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Showing posts from 2019

Southwest PDP Upturns Chairman’s Suspension In Oyo.

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The Southwest zonal office of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday upturned the suspension of the Chairman of the party in Ibadan North East Local Government of Oyo State, Taiwo Iyiola, over alleged anti-party activities.  It said the suspension of Iyiola by the State Working Committee (SWC) was arbitrarily without any preliminary hearing as demanded by the party’s constitution.  PDP spokesman in Oyo State Akeem Olatunji said on the phone that the Zonal Secretary, Daisi Akintan, who signed the letter reinstating the suspended chairman, lacked power to act without the consent of the Zonal Chairman, Dayo Ogunbenro. He said the purported letter was null and void.

Buhari Told to Reappoint Magu as EFCC Chairman

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The National Chairman of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) Mr Dan Nwanyawu, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to send Mr Ibrahim Magu to the Senate for confirmation as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). Nwanyawu, who made the call while addressing journalists on Thursday in Abuja, said that the good works of Magu in acting capacity was a justification for the call. "Let me join all well-meaning Nigerians to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to, as a matter of urgency, send Mr Ibrahim Magu's name to the Senate for confirmation. "That will give him more teeth to pick those he has not picked in the past four years; nobody will run away from this," he said. Nwanyawu said that intelligence had it that some people were moving around and had even interviewed some people to take over from him, NAN reports. The chairman said that the activities of such people would truncate the current effort of the EFCC in the good fight against corruption.

Nigerians๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ in UK๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Protest Buhari Visit

Nigerians under the platform of the Global Coalition for Security and Democracy in Nigeria on Thursday in the United Kingdom protested at the Abuja House in London over the visit by President Muhammadu Buhari for alleged medical treatment. The protesters led by Gabriel Agbontaen, demanded that President Buhari should return home and fix Nigerian hospitals instead of seeking medical treatment abroad and planning for the importation of foreign medical Doctors. They highlighted the insecurity and lack of basic amenities in Nigeria while Nigerian politicians continued to travel abroad to enjoy facilities provided by the politicians of other countries. The protesters queried why President Buhari continued to patronise foreign services when foreign products such as rice had been banned by his government. Chief of Staff to President Buhari, Abba Kyari, on Monday travelled to London to meet with his boss to sign the amended bill of the Deep Offshore (and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contrac

Buhari's Minister Reveals Amount Recovered From Anti-Corruption War

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The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), says the Federal Government has so far recovered in excess of N200 billion in final forfeiture in its anti-corruption fight. Malami disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at a Special Town Hall Meeting on "Fight Against Corruption", organised by the Ministry of Information and Culture. The minister, who was represented by Mr Abiodun Ayodeji, Special Adviser to the President on Financial Crimes, said that there were other recoveries that were still in the interim, NAN reports. "We have recovered in excess of 200 billion in final forfeiture and there are recoveries still in the interim than cannot be dealt with. "The money we have earned for the federal government in the process of the anti-corruption war is in the excess of N200 billion. "Notable among the recoveries is the 325 million dollar Abacha loot and 75 million dollar connected to the Malabu oil transaction,'' he

FG Pays๐Ÿ’ฐ N157.3Bn Tax Arrears to States

The Federal Government has paid the sum of N157.35bn Pay-As-You-Earn tax liabilities owed by Federal ministries, departments and agencies to states. The Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr Babatunde Fowler, said this on Thursday in Awka, Anambra State. Fowler, who is also Chairman of the Joint Tax Board, spoke at the opening of the new National Taxpayer Identification Number Registration System for the South-East. The amount, he said, represented the outstanding liabilities of PAYE by the federal MDAs to state governments from 2002 to 2016. According to a statement from the FIRS, Fowler said out of the N157.35bn, about N23.87bn went to states in the South-East.

Senate Blows Hot Over Failed N7.7 Billion Water ๐ŸŒŠ Dam Contract in ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ช Niger

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The Senate at its plenary on Thursday ordered its Committee on Water Resources to investigate the delay in the execution of Kagara dam in Niger State, despite the receipt of funding to the tune of N7.7 billion from the Federal Government. In a motion sponsored by Senator Musa Mohammed Sani representing Niger North Senatorial district alongside nineteen others, the upper chamber said, the contract has failed after non completion in seventeen years. The Kagara Water Dam, which is located in Niger State, was awarded to WRECA in 1999, but remain uncompleted due to alleged non release of funds. In her contribution, Senator Uche Ekwunife, called for termination of the contract, saying that the contractor lacked capacity to executive that contract. Senator Musa in the motion revealed that the FG took over the project in order to provide portable water and irrigation to Kagara and its environs, which was re-awarded to Biwater Shellaber (Nig.) Limited in December, 1992 at the cost of N199, 222,

A $31 Million ๐Ÿ’ฐCocaine Bust in Savannah Sets a New Record

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Customs agents seized $31 million worth of cocaine last week in Savannah, Georgia -- the largest cocaine seizure ever at the Port of Savannah. Officers found the cocaine, weighing 2,133 pounds, on a vessel from South America on October 29, US Customs and Border Protection announced Tuesday. The discovery came when they noticed something odd about a shipping container that was supposed to be filled with scrap wire. When officers opened the container, they found 21 duffel bags containing a whopping 818 bricks of cocaine, the agency said. "I truly believe that we have disrupted these transnational organizations," said Christopher Kennally, Area Port Director Savannah, during a news conference Tuesday. "This is a significant blow to what they're trying to do."

France ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท Claims Death of Top Jihadist Leader in ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฑ Mali

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France on Tuesday announced the death of a top jihadist leader in Mali as it sought to reassure the West African nation of European support in the fight against militant bloodshed. French troops killed Moroccan Ali Maychou of the Group to Support Islam and Muslims (GSIM) in Mali last month, Defence Minister Florence Parly told AFP aboard a government plane as she returned from an official visit to the region. He was "the second most-wanted terrorist in the Sahel, including by the Americans", after GSIM's number one Iyad Ag Ghaly, she said. Comprising several jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), the GSIM has claimed responsibility for the biggest attacks in the Sahel since its official launch in 2017. Ag Ghaly is a Tuareg Malian who has been involved in militancy for nearly three decades. Mali's army has been struggling to contain the Islamist insurgency despite help from France, African neighbors and the United Nations.

Several Killed ⚰ in Attack in Southern ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ Thailand's Yala Province

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Thai police say attackers fired into security checkpoints in southern Thailand and killed at least 15 volunteer officers. Police Colonel Thaweesak Thongsongsi, a superintendent in a police station in Yala province, said an unknown number of assailants used heavy weapons in the attack late on Tuesday night that also injured five volunteer officers. The Bangkok Post newspaper reported that 11 of the victims were killed on the spot, while four others died at the hospital in Yala. A Muslim separatist armed campaign has left about 7,000 people dead since 2004 in Thailand's three southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat. Police, teachers and other government representatives are often targets of the violence. At least two other outposts in the area were also reportedly attacked, but there were no casualties.

Malaysia ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡พ Detains Two ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ญCambodian Dissidents Headed for๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญThailand

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Malaysian authorities have detained two Cambodian opposition activists while they were waiting to board a flight to Thailand in what is seen as part of a crackdown on exiled dissidents in Southeast Asia, a rights groups said late on Tuesday. Authorities in Malaysia, along with Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, have been accused by rights groups of detaining and returning critics of neighbouring governments, even those with political refugee status with the United Nations. The two Cambodians, who include an asylum seeker, were detained on Monday night and were to be deported to their home country the following afternoon. Malaysia's home ministry and immigration department withdrew the order after an appeal, said Jerald Joseph of the Malaysian Human Rights Commission. "Right now we are trying to visit them in detention as well as determine their status. But we are glad the ministry chose not to deport, I think that's a good sign," Jerald, a commissioner at the a

Chile ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฑ Leader Pinera Says Will Not Resign Over Protests

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Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said Tuesday he will not resign in the face of deadly protests over inequality and poor social conditions that have entered their third week. Asked in an interview whether he will step down, the billionaire conservative leader said: "No." "These problems have been accumulating for the past 30 years," Pinera said. "I am responsible (for) part of it and I assume my responsiblity, but I'm not the only one." Fresh clashes broke out Tuesday, adding to the violence gripping one of Latin America's most prosperous countries. It has forced the government to cancel two major international economic and climate summits and open talks with the leftist opposition. Thousands of protesters took the streets in the capital, and in the southern cities of Concepcion and Vina del Mar, west of Santiago.

US ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Says Committed to Britain Trade Deal ๐ŸคAfter Donald Trump Expressed Doubt

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The United States and Britain remain committed to reaching a post-Brexit bilateral free trade agreement, the White House said Tuesday, after President Donald Trump questioned whether such a deal is possible. Last week, Trump warned Prime Minister Boris Johnson that the terms of his EU divorce deal meant that "under certain aspect... you can't trade" with the United States. Trump used a lengthy appearance on Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage's radio phone-in show Thursday to share his characteristically blunt views ahead of a December 12 snap election in Britain. Trump's remarks threatened to hurt Johnson at the outset of a campaign that has huge implications for Britain's future place in Europe and the rest of the world. Both Trump and Farage are deeply polarizing figures in Britain who could hurt Johnson's chances with more moderate voters.

Eddie Murphy as ๐Ÿ‘‘ Prince Hakeem Runs Down the Street While ๐ŸŽฅ Filming 'Coming 2 America'

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Eddie Murphy is in a rush! The 58-year-old actor was spotted in character as Prince Hakeem while filming for the "Coming to America" sequel "Coming 2 America" on Tuesday in Atlanta, Georgia. Eddie is currently filming the follow-up to the 1988 hit movie, which tells the story of Prince Hakeem after his fairytale wedding to Shari Headley's Lisa McDowell, where the two presumably went back to Zamunda and lived happily ever after. The sequel picks up thirty years later, as Prince Akeem goes in search of his long lost son, LaVelle.

