World Cup 2014: Nigeria v Argentina Update!

Nigeria, the west African country in Group F having beaten Bosnia 1-Nil after Peter Odemwingie's goal against Bosnia-Hercegovina in Cuiaba on Saturday is up against Argentina, the Lionel Messi team in Porto Alegre today Wednesday 25th 2014 with a first appearance in the last 16 since 1998 tantalizingly within the African champions' grasp.

Argentina faces criticism by the media over their poor performances so far not meeting up with expectation especially being Lionel's Messi team. According to Real Madrid forward Angel Di Maria, he said in a report that  "Obviously it hurts when you hear people saying that they don't like you, when people say different things to us," Messi, a four time World Player of the year, who turns 27 on Tuesday has this to say "We are not showing what we can do, but with a run of games I think we will get there,". 

His teammates has this to say "All the players contributed to the victory but of course we have a genius who is called Messi. Fortunately he is Argentine - everyone would like to have Messi but it is us who have him.

"Iran made life hard for us but with Messi, everything is possible."

Argentina and Nigeria have met three times in football history with Argentina gaining the upper hand but that does not deter Peter Odemingwe the Stroke City Player who said in a report that-"We have a resilient defence, a creative midfield, and with our attack line we could bring problems to any defence in the world,"

-Stay Tuned with our Latest news updates, score and result, with our live minute-by-minute match report of the World Cup Group F game at Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre on Wednesday June 25, 2014.

Must Read! 10 Easy Ways to Flatten Your Belly!

Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could watch your belly disappear? Here are ten easy ways that you can flatten your belly every day--from simple tips that you can incorporate into your daily life to belly busting moves that you can do at home. Follow these 10 suggestions and watch your belly disappear.

1. Eat a bowl of raspberries. Packed with fiber, they fight constipation (that can swell your midsection like a balloon).

2. Drink lots of water. It's filling, calorie-free, and keeps your metabolism running in high gear.

3. Skip the cocktails. Sure, alcohol may be fat-free, but it's loaded with calories. It can also raise your levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that helps your belly store fat.

4. Sit up straight. Hunching forward makes your belly look bigger. For a slimming effect that actually trains the stomach-supporting muscles to stay taut, sit with your shoulders back, chin up, and lower back supported against the chair. 

5. Plant a garden. All the bending, lifting, and twisting help shape your middle, and you'll burn about 350 calories an hour.

6. Moving your hips. Hula hooping works on the same calorie burning waist-whittling principle as gardening--but with less dirt.

7. Hit the greens. Ditching the golf cart earns you a walking workout; whacking the ball tones and tightens your midriff.

8. Get a leg up. Crunches with your legs off the floor tone the upper portion of your ab muscles. Lie on your back with your legs propped up on the bed or chair. Curl up slowly, raising your head, shoulders, and upper back off the floor, then slowly lower. Do 10 to 12 repetitions, two to three times a week.

9. Reverse that crunch. To tighten your tummy from a different angle, lie on the floor with your arms at your sides, feet off the floor, and your legs and knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Contract your abdominals and press your back into the floor, lifting your hips about 2 to 4 inches off the floor. Hold, then lower. Do 10 to 12 repetitions, two or three times a week. 

10. Do crossover crunches. To work the muscles that define your waistline (the obliques), lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your right ankle on your left knee and your hands behind your head, elbows pointing out. Lifting your head and upper back off the floor, twist, and bring your left shoulder toward your right knee. Hold, then slowly lower. Do 10 to 12 repetitions, then repeat to the other side. Do two or three times a week.

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60 females, 31 boys abducted in northeast Nigeria

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AP) — Witnesses say Islamic extremists have abducted 60 more girls and women and 31 boys from villages in northeast Nigeria.

Security forces denied the kidnappings. Nigeria's government and military have been widely criticized for their slow response to the abductions of more than 200 schoolgirls who were kidnapped April 15.

There was no way to safely and independently confirm the report from Kummabza, 150 kilometers (95 miles) from Maiduguri, capital of Borno state and headquarters of a military state of emergency that has failed to curtail near-daily attacks by Boko Haram fighters.

Aji Khalil, of a local anti-Boko Haram group, said Tuesday the abductions took place Saturday in an attack in which four villagers were killed.

Boko Haram has been demanding the release of detained members in exchange for its hostages.

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Eight People Feared Dead as Explosion rocks Kano's School of Hygiene!

Eight persons have been confirmed dead in a blast at the School of Hygiene in Kano, the Kano State capital in northern Nigeria.

The blast, which occurred on Monday, is suspected to have been from an explosive device.

Briefing reporters in Abuja, the coordinator of the National Information Centre, Mr Mike Omeri, said “several others who sustained several degrees of injuries are receiving medical attention at various health centres across the state.

Mr Omeri also announced the death of a notorious terrorist, Mallam Husseini, who died in an encounter between members of the Boko Haram sect and a Military convoy along Jos-Bauchi high way.

The ‎spokesperson of the Kano Police, Magaji Majiya, who earlier confirmed the blast, told reporters that officers were on their way to the scene of the blast.

He said the area had been cordoned off and that the commissioner would address the media at the scene.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack but a terrorist group, Boko Haram has carried out similar attacks in Kano and states in Nigeria’s northeast region.

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Don’t eat suya without onion, cabbage- Nutritionist Warns

REGULAR consumers of grilled and  barbecued beef and chicken popularly called  suya, have been advised to always eat the delicacy with generous portions of the slices of onions, cabbage, tomatoes and other vegetables usually served along with the meat.

Giving the advise in Lagos, a Professor of Nutrition and Director of Academic Planning at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Prof. Ignatius Onimawo,  said research has shown that while there is a strong link between consumption of suya and increased risk of cancer,  consumption of suya garnished with onions and other vegetables, has a strong cancer-lowering effect.

Cancer risk increasing

Onimawo, who is Immediate past President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, and Dean, College of Food Processing & Storage Technology ,Michael Opkara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, recalled a warning by the World Health Organisation, WHO, that except there is deliberate effort to imbibe healthier  dietary and lifestyle habits over the next 10 years, cancer and other Non Communicable Diseases, NCDs, will increase by more than 27 percent in developing countries like Nigeria, compared to 17 percent in the developed world.

Speaking during the nutrition workshop organised by Coca-Cola Nigeria for health writers, the nutrition expert remarked that dietary habits play a major role in outcome of our health and one of this is the issue of cancer.
Breast cancer: “Take breast cancer. Its incidence used to be very low among our women in  those days and it was even tagged oyinbo disease because it was very rare in Nigeria or in Africa for that matter.

