NEW SUPER EAGLES COACH WAS SACKED BY STUGURT IN 2023, HAS NO NATIONAL COACHING TEAM EXPERIENCE
NEW SUPER EAGLES COACH WAS SACKED BY STUGURT IN 2023, HAS NO NATIONAL TEAM COACHING EXPERIENCE There are growing concerns in the Nigerian football community over the appointment of Bruno Labbadia as the new Super Eagles coach, given his controversial past and lack of national team coaching experience. SaharaReporters had reported the appointment of the German tactician on Tuesday morning ahead of the Super Eagles’ two 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic on Saturday, September 7th in Uyo and Rwanda on Tuesday, September 10th in Kigali. He becomes the 37th Head Coach of the Super Eagles after Finidi George resigned from his position just four games into his tenure. Findings by SaharaReporters about the managerial stats and experience of the newly appointed coach showed that his appointment fell short of what the Nigerian Football Federation promised the over 200 million citizens after they allowed Jose Peseiro to leave in March. The coach is renowned as a “Sack Specialist” because his records showed that he has been dismissed from several managerial positions throughout his career. The most recent was in 2023 when he was sacked after he almost relegated VfB Stuttgart. The same squad went on to qualify for the Champion League barely one year after the new Super Eagles coach was replaced by Sebastian Hoeneß SaharaReporters has analysed Bruno Labbadia’s coaching career, revealing a mixed record: Total games managed: 487, Wins: 214 (43% win rate), Draws: 103 (21% draw rate) and Losses: 170 (34% lose rate). This means that for every 10 games he played: he won 4.3 games, lost 3.4 games and drew 2.1 games. Labbadia’s coaching record raises questions about his ability to lead the Super Eagles to victory because his record shows he has won fewer matches (in percentage) than José Peseiro who NFF refused to allow to stay despite leading the country to silver in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. Jose Peseiro coached 651 with 317 wins, 153 draws, and 181 losses. His stats show a 48.69 win rate: 5% better than that Bruno Labbadia NFF used to replace him. Despite managing 487 games at the club level, Labbadia has never coached a national team, leaving many to wonder if he has the expertise to lead Nigeria to success on the international stage. National team coaching requires a unique set of skills, including Managing a diverse group of players from different clubs and countries, adapting to different playing styles and opponents and handling high-pressure international matches Labbadia’s inexperience in these areas has raised concerns among Nigerian football fans and pundits, who fear he may struggle to make the transition from club to national team coaching.
NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS, TONTO DIKEH, QUESTIONED BY POLICE OVER FORGERY, CYBER CRIME
NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS, TONTO DIKEH, QUESTIONED BY POLICE OVER FORGERY, CYBER CRIME The Nigeria Police Force has interrogated Actress Tonto Dikeh over an investigation involving criminal conversion, forgery, criminal defamation, cyberbullying and falsehood against her Ex-husband, Olakunle Churchill. According to sources, Tonto was at the police Force headquarters in Abuja to defend allegations and clarify the accusations she made against her ex-husband. During the interrogation, she admitted that the claims against her Ex-husband were false, and dismissed the accusations involving cyberbullying, criminal conversion and other claims. Recall that Tonto had claimed ownership of a N22m Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, with forged documents which she posted showing that the vehicle belonged to her and not her Ex-husband. It was later confirmed that the original documents and receipts of the vehicle were in her Ex-husband’s identity and not hers. In the case of cyberbullying, she admitted that her Ex-husband was not a cyber criminal and that her accusations that he is a “Yahoo boy” were false and unfounded. However, the Nigeria Police granted her bail after several questioning and investigations. This is happening at a time when skyewise autos is alleging Tonto Dikeh for failure to pay for a vehicle which she bought on credit and have refused to make payment based on the agreed instalments.