Richard Gere, 70, Reportedly Expecting 2nd Child ๐Ÿ‘ถ With Wife, 36, Just 8 Mos. After Birth Of Son

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Richard Gere, 70, and his wife, Alejandra Silva, 36, are expecting their second child, according to Spanish publication Hola! Alejandra is reportedly three months pregnant, which is astounding since she and Richard welcomed their first baby together, Alexander, in February. Hola! was the publication that broke the news of Alexander's birth in February and published exclusive photos of their May 2018 wedding. Supposedly, the baby is due "next spring," around the time that baby Alexander will celebrate his first birthday. Richard and Alejandra, a Spanish publicist, tied the knot in 2018 and announced their pregnancy in September of that year.

The Academy ๐ŸŽž Disqualifies 'Lionheart', ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria's First-Ever Entry for Best International Film

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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has disqualified Nigeria's "Lionheart" as the nation's contender for the Oscar in the Best International Feature Film category. The film, directed by and starring award-winning Nigerian actress Genevieve Nnaji, was initially one of 92 films submitted in the category. But the film was withdrawn Monday after the Academy ruled that it didn't meet the requirements for the award. Films in the category must be produced outside the United States with a predominantly non-English dialogue track, according to the Academy's rules. Most of "Lionheart" is in English with just under 12 minutes of dialogue in the Igbo language, primarily spoken in eastern Nigeria, making it ineligible to the Oscar category. "Lionheart," Nigeria's first Netflix original film, is about a Nigerian woman named Adaeze, portrayed by Nnaji, trying to keep her family's transportation business together.

Woody Allen's ๐ŸŽฆ 'Rainy Day in New York' Clears ๐Ÿ’ฐ $10M at Overseas Box Office

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Woody Allen's "A Rainy Day in New York" is nearing $11 million in foreign ticket sales even while it isn't being shown in the US. Through Nov. 4, the movie's foreign gross rested at $10.8 million, according to Box Office Mojo. The highest-earning territory is France, where Allen is particularly popular, with $4.3 million. That's followed by $1.7 million in Spain, $1.1 million in Poland and $1.1 million in Russia. The film began rolling out at the international box office in late September. A patchwork of distributors are handling the comedy-romance across Europe, Latin America and Asia. So far, "A Rainy Day in New York" is earning notably less overseas than many of Allen's other films. So far, no US distributor has picked up A Rainy Day in the New York after Amazon Studios returned domestic rights to Allen earlier this year. When the #MeToo movement shook Hollywood, claims that Allen has molested his adopted daughter Dylan Farrow when

Angelina Jolie & Richard Madden Rushed Off ๐ŸŽฌ 'The Eternals' Set Due to ๐Ÿ’ฃ Bomb Discovery

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Angelina Jolie and Richard Madden had a scary experience while filming. The actors were evacuated from the set of their upcoming film "The Eternals" as an unexploded bomb was found at the shooting location, according to "The Sun". The device was found on the Canary Island of Fuerteventura, and the film's cast and crew took cover. "It was obviously terrifying. Some of the biggest stars in the world were on set and nobody was taking any chances," an insider told the publication. It's worth noting that the Spanish island was originally used as a military base during World War II by Nazis, and there's a possibility it was lying there for decades untouched.

Colin Farrell in Talks to Play Penguin ๐ŸŽฅ and Andy Serkis to Play Alfred Pennyworth in ๐Ÿฆ‡ 'The Batman'

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Colin Farrell is in talks to play "The Penguin". The 43-year-old actor is in negotiations with Warner Bros. to take on the villainous role in Matt Reeves' upcoming "The Batman", according to Deadline on Tuesday. The role was originated by Danny DeVito in "Batman Returns" in 1992. In addition, Andy Serkis is in talks to play Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne's butler, in the film, according to Variety. As previously reported, Robert Pattinson will play Batman, Paul Dano will play The Riddler and Zoe Kravitz will play Catwoman. Pre-production is expected to begin next summer, and the movie is set to hit theaters on June 25, 2021.

Climate Crisis ๐ŸŒ: 11,000 Scientists ⚠ Warn of ‘Untold Suffering’

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The world’s people face “untold suffering due to the climate crisis” unless there are major transformations to global society, according to a stark warning from more than 11,000 scientists. “We declare clearly and unequivocally that planet Earth is facing a climate emergency,” it states. “To secure a sustainable future, we must change how we live. [This] entails major transformations in the ways our global society functions and interacts with natural ecosystems.” There is no time to lose, the scientists say: “The climate crisis has arrived and is accelerating faster than most scientists expected. It is more severe than anticipated, threatening natural ecosystems and the fate of humanity.” The statement is published in the journal BioScience on the 40th anniversary of the first world climate conference, which was held in Geneva in 1979. The statement was a collaboration of dozens of scientists and endorsed by further 11,000 from 153 nations. The scientists say the urgent changes

Trump’s Trade War Cost China ๐Ÿ’ฐ $35 billion This Year and Raised US Prices, ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ณ UN Says

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A sprawling dispute between the US and China wiped out tens of billions of dollars in trade in the first half of the year and significantly raised prices for households, the United Nations warned Tuesday. Tit-for-tat tariffs levied between the two sides slashed US imports of Chinese products in the first six months of the year by more than a quarter, or $35 billion, according to the report. The international organization also said a majority of costs from tariffs have been passed down to American firms and consumers. "US consumers are paying for the tariffs in terms of higher prices," said Alessandro Nicita, an economist at the UN trade agency, UNCTAD. "Not only final consumers like us, but importers of intermediate products – firms which import parts and components from China." As the effects of recent tax cuts began to fade, the US economy was widely expected to cool this year. But economists said it's become increasingly evident that tariffs have weig