“But today, this is no longer the case. Breast cancer is everywhere. It is even killing people in the village. When we carried out studies to try to look at the aetiology of the disease, to find out where it all started, what we discovered was that we could trace the origin to suya consumption.

Suya preparation: “During preparation of suya, the  meat is cooked over an open fire, and oils from the meat undergo complex chemical reactions that produce toxins that are carcinogenic (cancer-causing) in nature.
Meat cooked over open flame often causes the formation of toxic compounds known as Heterocyclic Amines, HCAs, which are carcinogenic compounds. The more well-done a meat is cooked, the higher concentration of carcinogenic HCA’s can form.

Explaining that cancer is due to  oxidative processes in the body, He said onions are powerful antioxidants  that  effectively stop the oxidative process triggerred by consumption of suya from  taking place,
Further, Onimawo said one of the outcomes of the findings was that women who consume suya, are more prone to cancer (breast cancer) than men because they (women) tend to consume just the suya and ignore the vegetables.

Men eat onions, women eat suya: “This is practically proven. Many young men, take girls out and buy suya to entertain them. Normally, apart from the spices sprinkled on the meat, the suya is served with slices of onions, cabbage and tomatoes in some cases.

“The onion and other vegetables are actually added to act as antidote to the effect of the oil from the suya. Onions neutralise the oxidative effect of the chemicals in the oil and help prevent cancer,  but because the young man wants to impress the girl, he will be eating the onions, while the girl eats the suya. At the end of the day he is preventing cancer, unknowingly, while the girl is eating the cancer.

“Much of this information needs to be made more available. I’m not saying suya is bad, on the contrary, it is a great delicacy, but beneficial only when eaten in moderation and along with the onion and cabbage, he stated.”

More concerns

A number  of  studies support the use of local spices such as ginger, clove, red pepper, black pepper, onion, thyme, oregano and garlic in a meat marinade before grilling also drastically reduce any carcinogens that normally would form on grilled meat.

The suya sauce, a.k.a. Yaji, comprising most of these spices is believed to help ameliorate possible negative effects of the roasted red meat.  However, findings link excessive consumption to  possible kidney damage.
When meat is cooked in a water base as opposed to grilling, HCAs are eliminated. Meat cooked in a soup or  pot will not have carcinogenic HCAs and is a healthier way to cook meat.

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Ekiti Polls: Fayose leads as Police denies Arrest of Journalists!

IN SPITE of the violence that trailed the campaigns, the Ekiti governorship election was held peacefully, yesterday, across the 16 local government areas of the state. Apart from minor hitches observed in some polling units, the election was generally peaceful. The three leading candidates, Governor Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele of the Labour Party (LP) and Mr Ayo Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), hailed the conduct of the poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) although Fayemi decried the presence of PDP leaders in the state and the alleged attempted abduction of APC leaders. As the results began to trickle-in from different parts of the state, late yesterday, the figures, though unofficially, showed Fayose jumping into early lead. Governorship Candidate, All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Kayode Fayemi; with his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, (1st and 2nd right) on the queue at Ogilolo Ward, Isan-Ekiti... on Saturday. Governorship Candidate, All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Kayode Fayemi; with his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, (1st and 2nd right) on the queue at Ogilolo Ward, Isan-Ekiti… Saturday. Reports said the PDP candidate won with a wide margin in almost all the 13 wards in Ado Ekiti, the state capital. Fayemi reportedly led the election in his Isan ward in Oye local government area while the LP candidate, Bamidele, performed brilliantly in most of the polling units in his Iyin Ekiti country home in Irepodun-Ifelodun local government area. In the meantime, the APC leadership, last night, issued a statement, rejecting the outcome of the election. But the Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, welcomed the results. “The people of Ekiti have spoken”, Obanikoro said. Amid tight security, turn out of voters was impressive as the electorate made the sacrifice of trekking long distances to the polling booths to exercise their franchise. Voters accreditation Accreditation of voters commenced as early as 8 am in most of the voting units in Ado Ekiti, Ido, Ifaki, Oye, Isan, Ikere, Afao, Aramoko, ljero, Ikole, Ikere, Emure, Ilawe, Ijero and Aramoko. INEC officials were said to have come with the materials as early as 7am. Fayemi commends INEC over innovations as voting commences Fayemi and his wife, Bisi, voted at the Ogilolo polling unit 009 Isan-Ilafon Ward11 at about 1.01 p.m. Speaking with newsmen after the election, the governor expressed satisfaction regarding the level of preparedness and the arrangement put in place by INEC. He commended the electoral umpire for bringing the electoral materials as early as possible and introducing innovation to eliminate delays in the voting process and eradicate irregularities during elections. The governor said that with this development, there were indications that the Ekiti election would record fewer hitches than that of Anambra in November 2013. Labour Party Governorship Candidate Opeyemi Bamidele casting his vote. Pic by Dare Fasube Labour Party Governorship Candidate Ope Bamidele casting his vote. He, however, condemned what he described as attempted abduction of some of his party men like the alleged invasion of the house of an APC leader, Chief Dapo Awojolu at Egbe Ekiti in Gbonyin local government area of the state by some security operatives. Fayemi equally said he was not comfortable with the presence of some prominent members of PDP in the state during the day of election, saying they had no business in Ekiti when the poll was going on. On the heavy presence of security operatives in the state, the governor said he could not see reason the electorate should entertain any fear in as much as the security operatives did not misbehave. He implored his people to remain calm and allow INEC officials to do their jobs. Director General, Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation, Hon Bimbo Daramola, said that on the eve of the election, some overzealous security operatives attempted to arrest him at his Ire-Ekiti home town in Oye local government area of the state. Daramola, who is also a member of the House of Representatives, told newsmen that some armed personnel stormed the house of his father, Chief Francis Adebayo Daramola, but did not succeed in their mission to arrest him. He said they ransacked the house and maltreated everybody they saw on sight including his 87- years-old father. I’ll accept outcome in good faith – Fayose There was a huge turn out of voters at Afao Ekiti, the hometown of Fayose, the PDP candidate, who voted at his Afao Ward, Unit 001 in Irepodun-Ifelodun local government areas. He told newsmen after casting his voting that he would accept the outcome of the election no matter where the pendulum of victory swung. Fayose said he would leave the out come of the governorship election to God. “I have campaigned enough. I did all that was necessary in this election. I know my people love me and they want to see me return as governor, but I will leave my fate to God”, the PDP candidate said. Ayo Fayose casting his vote yesterday... Ayo Fayose casting his vote yesterday… He, however, said he was very disturbed by the alleged level of violence and inducement in some polling units, saying that was very alien to Nigeria’s democracy and hoped it would not be repented in the 2015 general elections. I’m satisfied – Bamidele Also speaking after voting at his Iyin Ekiti Ward in Irepodun-Ifelodun local government area, Bamidele, the LP candidate in the poll, said he was satisfied with the two stages of accreditation and voting, adding that he would be in a better position to assess the exercise at the end of the election. He commended the law enforcement agencies for giving all the candidates a level playing ground. With the level of security put in place, he said, INEC would not have excuses to fail. On the rumour that he had stepped down for Fayose, he said both the APC and PDP leaders had made overtures to him to step down for their candidates but he turned them down. ”The leadership of both APC and PDP made overtures to me but l turned them down. I remain a credible alternative. I never contemplated stepping down for any of them. That would have amounted to betrayal of my people,” the LP candidate said. Five journalists arrested for illegal coverage Five journalists covering the election were arrested by security men for alleged illegal coverage of the poll. The journalists, Jadesola Ajibola of Inspiration FM; Toyin Yusuf, Oyetunji Ojo, Akin Ogunsola, and Aremu Awolola (reporter and crew members of the Osun State Broadcasting Cooperation, OSBC), were arrested at Ifaki-Ekiti at about 11. 15 am by a team of Mobile Policemen. One of the journalists, Ajibola, said they were picked up by the policemen, numbering over 50, who dropped at Kwara boundary with Ekiti. The Inspiration FM correspondent said that the police team, led by one Mopol Commander, Patrick, handed them over to one G.B Seleke, another Mopol, who escorted them with a warning not to return to Ekiti. “The Mopol Commander told us that we had no business being in Ekiti despite our protests that we were accredited by INEC to cover the election. We showed them our press election duty INEC accreditation but they were not bothered. INEC Public Affairs Manager, Mr. Taiwo Gbadegesin, accredited us for the coverage since Thursday, June 19.” ‎ Police deny arrest However, police spokesperson in Ekiti State, Mr. Victor Babayemi, denied the arrest. He told Sunday Vanguard, “I’m not aware and I cannot confirm it”.