HOW I SHOULD BE BURIED – ONYEKA ONWENU
HOW I SHOULD BE BURIED – ONYEKA ONWENU Three years ago, veteran Nigerian singer and actress Onyeka Onwenu shared her reflections on how she wished to be remembered and buried. In an opinion piece for Premium Times in 2021, Onwenu expressed a desire for a simple, private farewell without extravagant ceremonies. “Do it quickly, quietly, and privately,” Onwenu wrote, emphasizing that her burial should be free from unnecessary fanfare. She requested that her loved ones “mourn, yes, but not excessively,” and instead celebrate her life with prayers and light-hearted moments. “Celebrate me with prayers, lunch or dinner afterward. Share some jokes about me and laugh. Make merriment and then go about your business,” she advised, noting that she would prefer to enjoy celebrations while alive rather than having them occur after her passing. Onwenu also criticized the lavish displays of wealth often associated with Nigerian funerals, contrasting her wishes with the extravagant funeral of Obi Cubana’s mother. “I am very uncomfortable with the lavish display of wealth on any occasion, especially in a time of hardship for many others,” she remarked, advocating for more modest and meaningful tributes. Onwenu, a multifaceted figure in music, film, and activism, has made significant contributions through her roles as chair of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture, a judge on the X Factor series, and as an author of the autobiography *My Father’s Daughter*. She passed away on Tuesday night at Reddington Hospital in Lagos, after collapsing at Mrs. Stella Okoli’s birthday party.
ONYEKA ONWENU, ICONIC SINGER, SLUMPS, DIES AFTER PERFORMANCE AT BIRTHDAY PARTY
ONYEKA ONWENU, ICONIC SINGER, SLUMPS, DIES AFTER PERFORMANCE AT BIRTHDAY PARTY Tragedy struck on Tuesday night as Nigeria’s iconic singer and songwriter, Onyeka Onwenu, slumped and died shortly after performing at a birthday party in Lagos. In a shocking turn of events, the music maestro affectionately known as the ‘Elegant Stallion,’ according to sources, died at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after collapsing at a private function. According to sources close to the family, Onwenu was attending a friend’s birthday party when she took to the stage to perform. Immediately after her performance, she returned to her seat and suddenly slumped. Emergency services were quickly called, and she was rushed to the hospital, in Victoria Island, where she was later pronounced dead. The cause of death is yet to be confirmed. The source who spoke on the condition of anonymity said: “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli of Emzor Pharmaceuticals this night and after performing, she slumped. She was taken to Reddington Hospital but couldn’t make it.” Onwenu, born on May 31, 1952, was a multifaceted artist whose career spanned over four decades. She was not only a renowned singer and songwriter but also an actress, journalist, and politician. Onwenu’s music, which blended genres including highlife, reggae, and pop, often addressed social and political issues. Some of her most popular songs include “One Love,” “Iyogogo,” and “Ekwe.” Beyond her musical career, Onwenu was known for her political activism and involvement. She served as the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture. She was appointed Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development. In March this year, Onwenu had revealed that she was putting together a film that will focus on her experiences spanning several decades in the music industry. She had expressed her excitement to share her personal story of how Nigerian music has changed over time. She had also talked about plans to collaborate with up-and-coming musicians to release her iconic songs in a compilation of rebranded songs expected to be released later this year.It is not known yet if the feature documentary or remix of her iconic songs had been concluded before her death.
