After Five Years At The Top See You Again By Charlie Putt And Wiz Khalifa Passes Psy Gangnam Style As The Most Watched Video On YouTube

Gangnam Style,’ the megahit of South Korea’s Psy has lost the number one spot as YouTube most-watched video after five years.



The song, released in 2012 received 2,894,387,295 views till date but was still overtaken today by the heartwarming track ‘See You Again’ from the film Furious 7 by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth.

As at today, the heartwarming track has 2,895,253,744 views on YouTube, more than Gangnam Style’s 2,894,387,295 views.

The third most-watched YouTube video of all time is Justin Bieber’s ‘Sorry’, released a year ago with 2,635,516,833 views.

‘See You Again’ was a song dedicated to Paul Walker and was included in the Furious 7 soundtrack after he died in 2013 when his Porsche crashed and burst into flames.

Jay Z Reveals He Begged Beyoncé Not to Leave Him

Music mogul and rapper JAY-Z has released another mini-documentary for his new album, 4:44.

The short video called “Footnotes for ‘4:44” is confessional about his rumoured infidelity his wife Beyoncé first talked about on her album “Lemonade”.

The 11-minute video features deep conversations about relationships with women and interviews with Chris Rock, Will Smith, Kendrick Lamar, Chris Paul, Jesse Williams, Aziz Ansari, Mahershala Ali and Meek Mill.

“This is my real life. I just ran into this place and we built this big, beautiful mansion of a relationship that wasn’t totally built on the 100 percent truth and it starts cracking. Things start happening that the public can see,” JAY-Z explained about his marriage.

Adding, “Then we had to get to a point of, ‘Okay, tear this down and let’s start from the beginning … It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he continued.

The rapper also admitted that fighting for his relationship had been more challenging to go through than his childhood in Marcy Projects and being shot at.

“What is happening to my body right now? Did I just say … ‘Don’t leave’? All this is new for me,” he said, recalling a vacation with Beyoncé during which he begged his wife not to leave.

The father of three previously released a video titled “Footnotes for ‘The Story of O.J.’” that focused on the black experience in America.

Court Sends Two to Prison for Killing UNIOSUN Student

An Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court in Osun, on Tuesday, remanded two persons in an Ilesa prison for the alleged murder of a UNIOSUN student.

The accused persons, Izak Yusu, 49, and Abdulkazeem Adeoti, 55, are facing a three-count of conspiracy, murder and unlawful possession of human parts.

The prosecutor, ASP Mireti Wilson, told the court that the two committed the offence on June 26 at about 9p.m at Oke Baale in Osogbo.

Wilson said that the accused persons conspired among themselves to kill Timileyin Oluwafemi Sonibare with a pestle and cut his head, hands and other parts.

He that said the victim was a student of the University of Osun until his death.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened sections 324, 319 and 242 of the Criminal Code cap 34 vol.11 Laws of Osun, 2003.

The two accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of conspiracy, murder and unlawful possession.

The defence counsel, Mr Kazeem Badmus, prayed the magistrate to grant his clients bail in the most liberal terms.

Mrs Mary Awodele, the Magistrate, however, declined to grant the accused bail due to the magnitude of the offence they were alleged to have committed.

She ordered the accused persons to be remanded in Ilesa prison until July 25, when the case would come up for mention.

Reekado Banks Girlfriend Pregnant For Him

Reekado Banks Girlfriend Pregnant For Him

Nigerian Musician and Mavins Act, Reekado Banks has sent the internet into a sudden frenzy after sharing a photo of a pregnant girl.

He covered her face with the heart smiley and wrote 99% (which may signify she is about to give birth).

LIKE WTF!!!

Fake lawyer busted 

The Police on Friday, July 7, arrested one Timothy Yawson for posing as a lawyer. The 42-year-old was arrested while he was defending his client in a civil case at the Weija Circuit Court, Ghana. The suspect is believed to have been practicing law and representing clients in court as a lawyer since last year.

He is also said to have worked in a number of law firms posing as a lawyer and offering services to clients of the law firms.

During the interrogation at the police station, Yawson failed to produce his law certificate.

He also found it difficult to recall the year in which he was called to the Bar.

He will be put before court on Tuesday, July 11 to answer questions.