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World Cup 2014: Nigeria v Bosnia & Herz as it happened!

Congratulations to the super Eagles as they lashed Bosnia 1-Nil. Stephen Keshi, the Nigeria Super Eagles Coach believes Luck is needed in the game when asked about the Bosnia & Herz nullified Goal, and said his team gets better with each match as its not been easy with the 3months they been here. 

Odewinge. the saving grace Scorer of the team said the wining celebration is for his baby born two weeks ago alongside with his best friend's baby in the National Team!

Preview- Tel FULL TIME: NIGERIA 1 BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA 0 Nigeria have their first World Cup win since 1994 and Bosnia are out of the World Cup. In truth they don't really deserve any more from tonight's game. It was an unspired performance and whatever chances they created were wasted by Edin Dzeko. At the back Emir Spahic looked like he was playing football for the first time and Emmanuel Emenike's dominance of the right flank led to the Nigerian goal.

90 + 2min: Dzeko hits the post!! It’s a great save from Enyeama. he brings down a high ball on the penalty spot, possibly with his hand. He spins and only has the keeper to beat but scuffs his shot and Enyeama saves with his legs. That sums up Dzeko's night.
90 min: Three minutes of stoppage time. Corner for Bosnia. Pjanic takes it, it comes back to him, he lofts another cross in and Dzeko meets it but it’s straight at Enyeama.
88 min: Free kick to Bosnia 35 yards out . A chance to loft it into the area which they may as well do because they haven’t really shown that they have any other ideas. It’s lofted in, headed clear by Yobo. Some unofficial head tennis follows before it nearly opens up for a shot from Pjanic. Instead it comes to Misimovic but his shot is poor and goes wide.
86 min: What have Bosnia got left in their locker/in the tank/up their sleeve [delete depending on which commentator you are listening to]? Not much by the looks of things. It’s Nigeria who are on the attack and Emenike wins a free kick on the corner of the area.
84 min: Great challenge from Muhamed Besic as Onazi looks to get in on the right.
83 min: Emenike is down injured. Or wasting time as it's also known.
82 min: Another chance for Nigeria – this time it’s Emenike who shoots from distance but it’s always swerving wide and Begovic has it covered anyway.
80 min: Begovic is a called into action again to beat away a long range effort from Ogenyi Onazi. Bosnia look to counter through Pjanic, an attack that’s cynically brought to a halt by Mikel who picks up a yellow card.
75 min: Bosnia are pushing now but their ideas are more Gareth Keenan than David Brent. Muhamed Besic cuts in from the left but doesn’t really catch his shot properly and Enyeama saves easily.
74 min: Ejike Uzoenyi is on for Babatunde.
72 min: Michael Babatunde is finally going to have to come off. He's already left the field but nobody is on in his place yet. Bosbia have a corner on the left, It's swung in to the edge if the six-yard box and Ibisevic has a free header but it comes off his shoulder and goes over the bar. Huge chance for Bosnia.
70 min: Casual defending from Yobo who nonchalantly nods back to his goalkeeper after Dzeko fails to connect with a cross. Fortunately for the former Everton man Enyeama is able to gather.
68 min: Babatunde is down injured and is rolled off the pitch. It's a Bosnia free kick but the delivery is really poor and it sails over everyone and out for a goal kick.
"What Nigeria need (and I'm not joking) is Shola," Says Sally. "He will hold up the ball. Calm things a little. Obviously I don't really want to see calm. But it would help Nigeria."
Well you've got it Sally. Shola 'calmness personified' Ameobi is on.
64 min: Ameobi straight into the action playing it to Emenike on the right> he shoots from a tight angle and Begovic is forced to scoop it behind. Well he’s not quite forced – nobody made him – but it would have gone in if he didn’t.
64 min: Nigeria change: Shola Ameobi on for Musa.
63 min: Safet Susic makes his final change bringing on his nephew Tino Sven Susic in place of Haris Medunjanin.
62 min: Lovely approach work from Pjanic but Dzeko can’t collect. He’s having one of those days. One of those days when he’s rubbish.
60 min: Two saves in a minute from Begovic keeps Bosnia's World Cup alive. First Babatunde fires from distance and Begovic beats it away. Then the ball richotes off Odemwingie into Emenike's path. The angle is tight but Begovic stays big and makes a vital block.
58 min: Titus Bramble would be ashamed of this performance by Emir Spahic. In fairness he may well be fouled this time by Emenike but his challenge is so weak he almost deserves it.
57 min: Another Bosnian change: Sejad Salihovic comes on for Senad Lulic.
56 min: Change for Bosnia: Vedad Ibisevic replaces Izet Hajrovic.
56 min: More good work from Emmanuel Emenike to tee-up Odemwingie whose shot is poor. Onazi's effort with the outside of his right seconds later is even worse.
54 min: Michael Babatunde crashes in a shot with his left foot from the edge of the area which Begovic beats away.
53 min: It’s not really coming off for Bosnia – first Dzeko and Hajrovic get in each other’s way when trying to get on the end of a cut back, then Musa makes a brilliant last ditch tackle to block Mujdza’s cross from the right.
52 min: A quick aside: here is how Argentine radio responded to Lionel Messi's injury time winner against Iran ...
50 min: Bosnia have a bit more urgency to their game this half, which is just as well as they’re 40 minutes away from going out of the tournament. Dzeko ties to roll Omerou on the edge of the area but the Nigeria defender stays with his man and wins the tackle.

