/" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"> <b>PiolaFootprints</b></a>, a fast rising Lagos-based footwear brand.</span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OgInqXQXgkY5RqNm_mrfCMTaSzXvWUS_j5Y_aLYM0oEX-RA7dG7dkJBS2M8LpRgNmT5w5U9j9gh3tyhQxEZjDqf9VC9mzeNVcMctTDe1mGh46nypvsDv6Eku1EwdsT3g1kqSQb4D1PA/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2018-06-11+at+22.18.28+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OgInqXQXgkY5RqNm_mrfCMTaSzXvWUS_j5Y_aLYM0oEX-RA7dG7dkJBS2M8LpRgNmT5w5U9j9gh3tyhQxEZjDqf9VC9mzeNVcMctTDe1mGh46nypvsDv6Eku1EwdsT3g1kqSQb4D1PA/s400/WhatsApp+Image+2018-06-11+at+22.18.28+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="378" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMU1W5iygQUnaPqEQt40XsaVbng4Jy5rGKNg0yOkYaQrNqezL56ulVXBuWo1VUQcm10VRAfu8_KMLniEfLEmdBoWKOYjroJ5les4Z9SIt1CazxBkGUDszJuJGzFt8DGtl13aSVttcvLVM/s1600/Eagles35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1276" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMU1W5iygQUnaPqEQt40XsaVbng4Jy5rGKNg0yOkYaQrNqezL56ulVXBuWo1VUQcm10VRAfu8_KMLniEfLEmdBoWKOYjroJ5les4Z9SIt1CazxBkGUDszJuJGzFt8DGtl13aSVttcvLVM/s400/Eagles35.jpg" width="318" /></a></div> <span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br /> As reported by <a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/nigerian-soccer-team-best-dressed-plane-and-jerseys">VOGUE</a><br /> <br /> <blockquote>Let’s hear it for the Nigerian soccer team: the “Super Eagles’’ World Cup jersey is the most popular in the world right now. Nike’s Nigerian “Naija” kit, which sells for $90 a pop, has broken records, as fans have already pre-ordered 3 million of the green and white, zig-zag–printed jerseys. </blockquote> <blockquote>The team has proven to have some off-duty swagger, as well. Today, they uploaded an image of themselves on a plane en route to Russia looking dapper in optic white tunics with a green soccer ball print at the collar. And instead of their usual swishy shorts? They wore tailored white trousers. </blockquote> <blockquote>But that’s not all. The Super Eagles’s accessories are, well, goals. They wore natty boater hats with a grass green ribbon and matching feathers. The players may have started a new footwear trend that sure beats the humble cleat, too: White loafers with a green tassel bouncing off the front. Sounds like a clear win to us.</blockquote>

Latest-News Fashion magazine, VOGUE hails Super Eagles outfit designed by GT Stiches & PiolaFootprints

The Nigerian football team have ‘officially’ been crowned the kings of the fashion for the 2018 FIFA World Cup after their travel outfits ...

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Uruguay snatch late winner against Egypt

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJevkxlH__0rhJoGyagx9lQwRgRxFPbS7fJKLbmby40YpIkBufuGO7vG-MmvdfDNL2wKx3LHJwdbPr9Q1l58wURIawWhl8uHqxQnHEXnIPmzlo9zk1x11dPfpWTLF9eyVO8htjiR5TYCc/s1600/_102041235_uruguay_goal_reuters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJevkxlH__0rhJoGyagx9lQwRgRxFPbS7fJKLbmby40YpIkBufuGO7vG-MmvdfDNL2wKx3LHJwdbPr9Q1l58wURIawWhl8uHqxQnHEXnIPmzlo9zk1x11dPfpWTLF9eyVO8htjiR5TYCc/s400/_102041235_uruguay_goal_reuters.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Uruguay snatched a late winner as they began their World Cup campaign with a dramatic victory over Egypt, who left Mohamed Salah on the bench.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Jose Gimenez headed powerfully into the net in the 90th minute as he met Carlos Sanchez's free-kick to give the South Americans a winning start in Russia.<br /> Uruguay had been the better side as Luis Suarez had missed four chances and Edinson Cavani had hit the inside of a post with a 25-yard free-kick.<br /> <br /> Salah, who scored 44 times for Liverpool this season, remained an unused substitute as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury sustained in last month's Champions League final.<br /> <br /> Without Salah, Egypt lacked a cutting edge and had looked on course to earn a point in their first match at a World Cup finals since 1990 before Gimenez's late goal.<br /> <br /> The result means Russia are top of Group A after their 5-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the tournament's opening game on Thursday.</div>

