World Cup 2010 - Nigeria suspend national team

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has suspended the national football team from international competition for two years following their poor performance in the World Cup.



"Mr President has directed that Nigeria will withdraw from all international football competition for the next two years to enable Nigeria to reorganise its football," Ima Niboro, Jonathan's senior communications adviser, said.



"This directive became necessary following Nigeria's poor performance in the ongoing FIFA World Cup," he said.


Nigeria were knocked out in the first round.


After meeting the country's World Cup organising committee, Jonathan also said the accounts of the committee should be audited.


"If any financial misappropriation is discovered, all officials responsible will be held accountable," Niboro said.


Jonathan's decision came a day after the executive committee of the Nigerian Football Federation met to review the team's first round exit, in which they picked up a single point and finished bottom of their group also containing South Korea, Greece and Argentina.


Niboro said the sports minister would be writing to FIFA shortly to inform them of the decision. He said the minister for the federal capital territory, Abuja, had been instructed to build a "Football House" where the team could be based.


"The problem of Nigerian football is structural. We need to reorganise the structures and there is need to withdraw from all international football competition so that we can put our house in order," Niboro said.


A statement said the federation apologised to the "federal government and all football-loving Nigerians for the early ouster of the Super Eagles from the World Cup" and added Nigeria would seek to play more friendly matches to get more experience.


"It's the right decision ... President Jonathan has made a bold step to clean up the rot. We need to move the country in football," John Fashanu, a former England footballer partly of Nigerian descent, told local sports radio.


"We cannot be held to ransom by anybody."


Some Super Eagles fans were shocked by the decision.


"Sounds to me like the president is trying to score cheap political points ... the next major international competition is two years away anyway," said one irate fan in Lagos, asking not to be named.


The NFF said it wanted Swedish coach Lars Lagerback, appointed on the eve of the finals, to stay and put together a wide-ranging programme to harness young talent.


The statement also said the federation disagreed with those claiming Nigerian soccer was in a dwindling state.


"No previous board has qualified Nigeria for all major tournaments internationally," the statement said.


The government instruction to withdraw could prompt sanctions from FIFA, who have taken a strong stand against political interference in the sport.
A FIFA spokesman said: "We have had no official information from the Nigerian FA about this case specifically but in general FIFA's policy towards political interference is well known. Our statutes do not allow for any political interference."


Nigerian sporting administrators have often been accused of corruption and incompetence and the federation was roundly criticised after sacking coach Shaibu Amodu in February, just four months before the World Cup finals.


Amodu was dismissed because Nigeria only managed to finish third at the Nations Cup finals in Angola in January.


Nigeria were banned by the Confederation of African Football in 1996 when then President Sani Abacha withdrew the team from the African Nations Cup finals in South Africa because he had been criticised by Nelson Mandela over the judicial execution of political opponents.


They could not compete in African competition for two years but were able to qualify for the 1998 World Cup in France.


The CAF refused to comment on the Nigerian president's decision when contacted on Wednesday.

Ice-T and Coco: Miami Beach Bums

Enjoying some quality time together, Ice-T and his wife Nicole “Coco” Austin were spotted hanging out on the beach in Miami on Sunday (June 27).

The “Law & Order SVU” actor and his curvy lady attracted plenty of paparazzi attention as they swam in the ocean and sunned themselves in the sand.

In related news, Ice-T has been named one of the voice actors in Epic Games’ third installment of the Gears of War trilogy.

Industry insider Cliff Bleszinki tweeted, “Ice won’t stop telling everyone about his role in Griffin in Gears 3.” Sounds like a pretty big deal!


Enjoy the pictures of Ice-T and Coco on the beach in Miami (June 27).

Article Pictures (Click To Enlarge):

Fat Joe: Accused of Sexual Assault

Looking to have landed himself in a troubling situation, Fat Joe was brought in for police questioning related to an alleged sexual assault in Wisconsin over the past weekend.


The hip-hop star and his crew are accused of groping a female fan following a concert in Madison on Sunday, though he was not charged and released after speaking with authorities.

According to NYDN reports, the 33-year-old accuser tells that she was invited into a Cadillac limo by Fat Joe and "at least one other man" - with plans to head back to their hotel.

The alleged victim ended up calling police at 12:45AM, telling that she was "inappropriately touched" during the course of the limo ride.

Denying any such actions, Fat Joe's lawyer, Dawn Florio, tells, "Rapper Joseph Cartagena, known as Fat Joe, members of his entourage and security staff were briefly questioned by members of the Madison, Wisconsin, Police Department who were investigating false allegations made by a woman who initially posed as a fan and later claimed to be the victim of an assault after demanding money. At no point did Mr. Cartagena or any member of his entourage assault or have any improper contact with the woman. It is truly unfortunate that false allegations such as these cause the public to doubt the claims of actual victims of sexual assaults."

Police tell that they are still looking into the matter at the current time.

