THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

Newswatch Times

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

Eaglets: We are yet to receive Buhari’s N1.2m largesse

Nigeria won’t qualify for 2017 W/Cup under Oliseh –Odegbami

Damning verdict!

Ex-international, Chief Segun Odegbami has declared that it will be a miracle for the present crop of Super Eagles under coach Sunday Oliseh to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, even though they

may manage to reach the 201 ations Cup nals in abonhe Super Eagles are drawn in roup of the AFCO

race alongside Egypt, Tanzania and Chad in the 2017, with the best team at the end of the quali ers sealing automatic tic et for the nals in abon

With the 2013 Africa Champions presently placed two points behind Egypt, who have six points from the same number of matches (two), while Tanzania and Chad trail at the bo om of the table, their chances of even qualifying for the 2017 ations Cup in abon is becoming slim too

Reacting to the Super Eagles chances in the 2017 world cup quali ers as well as the recent outburst of coach Oliseh against the Nigerian media and the Nigeria Football Federa-tion (NFF), Odegbami told Newswatch Times Sports that presently Nigeria lack the quality players to be very competi-tive at a very high level

He said while Oliseh might possess the quality to be a

By Francis Ajuonuma

Continues on page 24

Eaglets: We are yet to receive Buhari’s N1.2m largesse

Ogbonna delighted with game-winning goal

Sunday Oliseh’s Solicitor, Barrister Churchill Oliseh has defended his

client’s video rant, where the Coach branded Nige-rian public as ‘insane’ for criticising his failure with the national team at the just concluded Champi-onship for African Na-tions (CHAN in Rwanda.

More criticisms and even calls for Oliseh’s sack has trailed the con-troversial video on You-Tube, which has gone viral on the social media with even the Sports Min-ister, Dalung Solomon expressing shock at the coach’s unrestrained out-burst.

But speaking in an ex-

Angelo Ogbonna was delighted after ne ing the match-winner as

West Ham beat Liverpool 2-1 to advance to the fth round of the FA Cup.

In the nal minute of extra time and with the game heading for penalty shoot-out, the Italian-Nige-rian directed a close-range header into the net to send the Hammers fans into wild jubilation.

It was my rst goal for West Ham and in front of our supporters, so I am really happy for my team-

The 2016 edition of the CAF Confeder-ation Cup gets un-derway this week-

end with the preliminary round, rst leg xtures taking place across the continent.

This round will not fea-ture Muculmana de Ma-puto, Barrack Young Con-trollers, Azam, Esperance de Tunis, Zanaco, AS Ka-loum, CS Constantine, CS Don Bosco, Al Ahly Shen-di, Medeama, FUS Rabat, CF Mounana and ENPPI, all of whom are top-seed-ed teams and have been granted byes through to the next round in March.

Mouloudia d’Oran,

Newswatch TimesFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 201624 Sports/News

Solicitor pleads for Oliseh after video rant

ised us by the federal gov-ernment, not even one naira. Most of us are very disappointed about it be-cause we have budgeted for it.

“Besides, we’ve been under pressure from fam-ily and friends who have been calling and asking for

nancial assistance since the announcement was made in Abuja.

“There is need to show them some love in appreci-ation of all the support they gave us during our trying period,’’ one of the play-ers, a striker lamented to Newswatch Times Sports, pleading anonymity.

Another player, a de-fender added: “We have been told to exercise a li le patience but we are tired of waiting. They said the money has been approved and would soon be ready for distribution, but we don’t know how soon that will be.’’

EPHRAIM NWOSU

EPHRAIM NWOSU

Nigeria won’t qualify for 2017 W/Cup under OlisehContinued from page 23

good coach, he allowed his frustration to expose the bad side of his character.

“I’m one of the biggest advocates of Oliseh. I was his manager in Tunis 1994 and at the World Cup; so I know

him very well. I supported him because of the qualities that he has, but he has fum-bled by allowing frustration to expose the bad side of character.

“He has apologised and I hope he will bring himself back and justify the con -

dence reposed in him.“Well, when Oliseh came

on board Nigerian football was at its lowest ebb; we did not have the players any-where for him to be able to raise Eagles that can win eve-rything.

“The mistake he made was

not telling Nigerians that he was building a team. So they expected a lot from him and he failed. The truth is that Nigeria do not have the play-ers for the World Cup. I think we might qualify for the 2017 AFCON but the World Cup looks very di cult, he said.

clusive telephone chat with Newswatch Times Sports, Oliseh’s advisor and solicitor said: “Please when Sunny spoke of critics in his video, he did not mean the gen-eral public of Nigeria. He

would never dare refer to his beloved country men as insane.

