A click and see: The good news for Manchester United

The good news for Manchester United is that they are one win away from qualifying for the Champions League, but their progression to the Europa League final came at a heavy price against Celta Vigo.

United, who progressed 2-1 on aggregate, were seconds from being knocked out, but John Guidetti missed an easy chance for the Spanish side in the final minute of stoppage time. By that point, both teams had been reduced to 10 men following red cards for Eric Bailly and Facundo Roncaglia after a late clash.

Tax Fraud: Supreme Court declines to sack Gov Ikpeazu of Abia State

Tax Fraud: Supreme Court declines to sack Gov Ikpeazu of Abia State

The Supreme Court today declined to sack Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State from office over alleged tax infractions. The Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has since dedicated his victory over Uche Ogah at the Supreme Court to the people of Abia state, who he said stood by him all through the period of litigation.  In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Enyinnaya Appolos, Governor Ikpeazu stated that the victory is a re-affirmation of the mandate given to him by the people, and now twice confirmed by the Supreme Court.

Great hope as Chelsea 3-0 Middlesbrough!

The blues step up there hope and stand a chance to lift the trophy once more as they positively dominate and at last went home with victory last night, is a big deal and the blues are not afraid to pronounce the word, give us the title ring in the heart of the fans and put it at the back of the net ring in the minds of  Antonio Conte 

What he said"..

‘But for sure today we did a big step. I must be honest, and I must be pleased for the performance, the commitment, the desire and the will of my players on the pitch. It’s great to score three goals, to create many chances and also to keep another clean sheet. I’m satisfied.’

Antonio Conte knows his team are nearly there

A solitary Premier League victory stands between us and the title following the excellent 3-0 dissection of Middlesbrough at the Bridge. The result relegated our opponents and Conte had words for them afterwards, as well as Cesc Fabregas and the group as a whole.

First up he considered where we stand now…

‘For sure now I am a bit relaxed,’ Conte revealed. ‘This step was big.

‘It was a big win at this stage of the season. It’s great. Now we need to do another step. We have the possibility to do this on Friday against West Brom, but for sure it won’t be easy because West Brom are a really good, physical team so we must pay attention.

HERRERA APPEALS TO FANS AFTER AWARD WIN

"The most important thing is to be in the Champions League next season; I have no doubt for this club it is very important to be in the Champions League," the midfielder said. 

"We have two titles – the Community Shield and League Cup – and we can have a very good season if we fight for the Europa League. But we have to be very respectful because Celta are very difficult opponents overall.

"They have scored away in every game they’ve played in the competition so we have to be aware of that. They are a very good team, very dangerous when they play away and we will need our fans at home. I tell them we really need them to create a good atmosphere, a difficult atmosphere for the opponents, who can push us to be in the final. It’s not going to be easy."

Juan Mata was keen to look ahead to Thursday’s match against Celta Vigo

Juan Mata was keen to look ahead to Thursday’s match against Celta Vigo following Manchester United’s disappointing 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.

Next up for United is a Europa League semi-final second leg against Celta Vigo at Old Trafford. The Reds carry a one goal aggregate lead into the match, having beaten the Spanish outfit 1-0 at the Estadio Municipal de Balaídos last week.

“Now we play Celta Vigo and we need to focus on that from this moment,” Mata said. “We need to recover and focus on the second leg because we have the chance to play in a European final.

“We are fighting for a Champions League spot through the Europa League, but as well through the Premier League and we came here with this aim but unfortunately we couldn’t win.

“We have a really important chance to play Champions League through the Europa League but in the Premier League anything can happen. We will try to win our remaining games and maybe we [will finish] in the top four.”

Mata appeared in United’s starting XI in the Premier League for the first time since the 3-1 win over Middlesbrough in March. It was the Spaniard’s 39th appearance in all competitions for the Reds this season and he is delighted to be back.

“I have been out for the last few weeks but I tried to help the team as much as I could,” he added. “We have very important remaining games and I will give my best to try to win them all.”

Don Jazzy, Wizkid, Davido make Forbes list of richest Africans

Forbes Africa has released its list of Richest African musicians. The list was put together using factors such as endorsement value, popularity, show rates, sales, awards, YouTube views, appearance in newspapers, investment, social media presence, influence and others. Nigerian artistes, Don Jazzy, Wizkid and Davido, are among the top ten richest African musicians.
http://newshandle.com/don-jazzy-wizkid-davido-make-forbes-list-of-richest-africans/