Four Arraigned For Hacking WAEC Website

Four Arraigned For Hacking WAEC Website

The Nigeria Police on Tuesday arraigned four persons accused of hacking into the website of the West African Examinations Council.

The suspects – Samuel Onuora, Patrick Nwodo, Effiong Joseph and Chijioke Nwachu – were arraigned before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on a 13-count charge bordering on fraud and cyber crime.

The quartet, according to the prosecuting counsel, Mr P. A. Amadi, illegally gained access into WAEC’s website and printed questions meant for the May/June 2017 Secondary School Certificate Examination, and sold same to students.

Also printed and sold to the students, according to Amadi, were answers to the said questions.

He said that the offences contravened section 28(3) of the Cyber crime Prevention and Prohibition Act 2015.

The accused persons, who were arrested in Uyo, Umuahia, Enugu and Owerri and transferred to the Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

University Of Lagos Tuition Is Free” – Management

University Of Lagos Tuition Is Free” – Management

UNILAG’s management (University of Lagos), has debunked rumors of plans to review upwards the fees being paid by students, adding that tuition fee for students is free. The management of the Nigerian University, further disclosed that students are however expected to pay obligatory fees.

The Press Statement released by the Deputy Registrar of the UNILAG, reads; 

MTV Shuga is coming back to Nigeria!

MTV Shuga is coming back to Nigeria!

Exciting news guys, MTV Shuga is coming back to Nigeria for not just one but two seasons!

The last season, which was tagged MTV Shuga: Down South was shot in South Africa and ended earlier on in the year.

Actors Jemima Osunde, Sharon Ezeamaka and Timini Egbuson will be returning to our screens for the new season.

His Heartbeat Sounded Much Louder – Kanu Reveals How His Wife Narrowly Saved His Life After Hearing His Heartbeat

His Heartbeat Sounded Much Louder – Kanu Reveals How His Wife Narrowly Saved His Life After Hearing His Heartbeat

Nwankwo Kanu has recalled the day his wife Amara saved his life and then nursed him back to health. After putting their three children to bed, the Arsenal legend and his wife were enjoying the peace and quiet. 

They were about to go to sleep, but the former striker’s hammering heartbeat was keeping Amara awake. She recalls:

“His heartbeat sounded much louder than normal. I was listening to his chest and it sounded odd.”

 In 1996, Kanu had needed lifesaving open-heart surgery after being diagnosed with a heart valve defect. Amara, 30, couldn’t shake the niggling feeling that was something wasn’t quite right and insisted her husband get it checked immediately. .

Kanu, now 40, says:

“She was saying I should go for a check-up so I took her advice.” And Amara was proved right because experts told him there was further damage to his heart and he urgently needed a second operation. .

“It was the same faulty valve,”  “It was like a ticking time bomb. It’s just one of those things we were lucky to find out.”

Not only did she save his life, Amara also nursed him back to health. .

Kanu’s first open-heart surgery was in 1996 after a routine medical examination at Inter Milan revealed the serious heart defect. He was a professional athlete at the top of his game and had just helped Nigeria win gold at the Olympics. .

It was a complete shock but Kanu says:

“Now I know that being fit and strong doesn’t make your heart 100%.”

 

Credit: DailyMirror

Olu Jacobs Marks His 75th Birthday As Joke Silva Celebrates Him

Olu Jacobs Marks His 75th Birthday As Joke Silva Celebrates Him

Veteran Nollywood Actress, Joke Silva pours encomium on her husband, Olu Jacobs as he turns 75 today.

She shared the post on Instagram:

“Happy Birthday gorgeous….75 is not beans !!!Thank you for all you do for me and the kids…the sacrifices.With you we are always first. �Thank you for all you have done for the industry…theatre …film…television. Here is to many more years of impact. Happy Birthday”

Rowdy Session As Court Sends Ex-OAU VC To Prison Over Alleged N1.4bn Fraud

Rowdy Session As Court Sends Ex-OAU VC To Prison Over Alleged N1.4bn Fraud

There was a mild protest as the Federal High Court in Ede, Osun state, sent a former Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Anthony Elujoba, to Ilesha prisons after the bail application was dismissed.

Premium Times reports that Justice David Oladimeji ruled that Prof. Elujoba be remanded till July 19 when the case will be brought for hearing. It was gathered that the former VC is standing trial on a seven-count charge of alleged corruption and abuse of office involving some N1.4 billion.