“People are just trying to blow the issue out of proportion by misinter-preting it the other way round in order to cause

unnecessary uproar. “It’s a distraction to

the national team and it will not augur well for the country especially when it is happening at a time we are preparing for a decisive Nations Cup quali er against Egypt.

“I wonder what they stand to gain from this other than to destroy Ni-gerian football. Before God and man, his inten-tion was never to insult Nigerians who fought for his appointment.

“Sunny loves Nige-ria so much and wants to serve the nation with all his heart; please let’s leave him alone to contin-ue with his job, said the legal practitioner, who has not stopped apolo-gizing for his younger brother’s outburst.

Barrister Oliseh, who also manages his broth-er’s pet club called Ebe-dei FC of Lagos added: “How could he dare to insult 170 million people who have shown him so much love and respect. Please forgive the error of editing! Let’s do away with all these because it will not help Nigerian football. Let by-gone be by-gone so that we can move ahead. God bless you all.

“I was just made aware that people thought he was referring to the gen-eral public. Please, in-dulge the error on his part of not editing the video well. Once again, please accept our apolo-gies.

Members of the v i c t o r i o u s Golden Eaglets that won the

2015 FIFA Under 17 World Cup in Chile have lament-ed that they are yet to re-ceive the N1.2 million cash gift given to each player by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The President also re-warded members of the Golden Eaglets that won the inaugural FIFA Under 16 World Cup in China as each member of the team smiled home with N2 mil-lion each.

But some of the players, who spoke to Newswatch Times sports debunked reports of receiving the money, claiming that they are still waiting for their cheque.

“As I am speaking with you, we are yet to receive the money that was prom-

mates, for everybody. I re-ally enjoyed it, Ogbonna said to West Ham’s o cial website.

“I’m still excited, and I want to enjoy this moment. It’s unbelievable. It was a great ball from Dimitri, and Andy Collins; we all could have scored [with service like that].

“We had a really good mentality, we defended to-gether, a acked together, switched the ball and were really good on Tuesday.

Ogbonna has 18 ap-pearances to his name in all competitions so far this season.

Confederation Cup kicks off this weekend

Sagrada Esperanca and JKU are also though to the next round without a ball being kicked thanks to the withdrawal of Wallidan, Ajax Cape Town and Gabo-rone United respectively.

Some of the big names in action include Nasarawa United and Akwa United of Nigeria, Mali’s USFAS Bamako, Libya’s Al I ihad Tripoli, Africa Sports of the Ivory Coast and DR Con-go’s Saint Eloi Lupopo.

The return leg matches of the preliminary round will be played on the week-end of 26-28 February.

CAF Confederation Cup, preliminary round,

rst leg xtures:

Newswatch TimesFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016 25Sports/EURO LEAGUE

Shirokov switches to CSKA Moscow on free transfer

Busquets, perfect fit for Citizens –Hamann

Borussia Moncheng-ladbach mid elder, Granit Xhaka has not ruled out a fu-

ture move to the Premier League, saying it would be “di cult to say no to Man-chester City.

Xhaka, 23, has been one of Monchengladbach’s key players in recent years, helping the club to sixth in the Bundesliga table this season.

The Swi erland interna-tional is under contract at the German side until 2019, with an option for a further year.

Xhaka reportedly has a 30 million release clause

that is due to become active in the summer of 2017, and earlier this year Gladbach sporting director Max Eberl did not rule out an exit at the end of the season if a suf-

cient o er is made.The mid elder, who is to

return to the Gladbach team at Hamburg on Sunday for

self admi ed this week that the only his wife and Guardiola could convince him to leave Camp Nou, leaving the door open on a potential switch to the Etihad Stadium.

Hamann, a former City player, believes a move for a holding player would be prudent given the club’s

the rst time in 2016 follow-ing a three-match ban, has indicated in the past that he would be open to a transfer if he is given reassurances over rst-team football.

Speaking to Sport Bild on Wednesday, Xhaka added that it would be di cult, but not impossible, to tempt him away from the Borussia Park, although certainly not to China.

“I can only speak for my-self, but at my age I would never go to China, for no money in the world, Xhaka said, referring to the recent big-money transfers involv-ing players such as Ramires and Jackson Martinez.