Trump Ambassador Says he Told Ukraine ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ There Would Be No US Aid Without Investigations

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Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the European Union, revised his original testimony in the House impeachment probe into President Donald Trump to add that he conveyed to a Ukrainian counterpart that Trump would not release nearly $400 million in foreign aid until the country agreed to launch specific investigations sought by Trump. “I said that resumption of the US aid would likely not occur until Ukraine provided the public anticorruption statement that we had been discussing for many weeks,” Mr. Sondland said in a document released Tuesday by the three House committees carrying out an impeachment probe, describing his conversation on September 1 with a top Ukrainian official. Sondland went on to say that the Ukrainian official had pressed him for details about exactly what Trump wanted in exchange for releasing the aid, which had been appropriated by Congress. Sondland says he recalls telling the Ukrainian that the country’s newly elected president, Volodymyr Zelensky, w

Deadly Violence Continues as ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ถ Iraq Protests ✊ Escalate

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Iraqi security forces shot dead at least 13 protesters over the past 24 hours, dispensing with weeks of relative restraint in favour of trying to stamp out demonstrations against political parties that control the government. After eight people were killed during the day on Monday, security forces shot dead at least five others overnight or early on Tuesday, including one killed with live fire towards a funeral procession held for another who died hours earlier, security and medical sources told Reuters news agency. A protester was killed and dozens were wounded when security forces opened fire on demonstrators who for days blocked the entrance of the main Gulf port of Umm Qasr, south of the oil city of Basra. The officials, who spoke to news agencies on condition of anonymity, said security forces in Umm Qasr were firing live ammunition and tear gas, and protesters had seized an armoured vehicle. More than 260 protesters have been killed since the anti-establishment demonstr

Nigerian ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Police Free 259 People From Islamic Institution

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Nigerian police have freed 259 people from an Islamic rehabilitation centre in the southwestern city of Ibadan, police said on Tuesday, taking the number rescued from abusive institutions since September to nearly 1,500. Images from local TV station TVC taken after the captives were released showed a group of mostly young men and teenage boys. Many were emaciated. An infant was also among the group. "We eat one meal a day," freed captive Olalekan Ayoola, told TVC, saying the food was not fit for a dog to eat. Nigeria launched a crackdown on informal Islamic schools and rehabilitation centres in late September after a man was refused permission to see his nephews at one institution and complained to police.

Yemen ๐Ÿ‡พ๐Ÿ‡ช Government and Southern Separatists ๐Ÿ–Š Sign Power-Sharing Deal

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Yemen's internationally recognised government signed a power-sharing deal with southern separatists Tuesday, in a Saudi-brokered initiative to end a conflict simmering within the country's civil war. Unrest in the south, which saw secessionist forces seize control of Yemen's interim capital Aden, distracted the Saudi-led coalition from its battle against Iran-backed Huthi rebels and raised fears the country could fall apart entirely. The so-called Riyadh agreement, hailed as a stepping stone towards ending the wider conflict, would see the government's return to Aden and the formation of a new cabinet of 24 ministers with equal representation for southerners, including the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC). The agreement, seen by AFP, would also place armed forces from both sides under the authority of the defence and interior ministries. "This agreement will open a new period of stability in Yemen. The kingdom of Saudi Arabia stands with you

Conte Fed Up After Inter's Champions League Collapse

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Inter manager Antonio Conte has slammed how the club has set up to deal with a hectic schedule after seeing his side lose 3-2 to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League The Nerazzurri were leading 2-0 at half-time but conceded three times in 30 second-half minutes to leave their hopes of progression in the tournament hanging by a thread. Conte unsurprisingly cut a frustrated figure post-match, but rather than criticise his side, the former Chelsea coach hit out at how the club has looked to navigate a busy campaign. “Big mistakes were made in planning this season. I am fed up of saying it," Conte told Sky Sport Italia post-match. “I don’t care about January or February. We should’ve planned this season out much, much better. We proved that we can trouble anyone if we are on form, but there are players who have played non-stop. I am fed up of saying it. You can take your conclusions from a second half like that. “It’s not about the club, it’s that we have to work toge

Son Red Card for Gomes Tackle Overturned by FA

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Tottenham's Son Heung-min has seen his red card against Everton overturned, the FA confirmed on Tuesday. The South Korea international was sent off on Sunday after tangling with Andre Gomes, who suffered a horrific fracture during the incident. Son was visibly upset with his part in the injury and was subsequently handed a three-match ban for serious foul play. Tottenham later appealed the decision, on the grounds that Son's challenge was not responsible for Gomes' fractured ankle. And the FA has found in favour of the forward, rescinding the full extent of his suspension and removing the red card.