He is standing trial alongside the bursar of the university, Josephine Akeredolu. But workers of the university see Mr. Elujoba’s trial as “victimisation”. Two lecture-free days declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), in solidarity with Mr. Elujoba ended Tuesday July, 11.

On Tuesday, workers of the university protested the decision of the court to send the embattled professor to prison. The Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) locked down the court gate as the ruling was being handed. No one was allowed to leave the premises of the court at the time of this report.

The workers demanded the judge’s withdraw his ruling, and authorise the former vice chancellor be kept in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Students fear the latest disturbances may further affect their academic calendar. Has it was previously reported that Elujoba was dragged before an Osun state High Court, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged corruption.

One of the charges the EFCC brought against the former VC was in relation to the disbursement of over N1 billion to pay workers, Punch reports. However, workers of the university thronged the court premises to show support for Anthony Elujoba.

Wizkid Surprises Fans With Free Launch Party For #SFTOS

Wizkid Surprises Fans With Free Launch Party For #SFTOS

Star Boy, Wizkid had his ‘Sounds From The Other Side’ album listening party at the Curtain in London last night, and his homeboys Burna Boy and Skepta joined him on stage to lit up the atmosphere.

The Pop superstar Wizkid yesterday in London treated his fans to a free show as part of the launch of his new mixtape “Sounds From The Other Side” which is scheduled for release on Friday, 14th of July.

The multiple award winner thrilled his fans to a performance of his songs right from the start as well as songs from the new mixtape.

N-power: Why We Are Carrying Out BVN Validation Of Participants – FG

N-power: Why We Are Carrying Out BVN Validation Of Participants – FG

The Federal Government has explained why it’s carrying out validation of BVN of participants on its empowerment scheme, N-Power.

In a statement on the scheme’s website, Federal Government disclosed that the validation process was to avoid past issues where participants were not paid their allowances.

Government also restated its commitment towards a fair and transparent process of the scheme.

The statement reads, “Good morning,

“The aim of BVN validation is to avoid the current situation faced by some of the existing beneficiaries who have had issues with payment.

“Once again, when the BVN validation is done, a TEXT MESSAGE will be sent to your phone numbers to either proceed to the assessment test phase or not.

“N-Power NG remains committed to a fair and transparent process.

“N-TAX and N-Health Assessment Tests will continue. N-Agro has NOT commenced yet but will commence at a date to be communicated later.”

SAD!! Kerosene Explosion Kills One, Injures Others In Akwa Ibom

SAD!! Kerosene Explosion Kills One, Injures Others In Akwa Ibom

Kerosene explosion has killed one person and left six others with burns. The injured are currently at the Immanuel Hospital in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The Operation’s Controller, Department of Petroleum Resources, Eket office, Dr Joseph Frank-Briggs, said that two families were involved in the incident which led to the death of a boy.

The incident happened at Ikot Udoma in Eket town.

“We cannot say exactly what is responsible but we are suspecting that the kerosene must have been adulterated.

“Secondly we think may be in the process of refilling lantern with kerosene while the light is on could cause fire explosion,” Frank-Briggs said.

He said that one person had been arrested in connection with the explosion.

The operation’s controller said that investigation was ongoing to ascertain the root cause of the explosion.

“It is very dangerous to peddle kerosene on the road side.

“We need to get the results of the analysis first and once that is done, we will swing into actions,” Frank-Briggs said.

He noted that when the results of the investigations were out, the department would know if the kerosene was adulterated.

Frank-Briggs warned consumers to desist from buying petroleum products from peddlers, to avoid further occurrence.

He said that the department was putting measures in place to ensure that peddlers were off the roads in the state.

Frank-Briggs added that the department was collaborating with Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to curb illegal operators of petroleum products in the state.

Terrorist Group ISIS Finally Confirms Death Of Group Leader Al-Baghdadi

Terrorist Group ISIS Finally Confirms Death Of Group Leader Al-Baghdadi 

The Islamic State terrorist group (ISIS) has confirmed the death of its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, media reported Tuesday, citing an IS statement.

According to the Al Sumaria News broadcaster, Al-Baghdadi is dead and his successor will be named soon.