PUNCH
Some abducted Chibok girls refused to be ‘freed’ –Negotiator
Ambode bans VIOs from Lagos roads
N5.1bn fraud: Court admits Jonathan’s ex-aide’s confessional statement
Withdraw cows from UNIUYO, VC tells herdsmen
Sagay seeks harsh punishment for corrupt SANs, others
A’court dismisses Amaechi’s case against Wike
37,000 Nigerians emigrated to Italy in 2016 – Italian Speaker
Olubadan warns deposed Iyaloja to stop impersonation
Osinbajo congratulates French President-elect
‘Investments in Lekki trade zone hits $4bn’
FG buildings have become criminal hideouts – LASG
Ambode calls for selfless service
Seized $15.5m: Patience Jonathan’s suit suffers setback
Senate backs down, opens chamber to accredited cameramen
Herdsmen’s menace could lead to war, CAN warns FG
Chibok girls: Anglican Church, Bello hail Buhari, Fayose disagrees
Death toll in Fulani herdsmen, Tiv clash hits 15

GUARDIAN
Patience Jonathan loses bid to unfreeze account
Outrage as suspected ritualist cuts off girl’s breast
Prosecute indicted killer herdsmen to prevent reprisal, CAN president urges FG
FG to revamp commission on secondary education to tackle falling standard
OAU appoints Ogunbodede as substantive VC
Lawyers differ on calls for Buhari’s resignation over medical trip
Police boss orders manhunt for killers of inspector
FG disburses N9.08 billion to Southeast farmers
Appeal Court holds special session in Bayelsa to clear backlog of cases
Orji seeks extension of whistleblowing to poll fraud
Buhari’s integrity led to release of Chibok girls, says Shettima

THISDAY
Oil Prices Rise after Hint of Longer Extension to OPEC Cut
Buhari Expresses Confidence His Absence Won’t Affect Governance
Chibok Girls: Makarfi’s PDP Comes Under Fire for Criticising Prisoner Swap
Femi Kuti Breaks World Saxophone Record
FG: Discos Don’t Have Exclusivity Over Distribution Areas
Appeal Court Dismisses Amaechi’s Suit against Wike’s Judicial Panel of Inquiry
Chibok Girls’ Parents Learning If Daughters Among Those Freed Via Media
Herdsmen Unleash Fresh Attack on Benue Community, Scores Killed
Security Agents Avert Violence in Kaduna
CBN Offers $81.2m for PTA, Tuition Fees, SME Segments
FCTA Disburses N2.12bn to Six Area Councils
FG Ends Intels’ Dominance of Oil and Gas Port Logistics Services
Buhari Departs for London After Receiving Chibok Girls
Macron Wins French Presidency by Landslide

VANGUARD
Poor power supply persists despite rise in supply to 3,578 MW
Osinbajo to sign 2017 budget into law, inaugurate new mnisters — Presidency
Again 15 die, scores injured, others missing as herdsmen invade Benue communities
TCN gets $1.5bn to finance power transmission projects
3 dead, scores injured in Kaduna clashes
Amaechi suffers defeat at Appeal Court
Calabar viewing centre tragedy: Hosf wants PhedC sanctioned
Buhari’s medical leave: Falana, Afenifere, Arewa youths, others back president
Uncertainty as Ambode allegedly suspends VIOs’ operations
FG in talks with B-Haram to end suicide bombings
Don Jazzy, Wizkid, Davido make Forbes list of richest Africans
Global conventional oil discoveries drop to record low in 2016—Report

THE NATION
Makarfi’s PDP under fire for Chibok girls comment
Ngige: no funds to pay workers
Fed Govt to DisCos: nobody forced you to buy power assets
Tinubu hails Buhari over 82 Chibok girls’ freedom
Court to Jonathan’s wife: prove $15.591m is yours
Tough times for heavy forex users
2017 budget is ready, says Faleke
EKSU student declared missing
Victims of attacks will be catered for, says Osinbajo
Ekhomu lauds Buhari on Chibok girls’ release
Group garners support for APC
‘NGO spends N50m on Rhesus negative patients, others’
Ajimobi supports Oke-Ogun’s agitation for 2019

DAILY TRUST
EFCC to arraign former FCT minister tomorrow
Babachir/Oke: Osinbajo panel may have submitted report – Presidency
Nigeria still West Africa’s aviation hub – IATA
Court orders IGP to pay N4m for rights violation
China gives $5m food support to IDPs
Apologise to Nigerians over budget delay, Senate told
5 B/Haram members swapped for 82 Chibok girls – Negotiator
18 arrested over Kaduna unrest
Gay marriage suspects jump bail, court orders arrest
Gunmen kill 15 in Benue
FG working on computerized drivers testing – Amaechi
Osinbajo congratulates French president-elect
N/East rehabilitation: FG mulls budget review
Edo demolishes makeshift shops, shanties in Benin
Saraki, Dogara meet ministers, NLC over minimum wage
Cattle dealers want exemption from check points ban
Senate rescinds ban on TV journalists
NNPC awards Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline to Chinese firm
Railway concession: GE to bring 20 locomotives, 200 wagons – Amaechi
Fashola: DisCos’ poor remittance nearly collapsed power sector
Over 40% of electricity diverted, stolen – Abuja DisCo
Aiteo clears air on $1.2bn oil swap deal
Pan Africa Solar launches 50w solar home system
Group urges forex concession for LPG operators
Marginal fields bid round to commence this month - Kachikwu
‘MMA2 processed 20m passengers, 400,000 flights in 10 years’
FG inaugurates committee on pension liabilities
Reps to intervene on job losses in telecoms sector
CBN injects $81.2m for invisibles
Intels to continue to invest in Nigeria — CEO
Islamic finance requires political will — Sanusi
Woman clings to husband’s car after seeing him with woman