Latest-News Uruguay snatch late winner against Egypt

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Rohr hints on good result ahead of Nigeria, Croatia tie

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlMVVggqkF4qZV5VercOY-2UhyCMPt-mzXXaYuyjKMK0PiYWrgQsF46m4x69_Ht7Qh-8jTiViY8WoV_VbWm8XwEj38eYPAnVMPZxcjxsEJ-4mNdsfeiqrIarGdUekTlW_o_BOtIz5zWQ/s1600/Gernot+Rohr.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlMVVggqkF4qZV5VercOY-2UhyCMPt-mzXXaYuyjKMK0PiYWrgQsF46m4x69_Ht7Qh-8jTiViY8WoV_VbWm8XwEj38eYPAnVMPZxcjxsEJ-4mNdsfeiqrIarGdUekTlW_o_BOtIz5zWQ/s320/Gernot+Rohr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has said that the Nigerian team are, “physically and mentally ready,” for their first match of the World Cup 2018 against Croatia.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Rohr, a former German international defender, assured that the squad will do well at the Kaliningrad Stadium on Saturday.<br /> <br /> “We are looking forward to the match with a lot of optimism. It will be a tough one, but we are physically and mentally ready.<br /> <br /> “We had quality preparatory matches and trained twice at our final camp in Austria, and since arriving in Essentuki, we have done some useful tactical preparation.<br /> <br /> “It is important to start well in a good tournament like this, and that is what we hope to do on Saturday,” Rohr told the world media yesterday.<br /> <br /> The Super Eagles flew into the Kaliningrad Khrabrovo Airport on Thursday evening from Essentuki, about 48 hours to the clash with Croatia at the 35,000-capacity Kaliningrad Stadium.</div>

Latest-News Rohr hints on good result ahead of Nigeria, Croatia tie

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#Russia2018: Nigeria and Argentina Will Qualify – Okocha

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgcQDLxXWAgz16uqjXqXc8QbOajMyzp4gH654_PNihk1I8k7cK14AvhbwRqGiWQvxqufDNTruKeLZuzo7CVB9YSdg2h8SFws9H-wZZsayCa2R6aH43GfDcPBZMBZLli7NJVALaigxi7k/s1600/super-eagles.-877x470+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="877" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgcQDLxXWAgz16uqjXqXc8QbOajMyzp4gH654_PNihk1I8k7cK14AvhbwRqGiWQvxqufDNTruKeLZuzo7CVB9YSdg2h8SFws9H-wZZsayCa2R6aH43GfDcPBZMBZLli7NJVALaigxi7k/s400/super-eagles.-877x470+2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Austin ‘Jay jay’ Okocha has predicted Argentina and the Super Eagles of Nigeria will advance to the round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Russia.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Ex- Nigeria international shared views on the chances of Nigeria to advance in the group stage of the Russia mundial on Super Sport on Thursday.<br /> <br /> He said, “For the first time we are going into such a tournament without bonus issues, without financial issues, hopefully with this there will be a sustained team spirit that will get Eagles through the knock out stages.<br /> <br /> “I know Argentina can and why I believe Nigeria can also is that things are changing, for a very long time we have not had a very consistent team but now the new manager has gotten young and experienced players to play together as a team and I see things are changing.<br /> <br /> “Yes our expectations are high which is expected when we have such array of talents, but the issues have been off the pitch, we must give kudos to the Nigeria Football Federation and the players’ managers for doing a good job.”<br /> <br /> The Super Eagles on Thursday moved to the city of Kaliningrad where their first match will be played.<br /> <br /> The match will be played at 35,000 capacities Kaliningrad Arena‎.

Latest-News #Russia2018: Nigeria and Argentina Will Qualify – Okocha

Austin ‘Jay jay’ Okocha has predicted Argentina and the Super Eagles of Nigeria will advance to the round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA World ...