On June 16, the Russian Defence Ministry said Al-Baghdadi was likely eliminated as a result of a Russian Aerospace Forces strike on a militant command post in the southern suburb of the city of Raqqa in late May.

The ministry noted that it was in the process of confirming the information through various channels.

Al-Baghdadi appeared in the media for the first time in 2014 when he declared the creation of a caliphate in the Middle East.

Since then, the media outlets have reported several times about the death of the IS leader, though the information has never been confirmed.

NAN reports on June 23, experts said if Al-Baghdadi is confirmed dead, he is likely to be succeeded by one of his top two lieutenants.

Iyad Al-Obaidi and Ayad Al-Jumaili, both were army officers under late Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

Experts on Islamist groups said they see no clear successor but regard Al-Obaidi and Al-Jumaili as the leading contenders, though neither would be likely to assume Baghdadi’s title of “caliph” or overall commander of Muslims.

Armed groups fighting in the region and U.S. officials say they have no evidence he is dead and many regional officials are skeptical about the reports of his death.

Obaidi, who is in his 50s, has been serving as war minister.

Jumaili, who is in his late 40s, is head of the group’s Amniya security agency.

In April Iraqi state TV said Jumaili had been killed, but that was not confirmed.

REAL MADRID'S JAMES RODRIGUEZ SIGNS FOR BAYERN MUNICH ON LOAN

REAL MADRID'S JAMES RODRIGUEZ SIGNS FOR BAYERN MUNICH ON LOAN

The Colombia international will spend two years, at least, at Allianz Arena, with the Bundesliga side holding the option to buy him outright

James Rodriguez has signed for Bayern Munich on a two-year loan from Real Madrid.

The Colombia international, 25, has been linked with a move away from the Champions League winners since the start of the summer.

Manchester United were reported to be keen on James but Bayern have swooped in to secure his services until June 2019.

The Bundesliga club have confirmed that they have the option to purchase James outright once his loan deal ends.

German media outlet SportBild claim Real Madrid are being paid €10 million over the course of the loan and that Bayern will have an option - not an obligation - to buy James for €35.2m in 2019.

However, Marca is reporting that Bayern will be contractually obliged to pay the Spanish club €60m in 2019 to retain the former Monaco midfielder.

"We are very happy that we were able to secure this transfer. The commitment of James Rodriguez was the great wish of our coach, Carlo Ancelotti, after both had already successfully worked together in Madrid," said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

"James is a versatile player. He is dangerous, creates many chances and has a great standard of shooting. With this transfer, we have been able to raise the quality of our team."

James could subsequently take part in Bayern's upcoming pre-season friendlies against Arsenal, Milan, Chelsea and Inter in the International Champions Cup, and Liverpool in the Audi Cup.

His arrival should allow Douglas Costa to complete his move to Juventus, with the Serie A champions set to pay €45 million for the Brazil international.

Real have been heavily linked with a move for Kylian Mbappe, of Monaco, this summer, and it remains to be seen if James' move will fund a further bid for the 18-year-old wonderkid.

Adekunle Gold Covers Bold Africa Magazine’s Latest Issue

Adekunle Gold Covers Bold Africa Magazine’s Latest Issue

Mississippi crash:

At least 16 people have died after a US military plane crashed in the southern state of Mississippi at around 16:00 local time (21:00 GMT) on Monday.

The crash happened in LeFlore County, about 100 miles (160km) north of Jackson, the state capital.

All 16 victims were on the Marine Corps aircraft and there were no survivors, Leflore County emergency management director Fred Randle said.

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant said the incident was a "tragedy".

"Our men and women in uniform risk themselves every day to secure our freedom," he said.

No official details were immediately available on the circumstances of the crash.

Mississippi outlet the Clarion-Ledger said the plane came down in a soybean field on the Sunflower-Leflore county line, and left a five-mile trail of debris. It said the FBI was assisting at the scene.

Local Fire Chief Marcus Banks told the Greenwood Commonwealth that firefighters were driven back by several "high-intensity explosions", possibly caused by jet fuel igniting. He said 4,000 gallons of foam were sprayed at the aircraft in a bid to subdue the fire.

Captain Sarah Burns, a spokeswoman for the Marine Corps, said only that a US Marines KC-130 Hercules transport aircraft had "experienced a mishap".

