2 Nigerians with $9.3m cash held in S-Africa

—Two Nigerians and an Israeli citizen are presently being held by South African police for attempting to illegally bring $9.3m cash into the country. South Africa’s City Press newspaper reported that the accused persons brought the money which is in bundles of unused $100 bills, packed in three suitcases in a small business jet, a Bombardier Challenger 600 with a Nigerian crew.
According to the report, the jet departed Abuja on September 5 and when it arrived South Africa, Customs officers became suspicious when the passengers’ luggage was unloaded and put through the scanners just after 7pm.
CAUGHT—Lanseria Airport, Johannesburg, S-Africa. INSET: The Bombardier Challenger jet.  Courtesy: Flightaware.
CAUGHT—Lanseria Airport, Johannesburg, S-Africa. INSET: The Bombardier Challenger jet. Courtesy: Flightaware.
The officers then investigated and found three suitcases full of cash. The passengers then told customs officials that they were acting on behalf of the Nigerian intelligence services and provided documentation to confirm that they had come to South Africa to buy weapons for Nigerian security services. It was not clear whether the Israeli passenger was an intelligence operative or an arms dealer.
Spokesperson of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Marika Muller in a statement, said the money was seized at Lanseria airport, northwest of Johannesburg. The statement said: “The passengers’ luggage was searched after Customs officials detected irregularities. The money was detained as it was undisclosed/undeclared and above the prescribed legal limit. The funds are being held at the central bank as police investigate”.
Also, South African airport security spokesman Solomon Makgale confirmed that police investigation was on-going but declined to give further details.
The National Conventional Arms Control Committee, which has to approve the import and export of any weapons as well as issue permits for such transactions, was not aware of any applications in this case.
The Nigerian security service is yet to respond to inquiries for confirmation of the story.
The aircraft according to investigation used to belong to the American healthcare company Kimberly-Clark. But company spokesperson Bob Brand said the firm had sold the plane years ago, and denied that it had anything to do with the incident. According to the US Federal Aviation Administration aeroplane register, the Challenger, with the registration number N808HG, was re-registered in the name of Bank of Utah Trustee last year. The address in the register was given as Salt Lake City, US.
Aviation industry insiders claim similar “owners” have previously been involved in several controversial financing transactions for aircraft in Africa. City Press has also established that the aircraft is used by an entity called Swat Inc in Abuja, but no details of such a company could be found.
Another plane used by Swat Inc, a Hawker-Siddeley 125, also with an American registration number (N497AG), landed at Lanseria Airport last month. That plane and its passengers remained in the country for two days before returning to Abuja on August 13.

Man electrocuted while vandalising transformer in Lagos

Residents of Lonlo area of Iju-Ishaga, Lagos woke up yesterday to find the corpse of a man that was electrocuted inside a transformer cabin.
cable-thief1
The deceased, whose identity could not be ascertained, was said to have been electrocuted while vandalising the transformer.
According to reports,  the deceased who was wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans trousers, apparently hid under the cover of darkness and power failure to  remove the steel covering of the power equipment.
Just then, power was restored and there was reportedly a spark from the transformer.
His motionless position alerted curious passers-by who initially assumed he was an official of the Ikeja Power Distribution Company. But on close observation, he was discovered to have been electrocuted.
The incident created a scene as residents thronged the scene to have a glimpse.
Police sources at Iju said the local government council had been informed towards removing the corpse.

Joy for Brazil as World Cup opens

Brazil launched the World Cup with an emotion-fuelled 3-1 victory over Croatia on Thursday as an opening day which began with violent clashes gave way to an outpouring of joyful celebrations.

Brazilian fans watch the opening football match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup between Brazil and Croatia on June 12, 2014 in a bar in Mogi das Cruzes. AFP PHOTO MARTIN BUREAU 

Brazilian fans watch the opening football match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup between Brazil and Croatia on June 12, 2014 in a bar in Mogi das Cruzes. AFP PHOTO MARTIN BUREAU

Barcelona superstar Neymar scored in each half as Brazil recovered from conceding an early Marcelo own goal to set up a win before hordes of golden-shirted fans at the 61,600 Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo.

Chelsea midfielder Oscar put the seal on the win with a late strike from distance to trigger delirium.

The host nation’s Group A victory was greeted by an explosion of fireworks across Sao Paulo, a sharp contrast to several hours earlier when riot police fired tear gas and stun grenades to disperse angry protests.

But a largely free-flowing tournament-opener was shrouded in controversy, with Brazil’s second coming courtesy of a dubious penalty when Croatia defender Dejan Lovren was harshly adjudged to have shoved Fred over.

The hosts, chasing a record sixth World Cup, had also enjoyed a degree of good fortune in the first half when Neymar received only a yellow card for elbowing Croatia’s playmaker Luka Modric.