“The sporting perspec-tive and everything else

Remi Garde says he will stay on as Aston illa manager if they get rel-egated, but only if he is given a consid-erable transfer budget.

The Frenchman took charge at Villa Park in November with Villa sat rock-bo om of the Premier League after Tim Sherwood’s disastrous start to the season.

Garde, who was disappointed with Villa’s lack of business in January, is yet to lift Villa from the foot of the ta-ble as his side languish eight points be-hind 17th-placed Newcastle.

But should Villa drop to the Cham-pionship come the end of the season, Garde would be willing to stay as long as he has money to spend in the sum-mer.

“I’m prepared to stay in this club

if there are the [ nancial] means to go up, said the Frenchman, who has a contract at Villa Park which runs until 2019.

“As everyone knows Aston Vil-la’s a big club and very prestigious in England. From the outside it re-mains prestigious - but when you’re on the inside there’s much, much work to be done.

“But if I’m given the means then obviously it’s a project that could interest me.

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Xhaka: It’s difficult to turn down City

AC Milan, Arsenal battle for Koziello

Arsenal face a bat-tle with AC Milan for mid eld ace, Vincent Koziello.

Gunners’ boss, Arsene Wenger sent scouts to run the rule over the Nice youngster earlier this sea-son.

But the Arsenal chief will have to wrestle with Italian giants Milan if he wants to land the 20-year-old.

Koziello has been dubbed ‘the new Xavi’ due to his small stature and short passing style.

He’s also been com-pared to French manager and World Cup winning captain Didier Deschamps.

Wenger is known to be a fan, but according to Calcio Mercato, Milan also want the player along with

his team-mate Hatem Ben Arfa.

The Serie A side are desperate to revamp their squad after struggling to challenge at the top of the league in recent seasons.plethora of a acking tal-

ent and described Bus-quets as “a perfect t .

“Luis Enrique came out saying that he is the best mid elder around, Hamann said.

“I’m not sure I would go that far but in that holding role, as a hugely underrated and underval-

]]

ued player, he has done fantastic things.

“I wasn’t too sure a few years ago when he came into the team. But what he has done for Spain, what he has done for Barcelona, he has been fantastic and I think he would improve that City team no end.

Dietmar Hamann has urged Man-chester City to sign Barce-

lona mid elder, Sergio Busquets, who has been linked with the Premier League side due to Pep Guardiola’s imminent ar-rival.

The mid elder him-

would need to be right. Honestly, you want experi-ence such a positive vibe, such a togetherness in foot-ball often. That counts too.

“And should I one day want to make the next step, it also has to be an improve-ment. But true, it’s di cult to say no when Manches-ter City want you and you could play there. That much I have to admit. But I cer-tainly not the only one.

In a kicker poll earlier this year, 82 percent of the Bundesliga players said they would move to Pre-mier League or at least con-sider a transfer if they were o ered a signi cantly be er salary than in Bundesliga.

Russian national team captain, Roman Shi-rokov has joined CSKA Moscow on a

free transfer until the end of the season.

With the European cham-pionship coming up this year, Shirokov had been left without a club after leaving Spartak Moscow last month by mutual consent following a reported breakdown in rela-tions with management.

Joining Russian Premier League leader CSKA is a re-

turn home for the 34-year-old Shirokov, who started out at CSKA’s academy but left in 2001 to seek rst-team foot-ball elsewhere.

Shirokov’s move to CSKA also means he will play his club football under Russia coach Leonid Slutsky, who is combining his duties with CSKA and the national team.

Shirokov has 13 goals in 52 caps for Russia and scored the winner in a 1-0 friendly victory over Portugal in No-vember.I’ll stay at Villa on one condition - Garde

Benedikt H wedes laid down a marker for the future of the Royal Blues on Wednesday, with the skipper extend-

ing his contract at FC Schalke 04 by three years. The new deal means that the centre back, who is cur-rently in his 15th season in Gelsen-kirchen, will remain at the club until 30th June 2020.

“We’re delighted that Benedikt has taken this step, as it is a sign of real commitment to Schalke 04 from a leading player, explained sport-ing director Horst Heldt. “It shows that he has faith in our plans, in which he plays an important role as team captain and defensive stal-wart.

It was an emotional decision for H wedes. “My heart was thump-ing when I put pen to paper, he revealed.