NEYMAR: I COULD JOIN MANCHESTER UNITED... OR EIBAR!

The Brazilian forward had a light-hearted response ready when he was asked about the possibility of moving to Old Trafford

Barcelona star Neymar has suggested that he could be tempted to leave Camp Nou in future to join Manchester United – or perhaps Eibar!

The Brazil international has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League side for much of the past 18 months, despite having signed a new five-year contract last October.

The forward's agent, Wagner Ribeiro, claimed last September that he had been tempted by offers from United and Paris Saint-Germain, who were reportedly ready to pay a transfer fee of up to €190million.

Speculation of renewed interest from United has refused to die down, even though manager Jose Mourinho stated in May that it would be "absurd" to try to sign the player.

Neymar has admitted that he cannot guarantee his long-term future but offered something of a tongue-in-cheek response when asked where he could potentially move.

"Who knows what will happen tomorrow?" he said after the Neymar Jr's Five event. "I'm very happy for now, very well adjusted. But anything can happen, who knows."

Asked if he could go to United, he replied: "Yes... or Eibar!"

The 25-year-old had earlier stated that he believes 2017-18 will be the most important campaign of his career.

"I hope it will be a season with a lot of success and a lot of happiness," he said.

"I'm getting ready for it. It's going to be one of the most important seasons of my life. It will be the most important season of my life.

"So I'm really happy and really excited, and I'm going to start training and get prepared."

BEST IN THE WORLD

 MARCELO IS ROLE MODEL FOR REAL MADRID NEW BOY THEO HERNANDEZ

The teenage defender has crossed the divide in the Spanish capital by making a move from Atletico and is eager to learn from his Brazilian team-mate

Theo Hernandez is keen to learn from "role model" Marcelo after completing his move from Atletico Madrid to La Liga rivals Real Madrid.

The 19-year-old signed a six-year contract to make the switch across the Spanish capital for a reported fee of €24million ahead of the new season, leaving his brother Lucas behind at Atleti.

Why Madrid have snapped up Theo

Hernandez said the chance to learn from Brazilian Marcelo was among the reasons behind his decision to make the move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

"He's the best wing-back in the world and what I'm going to do is work hard, follow his lead and try to get some minutes," Hernandez said at his unveiling on Monday.

"All of the players will act as role models because they've all got the experience. What I'm going to do is follow [Marcelo's] lead and try to improve day by day alongside him. He's my role model as I look to become the best wing-back in the world in the future."

Madrid president Florentino Perez appeared to aim fire at rivals Barcelona as he spoke in front of the media, highlighting that his club had beaten a host of top teams to get Hernandez's signature.

"You wanted to come here and defend this badge despite other big European clubs wanting to sign you," Perez told Hernandez at his unveiling. "Your commitment and conviction is something that won't be forgotten by everyone at Real Madrid.

The players who swapped Atleti for Real

"You were one of the breakthrough stars of last season's LaLiga campaign and you've proved that you've got enough potential, quality, ambition, strength and determination to play for Real Madrid. You did everything in your power to be here and pull this shirt on. 

"We're certain that you'll go on to lift many pieces of silverware during your time here. Today you're here where you wanted to be and a marvellous experience as a Real Madrid player awaits you."

End Of The Road US jails Nigerian serial fraudster

Animasaun was travelling to the US from Ghana when he was arrested in New York in November 2016.

A Nigerian man, Fawaz Olanrewaju Animasaun, has been jailed for two years in the United States for nearly $1 million fraud.

According to NAN, Animasaun, 27, and another Nigerian, Idowu Temitope Omolade were charged for aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, as well as aiding and abetting.

Animasaun was travelling to the US  from Ghana when he was arrested in New York in November 2016.

Just a few weeks later, he was an inmate at the Gregg County Jail in Texas awaiting his turn in a federal courtroom.

Under a plea agreement finalised in May, he is serving three years in prison on the conspiracy charge. He is ordered to pay $930,737.60 in restitution to three financial companies.

Court documents show Animasaun will pay $135,989 to East Texas-based Austin Bank as part of that restitution.

In addition, the agreement states that Northern Trust Company is due $46,800 and UMB Financial Corporation is due $747,948.60.

Animasaun and his alleged accomplice Omolade are believed to be involved in at least 21 fraudulent wire transfers between April and August of 2012.