Moments later Neymar scored Brazil’s equaliser to settle home nerves after Marcelo’s 11th-minute own goal.

Lovren was furious with the performance of Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura, branding his display a “scandal.”

“Two billion people I think saw that it was not a penalty. I didn’t touch him,” Lovren said.

“It wasn’t a mistake, it was a scandal.”

- National pride -

Pop superstars Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull headlined a lavish opening ceremony which included the appearance of a paraplegic wearing a robotic bodysuit controlled by brain signals who performed a ceremonial kick-off.

The match began after a hearty rendition of Brazil’s national anthem with fans — exhorted to unite behind the team by coach Luiz Felipe Scolari — roaring their support for the “Selecao.”

Even after the music stopped, fans and players belted out one more verse.

Brazil captain Thiago Silva epitomised the mood, bellowing a rallying cry to his team-mates as they embarked on their quest to earn a first title on home soil.

The victory provided a euphoric counterpoint to scenes earlier in the day when violent protests in Sao Paulo had threatened a stormy start to the month-long football extravaganza.

It had been a torrid seven-year build-up bedevilled by delays and public anger at the tournament’s $11 billion cost, and scattered protests took place Thursday in several of the cities which will host World Cup games.

The worst violence took place just a few kilometres from the opening match, as anarchist demonstrators in black shirts and masks lit bonfires of rubbish after armoured police sought to quell protests.

But Sao Paulo and other cities largely went quiet as the game started. Yellow and green flags hung from many buildings.

- Tear gas fired -

After the victory some fans expressed hope Brazil could rally behind the team’s campaign.

“This joy will be a contagion that will spread to all Brazilians,” said Jonathan de Jesus Silva, 21, a nursing student. “This happiness will help bring a better climate.”

Protesters who last year brought chaos to the Confederations Cup rehearsal tournament had vowed to march on the Sao Paulo stadium.

But riot police responded forcefully, chasing protesters up a main avenue and firing tear gas in the middle of oncoming traffic, forcing cars decorated with the Brazilian flag to weave their way through the chaos.

A cannister fired by police hit and injured a CNN journalist and an AFP correspondent saw one woman in tears clutching her arm.

In Rio de Janeiro, striking ground staff briefly blocked a road leading to the city’s international airport.

Around 1,000 protesters also gathered in the city centre, a small group of them scuffling with police, who arrested four people.

A total of 64 games will culminate with the July 13 final in Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium next month.

Friday’s action promises more drama, with world champions Spain facing the Netherlands in a repeat of the 2010 World Cup final in the northern city of Salvador in Group B.

Group B’s other encounter sees dark horses Chile take on Australia. In the day’s other remaining game, Mexico play Cameroon in Group A.

Neymar rides to Brazil’s rescue

He is small of stature and slight of build, but Neymar showed he could carry the hopes of a troubled nation with an electrifying performance in Brazil’s World Cup opener.
With pressure piled on his young shoulders, it would have been easy for Neymar to crumble but instead the 22-year-old seized the moment with two goals in the 3-1 win over Croatia.
Helped by a large slice of luck, Neymar’s dragged shot in the first half trundled in off the Croatian post, before he struck an awful penalty that somehow Stipe Pletikosa failed to keep out.
Neymar celebrates his first goal.... AFP
Neymar celebrates his first goal at Brazil 2014…. AFP
Those details, as well as the fact that the penalty was highly debatable, did not trouble the 60,000-plus crowd which exploded in delight as fireworks detonated outside.
“This is a dream come true, much more than I imagined,” Neymar said afterwards. “But more important than anything is that our team won.”
Given the situation in Brazil, with ambivalence towards the World Cup and police tear-gassing protesters in Sao Paulo just hours earlier, the value of those goals could be high.
When President Dilma Rousseff was seen on the big screen celebrating Neymar’s second goal, the crowd responded with a foul-mouthed chant.
Protests around the country over the World Cup’s huge price have put a question mark over whether the tournament would be a success, despite the fact it is being played in football’s spiritual home.
Neymar is Brazil’s undisputed star, adored for repeatedly snubbing European clubs before joining Barcelona and promoted so efficiently the phenomenon is known as “Neymarketing”.
He played like he had a point to prove, using his quick footwork to beat defenders and putting in a dangerous cross that could have brought the opening goal.
Brazil went 1-0 down through Marcelo’s own goal in the 11th minute, and when Neymar was booked near the half-hour it looked like the evening could finish disastrously for the hosts.
But almost immediately, Oscar found Neymar with space to run and his driven, left-foot shot, despite not being cleanly hit, had the accuracy to beat a diving Pletikosa.
And when Fred won a controversial penalty in the second half, Neymar got his second despite theatrically checking his run-up and hitting a shot well within the goalkeeper’s reach.
At the age of just 22, it brought his astonishing tally of goals to Brazil up to 33 in 50 games.
After the match, wearing a baseball cap, earrings and bright green backpack, he gave thanks for the crowd support which included a spine-tingling pre-game rendition of the national anthem.
“I have to give congratulations for the support, it motivated us a lot. They kept us going the whole time, and we needed it,” he said.
And Neymar did his best to quash the impression that he is not out to dominate the tournament.
“I’m not focused on being the best in the tournament, the highest goal-scorer… what I want is to win the championship,” he said.