“Schalke 04 is a great club with

Höwedes extends Schalke stayamazing fans, a club I am thankful to for developing me as a youth player in the Knappenschmiede academy, giving me the opportunity to make my breakthrough in the Bundesliga as a youngster and hand-ing me the role of captain early on. We have a young team full of potential and ambi-tion. I want to continue shaping its future.

26 Sports/Women Football

Club owners battle NFF over FIFA, Glo money

WOMEN FOOTBALL Watch

Women’s football club owners and Manag-ers are set to

ba le the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the Federation’s inability to re-mit to the management of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) the yearly 15 percent FIFA Develop-ment grant and Glo Spon-sorship fee as practiced in other women football play-ing countries.

The club owners in a meeting held at Omega Ho-tel, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja on February 3, 2016 questioned the rationale behind the NFF continued withholding of the NWFL share of the FIFA Development grant and the Glo Sponsorship fee, and subsequently challenged the football body to release the money to the management of the NWFL without further delay.

The communiqu of the meeting which was made available by the NWFL me-dia o cer, Patrick Ngwaogu also approved that the Wom-en Football League which

Banyana Banyana skipper, Janine van Wyk says the team knows what

is expected from them in this year’s Olympic Games at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in August.

The South African women’s senior team will be competing at the global competition for the second time, after mak-ing their rst appearance at the games in London 2012, where they were knocked out in the group stages.

“In 2012 it was almost like a ma er of being there. This time around we know what is expect-ed of us, so we are going there to make a name for ourselves, for our country and hopefully get con-tracts overseas so it will be totally di erent from 2012.

“Each tournament has a di erent vibe about it. For us the rst time was about participating for the rst time, and then there are whole lot of players for whom it will be the rst time experi-ence. Truth is, it is going to be di erent because we

is scheduled to kick-o on February 20 to go ahead un-til elections into the board of the NWFL is held.

Also, the club owners pleaded with the NFF to block all loopholes that allow players to go on internation-al transfer without proper checks so that clubs can bene t from such transfers, just as they, unanimously resolved to parley with the NFF on the need to develop a continental tournament for the winners of leagues to earn revenue from sponsors.

Meanwhile the following o cials were appointed as interim NWFL executives in place of the Dili Onyedinma led board, whose tenure has ran out pending the elections of o cers into a new.

Alhaji Nuhu Audu (Na-sarawa Amazons) as Chair-man, Reverend Martins Eubuomwan (Martin White Dove FC) as Vice Chairman,

Emmanuel Zira (Ad-amawa ueens FC) as Sec-retary General, Chief Peter Oguche (Oguche Babes FC) as Publicity Secretary and Mrs. Agape Krama (Beauti-ful Tours FC) as Treasurer.

FRANCIS AJUONUMA08038559129

with

Newswatch TimesFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

Nigeria’s Un-der-17 women team, Flamin-goes head

coach, Bala Nkiyu has said he is in dark over the strength of their South African opponents.

Flamingoes will host their South African counterparts in Abuja in March for the rst leg

nal clash of the African qualifying race for 2016 Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan.

Nkiyu said the key

Banyana going to Olympics to compete – Van Wyk

Nkiyu in dark over South Africa foesto success in both legs of the quali ers is adequate preparation which is on-going right now in Abuja.

“I do not know any-thing about the South Af-ricans but that will be tak-en care of as we progress to the match-day.

“Right now we must continue doing the need-ful which is intensifying preparations for the cru-cial clash.

“We have advantage of playing rst at home, so we must put our acts

perfectly right to achieve convincing result.

“Of course, the reverse xture in Johannesburg

will certainly be tough but we could soften the ground with good perfor-mance right here at our backyard.

“All the players called for the match are in camp as at Sunday. We allowed the players to unwind from the tedious trip, so we commenced training on Tuesday and take it up

from there to match-day.“We want to be at the

World Cup in Jordan at the expense of South Af-rica and we must work hard to achieve the lofty dream, said the Plateau United head coach.

The Nigerians pum-melled their Namibian counterparts 9-0 on ag-gregate while South Af-rica got World Cup quali-fying bye over Zambia that withdrew from the race to pave the way for crucial matchup.

Former U-20 nation-al women’s team coach, Adat Egan says he’ll write an-

other le er to the NFF to ‘remind them’ of his un-paid salaries.

The former Falconets handler who led Nigeria to runners-up spot at the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup said that he is still owed despite the promises of the Sports Minister to ensure the NFF pay up.