Beyonce and Jay-Z Celebrate Avenue Anniversary

They’re always up for a good time, and last night (June 23) Beyonce Knowles and her husband Jay-Z were spotted partying into the wee hours.

The “Crazy in Love” babe and her “99 Problems” hubby hit up club Avenue for the 1-year anniversary shindig, driving off in a custom Jeep Wrangler 4X4 after making their exit.

In related news, it seems Jay-Z hasn’t been very prompt with his payments to the luxury private jet company Air Platinum.

According to a report, he owes the company $130,000 from his unpaid account in 2009 and is yet to pay up.


Enjoy the pictures of Beyonce leaving Avenue with Jay-Z (June 23).

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Katherine Jackson: Michael Feared For His Life

Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death, and his mother Katherine says he was fearful for his life in the months before his demise.



The late King of Pop’s mom explained, “He told me several times that he felt that people wanted him gone, wanted him dead.”

She continued, "He would always say that. For him to say that, he must have known something. Some of the mean, vicious people didn't want him around for some reason. They're greedy."

Katherine added that she saw Michael about a week before he passed away. "We had a really good time together. I wanted to remember him smiling and laughing and having a good time the last time I saw him.”


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Celebrity couples age gaps

Musician Paul Weller, who dare we say, is a little on the sexy-side, has just got engaged to a girl who is 27 years his junior. To see if we’re missing a trick on dating someone from a different decade (or generation in Paul’s case), we take a look at the showbiz pairings who haven’t let the years between them get in the way of romance…


Seal and Heidi Klum
Age Difference: 11 years
This pair are probably the most loved-up in Hollywood, they are always snapped locking lips and holding hands. With a wife as gorgeous and career-focused as Heidi, 36, you can see Seal’s logic of bagging a younger model


Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes
Age difference: 16 years
Let’s hope it’s been a case of third time lucky for twice-divorced Tom, 47. Katie admitted she used to have posters of him on her wall when she was growing up – creepy or cute, you decide



Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon
Age difference: 11 years
She’s not one to shy away from attention grabbing outfits and accessories and when Mariah, 40, wed Nick, things were no different. She had $2.5 million ring to seal the deal, but judging by her smiles it looks like having a younger man on her arm is her best accessory to date

Courtney Cox and David Arquette
Age difference: 7 years
For her cradle-snatching role in Cougar Town Courtney, 45, didn’t have to research the secrets to keeping a younger man - she’s had plenty of practice with her Scream co-star, David and 11 years into her marriage it looks like she’s nailed it

Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore
Age difference: 15 years
Attention girls – you can be fabulous at nearly fifty. Demi Moore shows us exactly how with a to-die for figure, a great relationship with her ex and by dating a man who is possibly the most beautiful in Hollywood and just 32

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
Age difference: 12 years
It’s time we all accepted that Jennifer and Brad broke up, because it’s been five years since the split and, despite the rumours, Brad, 46 and his younger partner Ange are still very much together and they’ve good reason to stick at it – their six children for starters!

Sam Taylor-Wood and Aaron Johnson
Age difference: 24 years
Go Sam! Not only has she broken into the male-dominated world of film directing, she’s also bagged herself a beautiful boy in the process, in the form of 19-year-old actor Aaron.The couple are now engaged and expecting their first child.

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones
Age difference: 25 years
Catherine, 40, has it all; staggering career, amazing looks and a successful hubby, Michael, who used the pick-up line “I want to father your children,” when he first clapped eyes on the Welsh beauty. Even though he’s old enough to be her father, Catherine let his wish come true

Air Nigeria to re-launch Benin City, Owerri routes

Air Nigeria to re-launch Benin City, Owerri routes

· By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor
· Published 19/06/2010 Unrated

Coming on the heels of the recent acquisition and injection of fresh funds into the newly re-branded Air Nigeria Development Limited, the former Virgin Nigeria is set to re-commence flight operations to the ancient city of Benin and Owerri in July.

This is in line with the new vision of the airline to connect every major city on its route network.
Announcing the scheduled recommencement of flight operations to towns, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kinfe Kahassaye, noted that the objective of the new board of the airline is to fully integrate most major cities in Nigeria into its route network, especially now that the airline has the capacity to boost seamless travel of passengers across major cities in the country.

While noting that Air Nigeria is set to double its fleet size by acquiring five additional aircraft, Mr. Kahssaye said that the entire operation of the airline is currently undergoing a thorough re-engineering and review process, which will ultimately guide the airline in introducing the next generation fleet of aircraft.

The Chairman of Air Nigeria Development Limited, Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim, while unveiling the new brand name of the airline at a recent briefing, had noted that the company would be turned around in the shortest possible time, even as its identity reflects the rich cultural heritage and integrity of Nigeria .