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Nyesom Wike accuses APC of plot to disrupt council polls

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4OewyXP8CBsepR6940y_6ktFAyFUr6PRyocLFScZWWm07NHszND22ZEVIiSW_6rXao7_sKeUa7zOZfRQrQaOYLZuanq2n6h2nlg13zdfUw7OgKR5fhup7DgKIr39eSw34OZRwdooAbQ/s1600/Nyesom+Wike.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4OewyXP8CBsepR6940y_6ktFAyFUr6PRyocLFScZWWm07NHszND22ZEVIiSW_6rXao7_sKeUa7zOZfRQrQaOYLZuanq2n6h2nlg13zdfUw7OgKR5fhup7DgKIr39eSw34OZRwdooAbQ/s320/Nyesom+Wike.png" width="320" /></a></div> Governor  Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, yesterday,  claimed  the state government had intelligence report that  a faction  of All Progressives Congress, APC, was arming  political thugs  to disrupt local government elections  taking place tomorrow in the state.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> But in a swift reaction, APC denied that it was planning to disrupt the council polls, saying it had no stake in the election.<br /> <br /> This came as the state Police Command said it would deploy over 15000 personnel across the state  for the election, warning youths to avoid being used to cause panic during the process.<br /> <br /> Governor Wike, in a state broadcast, alleged that the APC faction planned to disrupt the elections  in Abua/Odual, Akuku Toru,  Asari Toru, Degema, Emohua, Ikwerre, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Opobo and Tai local government areas.<br /> <br /> He said: “The arrowheads of this satanic plot are recruiting and arming political thugs with guns to be deployed on the eve of the election to create an atmosphere of insecurity in these and other local government areas and scare voters to shun the polling stations.<br /> <br /> “ In the light of the these dangerous threats from these people, therefore, I wish to call on the security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police to live up to their primary responsibility of providing adequate security for the election and deal decisively with those who may attempt to disturb the peace, order and security of the State before, during and after the election.”<br /> <br /> He said that the state government had received concrete assurances from the heads of all the security agencies that they had put adequate measures to secure the peace and ensure orderly conduct of the election.<br /> <br /> He noted that the Rivers State government would hold the security agencies accountable should insecurity  be experienced in the state in the course of the elections.</div>

Latest-News Nyesom Wike accuses APC of plot to disrupt council polls

Governor  Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, yesterday,  claimed  the state government had intelligence report that  a faction  of All Progressi...

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Convention: APC releases guidelines for appeals, panel begins sitting