Other financial institutions affected by the fraud include Wells Fargo, UMB Bank, UMB Financial Corporation, Northern Trust and Northern Trust Corporation.

Animasaun was reportedly transferred out of the Gregg County Jail on June 28, in the custody of the U.S. Marshals.

Adesua Etomi To Star In New Action Movie

Her name is Muna! Adesua Etomi set to star in New Action Film

Nollywood actress Adesua Etomi is certainly pushing herself! The star actress is set to feature in a new action film titled Muna, which she is filming in Los Angeles at the moment.

She shared photos from behind the scene striking a pose with a samurai sword looking like a badass ready for action and also a video of her practising to shoot a fight scene.

We have never seen the actress in this light so it’s something to look forward to

Can't wait for this movie.

SHOCKING!!!

Sadness has enveloped the family of an NTA reporter, Mr Lawrence Okojie who was brutally murdered on Saturday. 

NTA reporter shot dead by gunmen in Benin

 

A reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Benin, Mr Lawrence Okojie, was allegedly shot dead by gunmen on Saturday night in Benin.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Okojie was said reported to have been killed around Ogunola Junction, off Siluko Road.

 

The spokesman of the State Police Command, DSP Moses Nkombe, who confirmed the report, said one person had been arrested in connection with the incident.

 

NAN gathered that the late Okojie, who was dropped off by NTA staff bus at Ogunola Junction around 8: 00 p.m. on Saturday, had called his wife on phone and informed her that he was on his way home.

 

It was, however, several hours later that the wife, after repeated calls to his phone without any response raised an alarm that her husband, who was supposed to have arrived home could not be reached. It was gathered that some of his colleagues at NTA joined by some family members on a search mission, discovered his corpse in a morgue in Benin on Sunday night.

 

As at the time of filing in this report, the circumstances surrounding the death of the reporter are still sketchy. The police have, however, promised to thoroughly investigate the matter. NAN reports that Okojie’s death brings to five the number of journalists killed in the state in the last six years.

Rafael Nadal stunned by Gilles Muller in Wimbledon epic

Rafael Nadal stunned by Gilles Muller in Wimbledon epic

Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts against Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller in the fifth set tie-break of their men’s singles fourth round match on the seventh day of the 2017 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 10, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Glyn KIRK / 

Rafael Nadal suffered fresh Wimbledon misery on Monday as the two-time champion crashed to a stunning 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 15-13 fourth round defeat against Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller.

Just weeks after winning his 10th French Open title, Nadal was condemned to his fifth exit before the quarter-finals in his last five visits to Wimbledon.

“It was not my best match against a very uncomfortable opponent,” said Nadal, the 2008 and 2010 champion.

“Well done to him. He played great, especially in the fifth set but I fought to the last ball.”

The 31-year-old Spaniard, finally worn down by Muller after four hours and 48 minutes on Court One, hasn’t made the quarter-finals since 2011.

“Tired,” was 34-year-old Muller’s response after the thrilling encounter, which had the knock-on effect of pushing Novak Djokovic’s last 16 match against Adrian Mannarino back to Tuesday.

World number two Nadal converted just two of 16 break points, while Muller fired 30 aces and 95 winners.

Muller, seeded 16th, will make his first Wimbledon quarter-final appearance against former US Open champion Marin Cilic.

In a pulsating final set, which stretched to 95 minutes, Nadal saved two match points in 10th game and two more in the 20th.

In between, Muller had to fight off a break point in the 13th game and four more in the 19th.

Amidst relentless tension, even a mundane women’s scarf played a part when it was used to block out the evening sunlight reflecting off the stands into Nadal’s eyes.

Nadal was always chasing the score and he finally cracked in the 18th game of the decider when he went long with a return.

– Great feeling –

“It was a long match. I did really well in the first two sets then Rafa stepped it up and in the end it was just a big battle. I had match points and didn’t make them so it was getting really tough,” said Muller after a second career win over Nadal, 12 years after his first which also came at Wimbledon.

“I was kind of feeling that it was going to be over pretty soon. I said just give it a shot, go 100 percent and a great feeling to be winning that match.

“I didn’t feel like was playing bad in the third and fourth sets. I just told myself keep it up and if it’s not happening, he’s just too good.