^{Edin Dzeko - it's not going well (GETTY)}
46 min: Everything good that happens for Bosnia comes through Pjanic and it’s the Roma man who picks out Dzeko who tries the unorthodox approach of kicking it as high as possible in the air but it lands on top of the Nigerian net.
Peep! We're underway in the second half. No changes to either side at the interval.
Martin Keown is recounting the game of beach football he played in Rio earlier on. It seems he clobbered some barefooted young lad with a two-footed challenge. He seems happy with this. Well played, Martin. Well played.
HALF TIME: NIGERIA 1 BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA 0 So far so good for the Nigerians. Bosnia have had chances, and Dzeko’s goal should never have been chalked off but they, and Spahic in particular, have been very shaky at the back and Emenike has prospered. That’s where the goal came from.
45 min: One minute of stoppage time is signalled on the big board as Dzeko again shoots from distance. It's the most difficult of his four chances and it's miles wide.
44 min: Another chance for Dzeko as the half to the close. Pjanic gets by Odemwingie far too easily on the right. he pulls back for the Man City man but this time it's a poor effort and Enyeama watches it sail over the bar.
42 min: Nigeria are knocking it around like they're Brazil from 1970. If Brazil from 1970 spent most of their time playing sideways passes in their own half, that is. Needless to say Jon Obi Mikel is heavily involved.
38 min: Emmanuel Emenike is fine but Musa picks up any slack on the right firing a low effort which Begovic pushes clear at his near post and then hops up to prevent the corner.
35 min: Emmanuel Emenike is causing all kinds of havoc on the right. Real havoc. Like a guy in a Tesco Express opening packets of biscuits and throwing them all over the floor nobody knows quite how to deal with him. He picks up a knock while allows everyone - me included - to pause for a quick water break.
<noframe>Twitter: OptaFranz - 9 - Peter Odemwingie has finished <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=hash&q=%23NGA" target="_blank">#NGA</a>'s period of nine hours without scoring from open play at <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=hash&q=%23WorldCup" target="_blank">#WorldCup</a> tournaments. Eternity. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=hash&q=%23NGABIH" target="_blank">#NGABIH</a></noframe>
33 min: A chance for an equaliser from Dzeko with a flick from a straight ball over the top. He can’t make proper contact.

^{Peter Odemwingie opens the scoring (REUTERS)}
GOAL! NIGERIA 1 BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA 0 (Odemwingie 28) Don't say I didn't mark your card about world beater Peter Odenwingie. It's Emmanuel Emenike who makes it, bundling over Spahic on the right before pulling back for the Stoke man who makes no mistake from seven yards, firing low past his Stoke colleague Asmir Begovic. Bosnia are convinced Spahic was fouled but I don't think he was. in fact, I know he wasn't.
27 min: Good effort from Pjanic from the edge if the area which Enyeama makes a bit of a meal of saving. And not a very good meal.

^{An intense tactical battle is unfolding (GETTY)}
24 min: Another great pass from Pjanic to Dzeko who is onside but the angle is tighter than before and he's under pressure from Omerou and Enyeama beats his shot away for a corner. Good spell for Bosnia.
23 min: Pjanic cuts inside one, two challenges and forces a save from Enyeama.
22 min: A lovely cross from Ambrose on the right is crying out for a Keith Houchen-esque diving header but none of the Nigerian players knwo who Keith Houchen is so the cross sails out for a throw on the far side.
21 min: Dzeko has the ball in the net but the flag is up for offside. It's a terrible decision. He's miles on as he races on to Pjanic's through ball and slots past Enyeama. Really poor decision.
20 min: Shot from distance by the lively Musa. Saved by Begovic.
18 min: Mensur Mujdza does something positive this time, winning a corner on the right. It taken deep and picked up by Zvjezdan Misimovic who checks inside and curls a shot which sails over the crossbar.
15 min: What are Bosnia playing at? I'm aware I've asked this already but nobody's answered yet. Emmanuel Emenike has a shot from distance that's going well wide of the goal. Rather than let it go out of play Mensur Mujdza (I think) whacks it straight back to a Nigerian player. Nothing comes of it but get it together, lads.
14 min: Another long range effort - this time from Lazio’s Ogenyi Onazi – and it;’s saved by Begovic low to his right.
13 min: Peter Odemwingie is basically Lionel Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar rolled into one. QPR really should have let him in that time. He skips past two challenges on the right touchline and spreads it wide to Musa who is oiffside.Still, silky skills from Odemwingie.
11 min: Jon Obi Mikel shoots. Jon Obi Mikel misses. As you were.
9 min: And here come Nigeria: Emmanuel Emenike tries to pick out the scampering who is like a Jack Russell chasing a tennis ball in the park. And like a Jack Russell his first touch is rubbish and the chance disappears.
7 min: Smart effort from Muhamed Besic fdrom the right corner of the area. It sails just over the crossbar. A good start, this.
6 min: Odemwingie's free kick goes just wide of the left hand post after taking a touch off the wall. A touch the refree fails to spot as he awards a goal kick.
5 min: What's Emir Spahic playing at? Before you say football get a load of this. he passes stright to Musa who skips past Medunjanin who hauls him to the ground. A great foul, as Danny Murpphy might say but his mate put him in big trouble there. Medunjaningets a yellow. Nigeria have a free kick.
4 min: offside flag is up against Pjanic as he races onto a Dzeko through ball. It's the rigt decision but it came from a very loose attempt by Nigeria to play out from the back. Just hoof it lads. It's the way forward.
2 min: Emmanuel Emenike wins a corner on the right, which is more than he did in the entire 90 mintes against Iran. Musa takes, it's half-cleared as far as Onazi but he skews his shot high and wide.
1 min: Bosnia launch the first attack as Dzeko spins in the centre circle and lays off to the right where Mujdza is scampering forward. He tries to pick out Dzeko in the area but Yobo intercepts.
Peep! The referee, a Mr Peter O’Leary from New Zealand who I’m going to go out on a limb and guess has some Irish heritage, blows his whistle and Nigeria get the game underway.