Aubameyang Named as Arsenal Captain

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Granit Xhaka has been stripped of the Arsenal captaincy, manager Unai Emery has confirmed, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang taking over the armband. Xhaka, who was named the Gunners' permanent skipper in late September, succeeded Laurent Koscielny in the role. But he has increasingly come under fire from supporters with abuse aimed at his conduct and performances, culminating in a encounter with fans during Arsenal's game with Crystal Palace on October 27. He has not played for the club since and was left out of their squad for their Europa League trip to Portugal later this week, leading to speculation that he has played his final game for the club. Reportedly elected to the captaincy on a full-time basis by his team-mates following a number of rotating skippers, Xhaka and the playing group were informed on Tuesday morning of the change in leadership. Aubameyang, who joined in January 2018, is currently in his second full season at the Emirates Stadium, having claime

Oxlade-Chamberlain Hits Winner for Liverpool

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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain continued his fine form in front of goal by getting the winner as Liverpool saw off Genk 2-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday, meaning the Reds usurp Napoli at the top of Group E. It was far from a vintage display from Jurgen Klopp's men, who for a period looked to be in danger of dropping points after Mbwana Samatta's fine header, but the impressive Oxlade-Chamberlain justified his selection with the winning goal that ensured Liverpool capitalised on Napoli's 1-1 draw with Salzburg. Georginio Wijnaldum opened the scoring early on with a clever finish, but Liverpool lacked a clinical edge for the remainder of the first half and were pegged back by Samatta five minutes before the interval. Still, Liverpool were dominant after the break and restored their lead with 53 minutes on the clock – Oxlade-Chamberlain getting his fourth goal in as many games to potentially put himself in contention for a start against Manchester City at the weekend.

Barca Held by Slavia at Camp Nou

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Barcelona did nothing to ease the pressure on coach Ernesto Valverde as they were held to a 0-0 Champions League draw by Slavia Prague in another uninspiring performance at Camp Nou. Valverde saw his side stunned 3-1 by Levante in LaLiga at the weekend, and those expecting Slavia to fall victim to a Blaugrana backlash were left disappointed. Lionel Messi had numerous chances to score and hit the frame of the goal on 35 minutes, but he was frequently frustrated by the excellent Ondrej Kolar in the Slavia goal. His performance between the posts ensured the visitors earned a point they were good value for, having regularly found ways through the Barca defence at the other end, leaving Valverde's men with work still to do to progress from Group F, though they remain top with eight points from four games.

Dortmund Stage Stunning Comeback to Beat Inter

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Achraf Hakimi scored twice as Borussia Dortmund came from 2-0 down to beat Inter 3-2 and give themselves a major boost in the Champions League. Lautaro Martinez and Matias Vecino had put the visitors in the driving seat at Signal Iduna Park, two weeks on from their 2-0 defeat of Lucien Favre's side in Milan. Dortmund came roaring back in the second half, though, with Achraf netting his double either side of a Julian Brandt strike to secure what could prove to be a valuable victory. Martinez became the first Inter player to score in three consecutive Champions League appearances since Samuel Eto'o in 2010 when he raced down the right, cut back into the box past the covering defence and side-footed high beyond Roman Burki.

Ajax & Chelsea Play Out ๐Ÿ’ฅ Thrilling UCL Tie

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Chelsea battled back from three goals down to earn a 4-4 draw in Tuesday's thrilling Champions League clash with Ajax, who were made to pay for two red cards at Stamford Bridge as the hosts were denied a dramatic winner by VAR. Frank Lampard's side conceded three first-half goals in the competition for the first time as Tammy Abraham and Kepa Arrizabalaga both put into their own net, either side of Jorginho and Quincy Promes netting. Ajax opened up a 4-1 lead through Donny van de Beek early in the second half and were still 4-2 in front - Cesar Azpilicueta pulling one back - when Daley Blind and Joel Veltman were dismissed in the space of a minute. Jorginho scored his second penalty of the match to reduce the arrears and substitute Reece James struck 16 minutes before Chelsea had a late Azpilicueta goal ruled out by VAR, leaving them second in Group H behind Ajax.

Nicki Minaj Marries ๐Ÿ’ Fiance Kenneth 'Zoo' Petty

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Like her song goes, Nicki Minaj can now say she has Kenneth "Zoo" Petty "right by my side" forever. The rapper is now married to Petty after less than a year of dating. She announced the news via a short Instagram video, with a simple caption of emojis and Monday's date, presumably when they tied the knot. Wedding accessories, like mugs saying "Mrs." and "Mr.," and caps for the bride and groom are seen strewn across a table. Celebrities like Christina Aguilera and Winnie Harlow have already congratulated the couple in the comments section.

Bayern Munich's Sule Set for Surgery After Tearing ACL

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Bayern Munich have confirmed that defender Niklas Sule tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during their Bundesliga draw against Augsburg. Germany centre-back Sule will undergo surgery on Sunday after scans confirmed head coach Niko Kovac's fears of a serious injury. Sule, 24, went down clutching his left leg after going into a challenge with Florian Niederlechner in the early stages of the 2-2 draw in Bavaria. The defender walked from the pitch but Kovac admitted to having "a very bad feeling" and the most important pillar of his back four now faces several months on the sidelines. Bayern announced the blow following an "in-depth investigation by club doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt". Sule was making his eighth start of the champions' uneven Bundesliga campaign, having become an entrenched member of the starting XI last season as the influence of Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels - now at Borussia Dortmund - started to wane.