“I started serving a bit better and then at the end, it’s just a matter of a few points here and there. It’s tough to say exactly what made the difference.

“I haven’t really realised what just happened. It’s a great feeling. I was worried it was going to be over pretty soon.

“I was already thinking about coming back the next day and finishing the match. I’m just glad it’s over and I’m in the quarter-finals.”

Muller was watched by a VIP fan in the shape of Prince Felix of Luxembourg, second in line to the country’s throne.

“I heard he was going to come. We know each other. He’s a big tennis fan. The whole family likes tennis,” said Muller.

Flood: These’re trying times for Lagos –Ambode

Flood: These’re trying times for Lagos –Ambode

Against the backdrop of flood which wreaked havoc in Ikoyi, Victoria Island and the Lekki axis last weekend, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode took stock and declared “these are trying times” for the state.

The governor also disclosed his administration is taking immediate steps to find holistic solution to the flooding problem in the state.

Ambode spoke, yesterday, at a Water Technology and Environmental Control (WATEC) sensitisation programme in Lagos.

Last Saturday, motorists on the island reportedly spent up to six hours to escape the water-logged roads and expressway.

Heavy floods took over the entire Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island, Lagos, forcing some residents and commercial offices to unceremoniously vacate their premises.

Lagos State Police Command temporarily closed the road to human and vehicular movements, due to threat by flood.

Ambode said there was even more urgent need to embark upon a review and re-engineering of the canals and drainage systems in the state.

“For the past few days, the state and, indeed, most parts of Nigeria, have witnessed torrential rainfall which are quite unprecedented.

“We have witnessed our most prime estates flooded with water; we have seen our roads taken over by floods, and we have painfully watched how many homesteads have literally become pools.

“These, indeed, are trying times for any government, especially our own administration, which has determinedly pursued massive infrastructural development, to improve standards of living of our citizenry,” Ambode said.

The governor added that the government would be stronger in enforcing physical planning laws, especially those building illegally on canals and blocking the free-flow of water across the state. He also added that his administration will reinvigorate its campaign against dumping of refuse into canals.

Ambode said access to and management of water resources, as well as environmental control, remained one of the greatest challenges facing most parts of the developing world.

He said Israel, which Lagos has decided to partner in developing water technology and environmental control, was one of the first countries to successfully overcome its limitations in water resources.

“Our intention is to explore a wide array of technological advancements and possibilities, to ensure we obtain the best solution to a rather nagging problem,” he said. The governor said the incidence of flooding is not circumscribed to Nigeria alone or a peculiarity of the Third World.

Ambode recalled that the United Kingdom was heavily flooded this year and, indeed, witnessed some of its worst flooding since records started in 1901.

He added that Japan, a country that was equally technologically savvy, has also, not been spared heavy flooding this year.

“No matter how well a society may be prepared, we can never rule out the element of the natural or if you like, the supernatural.

“This is why Lagos state and, indeed, Nigeria, fully subscribes to the tenets of climate change solutions by the United Nations,” the governor said.

Am Not Yet Retireing Rooney Says

Everton returnee, Wayne Rooney believes he still has the fire power to go for a few more years and is “not coming into a retirement home” at Goodison Park.

The former Manchester United captain who left the club in 2004 still feels he has a lot to offer at the age of 31.

Although he had other options, he opted for Everton once the club made their interest known

“I always play like I have got a point to prove,” Rooney said at his presentation on Monday. “I’m not coming into a retirement home. I want to play, I want to win. It is a challenge I need at this point in my career.

“You play football to try to win trophies and of course that is the target. We don’t want to just limp round in the season.

“I was at the FA Cup final in 1995. It would be a special moment to win a trophy at Everton.

“I know we have got the right man to lead us. A manager like Ronald and the career he’s had, once I knew he was interested in bringing me back, it was really a no-brainer, it was where I wanted to come and play.

“There were other options there but once I knew Ronald wanted to bring me back, it was the only place I was going to be playing.”

Rooney hopes to join other recent signings Jordan Pickford, Michael Keane, Davy Klaassen and Sandro Ramirez, in their bid to better their last season’s seventh-place Premier League finish.

“I don’t feel fit at the minute but that will build up over the next few weeks,” said Rooney.

“It feels great to be back. I was excited this morning to go in and meet the lads and get going.

