HAYSUPDATE

Sunday, 26 January 2020

The fall of Pedro: How Chelsea's most decorated player went from Barca favourite to struggling against Hull

No other Blues player has reached the dizzying heights of the winger but his current bit-part role has seen him become a shadow of his former self
The year is 2010. Pep Guardiola is sitting in the Santiago Bernabeu, fed up of people ignoring the talent of a vital cog in his Barca machine.
“Pedro has become vital for us, absolutely fundamental. He is a role model, a great. He always exceeds expectations.”
At Barcelona, Pedro was regarded as a 'killer' in the box. An unsung hero.
He won 20 trophies there, 14 of those under Pep – indeed, a Champions League opener against Manchester United in 2011 permanently etched him into the history of the club.
Against Hull City on Saturday, though, we saw a snapshot of where the man Guardiola once regarded as deadly as Lionel Messi in the penalty area is in his storied career.
In early 2020, Chelsea's most decorated but increasingly bit-part Spaniard travelled to the mid-table Championship side in the FA Cup and struggled. In the first half, his movement was laboured despite the Blues' domination. A sign of a lack of first-team minutes no doubt.
In the second half, he put the Frank Lampard's side under pressure by losing the ball close to his own goal, leading to a chance for Hull. The visitors grew in confidence though, and Chelsea were hanging on in a game that they almost certainly should have won more comfortably.
Hull were the better side in the second half, but the two best chances in the latter stages fortuitously fell to Pedro. Alas, he squandered them. Sad to say, it wasn't a great watch for a player who was lining up alongside Messi and Andres Iniesta six years ago.
Pedro, a man Chelsea fended off Man Utd to sign in 2015, is watching his time at Stamford Bridge come to an end.
Spain's world and European champion began as a starter under Lampard after he produced a fine pre-season in Willian's absence, the Brazilian having been on a victorious Copa America trip with Brazil last summer.
And under Antonio Conte in London, Pedro shone, the Italian's methods perfectly suited to his talents. Then there was Maurizio Sarri, who also found the Canary Islander to be a sound operator in his strictly-planned set-up.
Coming back to this campaign, a few early-season setbacks and a couple of small injuries saw him lose his place to Chelsea's youth, with Willian also settling back in. Add to that Callum Hudson-Odoi and Mason Mount renewing their contracts and Lampard's deck starts to look stacked against the 32-year-old.
But while Christian Pulisic poses yet another issue and Pedro appears open to leaving, Lampard denies the winger could be sold despite interest from Major League Soccer.
“He is part of my plans,” the manager said recently. “I started the season and he was in my team, and then, unfortunately, he got injured at Norwich before the game and I had to make a change. Then he was out for a while, and I do have competition in that area.”
“He has had bits here and there, I know he wants more games, I get that. But he certainly has something that he can contribute here with his experience and his ability to break lines and run behind people and maybe get those goals in and around the box.
“He's here, I know his contract is up at the end of the season but I am not even looking that far ahead. He's here, he's part of the squad and I need everybody because football can change very quickly.
“There can be a period of games where you're on the bench, out of the squad, something changes and that's the moment that you have to come in and produce.
“I have got no winners in this game, I want the club to be the winner. [If] people come in and do well, they stay in the team.”
Pedro, presumably, will envy the situation of fellow forward Olivier Giroud, who has seen his talks with Inter progress well following the Serie A club tying up deals for Ashley Young and Victor Moses.
With eight starts and 12 appearances overall, the Stamford Bridge shadows is likely to be where the former Barca star remains in the short term.
Past the summer, however, one can hope that a transfer to a side that can afford him a spot in the starting XI will reignite the Red Fury.

Bauchi Supplementary elections: PDP clinches Zaki Federal Constituency seat

Hon. Auwal Jatau, candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), has emerged winner of Saturday’s supplementary elections for Zaki Federal Constituency in Bauchi state.
Announcing the result in Zaki town on Saturday, the Returning Officer, Prof. Ahmed Kutama of Federal University, Dutse, said Jatau polled 15,405 votes to defeat his closest rival, Umar Tata of the All Progressive Congress (APC), who secured 15,307 votes.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Jatau contested with 19 candidates of other political parties. The result of the Gamawa Federal Constituency re-run election is still being awaited.