THE SUN
Erdogan compares Israeli policy on Palestinians to apartheid
Naira appreciates against dollar at parallel market
Reports: Obama warned Trump against hiring former security adviser Flynn
UNIUYO gives 2-week ultimatum to herdsmen to quit campus
Lalong to Jang: You stole N2b intervention fund
90 million internet users in Nigeria, NCC reports
Austrian court rules Facebook must delete ‘hate’ posts
Chibok girls: Jonathan approved swap deal -PDP
BREAKING 4 dead in Kaduna religious crisis
PDP caretaker committee disowns new party

THIS QUESTION NEEDED A QUICK COMMENT FOR THE NIGERIANS 'IS THE CONTINUED TREATMENT OF MR. PRESIDENT ABROAD A WASTE OF THE NATION'S RESOURCES"

President Muhammadu Buhari left last night for London to consult with his doctors, the Presidency said yesterday.

He has empowered Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to preside over government businesses in his absence.

The President, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, has also notified the National Assembly of the development.

After returning on March 10 from a 50-day medical vacation in the United Kingdom (UK), President Buhari disclosed that he would be returning for further medical checks.

The statement did not specify the length of stay, but it said that the President’s return to the country will be determined by his doctors in the UK.

The spokesman said that the President, who had planned to leave yesterday afternoon, shifted his flight till the night for the reception of the 82 Chibok schoolgirls, who arrived in Abuja earlier yesterday.

The statement reads: “”The President wishes to assure all Nigerians that there is no cause for worry. He is very grateful for the prayers and good wishes of the people, and hopes they would continue to pray for the peace and unity of the nation.

“The length of the President’s stay in London will be determined by the doctors. Government will continue to function normally under the able leadership of the Vice President.

“President Buhari has transmitted letters about the trip to the Senate and the House of Representatives, in compliance with Section 145 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.”

IN YOUR OPINION IS RIVERS STATE NIGERIA'S TOURISM AND INVESTMENT DESTINATION?

According to Simeon Nwakaudu, media aide to Governor Nyesom Wike, Rivers State is.

An article by Mr. Nwakaudu reads in part;

"Endowed by nature as the nation’s treasure base, Rivers State is blessed with vast deposits of oil and gas, two functional seaports, an international airport, revived rail network, vast arable land, enhanced security network and a business friendly environment. Rivers State is Nigeria's undisputed tourism and investment destination.

The tourism industry has been robustly nurtured to attract other Nigerians and foreigners to Rivers State. Beach resorts, the New Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, an international airport, two seaports , good network of roads and railway line, tourists have found Rivers State attractive. Governor Wike since assuming the leadership of the state has created an atmosphere that promotes tourism."

Music Star Flavour Gets Chieftaincy Title In Liberia

Music Star Flavour Gets Chieftaincy Title In Liberia

Nigerian Musician Flavour, who has been in Liberia for some time now, has been conferred with a Chieftaincy title, in recognition of his contribution to Africa through music and the respect and promotion of the African culture and tradition. The happy singer who shared some photos from the ceremony on his Instagram handle, disclosed he is now the "Chief Zanzan of Liberia".

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO NIGHT GAME, Celta Vigo VS Manchester United squad

The first game gives you the hope to move ahead 

Manchester United have included Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Paul Pogba in their travelling squad to face Celta Vigo. The quartet trained at Carrington on Wednesday morning after recovering from injuries to give United a much-needed squad boost ahead of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday. Jones missed United's nine matches in April with a broken toe inflicted by Smalling during England training in March and the latter then suffered a knee injury to rule him out for the month. Jose Mourinho accused the pair of 'cautiousness' during their recoveries but Jones and Smalling are available again after Bailly suffered an ankle injury in the weekend draw with Swansea. Mourinho opined on Sunday he did not think Jones and Smalling would be available to face Celta. "I don't think they will," Mourinho replied when asked if the duo would be available in midweek. "That's my personal opinion, I don't think they will but I know that the players I choose will give everything, so it doesn't matter if I go with Darmian central defender, if I go with Carrick or Axel, I trust the boys."