ENYI GA ACHI: STORY BEHIND MIKE EJEAGHA’S SONG POPULARIZED BY BRAINJOTTER
ENYI GA ACHI: STORY BEHIND MIKE EJEAGHA’S SONG POPURALISED BY BRAINJOTTER Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, there was a wise and powerful king who loved his children dearly. One day, the king gathered all his children for a grand meeting to learn their deepest desires. The king’s daughter, known for her beauty and grace, made a bold request: any man who wished to marry her must present an elephant as the bride price. She dreamed of riding through the village on the majestic creature, showcasing her royal status. Many suitors tried to meet the princess’s demand, but none succeeded. Among the hopefuls was the clever Tortoise, who, despite his small stature and slow pace, had an extraordinary wit. The Tortoise approached the princess and asked for her hand in marriage but was promptly rejected for failing to meet the elephant requirement. Determined, the Tortoise devised a cunning plan. He visited his friend, the mighty Elephant, and told him that the king was organizing an Ofala festival, a grand celebration of the king’s coronation anniversary. The Tortoise cleverly lied, saying that the king had chosen the Elephant to be the chairman of the occasion. Flattered and excited, the Elephant agreed to attend, and the Tortoise offered to accompany him. Meanwhile, the Tortoise returned to the king and confidently declared that he would soon bring the elephant required to marry the princess. On the day of the festival, the Tortoise intentionally delayed their departure until noon, causing the Elephant to grow impatient. When the Tortoise finally appeared, the Elephant, now angry, demanded to know why he had been kept waiting. The Tortoise, ever so sly, blamed his short legs for the delay and pleaded with the Elephant to allow him to ride on his back to make the journey faster. The Elephant agreed, but when the Tortoise struggled to climb up, he asked to use a rope to help him ascend. The Elephant consented, and soon the Tortoise was perched atop his friend’s back, holding the rope like reins. As they approached the palace, the Tortoise began to sing triumphantly, proclaiming to the king that he had brought the elephant for the princess. The Elephant, hearing this, asked what the Tortoise had said. The Tortoise lied again, insisting that the Elephant had misheard and urged him to keep moving. When they finally reached the palace, the Tortoise handed the rope to the king, declaring that he had fulfilled the princess’s request. It was then that the Elephant realized he had been deceived by his friend, who had used him to win the princess’s hand in marriage.The moral of the story is that one should be cautious of friends who ask for favours without revealing their true intentions, as their motives may be deceitful.
BRAIN JOTTER TO GIFT MIKE EJEAGHA N2M AFTER GOING VIRAL WITH HIS SONG
BRAIN JOTTER TO GIFT MIKE EJEAGHA N2M AFTER GOING VIRAL WITH HIS SONG After going viral by using the old man’s music, Brain Jotter decided to share his success. He reached out to Influencer, Tunde Ednut to connect with Gentle Man Mike Ejeagha and has 2 million Naira for him. Popular skit maker Emmanuel Chukwuebuka Amuzie, also known as Brain Jotter, has been trending on social media with his new dance video which has gotten 30 million views on Tiktok, his highest viewed video ever. Mike Ejeagha’s song released back in 1983 was used in Brain Jotter’s new dance video. Brain Jotter used the catchy part of the original song “gwo gwo gwo gwo” in his new dance video that has become a challenge, with many Nigerians, including celebrities, making their own versions of it. Mike Ejeagha, fondly known as “Gentleman, Mike Ejeagha” is a Nigerian folklorist, songwriter, and musician from Enugu State, Nigeria. Born on April 4, 1930, he has been a prominent figure in the evolution of Igbo music for many decades. Ejeagha started his music career in the mid-20th century, and his first hit song was released in 1960, the year of Nigeria’s independence. He has contributed significantly to the development and popularization of Igbo music, with over 300 recordings to his credit. These recordings, produced during his fieldwork, are archived at the National Archives of Nigeria and showcase his investigation into Igbo folklore and highlife music. Mike Ejeagha’s music is characterized by his storytelling style, accompanied by guitar and lyrics laced with igbo proverbs. His lyrics are in the Igbo language, and his music has a didactic style, making him a unique and influential musician. He writes his own music, and his songs often convey meaningful messages and teachings.Mike Ejeagha will be 94 years old in August 2024.