Iran VS Nigeria:nWorld Cup Preview As Brazillians Embraced Mikel!

Nigeria and Iran share a similiar history in their World Cup tournament as they meet in today's match at 20:00 at the Arena da Baixada. Neither side has enjoyed much World Cup success. After beating Bulgaria 1-0 in their second group game in 1998, the Nigerians have had two draws and six defeats. And Iran’s 2-1 victory over the United States in Lyon 16 years ago was their sole win at a World Cup.
However, with the recent achievements by the Super Eagles, there is a level of high hopes for the Team, thanks to Stephen Keshi. He believes his team is capable even though they failed to win any of their three pr-tournament friendlies, he added if there is any lacking, then its to put in more efforts, just hard work.

“My concern is how I’m going to bring my players to understand the style of play, to bring them back into the rhythm that we are used to, because it’s a long time we were apart,” he said.

Mikel was mob when he left his hotel to the team’s bus and onto the pitch where Brazillian raced to touch him. In a Vanguard Report

He has this to say-
‘’It is my first World Cup and I am ready just like other players are ready, too. The World Cup remains the highest height of every footballer’s ambition.
I am happy to be playing here but more importantly is that we have a dream of playing for each other. We want to make something out of the World Cup. It is not about individuals. It is about a team. And I am a member of the team
Mikel: It is good to know that many expect me to lead. In this team, the coach determines what we do and we do it according to his instructions. People might not notice the roles of players but the coach knows and we do things collectively to ensure that we come out victorious.
Mikel: There is love and unity in the team. We are like a family. All the players are ready to give their best. And with these will-power, I think that we will do well because of this determination.
Mikel: Promises? I promise good outing by the team. You are aware that all teams are well prepared for the World Cup. So, no one underestimates any team. You need to work hard first and also rely on goodluck. We’ve been working hard and deserve to do well.

  Iran (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Davari; Beitashour, Hosseini, Sadeghi, Pooladi; Nekounam, Teymourian; Haddadifa, Shojaei, Dejagah; Ghoochannejhad.

Nigeria (Possible, 4-4-2): Enyeama; Ambrose, Oboabona, Omerou, Oshaniwa; Mikel, Onazi, Azeez, Moses; Odemwingie, Emenike.

Referee: Carlos Vera (Ecuador).

What's Your Predition?
Iran 0-2 Nigeria???

What is the 'vanishing spray' used in FIFA World Cup 2014?

For those unaware of how it's used, the referee will spray it on the ground around the ball and in front of the wall on free kicks to ensure that the wall doesn't encroach on the set-piece taker. And almost just as quickly as the spray is used, it's gone, leaving no lasting effect on the pitch.

You see it all the time on free kicks: Once the referee is done putting the wall in place, in unison, the wall collectively moves forward inch by inch.

That closes down the angle with which the set-piece taker can operate. Most of the time, he can't fire the ball over the wall without overshooting his intended target as a result.

In theory, vanishing spray should eliminate that problem altogether. In practice, that's an unrealistic goal. Vanishing spray should at least keep the wall more honest.

"It will assist us in getting the players back at a free kick and, in turn, that gives the attacking team a better opportunity of creating something from that set-piece," English referee Howard Webb said, per BBC Sport's Luke Reddy.

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El-Rufai slams Presidency Over New Emir Of Kano.

Former Federal Capital Territory Minister, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has condemned the Presidency and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for trying to stall the emergence of former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, as the new Emir of Kano.

El-Rufai said that despite the presentation of the staff of office and a certificate of appointment by the Kano State Governor to the new Emir, it was still doubtful if the President and his party would give up the fight to stop his emergence.

In several tweets posted on his Facebook, El-Rufai noted that the ‘’Jonathanians” had lost the battle to stop Sanusi’s appointment as the new Emir of Kano.

In one of the tweets titled Next Jonathanian Steps, the former minister said: “Now that the Jonathanians have lost the war against my brother HRH SLS, will they give up graciously or try new tricks? They will not give up!

“They still have the Jonathanian SSS to manufacture fresh falsehood. They have hundreds of hungry Wendell Simlins to tweet and post their drug-induced fabrications for villa cash hand-outs.”

In the same vein, the Chairman, Buhari Vanguard, Comrade Jasper Azuatalam, said the minor riot in parts of Kano earlier on Sunday was instigated by a certain party to stop the presentation of Sanusi as the next Emir.

Jasper noted: ”While the king makers and traditional rulers in Kano were busy deliberating and observing all traditional rites to choose the next Emir of Kano, the PDP went ahead to congratulate one of the contenders, to the throne, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero and announced him as the next Emir of Kano.

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Twins Explosions Rocks Rivers High Court!

Reports gathered that another set of explosives were again detonated at a high court in Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State in the early hours of yesterday.

Documents were among items destroyed in the incident.
It was the third time explosives were hurled by unknown persons into the court premises.

The state Police Commissioner, Mr Tunde Ogunsakin, who visited the court with the anti-bomb unit of the Police said no particle of explosives was recovered from the premises. He, however, confirmed an attack on the place.
According to him, there was sign of burnt at the spot when he got there.

“The Commissioner of Police, Tunde Ogunsakin and his team visited the scene with the Police Anti Bomb team which collected samples for analysis at the scene of the attack,” the Police said.

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BREAKING NEWS! Sanusi Lamido Becomes New Emir Of Kano.

Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (born 31 July 1961) is the current Emir of Kano in Nigeria, he was appointed by the Council Emirates of Kano. He was also Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, appointed on 3 June 2009 and suspended from office by President Goodluck Jonathan on 20 February 2014 after exposing a $20 billion fraud committed by the presidents associates in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).^[1] He is a career banker and ranking Fulani nobleman, and also serves as a respected Islamic scholar. The global financial intelliegence magazine, The Banker, published by the Financial Times, has conferred on Sanusi two awards, the global award for central Bank Governor of the Year, as well as for Central Bank Governor of the Year for Africa. The TIME magazine also listed Sanusi in its TIMES 100 list of most influential people of 2011

"I no go fall una hands" -Stephen Keshi

As the days approach swiftly for the kick off of the World Cup, Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has promised not to ‘’fall the hands of Nigerians’’, as they say in local parlance which means not disappointing Nigerians at the World Cup.
Having played two friendlies – 2-2 with Scotland and a scoreless draw with Greece, Keshi may have finally realised the task that awaits him as he plays in the World Cup as coach having been denied to take Togo to the World Cup despite qualifying them. ‘’My brother, it is not an easy job’’, he admitted to Sports Vanguard before embarking on the journey to Brazil.

Stephen Okechukwu Keshi

Two games without a win, Nigerians are hissing and sighing on the chances of the Super Eagles moving beyond the second round which has been their best mark since making their debut in USA ’94.
‘These players are careful not to get injuries. Some of them wanted to impress us after announcing the list to the World Cup’’, spokesman of the Super Eagles, Ben Alaiya quoted Keshi as saying.
Keshi knows the expectations of Nigerians and his last friendly against United States of America is expected to be better than the Greece game. ‘’I know what Nigerians want and I promise not disappoint Nigerians. It was not easy selecting these final 23 players to represent Nigeria. But, I promise that these 23 are the best we have and they will make Nigeria proud in Brazil’’, he vowed.

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Meet Lagos Prophet Who Sleeps In COFFINS And GRAVES

The prophet has said that he follows this weird practice to show people that everything gathered on earth ends in vanity as a corpse goes to his grave with nothing after death.
The Nation reports:
Speaking to The Nation on why he keeps both strange and curious objects, the spiritual leader and founder, Pa Samuel Olawale, who is in his 80s, declared :
“Yes, it is true that I have a coffin covered with a black cloth in the church, it is in a big van. Not only this, I have a big hole dug by the altar. You can go and see it, take the picture. But for the grave or the hole, it is by the altar. And next time, I will open it for you while I am there. The two strange objects are pregnant with meanings. I have reasons why I am keeping them there.”
While preachers, evangelists and men of God go out preaching with the Holy Bible, asking sinners to repent , Pa Samuel Olawale (a.k.a Kogberegbe) goes out not only with the Holy Bible but always ‘armed’ with an empty coffin , a bell in his hand, preaching to sinners to repent and come to God.
He said: “Yes it is true that I am carrying the coffin about while preaching and what I am trying to point out is that no matter how wealthy you are you will not leave this world with these money, it all ends here. You will not go into the grave with your wealth or with money, be you a civil servant who stole money, be you an armed robber, be you a landlord or a caretaker, your money and wealth ends here the moment you are dead.”
He continued: “Any time I go out, I would at times sleep in the coffin, telling everybody that that is how we will end. Yes, we should remember this. If you are buried with expensive coffin, clothes and jewelleries, all will be stolen from you in the night and your carcass will be left. To me, life has no meaning until we come to God. Things are going wrong in this world and we should mend our ways.”
Kogberegbe added: “Yes, I even sleep there (in the coffin and the grave) at times too, to let us know that we will all end up in the grave!”
Asked whether people read different meanings to it, he replied: “Oh no, no, they all know that we are preaching the word of God. It is just to let us all know that there is nothing in this life. This is an ephemeral world, the grave is for prayer and we open it every year while praying on the mountain.”

- See more at: http://akpraise.com/2014/06/02/meet-lagos-prophet-who-sleeps-in-coffins-and-graves-photo/#sthash.vxQMfXHH.dpuf

Meet Lagos prophet who sleeps in COFFINS and GRAVES (PHOTO)

The prophet has said that he follows this weird practice to show people that everything gathered on earth ends in vanity as a corpse goes to his grave with nothing after death.
The Nation reports:
Speaking to The Nation on why he keeps both strange and curious objects, the spiritual leader and founder, Pa Samuel Olawale, who is in his 80s, declared :
“Yes, it is true that I have a coffin covered with a black cloth in the church, it is in a big van. Not only this, I have a big hole dug by the altar. You can go and see it, take the picture. But for the grave or the hole, it is by the altar. And next time, I will open it for you while I am there. The two strange objects are pregnant with meanings. I have reasons why I am keeping them there.”
While preachers, evangelists and men of God go out preaching with the Holy Bible, asking sinners to repent , Pa Samuel Olawale (a.k.a Kogberegbe) goes out not only with the Holy Bible but always ‘armed’ with an empty coffin , a bell in his hand, preaching to sinners to repent and come to God.
He said: “Yes it is true that I am carrying the coffin about while preaching and what I am trying to point out is that no matter how wealthy you are you will not leave this world with these money, it all ends here. You will not go into the grave with your wealth or with money, be you a civil servant who stole money, be you an armed robber, be you a landlord or a caretaker, your money and wealth ends here the moment you are dead.”
He continued: “Any time I go out, I would at times sleep in the coffin, telling everybody that that is how we will end. Yes, we should remember this. If you are buried with expensive coffin, clothes and jewelleries, all will be stolen from you in the night and your carcass will be left. To me, life has no meaning until we come to God. Things are going wrong in this world and we should mend our ways.”
Kogberegbe added: “Yes, I even sleep there (in the coffin and the grave) at times too, to let us know that we will all end up in the grave!”
Asked whether people read different meanings to it, he replied: “Oh no, no, they all know that we are preaching the word of God. It is just to let us all know that there is nothing in this life. This is an ephemeral world, the grave is for prayer and we open it every year while praying on the mountain.”

- See more at: http://akpraise.com/2014/06/02/meet-lagos-prophet-who-sleeps-in-coffins-and-graves-photo/#sthash.vxQMfXHH.dpuf

Watch It! The Most Common 8 Things That Causes Cancer!

1-Scientists believe that we have control over cancers and diseases simply by controlling our lifestyle a bit better. Always be aware of what your doing such as not smoking, what your eating on a daily basis and what you can do to protect your skin. Always be aware of your surroundings and take the following 8 tips on staying healthy and cancer free.