Egan said he would have se led for half the value of what he is owed

Egan writes NFF again over unpaid salaries

but the football body has simply turned a blind eye to his plight. are going with a dif-

ferent team, di erent coach, playing di er-ent style of football and we are looking forward to it and we know we are go-ing to compete very well.

With a couple of new players in the team, the skipper says the players who competed in London will share their ex-periences with those

who will be partak-ing at the games for the rst time.

“We will try and talk about it espe-cially to those who will be going there for the rst time. We will give them some insight as to what really happens there, the high level of competition that is played there, con-cluded Van Wyk.

She-polopolo regroup for Namibia

Zambia women’s national coach, Albert Kachinga has summoned 28 players, ahead of the team’s prepa-

rations for the 2016 Orange Afri-can Cup Women Championships quali ers.

The championship will be held in Cameroun, between October 26 and November 3, 2016.

The players will camp in Lusaka from this week.

Kachinga said the team will commence preparations for the

rst round, rst leg encounter, against Namibia, on March 6, to be played in Lusaka.

Zambia women’s national foot-ball team, nicknamed She-polopo-lo are currently ranked 119th best team in the world.

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2

In the Supreme Court of NigeriaHolden at Abuja

37Bukola Bakare08034198320

bukkybakky@yahoo.co.uk

Based on real events Features Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic and Chidi Mokeme

Weekend BuzzNewswatch times

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2016

A new chapter in Nigerian lmmaking is being

turned as Africa Magic, in partnership with Adonis

Productions and Princewill’s Trust, produces 76, a tale of love, trust, faith and family set against the backdrop of war and nation building.

Set six years after the Nigerian civil war, 76 tells the story of a young o cer from the Middle Belt who gets entangled in a romantic relationship and eventually marries a beautiful student from the South-Eastern part of Nigeria. Their budding romance is threatened by endless military postings, and they face the ultimate test when news of the soldier’s involvement in a botched coup a empt hits the headlines.

Speaking on the movie, the Director, M-Net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, said: “76 is an adventurous foray into lmmaking in Nigeria. It’s an exciting, compelling storyline that many Nigerians and indeed Africans will relate with. The directing and production quality are top notch, and the themes celebrate values including courage, loyalty, patience, trust and sacri ce. 76 takes lmmaking up another level in Nigeria and we at Africa Magic are indeed excited to partner with Adonis Productions and Princewill’s trust in bringing this movie to viewers across Africa.

76’ the movie set to open new chapter in movie industry

Directed by award winning director, Izu Ojukwu, 76 is inspired by events which led up to and followed the botched 1976 coup d’etat, and features real life, archived, actual footage that contributes to the movie’s overall authenticity. The execution of the movie was also done with approval and support from the Nigerian Army.

The director of the movie, Izu Ojukwu, said: “76 tells a tale of love in the time of war. The movie deals with a range of issues including the plight of the African woman, and the usually invisible pain of a soldier’s wife. 76 highlights the enduring Nigerian cultural values of courage, resilience, patience, loyalty, faith and family and the nation’s ability to surmount all challenges.

The release of 76 comes 40 years after the actual events, and follows four years of work by the director and the production duo of Adonis Productions and Princewill’s Trust. 76 stars renowned Nollywood names including Rita Dominic, Ramsey Nouah, Chidi Mokeme, Ibinabo Fiberesinma, Ada Ofoegbu, Daniel K Daniel and a host of others.

On his part, the Executive Producer

of 76 and a patron of the Nigerian Association of Movie Producers, Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill, said: “76 is a deeply emotional movie, and it resonated deeply with me as I am sure it will do for viewers not just in Nigeria, but around the world. The movie’s thematic preoccupation presents a number of questions including the country’s mis-direction amongst many other issues. 76 is the rst movie to be shot on lm and was thus a very expensive project. We are however very satis ed with the nished work and we know viewers will thoroughly enjoy the movie.

Thanking the Nigerian Army, M-Net and other sponsors for their support, Mr. Princewill added: “None of all this would be possible without the support we have received and continue to receive. The cast and crew have been phenomenal, and they gave their all to make this movie the success that it is. I’d also like to thank my partners Adonis Production led by Mr. Adonijah for showing me one of the most powerful ways to touch lives - by making movies.