NOLLYWOOD ACTOR, CHINEDU IKEDIEZE (AKI), WIFE SEPARATE
NOLLYWOOD ACTOR, CHINEDU IKEDIEZE (AKI), WIFE SEPARATE Renowned Nollywood actor Chinedu Ikedieze, popularly known as Aki, has subtly confirmed his separation from his wife, Nneoma Nwaijah, whom he married in 2011. The announcement came on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 through an Instagram post where the 46-year-old actor introduced his new wife, Stephanie Promise, and revealed the couple recently welcomed a child. Aki and Nneoma’s traditional marriage took place on November 26, 2011, in Obolo, Isiala Mbano, Imo State, followed by their white wedding on December 9, 2011, at the Redeemed Christian Church of God – Abundant Grace parish in Ogba, Lagos. The couple welcomed their first child in 2012. The star-studded event was attended by notable Nollywood personalities such as Osita Iheme, Uche Jombo, Rita Dominic, Mercy Johnson, Genevieve Nnaji, Monalisa Chinda, and Susan Peters. The couple met on a movie set in Lagos, where Nneoma worked as a costumier, and Aki was the lead actor. Their union seemed strong, but recent developments have shown otherwise. On Instagram, Aki celebrated Promise’s birthday, revealing their new life together and the addition of their son. “My world, my love. On this particular day, I want to celebrate not only your birthday but the incredible journey we’ve been on together. You have blessed our lives with two beautiful girls who light up our world, and now, we have been gifted with a precious baby boy,” Aki shared. “Watching you embrace motherhood with grace and strength fills me with awe. You are the heart of our family, the rock we all lean on. Your love and dedication to me and our children are unparalleled, and I am endlessly grateful for the life we are building together,” he added. Despite his heartfelt message, Aki did not disclose when his first marriage ended or when his second marriage began. Chinedu Ikedieze, also known as Aki, is a celebrated Nigerian actor, entrepreneur, and investor. Born on December 12, 1977, he has been active in the film industry for over 22 years and has appeared in over 150 films. His breakout role in the 2002 film “Aki na Ukwa” alongside Osita Iheme catapulted him to fame. Due to his physical stature and appearance, he often played child roles early in his career.Ikedieze’s illustrious career has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
WHY NOLLYWOOD STARS ARE DYING – MAMA G
WHY NOLLYWOOD STARS ARE DYING – MAMA G Veteran Nollywood actress, Patience Ozokwor, widely recognized as Mama G, has voiced serious concerns over the increasing number of untimely deaths within the Nigerian film industry. Speaking to Vanguard in Lagos, Ozokwor attributed these frequent tragedies to what she perceives as negligence and carelessness on the part of the actors themselves. The respected actress expressed her distress during the emotional funeral of the beloved comic actor John Okafor, known as Mr Ibu, in Enugu State last month. Mama G said, “When you are doing something you are enjoying, you won’t bother to take care of your health. Once there is life in you, you keep doing what you are doing. And it’s something that pays back on your body. “Some people are so careless that when they are sick, instead of going to the hospital for a proper check-up, they prefer to visit a chemist or a pharmacy to buy a pain reliever. It’s no longer safe with me. I don’t know how many people are thinking like myself. That’s why I blamed it on carelessness. We are trying to put smiles on the faces of people while forgetting to take care of our health.” On why she broke down in tears at Mr Ibu’s burial, Mama G said it dawned on her that the actor was gone forever when she went close to his corpse and called him by the name she used to call him, but he didn’t respond. “At that moment, I broke down in tears. It’s not because I was expecting him to respond, but it was when I realized that this man is gone forever,” she said. She, however, advised her colleagues to learn to go for regular check-ups and curtail some of the things they do that are detrimental to their health. Speaking further, Mama G, who’s currently an Evangelist, recalled how she had an encounter with her maker, who transformed her life and asked her to work for Him. Narrating the encounter, she said, ‘It was in 2016 when God called me to work for Him. Then, I used to be a teacher in the church, but I didn’t climb the pulpit. It’s not something I can explain, God asked me to separate myself so that He wants to talk with me. “I thought somebody was talking to me, but I discovered it was a voice coming from somewhere. It took me time to accept to submit myself for 21 days and it was extended to 30 days. “My son reminded me that the owner of my life is asking me to separate myself for 21 days and I didn’t want to yield to his call and that He may make it 100 days. “At that point, I quietly went in, and by the time I came out from those 30 days, I became a changed person. And how I knew He was the one who called me, he created a platform for me to appear on stage to give a testimony of What He did with me for 30 days. While I was giving the testimony, people started falling under the anointing.“And after the encounter, other pastors and evangelists started inviting me to their programmes. That’s how I became an evangelist.”