2-Your wondering what this is? Every time you drink out of plastic bottles your getting Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, a compound that is a toxic substance. in Canada but in the United States not so much. What will it do? BPA is an endocrine disruptor that can mimic the body's own hormones, leading to negative health effects so avoid plastic product with BPA containing in them and try to stay away from canned foods with BPA in them as well.
3-With these new day and age, there are more and more vegans in this world and they head straight for soy products, but not so fast..Soy contains phytoestrogens, a group of chemicals that mimic the hormone estrogen, and this is ok for women but not so much for men. Some experts are concerned that an excess of soy will stimulate the growth of estrogen-sensitive cancers since high exposures of estrogen over a woman's lifetime are linked with an increased risk for breast cancer. If you enjoy soy, you may still have it but just have it in moderation and cut down a little.
4-There are many negative effects on Artificial Sweeteners such as Aspartame Sucralose and saccharin. Many argue that they are human carcinogens, causing bladder, colon, breast and prostate cancer, while others argue that there is no concrete evidence to prove this. The best bet is to just stick to natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey or even brown sugar.

5- All the synthetic ingredients that are in your beauty products can heighten the risk of cancer. Coal tar is found in hair dye and has been shown to be linked with bladder cancer. Alpha Hydrox acids is the main ingredient for removing wrinkles and blemishes have been shown to increase skin cancer. Phthalates, industrial plasticizers widely used in personal care products to moisturize and soften skin also shown to have birth defects and lifelong reproductive impairments. You have to be careful when putting this stuff all over your face and body all the time because over the years, these toxins will add up.

6- Studies show that scented laundry detergents release carcinogens, potentially raising the risk of cancer. The best thing you can do is get unscented and all natural products.

7- All processed meat contains cancer causing nitrites, doesn't matter if its hot dogs or burgers. According to CancerProject.org, eating 50 grams of processed meat per day (about one hot dog) increases your risk of colorectal cancer, on average, by 21 percent. Maybe save these meats for a special occasion if need be and stay away from the daily eating.

8- Watching TV here and there will not have major negative effects on the body but making it your life will. Exposure to TV screens affects the melatonin levels of younger children, in particular at the onset of puberty. Having reduced levels of melatonin can cause mutations in your DNA and even cause cancer cells to grow.

 

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Kidnapped Chibok Girls Plead For Release In New Video.

LAGOS—President Goodluck Jonathan has reportedly seen a new video released by Boko Haram, where the abducted school girls of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, spoke about their ordeal in the hands of the insurgents for the first time and pleaded with him to secure their release.
The girls were reportedly ill and are in camps located in Chad, Niger and Cameroon, with one of them nursing a broken wrist.
The footage, not released publicly but seen by the London-based The Mail on Sunday was taken in a jungle clearing a month after their abduction.

A screengrab taken on May 12, 2014, from a video of Nigerian Islamist extremist group Boko Haram obtained by AFP shows girls, wearing the full-length hijab and praying in an undisclosed rural location.

More than 250 girls were taken in a raid on their school in Chibok on April 14 by Boko Haram terrorists.
However, Cameroon’s military reportedly killed about 40 Boko Haram militants in the country’s northwest last weekend, a government radio reported yesterday, a day after Nigeria labelled the Central African nation the weakest link in its fight against the extremist sect.
The clashes leading to the killing occurred in the town of Kouserri, which borders Nigeria and Chad.
Cameroon, a clog in the wheel
The Federal Government regards Cameroun as not cooperative as Niger and Chad in the fight against Boko Haram.
After a security summit in Paris two weeks ago, Cameroon said it deployed 1,000 troops to its border to help contain the increasingly deadly group.
A series of suspected Boko Haram attacks in four villages in Nigeria’s restive North-East killed several people, residents said Sunday, in the latest violence blamed on the Islamist insurgents.
The military was not immediately available to comment on the raids in Borno State, the hardest hit area during Boko Haram’s five-year extremist uprising, which has killed thousands.
All of the targeted villages are in the Gamboru Ngala district near the border with Cameroon, where Boko Haram killed hundreds in a gruesome attack earlier last month.
The video, according to The Mail of London, indicated that the girls looked healthy, as eight of them, dressed in their home-made school uniforms of pale blue gingham, pleaded for release while standing courageously in front of the camera.
They were reportedly clearly scared, upset and trying to be brave, with each walking in turn to a spot in front of a white sheet fixed to a crude frame between the trees.
According to The Mail, four of the girls can be heard clearly in Hausa language stating that they were taken by force and that they were hungry.
The video indicated that a tall girl, aged about 18, said tearfully that “My family will be so worried”, even as another spoke softly, saying ‘I never expected to suffer like this in my life.”
Similarly, a third girl was captured in the video as saying ‘they have taken us away by force’, while the fourth complained of not getting enough food.
Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, reportedly released the new video of the kidnapped girls praying after their conversion to Islam.
The video, taken by an intermediary on May 19, has been shown to President Goodluck Jonathan and was intended to serve as ‘proof of life’ for the girls and to encourage the President to accede to the terrorists’ demands.
Two earlier videos showed the girls seated on the ground, dressed in hijabs, reciting the Koran,with Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, declaring he would sell them into slavery, or marry them off to their kidnappers, if members of his sect were not released from prison.
The Mail said pressure from the international community and criticism of the President’s slow response to the kidnapping have led to a series of contradictory pronouncements from his government. Ministers have declared they will not negotiate with Boko Haram, or consider the release of prisoners, while official spokesmen have said ‘the window is always open for dialogue’.
At a Paris peace summit, several West African countries neighbouring Nigeria vowed to join in ‘outright war’ against the terrorists. Britain, France and America pledged their support and have sent teams of military experts and advisers to the region. Intelligence sources have told The Mail of several rescue attempts, one  involving the release of suspected low-level Boko Haram members detained without charges or trial.
Two attempts were aborted at the last minute when the terrorists took fright while delivering a group of girls to a safe location.
Last week, Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh said the government knew the location of the girls and claimed that police and military had been ‘following them’ since the abduction. He refused to divulge details, saying it would put the girls in further danger.
The Mail claimed that Badeh’s announcement may have been the result of government officials seeing the new, unpublished video and may have been able to persuade Boko Haram’s intermediary to provide details of the location. It is believed the hostages have been split into at least four groups.
The report said one Dr Stephen Davis, an Australian who has advised three Nigerian presidents on how to negotiate with the country’s militant groups, has spent the past month trying to help free the girls.
Most Chibok girls not held in Nigeria
‘The vast majority of the  Chibok girls are not being held in Nigeria,’ he said.
‘They are in camps across the Nigerian border in Cameroon, Chad and Niger. I say the “vast majority” as I know a small group was confirmed to me to be in Nigeria last week when we sought to have them released.’
Saying the Federal Government has been engaged in negotiations with Boko Haram’s spiritual leader Abubakar Shekau in a bid to secure the girls’ release, the report quoted the Australian describing how fraught the negotiation process has been.
‘One of that small group of girls is ill and we had hoped we might convince the commander of the group holding her that she should be released so we could give her medical treatment,’ Dr Davis said.
‘There are other girls who are not well and we have come close to having them released but their captors fear a trap in which they will be captured in the handover process.
‘One girl has what I assume is a broken wrist as they demonstrate to me how she holds her hand. I have been told that others are sick and in need of medical attention.’
A military source said: ‘This has been a race against time from the minute they were captured. As soon as the girls left Nigerian soil, it was always going to be more difficult.
‘The government made no attempt at a rescue until a month after they were taken. Now the situation gets more serious by the day.
‘Any sort of attempt to get to them would have to be cleared by the  governments of the other nations.’