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-Q7dl2v_uxUxvushIjXiSig_4SEnnMz5Y4maDmy9ZxNxNWcBkjhQvANkdD6jSqb8F5z1W53lCh-B4ihVf1haWA3Wmi7idRtwLyHUqJpMORftEMQsJEU41qlZA8m4BYE79Xys1ZAjI4Y/s1600/APC-LOGO-17.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-Q7dl2v_uxUxvushIjXiSig_4SEnnMz5Y4maDmy9ZxNxNWcBkjhQvANkdD6jSqb8F5z1W53lCh-B4ihVf1haWA3Wmi7idRtwLyHUqJpMORftEMQsJEU41qlZA8m4BYE79Xys1ZAjI4Y/s320/APC-LOGO-17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The screening appeal sub-committee of the National Convention Committee of the All Progressives Congress has commenced sitting.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The panel, which is headed by the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, on Thursday, asked all aggrieved aspirants to forward their grievances to the committee.<br /> <br /> One of our correspondents gathered that the screening committee submitted an interim report which the appeals’ committee is working with.<br /> <br /> Petitioners were asked to submit a list of their grievances in writing. Each petitioner is also expected to support his/her petition with “concrete and verifiable evidence” of a breach of the party’s constitution and guidelines for the just-concluded screening exercise.<br /> <br /> Petitions are to be submitted to the Imo State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja, not later than 12 noon on Saturday, June 16, 2018.<br /> <br /> A member of the committee, who asked not to be named because of the confidential nature of the exercise, said, “We have started receiving petitions, it is too early to give a number at this moment because we just started and some of our members have to travel for this short break.”<br /> <br /> It was however unclear as of the time of filing this report if the screening committee disqualified any aspirant.<br /> <br /> When contacted, the Secretary of the APC National Convention Committee, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, confirmed that the Governor Masari-led committee had submitted an interim report.<br /> <br /> He said, “Yes, the committee has submitted an interim report and the Appeals Committee should be meeting by now.”<br /> <br /> The Governor Bello Masari-led screening committee was expected to have concluded its assignment on Tuesday.<br /> <br /> Masari, told reporters that about 179 aspirants obtained nomination forms to contest various positions in the June 23rd national convention of the party.<br /> <br /> 6,800 delegates to elect APC NWC members on June 23<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, about 6,800 delegates are expected to participate in the national elective convention of the APC scheduled to hold in Abuja on June 23.<br /> <br /> Ndoma-Egba, said this in an interview with newsmen, in Abuja, on Thursday.<br /> <br /> He dismissed speculations that paucity of funds might compel the party to shift the convention date.<br /> <br /> According to him, preparations are in top gear and everything is going on as planned.<br /> <br /> He said the party was doing everything possible to resolve issues in states where ward, local government and state congresses had become controversial.<br /> <br /> In response to a question on speculations about a possible shift in the date for the convention, the former Senate Leader said, “It is not correct. The convention will hold on the 23rd of June as planned. Nothing has happened to suggest the contrary. So, I can say categorically that the convention is going ahead.<br /> <br /> “We are expecting about 6,800 plus delegates. Of course, you know that we will have observers, vendors, the media, and entertainers. In all, you should expect about 8,000 people.”<br /> <br /> On the issue of disputed congresses, Ndoma-Egba said, “We are hoping to resolve those issues before the convention, especially in states where we have court processes.<br /> <br /> “We are working to resolve them in one way or the other. This is politics and at the end of the day, you must leave a window open for harmonisation and reconciliation.”<br /> <br /> He also used the occasion to comment on the screening of the 179 aspirants who indicated interest in contesting for the 43 national offices.<br /> <br /> The secretary said “The screening committee finished its assignment yesterday (Wednesday). As we speak, the screening appeals committee is sitting.<br /> <br /> “After the screening, there is the appeals panel to review the cases of those who feel aggrieved with the outcome of the screening committee assignment.<br /> <br /> “You cannot know the outcome until the appeals committee finishes its work. The screening appeals committee is sitting and until that committee completes its work, I cannot give you a number of those screened out or screened in. There is still a process going on.”<br /> <br /> He said, for now, the convention committee did not have a funding challenge but that it was still expecting contributions from stakeholders.<br /> <br /> He, however, did not give further details.<br /> <br /> Ndoma-Egba also described as untrue allegations that the committee was under pressure from the Presidential Villa.<br /> <br /> Court fixes June 26 for hearing Imo APC congress suit<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, the crisis occasioned by the outcome of the congresses of the Imo State chapter of the APC deepened on Thursday as the Federal High Court in Owerri shifted the date for the hearing of the case from June 22 to June 26.<br /> <br /> A faction of the party loyal to Governor Rochas Okorocha had on May 18, through its lawyer, Chiedozie Ogunji (SAN), approached the court, urging it to among other prayers, issue an interim order stopping the APC national leadership from going on with the ward and state congresses.<br /> <br /> Though the order was granted, the defendants went ahead to conduct the congresses which produced Hilary Ekeh who was sworn in by Chief John Odigie-Oyegun in Abuja as the APC chairman in the state .<br /> <br /> The defendants – APC state working committee and the National Organising Secretary of the party, Osita Izunaso, had on Thursday through it counsel, Kelvin Nwufor, (SAN), sought a shift in the earlier agreed date of June 22 to June 26.<br /> <br /> The demand for a new date that would allow the hearing to take place after the APC national convention scheduled for June 23, made the lawyers to engage themselves in serious exchange of words.<br /> <br /> While Ogunji said the change would affect the matter because the APC National Convention was billed for June 23, Izunaso’ counsel, Kelvin Nwufor (SAN), urged the court not to hear the case in haste.<br /> <br /> But the presiding judge, Justice Lewis Allagoa, contented that the shift in the date would not affect the outcome of the case as the suit “is not a perishable one.”<br /> <br /> Adjourning the matter, the judge said. “Whether the APC national convention holds on June 23 or not does not affect the judgment of the court or the interim injunction earlier granted. This matter is not perishable. We have had cases where people went ahead and disobeyed orders of the court and at the end of the matter, the court throws them out.”<br /> <br /> The Justice had on May 18 issued an order that status quo be maintained until the matter, with Suit No FHC/OW/CS/69/2018 is determined.<br /> <br /> Speaking to newsmen, Ogunji said “The adjournment does not affect the earlier court order served the leadership of the APC and the respondents. The Order Court restraining the APC from recognising the defendants as elected ward, local government and state executives for Imo State APC, is still valid.”</div>

Latest-News Convention: APC releases guidelines for appeals, panel begins sitting

The screening appeal sub-committee of the National Convention Committee of the All Progressives Congress has commenced sitting. The pan...

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