View source:
http://thenationonlineng.net/web2/articles/50300/1/Air-Nigeria-to-re-launch-Benin-City-Owerri-routes-/Page1.html

Irate Passenger Causes Panic On Air Nigeria Flight To Sokoto

Irate Passenger Causes Panic On Air Nigeria Flight To Sokoto
•Forces Aircraft To Return To Abuja
By Abel Orukpe, Correspondent, Lagos

An irate passenger on Air Nigeria flight VK041 bound for Sokoto on Monday caused panic among the passengers who were on board, a situation which forced the aircraft to return to Abuja. where the flight originated from.
The male passenger, our correspondent learnt, was screaming that he should be allowed to alight from the aircraft immediately.
Our correspondent gathered that the aircraft was taxiing to take off when the enraged passenger became restive and began to scream that he wanted to alight from the aircraft and that efforts by air hostesses on board the aircraft to calm him down proved abortive.
The pilot was said to have taken the aircraft to Abuja, where the passenger was handed over to the security agents at the Abuja airport.
Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren, who was playing host to the World Bank Supervision Mission to Nigeria at the Aviation House, confirmed the incident, adding that the airline followed the rule as spelt out in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
Said he: “I am happy that the airline has got standard operating procedure; SOP must be followed and I am happy the airline did the right thing. They tried to calm the passenger down but he became restive and what did they do? They felt that they could not continue with the passenger on the trip. After everything was sorted out, the aircraft returned to base. It was Virgin Nigeria.”
He added that since safety was paramount in air transport, the NCAA and other security agencies had to track the passenger’s baggage to ensure that nothing was dropped in the aircraft.
“I was very happy the way it was handled. The aircraft was almost taxiing off and immediately it returned to base and security operatives moved to place and took the passenger.”


View Source:
http://www.independentngonline.com/DailyIndependent/Article.aspx?id=15359

Air Nigeria unveils first re-branded aircraft

Air Nigeria unveils first re-branded aircraft
By Okechukwu Nnodim
June 17, 2010 02:25AM
Nigeria’s flag carrier, Air Nigeria, on Wednesday in Lagos formally made public its first re-branded aircraft.
Unveiling the airplane on the tarmac of the new domestic terminal, Murtala Mohammed International 2 (MMA2), the management of the carrier told aviation correspondents that the new name will be on all its fleet in due course.
“We told you a week ago that the aircraft will arrive and to the glory of God, we have it here, this is the first aircraft that will be named Air Nigeria and this is to demonstrate how far we are progressing in the turn-around,” said Jimoh Ibrahim, group managing director for the airline.
Congratulating Nigerians on the feat, Mr. Ibrahim promised that the rebranded Nigerian Eagle Airline, formerly known as Virgin Nigeria, that is now Air Nigeria has come to stay, adding that more aeroplanes are going to be added to the airline’s fleet.
“I can assure that on this project, I am committed and I want to congratulate Nigerians for having an airline of their own that they can be proud of. Whether you like it or not, it has come to stay, I have no apology for anyone that doesn’t like it,” he said.
“More aircraft will start coming in from now, we expect the arrival of two aircraft in the livery of Air Nigeria in the next 15 days, thereafter another four will arrive and then we will have a dozen aircraft by the 1st of October; and by then we would have finished with the first phase of the turnaround, we will then move to Human resources.”
Early this month, Air Nigeria at a briefing held at its headquarters in Lagos, disclosed that the new name of its carrier became necessary in order to make the airline fully indigenous, adding that the change was effected sequel to the resolution of the board on May 14, and that the name has been approved by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and has been registered with a certificate number RC501975.
Indebtedness to banks
On the airline’s debt with Guarantee Trust Bank, the NICON group boss disclosed that Air Nigeria has cleared all that it owed the financial institution, and that the case in court has been closed.
“On GTB, I am sure that you know that the issue has been rested, but don’t ask how it was rested, that is the job of the turnaround. That has come to an end, all those unwanted criticism that GTB is a problem will not happen.
“The GTB case is dead and it has been discontinued, for what we did was to pay after having a meeting; we did not restructure the debt, we fully discharged the debt and we are not indebted to Guarantee Trust to one Kobo again,” said Mr. Ibrahim.
The airline’s boss promised that its indebtedness to another bank in the country will be cleared shortly, adding that loans are necessary for a company’s survival.
“We are dealing with two banks, we’ve paid one, the other one will get its pay in the next two weeks, for we are to pay them hundred per cent and they will give us a letter of non-indebtedness and their debt will become zero,” he said “It is not as if you should not take loans, you can take it and then pay back, we will still take more loans but we want to know the capacity of paying back what we have taken.”

what I think:

I can call it the renaissance of a country’s airline… or a way out for the Nigerian community both home / in the Diaspora.
Nigeria airways, the former Nigerian airline saw it’s death during the reign and leadership of the former and 3 times elected president Olusegun Obasanjo, followed up by many other manufacturing companies in Nigeria, importation of goods to the country suffered its own dilemma, now with the renaissance of the Air Nigeria, I think Nigerians out there have a road back home and Nigeria as a country if not Giant Of Africa is relegated enough to be without an airline.