76 premieres mid-2016 and thereafter comes to screens across the continent

courtesy of Africa Magic. Speaking on the Nigerian Army’s involvement in the movie, the Head Civil-Military A airs Army Head uarters, Major-General Nicholas Rogers, said: “The military today is in a very di erent place from where it was in 1976. As the world has evolved, so have we. The relationship between the army and the people is even more critical. Our true strength comes from our collaboration, and nowhere is it be er illustrated than in partnerships such as these. Major-General Nicholas Rogers also reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army Leadership to anything positive that tells the true story.

Speaking further, Mba-Uzoukwu added: “76 is yet another example of the ongoing partnerships between Africa Magic and the leading movie Nigerian production houses. Our resolve to continuously improve the Nigerian

lm industry remains a key part of our investment strategy. Through our ongoing partnerships with Nollywood industry stakeholders, we continue to positively impact Nollywood, a factor that steadily ensures continuous development in the industry even as it also gives us the opportunity to add to the exciting content on our channels.

L-R: Prince Tonye Princewill, Executive Producer; Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, Regional Director, M-net West Africa; Major

General, Rogers Ibe Nicholas, Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Army HQ.; Rita Dominic, Nollywood Actress and Adonijah

Owiriwa, Executive Producer during the unveiling of The Movie 76’ recently.

Evans reveals new Top Gear Friend

38 Newswatch TIMESFRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2016

Bella Naija’s Uche Pedro, Adele, Justin Bieber, John Boyega nominated for Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards

Iconic American actor Ma LeBlanc has today been revealed as one of the new presenters of the upcoming

and eagerly awaited return of BBC Brit’s Top Gear - the planet’s biggest motoring entertainment show. LeBlanc’s appointment marks the rst time the show has ever had a non-British host in its 39-year history.

In what promises to be an explosive cocktail of car-obsessed entertainers and cultural clashes - the eagerly anticipated return of the revamped show is expected to noisily announce itself on BBC Two and TV screens everywhere this May.

nominaNickeloKids’ C

Da Emperor, Shyboss and Stylezz are ready to Shake ItPopular Rap artiste, Mobolaji Fasasi

aka Da Emperor, Shyboss of BNS records and Stylezz of Li records have teamed up on a new jam titled

Shake it.The new track is a feel good music for

everyone to vibe to, it was produced by Justeebea and it’s a trio song i.e each act has equal right to the song.

Stylezz who is based in USA came home for the holidays and our Nigerian indigenous Da Emperor and Shyboss omo London came together to put the piece out for fans to groove to.

Shake it would be released soon, and so is the audio and video to I am a Sinner audio by Da Emperor. The Paramode crooner recently shot the video.

In the indigenous rap single, Da Emperor talks about his life (both past and present) and his view on his actions.

In this masterpiece, he tries not to be a critic and at the same time passes a vital

Nickelodeon (DStv channel 305 and GOtv channel 62) has revealed the nominations for the 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards,

the ultimate fan celebration of the best of everything kids love in pop

culture. The nominees re ect the entertainment that audiences see, play, listen to and read in droves, from movies like Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Jurassic World and Pitch Perfect 2, to a host of television shows, music, gaming, books and more.

Highlights from this year’s list of nominees include

Adele, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lawrence, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Chris Pra , The Weeknd, John Boyega, One Direction, So a

Vergara, Daisy Ridley, Chris Hemsworth, Nickelodeon’s very own Kira Kosarin, Jack Gri o, Jace Norman and more, while a new African voting category sees recognition for bloggers Sylvia Kamau (Kenya), Aisha Baker (South Africa), Uche Eze (Nigeria) & Theodora Lee (South Africa).

The Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards premieres across Africa on Nickelodeon (DStv channel 305 and GOtv channel 62) and Nicktoons (DStv channel 308) at 3:30pm on Wednesday 16 March 2016. The presenting sponsor for the 2016 Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards is the brand new comedy blockbuster “KUNG FU PANDA 3”.

Multiple new categories have been added to this year’s show, including “Best Blogger” (Africa), “Favourite Collaboration” and “Favourite Cooking Show”.

The music categories, which span an eclectic mix of genres, nds vocal powerhouse Adele against Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran for “Favourite Song of the Year”, and new kids on the block, Shawn Mendes and Alessia Cara competing for “Favourite New Artist”. Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez are all tied with three nominations each, while artists Drake, The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar follow closely behind with two.

In the movie categories, Jennifer Lawrence will face o against Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson and Scarle Johansson for “Favourite Movie Actress”, while Jurassic World, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 and Star Wars: The Force Awakens compete for the title of “Favourite Movie”.