Saturday, 25 January 2020

Many cadets withdrawn from NDA over acts of indiscipline

By Kingsley Omonobi – Abuja
Authorities of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) on Friday disclosed, that some scores of Cadets have been withdrawn from the Academy and others demoted, having been found wanting in discipline and general conduct. The Academy Public Relations Officer, Major Abubakar Abdullahi confirmed the withdrawals to Vanguard but was silent on the number of Cadets involved.
Major Abdullahi said that the relegation and withdrawal of the Cadets followed the conduct of the Academy’s periodic dossier on all cadets aimed to preserve discipline and improve general administration. He said the mission of the NDA was to provide each officer Cadet with the requisite knowledge, skills, and values necessary to meet the requirements of a military officer through military training, academic excellence and character development.
Noting that the exercise is in line with the provisions of Cadets Hand Book on Discipline and General Administration 2018 (Revised) and Armed Forces Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, he said the exercise was in line with the NDA’s commitment to produce quality and disciplined officers for the Nigerian Armed Forces. The statement reads, “The mission of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s (NDA) is to provide each officer cadet with the requisite knowledge, skills and values necessary to meet the requirements of a military officer through military training, academic excellence and character development. “Towards achieving this mandate, the NDA conducts periodic Dossier Review to address Cadets disciplinary cases. “The Exercise is in line with provisions of Cadets Hand Book on Discipline and General Administration 2018 (Revised) and Armed Forces Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. “The recently concluded Dossier Review resulted in the relegation and withdrawal of some Cadets found wanting in discipline and general misconduct. “This is in line with the NDA continued demonstration of its commitment to produce quality officers for the Nigerian Armed Forces and to ensure discipline is preserved.”
Source: THE VANGUARD

Friday, 24 January 2020

CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele says Banking sector gross credit grows by N2trn in 7 months

Emefiele emerges AljazirahNigeria Man of the Year

Mr Godwin Emefiele

The CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held in Abuja on Friday.
Emefiele said that the gross credit in the industry grew by two trillion nairas between May and December 2019. He noted that the credit was channelled primarily to the employment-stimulating sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing, in addition to increased lending to the retail and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) segments. The CBN governor said this is expected to boost domestic output growth in the short to medium term. He stated that the Committee further encouraged the Management of the bank to be more vigorous in its drive to improve access to credit through its pursuit of the Loan-to-deposit ratio policy as doing this would help, not only in creating job opportunities. He added that it would also help in boosting output growth and moderating prices. “To retain the gains from credit expansion and current industry focus on lending, the Committee advised the bank to sustain its Lending to Deposit Ratio (LDR) Policy and in addition continue to deploy its Differentiated Cash Reserve Requirements (DCRR) policy which directs new funding for greenfield projects and expansion to critical sectors of the economy,” he said. Meanwhile, the governor said MPC noted the improvement in the financial soundness indicators, growth in assets of the banking system and the gradual switch in the composition of Deposit Money Banks (DMB) assets from investments in government securities to growth in the credit portfolio. “It, however, noted that lending rates at the retail segment of the market had remained fairly sticky downwards as deposit rates had declined substantially. It also noted that in some cases, DMBs were not encouraging term deposits in their portfolios and therefore, emphasised the Bank’s commitment towards the implementation of the LDR policy. “On fiscal operations, the Committee applauded the Government for the recent signing of the 2020 Finance Bill which opens a new vista of opportunities in public financial management. “The MPC, however, cautioned that public debt was rising faster than both domestic and external revenue, noting the need to tread cautiously in interpreting the debt to GDP ratio. “The Committee also noted the rising burden of debt services and urged the Fiscal Authorities to strongly consider building buffers by not sharing all the proceeds from the Federation Account at the monthly Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) meetings to avert a macroeconomic downturn, in the event of an oil price shock” he explained.
Source: THE VANGUARD

Thursday, 23 January 2020

Arsenal offer Martinelli new deal as Real Madrid circle

Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and around the world

Inter and Napoli prepare Allan-Vecino exchange

Inter and Napoli are in discussions for an exchange that would see Allan head to the former and Matias Vecino head to the latter, reports Gianluca Di Marzio.

The two clubs have already been in talks over Matteo Politano and Fernando Llorente as the two sides have a good working relationship.

However, complicating matters is interest from Everton, as former Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti is looking to bring Allan to Goodison Park.

Martinelli set to triple his wages as Real Madrid circle

The Gunners are keen to lock down their young star

Arsenal are set to offer Gabriel Martinelli an improved deal following Real Madrid interest in the Brazilian teenager.

According to the Daily Mail, Martinelli will be rewarded with a pay rise from £10,000 a week to around £30,000 despite his current deal running through 2024.

Martinelli has scored 10 goals in 21 games for the Gunners this season.

According to Sky Sports, Leeds have been pushing to seal a loan-to-buy deal for the forward.

Leeds are in need of a striker to replace Eddie Nketiah, who returned Arsenal from his loan spell at Elland Road.