VAR Chiefs Apologise for Screen Error in Tottenham Draw

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The company supplying Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the Premier League has apologised following a graphic error during Tottenham's 1-1 draw with Watford. Spurs midfielder Dele Alli salvaged a point for Spurs four minutes from time, cancelling out Abdoulaye Doucoure's opener. However referee Christopher Kavanagh initiated a VAR check for a suspected handball. Kavanagh signalled for a goal following the review, but an error from the base at Stockley Park triggered a message of 'No Goal' on the big screen. The situation caused confusion among both sets of supporters - and the company, Hawk-Eye Innovations, has vowed to work alongside the Premier League to ensure there is no repeat scenario.

Barcelona Clause in Koeman's Contract Confirmed

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Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has a clause in his contract allowing him to move to Barcelona, though Dutch football chiefs hope to persuade to him to stay until the 2022 World Cup. Koeman made 264 appearances in six seasons at Camp Nou during his stellar playing career. He won 10 major honours in that time, including scoring the winning goal against Sampdoria in the 1992 European Cup final at Wembley. Koeman’s managerial career to date has taken in spells at the likes of Benfica, Valencia, PSV Eindhoven and Everton, before he signed a four-and-a-half year contract to become Netherlands coach in February 2018. Prising Koeman away from such a long-term deal would prove prohibitively expensive for most sides. He also said in the summer that now is “not the time” to consider leaving the Oranje, with the side on the brink of Euro 2020 qualification, their first major tournament since the 2014 World Cup. However, director of football at the Dutch Football Association, Nico-Jan Hoogma, has c

Bale & Modric Out of Real Madrid Squad

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Zinedine Zidane has left Gareth Bale and Luka Modric out of his Real Madrid squad to face Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday. Lucas Vazquez will also be missing in Istanbul as Real look to salvage their woeful start to the group stage. The former European champions have collected just one point from their opening two games, following up a disastrous 3-0 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain with a laboured draw against Club Bruges. Bale has worked his way back into Zidane’s reckoning after a turbulent summer during which he looked destined to leave the club. He was withdrawn late on playing for Wales against Croatia on Sunday, with manager Ryan Giggs later disclosing the problem as cramp, but it has been enough to leave the Real hierarchy concerned over his fitness.

Inter Edge a Thriller Against Sassuolo

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Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez combined brilliantly as Inter survived a late Sassuolo recovery to win 4-3 at Mapei Stadium on Sunday. Defeat to Juventus before the international break shunted Antonio Conte's men down to second in Serie A but a superb performances from their front two trimmed the margin at the top back to a point. Martinez made an early incision and Lukaku struck twice in seven minutes to establish a two-goal advantage at half-time, Domenico Berardi having fleetingly restored parity for the hosts. The exceptional Martinez won the penalty for his strike partner's second and, in the 71st minute, dispatched a spot-kick of his own, although the visitors were made to fight for victory as substitutes Filip Djuricic and Jeremie Boga set up a grandstand finale.

Lallana Rescues a Point for Liverpool vs Man Utd

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Adam Lallana scored a late equaliser but Liverpool saw their winning streak in the Premier League come to an end with a 1-1 draw at Manchester United. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's beleaguered side took the lead through Marcus Rashford's controversial opener, with Liverpool claiming Divock Origi was fouled prior to a rapid United break finished off by the England international. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp cut an incensed figure on the touchline and his mood hardly improved when Sadio Mane had a goal disallowed following a VAR check for handball but, in the absence of the injured Mohamed Salah, his side lacked their usual fluency in attack. United defended doggedly to hang on to their slender advantage, yet their hard work was undone when they allowed substitute Lallana to tap home Andy Robertson's low cross in the 85th minute.

Japan ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต Typhoon Death Toll Rises to 67 as Hopes for Missing Fade

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The death toll in the worst typhoon to hit Japan for decades climbed to 67 on Tuesday as rescuers slogged through mud and debris in an increasingly grim search for the missing. Thousands of homes remained without power or water. National broadcaster NHK said 67 people were known to have died, after Typhoon Hagibis swept across central and eastern Japan. Some 15 people remain missing, while more than 200 were injured in the storm, whose name means "speed" in the Tagalog language. About 138,000 households were without water while 24,000 had no electricity, well down on the hundreds of thousands who were initially left without power but a cause for concern in northern areas where temperatures are forecast to fall. The highest toll was in Fukushima prefecture north of Tokyo, a largely agricultural area where the Abukuma River burst its banks in at least 14 places.

EU ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ Considers Emergency Summit for Brexit Deal: Report

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The European Union is considering a new emergency summit to get a Brexit deal, the BBC reported on Tuesday. The new Brexit summit may be held towards the end of the month, the public broadcaster said. Last week, the EU had agreed to intensify talks with the United Kingdom over the next few days to reach a new withdrawal agreement. Michel Barnier, the bloc's chief negotiator, had described discussions with his British counterpart as "constructive". The main sticking point remains the border between Ireland, an EU member, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK. Some EU politicians have expressed guarded optimism that a deal can be reached.