Some of the categories include Blogging where Nigeria’s Uche Pedro of Bella Naija is a nominee alongside bloggers from South Africa and Kenya.

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The Golden Globe-winning star of the popular BBC comedy Episodes, LeBlanc’s international appeal has never been stronger despite lming the nale of his global hit Friends almost 12 years ago. He’s already a familiar face to Top Gear viewers, having been a two-time guest on the show and the fastest celebrity to date around the Top Gear track in its reasonably priced car. LeBlanc also presented the recent standalone spin-o Top Gear: The Races, where he led fans through some of the most memorable racing moments from the previous 22 series.

He joins production immediately and additional Top Gear cast members will be con rmed shortly. Chris Evans said of his new Top Gear presenter: “Ma ’s a lifelong fellow petrolhead and I’m thrilled he’s joining Top Gear. Acting out our craziest car notions on screen is a dream job and I know we’ll both be debating some epic road trip ideas. We can’t wait to share what we’ve been up to on screen later this year.” Ma LeBlanc commented: “As a car nut and a massive fan of Top Gear, I’m honoured and excited to be a part of this iconic show’s new chapter. What a thrill!”. Alan Tyler, the BBC’s Acting Controller for Entertainment Commissioning said: “Ma is a class act and a brilliant signing for Top Gear. He is a self-confessed car fanatic with a passion for the programme. I’m really looking forward to watching Chris and Ma bring the all new show to our audiences.”

message to the world, the song is classy and would become an evergreen.

Da Emperor has been recording songs upon songs and been on lots of features,all contents will be released in due course.

Another jam to watch out for is Blueboss Real Entertainment

signee’s “Ogbon” ft Da Emperor in Kogbagidi produced by Jodee, which drops pre y soon.

The song talks about the everyday life of men and that a hard worker doesn’t mean a fat pocket. Ogbon spoke his mind in this piece.

Consequent upon the success recorded with the audio CD of the chart buster album of Lady

Evangelist Omolabake Oyekanmi popularly called Labaster Praise titled:- “Winning Praise” (Iyin Asegun), the Video Compact Disc (VCD) recently released is now making waves in the music mart, thus, becoming media rave reviews, in and out of the country.

Marketed and distributed by Video Palace Records, Oshodi, Lagos State The “Winning Praise “VCD has nesse quality and bold visuals with shots from di erent locations in the country and overseas, through latest state- of- the- art video recording hi-tech instruments, blended with sonorous voice and presentations, and powerful sound quality, alongside a ractive and latest costumes, capable of arresting the

Labaster Praise’s album still making wavesa ention of every viewer, for its good productions / perfections and well – directed nishing works and enriched arrangements

According to Labaster Praise, “With the special assignment from God, that I received since 2009, to proclaim the praise of God throughout the world and also teach how to praise God to receive power, through my out t- (Praise & Worship Evangelical Tongue Ministries Int’l), I want to say that by God’s grace and power, the Biblical and prophetic messages in the VCD (Winning Praise) are capable of lifting souls, break yokes, heal the broken – hearted souls, wipe away the tears of the worried- ones and teach people how to praise God to receive victory over what they are going through, and prosper destines. It is also loaded with covenant praises, worship at –its –best’’.

Labaster Praise added that all the songs in “Winning Praise” are divine,

inspirational, motivational and highly spirit – lled, aiming to lose the bounds from satanic enslavement and whoever is downcast, God has pro ered a solution. No wonder, testimonies have continue to follow it, not by my e ort, but, God’s power’’. She said.

Bukola Bakare08034198320

bukkybakky@yahoo.co.uk

Da Emperor

Uche Pedro

Newswatch TIMESFRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2016 Glitz & Glam 39

Fantastic Juju musician, Yika Ayefele, survivor of a ghastly auto crash few years ago that damaged his spinal cord and con ned him to wheelchair revealed his

greatest regret in life. He made the revelation during his performance

at the recently held Julius Agwu’s Life As I See It mega concert in Lagos.

According to Yinka Ayefele, majority of individuals who are able to stand on both feet do not know the importance of what God has done in their lives.

“Some of us standing in front of me right now do not understand the wonders God Almighty has done in our lives. We are here to celebrate the rebirth of another individual whom God has given

Yinka Ayefele discloses greatest regret

SSP’s love for women

Alaroye Ijesha, Jairo, others set for St. Valentine’s Day Shows

Charming Nollywood actress, Tayo Sobola also called Sotayo, who recently emerged the Best actress, Yoruba’ at the just concluded MAYA Awards has unveiled plans to celebrate the St.