'Ronaldo is in extraordinary condition' - Sarri hails Juve hitman after latest goal haul

The former Real Madrid man has scored seven goals in four games so far in 2020, helping Juve pull ahead at the Serie A summit

Maurizio Sarri is delighted with "extraordinary" Cristiano Ronaldo and with Juventus' form, but acknowledges the team must be better than in seasons past if they are to again retain their Serie A title.

The Bianconeri defeated Roma 3-1 in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals on Wednesday, scoring through Ronaldo, Rodrigo Bentancur and Leonardo Bonucci before half-time.

It was a fifth win in a row in all competitions for Juve, in which time they have built a four-point lead over Inter at the top of the league table.

Sarri saw evidence of this winning mentality against Roma but acknowledged improvement was required in a three-way title tussle with the Nerazzurri and Lazio.

"Winning is becoming normal," Sarri explained at a post-match news conference. "I'm happy for the team.

"But we don't have to look at the numbers because it will be more difficult this year. We will certainly have to do better than previous years if we want to be competitive in the league."

Ronaldo took his 2020 tally to seven goals in four games, and Sarri lauded his "extraordinary" talisman while again repeating a desire to help the Portuguese secure individual honours.

"Ronaldo is in extraordinary physical and mental condition," the head coach said. "He is continuing at an impressive pace and has extraordinary skills.

"He is very well physically. In terms of explosiveness, he is good. He takes great care of the details.

"Ronaldo is a champion, we want to help him win the sixth Ballon d'Or, it would make us all happy."

Juve's next league task takes them to Sarri's former club Napoli, who are struggling in the bottom half of the table.

"It will be a difficult game. We must not look at their position in the table," Sarri added. "They have a strong team. They are going through a difficult time but have good players.

"From one point of view, there are three points at stake. From my point of view, from a personal point of view, it will be particularly special because I am very close to Napoli."

What you should know about the coronavirus

The viruses can make people sick, usually with a mild to moderate upper respiratory tract illness, similar to a common cold.
Coronavirus symptoms include a runny nose, cough, sore throat, possibly a headache and maybe a fever, which can last for a couple of days.
For those with a weakened immune system, the elderly and the very young, there’s a chance the virus could cause a lower, and much more serious, respiratory tracts illness like pneumonia or bronchitis. Viruses can spread from human contact with animals. Scientists think MERS started in camels, according to the WHO. With SARS, scientists suspected civet cats were to blame. When it comes to human-to-human transmission of the viruses, often it happens when someone comes into contact with the infected person’s secretions. Depending on how virulent the virus is, a cough, sneeze or handshake could cause exposure. The virus can also be transmitted by touching something an infected person has touched and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes. Caregivers can sometimes be exposed by handling a patient’s waste, according to the CDC. There is no specific treatment. Most of the time, symptoms will go away on their own. Doctors can relieve symptoms by prescribing pain or fever medication. The CDC says a room humidifier or a hot shower can help with a sore throat or cough. Drink plenty of fluids, get rest and sleep as much as possible; if symptoms feel worse than a standard cold, see your doctor. There is no vaccine to protect against this family of viruses, at least not yet. Trials for a MERS vaccine are underway. You may be able to reduce your risk of infection by avoiding people who are sick. Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Wash your hands often with soap and water and for at least 20 seconds. If you are sick, stay home and avoid crowds and contact with others. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and disinfect the objects and surfaces you touch.
Source: THE VANGUARD