Trump ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Hits Turkey ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท With Sanctions, Calls for Ceasefire

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US President Donald Trump on Monday imposed sanctions on Turkey over Ankara's military operation in northeast Syria and called for an immediate ceasefire. Turkey launched the cross-border assault on Kurdish fighters last Wednesday after Trump withdrew some US troops from the region, drawing sharp criticism from fellow Republicans who accused him of abandoning allies who had fought against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS). Trump said he would send Vice President Mike Pence and national security adviser Robert O'Brien to Ankara as soon as possible in an attempt to begin negotiations. Pence said Trump had spoken directly to Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who promised not attack the border town of Kobane. "President Trump communicated to him very clearly that the United States of America wants Turkey to stop the invasion, implement an immediate ceasefire and to begin to negotiate with Kurdish forces in Syria to bring an end to the violenc

Isolated at Anti-Terror FATF Meet, Pak ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฐClose To "Dark Grey" List: Report

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Pakistan is on the verge of strong action by the international terror financing watchdog FATF and the country may be put in the ''Dark Grey'' list, the last warning to improve. Officials attending the ongoing plenary of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) said as per indications, Pakistan will be isolated by all members for not doing enough. Pakistan is on the verge of strong action by FATF, given its inadequate performance, whereby it managed to pass in only six of 27 items, an official privy to the development said. According to FATF rules, there is one essential stage between ''Grey'' and ''Black'' lists, referred to as ''Dark Grey''. ''Dark Grey'' means the issuance of a strong warning, so that the country concerned gets one last chance to improve, another official said. ''Dark Grey'' was the term used for warning up to the 3rd Phase. Now it's just called warning -- that is the

Hong Kong ๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ฐ Bans ๐Ÿšซ Protesters From Police Housing Areas Amid Escalating Violence

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A Hong Kong court has granted an injunction to ban anyone from blocking or damaging areas used to house married police officers and other disciplined services that have been targeted in more than four months of anti-government protests. Demonstrators have besieged police quarters amid escalating violence in the Chinese-ruled city, hurling petrol bombs and other objects at buildings and damaging facilities, police said in a statement on Tuesday. The injunction also prohibits the obstruction of roads and bans people from shining laser pens or other flash lights at police facilities. Anti-government protesters, many masked and wearing black, have thrown petrol bombs at police and central government offices, stormed the Legislative Council, blocked roads to the airport, trashed metro stations and lit fires on the streets of the Asian financial center. Police have responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, bean bag rounds and several live rounds, warning the crowds be

Russia ๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡บ-Backed Syrian ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡พ Army Sweeps in After US ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Announces Abrupt Exit

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Russia-backed Syrian forces took rapid advantage of an abrupt US retreat from Syria on Monday, deploying deep inside Kurdish-held territory south of the Turkish frontier less than 24 hours after Washington announced a full withdrawal. Washington’s Kurdish former allies said they invited in the government troops as an emergency step to help fend off an assault by Turkey, launched last week after President Donald Trump moved his troops aside in what the Kurds call a betrayal. After a week of stinging rebukes from fellow Republicans, Trump announced plans to impose sanctions on Turkish officials, reimpose steel tariffs and immediately halt negotiations on a $100 billion trade deal. Still, Trump renewed his plans to withdraw almost all remaining US forces, a move that effectively gives Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Russia’s Vladimir Putin free hands to shape the battlefield of the world’s deadliest ongoing war. In particular, the Syrian army deployment is a victory for President B

Giroud Admits He Could Leave Chelsea

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Olivier Giroud says he could leave Chelsea in January but revealed he wants to stay at the club and his priority is to fight for first-team selection. The French striker said earlier this week that he is unhappy being a reserve with at Stamford Bridge, although he was quick to point out that he was not being critical of first-year boss Frank Lampard. Giroud has made just three Premier League appearances this term, including only one start, having not truly sealed a starting spot under Lampard or his predecessor Maurizio Sarri. The 33-year-old says that the fact that he is frustrated does not mean he will look to leave, however, as he says that Chelsea are still his "priority". "I'm going to fight for my place in Chelsea. The coach knows it. And we will make the decision in January," Giroud said following France's draw with Turkey on Monday. "If I want to leave Chelsea? Not necessarily. But if I need to make a choice... I have some beautiful years in

Climate-conscious Ajax to Snub Flight and Take Train ๐Ÿš‹ to Lille

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Ajax have opted for an environmentally friendly way to travel to their Champions League clash against Lille next month. Erik ten Hag's men face a double-header against Chelsea before they travel to France to face Lille on November 27. But the Dutch champions have already arranged their method of transport for the game, deciding to take the train instead of flying in a plane. Ajax CEO and former goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar says his side hope to set a good example as an eco-friendly club. "Compliments to NS and Eurostar that this train journey has been made possible," Van der Sar told the NS website. "We live in a climate-conscious time and we want to set a good example as a club. Lille is an excellent destination for a train journey in terms of location, which is why we approached NS with this idea. "For Erik ten Hag and his men, this seems to us to be a more efficient and less tiring journey. Because the performance that Ajax has to deliver in Lille is of cou

Martial in Line for Man Utd Return vs Liverpool

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Anthony Martial is expected to return to first-team training this week and has a chance of playing a part in Manchester United's match against rivals Liverpool. The France striker has been out since August with a thigh injury and United have struggled to score goals in his absence, registering just five in an eight-game run of two wins, four draws and two defeats. But he could hand Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a major boost for the visit of the Premier League leaders, as one of a number of players the Norwegian hopes to see return from recent injuries at Old Trafford. Paul Pogba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw are all set to be in contention while Jesse Lingard and Mason Greenwood could also feature. Just as with Martial, United have been without Shaw, the England left-back, since the August home defeat against Crystal Palace. The former Southampton defender suffered a hamstring problem.