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Bomb Explosion At A Drinking Joints Kills Over Forty...

A Bomb Explosion targeting fans at a football match being screened in a Bar(drinking Joint) near a military base in Mubi, Adamawa State, residents and police said killed no fewer than 40 people yesterday.

According to a report “There has been a bomb explosion at a football  field this evening and so far more than 40 people have been killed,” said a officer.

Adamawa Police Command and the Army Brigade confirmed the bomb blast, but could not confirm the casualty figure.
 The Command‘s spokesman, Mallam Othman Abubakar, said the blast occurred at about 6p.m. last night.
He said the blast occurred at a popular relaxation centre, Kabang.

Suspected Killer Child-Bride Begs Court: ‘Set me free!’

Wasila Umar, 14, the child-bride suspected to have killed her husband at Yansoro village, Kademi general area of Gaya local government council of Kano State broke down in tears while pleading with the trial judge handling her case at the juvenile court to set her free because she was home sick.
Wasila rhetorically asked why she had been held by the authorities in a place where she had no access to her loved ones over the past weeks.

Wasila’s father, Tasiu Muhammed

The child-bride’s dilemma underscored the state of confusion she found  herself in following her detention by the police culminating in her appearance before the juvenile court.
Between April 1 and May 21 that she appeared before the court,  in Kano, she had variously been a guest of three detention centres located in Kano and Gaya .
Interestingly, her situation attracted the attention of human right activists, including the Federation of Women Lawyers in Nigeria which practically took over her  upkeep and defence.
The women lawyers group protested the arraignment of the suspected  killer child-bride before a magistrate court, forcing the Kano State Judicial Council to transfer Wasila’s trial to the juvenile court.
The letter of transfer of the trial dated April 30, 2914, and signed by one Sani Shehu for the Registrar, Kano State High Court of Justice, obtained by Sunday Vanguard, was entitled, “Commissioner of police versus Wasila Umar, a juvenile accused of poisoning her husband and three others.”
“The Chief Registrar has directed that the above headlined matter which was pending before  Magistrate Court 34, Rijiyar Zaki , Kano is now transferred for continuation at the Juvenile Court to its conclusion”, the letter said.
That marked the beginning of the trial of the teenager who had been away from her Kaura village for 51 days.
‘Strange land’
However, in an exclusive chat with Sunday Vanguard before her arraignment at the juvenile court, Wasila revealed: “I miss my mum who has not been allowed to visit me in a strange land.
“What, however, keeps me going is the fact that my family are with me at this critical point in my life, and I am highly comforted by their prayers”.
According to her,  “my dad and aunt visited me a few days ago and conveyed my mother’s message but the vacuum created by  her absence can not be filled by anyone.

Wasila

“I have been receiving help from the people I did not know from Adam, I mean women who have shown concern, and cater for my needs at the remand home where I have been detained by the authorities.
“I know for sure this trial will come to an end one day and I would reconcile with my family”.
Meanwhile, Wasila’s dream of reuniting with her family one day might be a pipe dream.  In the event she wins the case against her by the state, she might not have a home to return due to the tension generated in her in-law’s Yansoro village by her alleged killing of her husband and three friends.
Bitterness
Sunday Vanguard’s visit to  the village unveiled a picture of bitterness by her in-laws who viewed her action as wicked and could not be forgiven.
The journey to Yansoro was rough; no access road, no school, no health centre, no pipe borne water.
The village is a classical example of  neglect and leadership failure. Yansoro is a village cut off from civilization. An interview conducted with Wasila’s father-in-law at the city centre attracted a crowd comprising of the young and the old who constantly interjected to voice out their anger.
Sani Garba, the late Umar’s father, told Sunday Vanguard: “I am talking to you with a heavy heart, because I am still nursing a fatal injury handed over to me by my daughter-in-law.”
“Do you know that I lost three children to her action and you are asking whether I have forgiven her? The act was too painful to be forgiven  and I don’t think I can forgive her”.
Shedding  light on the relationship between the child- bride and her late husband, he said, “They  courted for 12 months and my son spent a fortune on her.  The fact remains that the duo were no strangers to each other and it pains me the more when people try to cook up the  forced marriage theory”
Garba, believed to be in his early 60s, went on: “We understand the authorities have taken over the case, but whether they choose to stand by the truth remains their headache for I have since gone to my God who is sufficient for me.”

Wasila’s father in-law, Sani Garba

The crowd that converged at the city centre during the short interview appeared satisfied with the old man’s responses to questions and gave him a round of applause.
But one was clear from the interview, the deep seated anger they demonstrated during the encounter was a reminder that they could go to war to settle scores.
Absolute grief
However, the atmosphere at Wasila village, Kaura, adjacent to her in-law’s was that of grief. Like their counterparts at Yansoro, the residents live a life worse than slavery.
Wasila’s father, Tasiu Muhammad, told Sunday Vanguard: “What happened left a sour taste in our mouths but we don’t have to abandon the little girl.  That is why I identify with her at this moment of trial”. Tasiu linked the alleged action of her daughter to destiny which could not be prevented.
“In such situation, we only look onto Allah for divine intervention“, the father said. “What has happened came with a fatal consequence on my family, and I have visited my in-laws in the company of my kinsmen to seek for their forgiveness on behalf of my daughter”.
Commenting on their involvement,  the chairperson of the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kano, Hussaina Aliyu, revealed that no formal charges had been preferred against Wasila, stressing that the trial judge had fixed June 16 for mentioning.

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