Valentine’s Day with the blind.The the actress who recently launched her production

out t, Sotee Entertainment, she has concluded plans to spend the day with the blind kids at Pacelli School for the Blind, Surulere, Lagos in an event tagged The Real Love.

Speaking on the aim behind the project, Sotayo as she is fondly called disclosed that “these children cannot even see, yet we abandoned them, and it is wrong, because as a society, we must together with their parents show them the world cares about them and there is real love in this world. That is the major reason why I am doing this”.

She also dedicates her victory at the MAYA Awards to all her fans, family and friends who have been supportive to her career since she ventured into Nollywood.

”I am really humbled by this singular act of honor and I thank everyone who has been there for me in one way or the other.

Veteran Afro Juju musician, Sir Shina Peters, who is known for his energetic displays on stage has admi ed to have had sex with 100 women in his life time.

The ace singer who is the father of popular cinematographer, Clarence Peters, revealed the astonishing fact in a recent interview with Y Naija.

According to him, he can still remember the names of the 100 women.

“Women really dealt with me. When I didn’t even know anything about sex, they used me a lot. I still have 100 of them and I can mention their names. They took advantage of my youthful exuberance.”

“That’s the only thing but thanks to God I was able to correct it. In my days, when you got to an Artiste’s house, you get to see nothing less than 4 women in the same house.”

“May God forgive any children of mine that has one or two negative issues because they don’t know because if they really know me they’ll know that’s how I was made,” he added.

Popular comedian cum radio presenter, Niyi Babalola otherwise called Alaroye Ijesha alongside Legba and Jimi Jairo will perform at African Delight Hotel,

Arowojobe, Oshodi on Sunday 14 February to make this year’s St. Valentine’s Day celebration indelible.

According to Alaroye Ijesha, Orji Jewelry and Mosco Fuji will kick –start the celebration today as they stage incredible performances at Miliki Spot, Oshodi while Alaroye Ijesha alongside Strippers Club will take the center stage at House 50 Lounge, Ketu, Lagos.

De Kings Hotel, Kasholori, Sabo, Ikorodu will thrill its patrons and fun lovers to an all-night Valentine’s Day show as Club-Touch and Alaroye Ijesha are set to dazzle with various interesting slapstick.

Nollywood actress, Ini Edo, has taken to her o cial Instagram handle

to con rm her reported political appointment with the Akwa Ibom State Government.

The delectable thespian was recently appointed as Special Adviser on Tourism to the governor of Akwa Ibom.

An elated Ini Edo con rmed the appointment via her handle saying: “To be called to serve is an honour. I give God all de glory”.

Am grateful to my state, my Governor, everyone of you with your constant prayers and support… God bless us all. Amen”

Talented Nigerian comedian, Stanley Chibunna be er known as Funnybone is set to

stage the inaugural edition of his much awaited comedy show entitled Funnybone Untamed.

Scheduled to hold on Sunday, 21February, 2016 at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos the highly anticipated comedy show will feature performances from popular Nigerian contemporary comedy and music artistes.

Billed to grace the event

includes popular faces comedians Gordons, Bovi, Buchi, Seyi Law and MC Shakara among others.

Guests and other fun seekers will enjoy exhilarating performances from music stars such as M.I Abaga, Kcee, Ice Prince, Iyanya, Korede Bello, Aramide, Selebobo, Tekno, Phyno, Harrysong, Oritsefemi, Reminisce, Jesse Jagz, Humblesmith, Solidstar, Chidinma, Illbliss, Bracket, Jay Martins, and Mr 2kay.

Kayode Aponmade 08082477740 kayodeaponmade@yahoo. com.

Funnybone debuts with comedy show

Ini Edo Con rms political appointment

another chance after his successful brain surgery.”“Sometimes, there are some things we appreciate we

had in life and some other we also regret not having. How I wish I had another chance at life and I can stand on both feet the same way Julius Agwu and everyone in the hall is standing right now ,” he regre ed.

Ace juju singer, Yinka Ayefele is one of the nest music exports from Nigeria with over 18 albums to his credit since he debuted with Bi er Experience in 1998.

Ayefele, a multiple award winning artist, had a brief stint at Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ibadan where he worked as journalist and broadcaster before his life de ning automobile accident.

Funnybone

Yinka Ayefele

Sotayo to host the blind on St. Valentine’s Day