Turkey ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท Puts France's ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท Euro Qualification on Hold

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France missed the chance to secure a place at Euro 2020 as Kaan Ayhan's late header earned Turkey a 1-1 draw at the Stade de France. Turkey inflicted France's only defeat of their Group H campaign so far back in June and proved the world champions' nemesis again on Monday. Substitute Olivier Giroud's 76th-minute header looked to have wrapped up France's qualification with two matches to spare, but it was not to be for Didier Deschamps' side. Hakan Calhanoglu's free-kick teed up Ayhan for a close-range finish and France will now have to wait until November to claim their spot at next year's finals.

Bulgaria Coach ๐Ÿ”ˆ: I Did Not Hear Racist Abuses ๐Ÿ™‰

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Bulgaria head coach Krasimir Balakov claimed not to have heard racist chanting during his team's 6-0 loss to England in Sofia and accused the travelling supporters of 'unacceptable' behaviour. Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling each hit braces as Gareth Southgate's men bounced back from defeat to the Czech Republic in style, bringing qualification for Euro 2020 within touching distance. But the contest was sullied by abuse directed towards some of the travelling players, which was reported to the match officials and resulted in two delays to the action before half-time. Before the match, Balakov accused England of having a bigger problem with racism in football than his own country, and he once again sought to share the blame after the widely condemned scenes that stained Monday's match. "I personally did not hear the chanting that you are most probably referring to. I saw that the referee stopped the game," he told ITV. "But I also have to say that t

England Game Halted After Racist Abuse ๐Ÿ˜ณ

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England’s fears of racist abuse towards their players were realised during their Euro 2020 qualifying match at Bulgaria on Monday night, with the game temporarily stopped twice in the first half by the match referee following abuse from the stands. After discussing the matter with Three Lions captain Harry Kane, the match referee requested the following announcement be made over the tannoy: “Because of racist behaviour which is interfering with the game, the referee has indicated he may have to suspend the match. “Please be in no doubt that the game may be suspended and abandoned if racist behaviour continues.” Debutant Tyrone Mings had made the fourth official aware of abuse, saying: "You hear that?" A large group of fans wearing black hoodies and with their faces covered were also pictured showing their middle fingers and performing Nazi salutes towards the pitch. England manager Gareth Southgate made another complaint to the match officials shortly before half-time, with

England Pummell Bulgaria Amid Racism Storm

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Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling hit two goals apiece as England thrashed Bulgaria 6-0 in a Euro 2020 qualifier amid racist behaviour from fans in Sofia. Marcus Rashford and Barkley had Gareth Southgate's men two goals to the good midway through the first half when play was stopped and a message relayed over the public address system at Vasil Levski National Stadium, urging home supporters to cease their abuse. In between Barkley and Sterling continuing an emphatic response to the Three Lions' surprise defeat to the Czech Republic, there was a further lengthy delay. The game appeared under threat of abandonment at that stage, as a group of fans were ejected, but England resumed their punishment of over-matched opponents – captain Harry Kane laying on Sterling's second and completing the scoring five minutes from time.

CR7 ⭐ - Records Come Naturally for Me ๐Ÿ†

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Portugal and Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo insisted he is not obsessed with breaking records as they come naturally for him after scoring his landmark 700th career goal. Ronaldo bagged a consolation penalty in the second half of Portugal's 2-1 Euro 2020 qualifying defeat to Ukraine in Kiev on Monday. Defeat for Portugal at the Olympic Stadium made the occasion bittersweet for Ronaldo, who is now part of an elite list of players to have reached the milestone figure. "Not just anyone can reach this figure," he told reporters. "Thank you to my team-mates, colleagues and coaches who have helped me to become the player I am. "I am disappointed that we didn't win, but proud of the team." Reflecting on his personal achievement, Ronaldo added: "How many records do I have? I don't know. I have to enjoy the moment and thank those who helped me reach this impressive mark. "The last time I played at this ground I won the Champions League, a bea

Ukraine Inflicts Defeat on ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น Portugal

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Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 700th career goal but it was not enough as Ukraine beat Portugal 2-1 in Kiev to book a place in the Euro 2020 finals, leaving their opponents with work to do if they are to qualify. The hosts needed just a point in Monday's qualifier to secure a top-two finish in Group B, but picked up all three as they inflicted a first defeat in 14 games on the reigning European champions. First-half strikes from Roman Yaremchuk and Andriy Yarmolenko earned victory for Andriy Shevchenko's side, who held on with 10 men after Taras Stepanenko was shown a second yellow card for handling the ball inside the box. Ronaldo scored the resulting penalty 72 minutes in to bring up his personal landmark, but Portugal could not find a leveller and may now need victories over Lithuania and Luxembourg in their final two matches to hold off third-placed Serbia.