Coronavirus: NCDC advises on how to keep safe

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is currently coordinating a multisectoral technical group that is assessing and managing the risk of importation of Coronavirus into the country.
The information is in a public health advisory by NCDC on Wednesday. Coronavirus are viruses typically found in animals, ranging from livestock to household pets and wildlife such as bats. When they make the jump to humans, they can cause fever, respiratory illness and inflammation in the lungs. In immunocompromised individuals such as the elderly or those with HIV-AIDS, the virus can cause severe respiratory illness. The new virus detected in the central Chinese city of Wuhan has claimed lives and infected dozens of Chinese citizens, with a pneumonia-like illness and has no known cure yet. It was reported to World Health Organisation (WHO) on Dec. 31, 2019 and has been under investigation since. WHO indicates that there are still many unknown issues about the virus, but Chinese scientists linked the disease to a family of viruses known as Coronaviridae which looks like spiked rings under an electron microscope.
They are so named because of the spikes, which form a halo around their viral envelope, and are as deadly as SARS and MERS viruses. Scientists are yet to fully understand how destructive the new virus can be, dubbed 2019-nCoV, but researchers and investigators are just beginning to understand where it originated, how it is transmitted, how far it has spread and symptoms patients present with. As of Jan. 20, case numbers have skyrocketed to over 200 in China and abroad, as Chinese authorities confirmed that health workers have been infected, suggesting that it has achieved human-to-human transmission. Meanwhile, NCDC, which is a government agency with the mandate to lead the prevention, detection and control of communicable diseases, states that it is in close communication with WHO, which is closely monitoring the situation globally. The NCDC public health advisory noted that “WHO is in direct communication with the government of China and other affected countries, and has released technical and travel guide to check the spread of the disease.’’ The centre, which also has the mandate to investigate and control communicable diseases of national and international public health importance, stated that Port Health Services unit of Federal Ministry of Health had been placed on alert and had heightened screening measures at points of entry. It noted that in China, exit screening measures had been enhanced for travellers from Wuhan city at the Points of Entry (PoE) (airports and ground transport stations) since Jan. 14. The screening includes temperature checks, provision of information and masks to passengers with fever, as well as directing symptomatic passengers to health facilities for follow up. The NCDC, therefore, advised Nigerians to remain calm, and urged travellers from Nigeria to Wuhan, China, to avoid contact with sick people, animals (alive or dead), and animal markets. It noted that travellers from Wuhan to Nigeria would also be asked questions upon arrival by the Port Health Services unit at points of entry about symptoms of illness and travel history, and be advised to report immediately to NCDC if they feel ill after a trip to Wuhan. The centre reiterated commitment to strengthen preparedness and response to infectious disease outbreaks in collaboration with Ministry of Health and its partners. It then shared information on how to keep safe to reduce the risk of spread of coronavirus, emphasising regular washing of hands with soap under running water. It advised proper covering of mouth and nose with handkerchief or tissue paper when sneezing and/or coughing and avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing. The centre cautioned against self-medication and urged anyone with symptoms to report to the nearest health facility. It also advised healthcare workers to always observe standard infection prevention and control measures when attending to patients and to take travel history. It noted that the centre would keep the public updated as more information became available.
Source: THE VANGUARD

Again, Magu vows to bring Alison-Madueke back to Nigeria to face justice

Magu vows to bring former minister Alison-Madueke back to Nigeria to face justice

For the second time in 24 hours, the acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, has reiterated the commitment of the anti-graft agency to ensuring that the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, is repatriated to Nigeria to face criminal charges against her.
Magu gave the hint in Ibadan on Wednesday, January 22, 2020, while fielding questions from journalists during his working visit to the Commission’s Ibadan zonal office. He earlier told journalists of plans by the Commission to ensure the repatriation of exiled suspects when he was at the Ilorin Zonal Office on a working visit yesterday. He said the Commission had traced a number of criminal activities ranging from abuse of office, bribery, fraud, misuse of public funds and money-laundering to the former minister, who is currently at large to avoid questions on alleged criminal activities dotting her years as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The anti-graft czar, who wondered why her current country of abode has not surrendered her to Nigeria to face justice, said the EFCC would do everything within its power to get her prosecuted this year. “We will bring her back to the country this year. We must get her. They (the foreign countries) have no reason to keep her there. This is the fifth year. Why should they be investigating such a straight-forward case for five years? It is a financial crime investigation. It is not a murder case that should linger. The case is straightforward. If they don’t have sufficient evidence to establish any offence, they should bring her back. We have more than enough evidence to take her to court,” he lamented.
Though Alison-Madueke was yet to be arraigned in Nigeria, the Commission has secured final forfeiture orders against some properties traced to her, including hundreds of assorted jewellery worth over $40 million. The EFCC boss also told journalists that officers of the Commission will take an active part in the forthcoming supplementary elections across the country, adding that the focus will be on preventing vote-buying and vote-selling at the polling units. He had, on arrival, led the media men to inspect the facilities within the premises. He insisted that the Commission’s facilities, including the Cells, meet the international standard. While describing the citing of the Ibadan zonal office as unique, Magu said the fact that the office is housed in an old abode of the former Premier of the Western Region, Chief Ladoke Akintola, and also shares fence with a property of his predecessor, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, is a blessing for the Commission. “This is very symbolic. With this divine coincidence, we believe we are on the right track in the fight against corruption. These are people who fought for the unity of this country. They gave away everything for us to be able to live united today as a country. I am indeed happy about it,” he said. Magu also informed that the EFCC will be holding a 10-million-man march against corruption across all states of the federation on February 14, 2020. According to him, the march is organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and other stakeholders. He promised a stiffer battle against corruption in 2020, adding that the Commission will make efforts to ensure that all looters surrender their loots.
Source: THE VANGUARD