“It’s an exciting time for myself and Everton. We are moving forward, signing the right players and we are all hoping this can be a very good year for us.

“We want to keep pushing and try to bring trophies to the club. It’s what we all want. The manager will have his ideas on which players he wants to bring in and we will all pull together to make sure we give everything.

“There are tough early games so we need to get pre-season right.

“You will have to wait and see [my position]. The big thing was coming back here to play. The manager will assess the training sessions.”

Beware! Don’t drink yourself sick

Beware! Don’t drink yourself sick

Beware! Don’t drink yourself sick

NIGERIA’S fast-growing population brings with it a continuing demand for soft/sugary drinks, especially when the climate is quite hot. Soft drinks, otherwise known as sugar drinks, are the beverage of choice for millions of Nigerians. Urbanisation also drives demand for ready-to-drink soft drinks amongst busy, on-the-go consumers, not minding the health implication. In an interview with most of these consumers, their reason for consuming sugary drinks varies: For Mrs. Adenike Akinlotan, she’s so addicted to sugary drinks that she has to take it on a daily basis. “I find it difficult to stop because my taste bud is used to sugary drinks, I know it’s not good for my health but I can’t stop,” she lamented. For Mr. Jude Onyenma, he is a business man who is always on the road, sugary drinks are always available for him to relieve his hunger.

However, research have also shown that people (men and women) who consume sugary drinks regularly – 1 to 2 bottles a day or more – have a 26% greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart attack or even at risk of gout, (among others) than people who rarely have such drinks.RIA’S fast-growing population brings with it a continuing demand for soft/sugary drinks, especially when the climate is quite hot. Soft drinks, otherwise known as sugar drinks, are the beverage of choice for millions of Nigerians. Urbanisation also drives demand for ready-to-drink soft drinks amongst busy, on-the-go consumers, not minding the health implication. In an interview with most of these consumers, their reason for consuming sugary drinks varies: For Mrs. Adenike Akinlotan, she’s so addicted to sugary drinks that she has to take it on a daily basis. “I find it difficult to stop because my taste bud is used to sugary drinks, I know it’s not good for my health but I can’t stop,” she lamented. For Mr. Jude Onyenma, he is a business man who is always on the road, sugary drinks are always available for him to relieve his hunger.

What could someone take in place of soft/sugary drinks?

Potable water, fruits, homemade smoothies can be taken in place of carbonated drinks.

Lagos-Ibadan rail ready next year

Lagos-Ibadan rail ready next year

THE Federal Government is committed to providing standard gauge rail service to Lagosians by the fourth quarter of 2018, Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has said.

He spoke after assessing the project at Ijoko, in Ado Odo/Ota Local Government area of Ogun State.

“We have said 2018 and that is a presidential directive. By December 2018, we want to see locomotives running from Lagos to Ibadan. We are committed to achieving this and the fund obtained from China Exim Bank is already on ground to ensure that nothing obstructs this timeline.”

He said: “Primary constraint the contractor identified are the height of two pedestrian bridges in Lagos (at Oshodi and Ikeja), and an ongoing flyover bridge at Ijoko. The second problem was the multiplicity of level crossing on the rail’s right of way. The contractor said they could not proceed on laying the rail tracks until those impediments are sorted out.”

Amaechi, who briefed reporters on site with the Ogun Governor Ibikunle Amosun, said as soon as the issues of the flyover height and others associated with the right-of-way are addressed, actual work would begin on the project.

He said while the project needs a minimum height of 6.5 metres, the identified bridges are about 4.5 metres high.

The minister added that the height of the bridge would have to be raised higher to accommodate future electrification of the train’s right-of-way.

Amaechi and Amosun agreed that engineers from the contractor and the Ministry of Work and the Ministry of Transportation should meet on the best way to resolve the logjam.

The minister said the governor approved the closure of the two roads abutting the bridge to allow unhindered operation around the train’s right-of-way.

“The engineers are going to meet from today and we will also meet by Wednesday. So, by Friday, I would be meeting with Governor Amosun on the best option identified by the engineers and that’s what we’re going to take,” he said.

Thanking the Federal Government for coming up finally with the standard gauge project, Amosun said Ogun State is committed to working with the government to resolve all the challenges to achieve the modern train service.