ENUGU GOV, PETER MBAH REWARDS RANGERS FOOTBALL CLUB WITH N50M FOR WINNING 2023/2024 LEAGUE TITLE
ENUGU GOV, PETER MBAH, REWARDS RANGERS FOOTBALL CLUB WITH N50M FOR WINNING 2023/2024 LEAGUE TITLE Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has announced a cash reward of N50 million for the players of Rangers International Football Club, following their impressive win of the 2023/2024 Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) title. The Governor made the announcement during a reception held at the Banquet Hall of the Enugu State Governor’s Lodge, where he hosted the players and club officials. In addition to the cash reward, Governor Mbah also promised other non-cash incentives for the team. He praised the team’s dedication and spirit, urging them to sustain their “never die” attitude as they prepare to represent Nigeria at the continental level. Rangers International FC, also known as the Flying Antelopes, secured the 2023/2024 NPFL championship with an impressive 70 points and 56 goals. The team is now set to face Union Sportive Zilimadjou, the champions of the Comoros Islands’ League, in the first preliminary round games scheduled for August. Governor Mbah reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the club, promising to redouble their efforts to ensure the team’s continued success. The governor’s gesture is a testament to the state government’s appreciation for the team’s hard work and achievement, and a motivation for them to excel on the continental stage.With this support, Rangers International FC is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming continental games.
NOLLYWOOD ACTOR BY DAY, KIDNAPPER BY NIGHT: SAD END OF A BILLIONAIRE MOVIE MAKER
NOLLYWOOD ACTOR BY DAY, KIDNAPPER BY NIGHT: SAD END OF A BILLIONAIRE MOVIE MAKER This is based on the true life story of a movie producer wey live double life – actor by day, kidnapper by night. This story go show us the dangers of living a life of deceit and how greed fit lead to a tragic end. Sit down well well, relax, and listen to this gripping true-life story. The Rise of Henry Odenigbo For the ever busy state of Lagos, dey one man wey everybody know as Henry Odenigbo. Henry na well-known film producer and the CEO of Ason-Rich Movie Production. Him dey produce blockbuster Nollywood films and him name dey ring bell for the industry. From Asaba to Lagos, people dey hail him as a billionaire movie maker. Henry rise to fame na like something from fairy tale. He start from humble beginnings, working hard to build his production company. Him dey always for red carpet events, taking pictures with top actors and actresses. But behind this glamorous life, Henry dey hide one dark secret. The Double Life Unknown to many, Henry dey live double life. By day, he be successful movie producer, but by night, he dey lead one notorious kidnap gang. The gang dey target wealthy individuals for Lagos, collecting huge ransoms to fund their lavish lifestyle. Henry use him position for Nollywood to cover his tracks and avoid suspicion. For him house, he get room wey him don turn to armory, filled with guns and other weapons. He get walkie-talkies to communicate with his gang members and POS machines to withdraw ransom money. Henry believe say he fit live this double life without getting caught. But as dem talk, “every day for the thief, one day for the owner.” The Plan to Kidnap a Wealthy Lagosian The Lagos State Police Command don dey gather intelligence on one dangerous and well-known kidnap gang wey dey operate for the city. The police don monitor the gang for weeks, tracking their movements and plans. SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the spokesman for the Lagos State Command, announce say dem get credible information say the gang go strike for Ladipo area of Lagos State. Henry and him gang plan to kidnap one wealthy Lagosian. Dem no know say police don lay ambush for them. Henry confident say their plan go succeed. He tell him gang members, “This one go be our biggest hit. We go collect plenty money.” But as the day of the operation approach, tension begin dey high. The Day of Reckoning On Thursday, July 4, the day of the planned kidnapping, Henry and his gang arrive Ladipo Market for Oshodi Lagos. Dem no know say police tactical team don dey wait for them. As dem enter the market, the police surround them. The kidnappers no wan give up easily, dem engage the police in fierce gunfight. The gunshots dey loud, people for the market dey run helter-skelter. Henry dey shout orders to his gang members, but the police firepower too much. Nine of the kidnappers, including Henry, fall to the superior firepower of the police. Two members of the gang manage escape with gunshot wounds. The Aftermath The news of the shootout and the death of Henry Odenigbo spread like wildfire. Nollywood actor, Stanley Nwoke Ontop, post photos of Henry on his Instagram page, expressing shock say the popular movie producer na the ringleader of the kidnap gang. People dey disbelief. How person wey dey produce films go also dey lead kidnap gang? SP Benjamin Hundeyin for the news briefing, talk say the police recover four AK-47 rifles, four locally-made semi-automatic pistols, nine AK-47 magazines, three walkie-talkies, and one POS machine from the kidnappers. He commend the police team…