Oscar rounds on critics after ‘dream’ start

Oscar took a dig at his critics on Thursday after delivering a “dream,” goal-scoring performance in Brazil’s 3-1 World Cup-opening win over Croatia.
Brazil's midfielder Oscar celebrates after scoring a goal during a Group A football match between Brazil and Croatia at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 12, 2014. AFP PHOTO / ODD ANDERSEN
Brazil’s midfielder Oscar celebrates after scoring a goal during a Group A football match between Brazil and Croatia at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 12, 2014. AFP PHOTO / ODD ANDERSEN
The 22-year-old had been under pressure in the buildup with many Brazilian media calling for him to be replaced by Chelsea teammate Willian.
But he recovered from a nervy start to set up Neymar for Brazil’s first goal, and then completed the win with a brilliant solo strike in injury time.
Oscar, who took time away from Brazil’s preparations to welcome his first child, later told reporters that the only man whose opinion mattered was the manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari.
“The only person who can take me out of the team is Big Phil,” said Oscar, using Scolari’s nickname. “What you (journalists) say doesn’t matter much. What matters is the opinion of the coach.”

I have ways of reaching Boko Haram, but…— OBASANJO

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, expressed frustration in his bid to secure the release of the over 200 schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno State, by Boko Haram Islamist sect, saying that although he has ways of reaching the sect, Federal Government has not permitted him to negotiate with the terrorists.

He also made a grim comment about the fate of the girls, saying that some of them would never return.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Kaduna yesterday, Obasanjo said: “Perhaps, succeeding generations would continue to remember those female students who were abducted.

“Only those that would later get pregnant and the sect members would find it difficult to cater for the babies in the forest might be released.

“I have ways of communicating with Boko Haram members, but the government has not permitted me to do so.”

He was of the view that the girls might have been separated and not kept at the same location.

He said: “I believe that some of them will never return. We will still be hearing about them many years from now. Some will give birth to children, but if the sect members cannot take care of them in the forest, they may be released.”

APC: Die is cast

He first national convention of the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC holds today. Whether it succeeds or fails in achieving its agenda of throwing up an acceptable national leadership would be eventful for the nation’s democratic project.The first national convention of the All Progressives Congress, APC holding today is pregnant with expectations.

Besides the anticipation of a substantive leadership to steer the affairs of the one year old political party, eyes are also being focused on whether the new party would survive the fusion of ideological, cultural and ethnic cleavages that started when the three legacy parties decided to collapse into one.The three parties that fused to form the APC were the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP and the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC.Hundreds of party faithful of the legacy parties from across the country were yesterday pouring into Abuja for the event that could reshape the political configuration of the country.

A successful convention, albeit one which produces a national executive without much rancour, would signpost the prospects of a serious opposition to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the forthcoming round of general elections. The outlook for such on convention eve was, however, being dimmed as intrigues and power show among others reared up to dint the convention plans.Division on the convention floor would on the other hand push the country towards a single party democracy with the ruling PDP dictating the pace and pattern of the democratic project.As at last night, the prospect of the convention going either way was evenly divided.

Chieftains of the party were huddled in several meetings across the federal capital in last minute caucuses to smoothen the several rough edges that have developed as party officials turn their focus from the perceived failures of the PDP to their own personal ambitions.Indeed, the one time unanimity that shaped the merger of the legacy parties, even despite the foibles of the ruling party, has been redirected to within the party. Following is a focus on some of the men who will define the tone of the convention.

(L-R) Chief Bisi Akande, Acting National Chairman APC; Gen. Muhammadu Buhari; Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Chief Bola Tinubu

(L-R) Chief Bisi Akande, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari; Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Chief Bola Tinubu

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu, the erstwhile  national leader of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN is on top of the power hierarchy of the new party alongside erstwhile head of state, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

Ahead of today’s convention, Tinubu has seen his hitherto unquestioned supremacy in the now defunct ACN seriously challenged by the new power bloc of emboldened governors in the party.

Moving into today’s convention, Tinubu is believed to be backing former governor of Edo State, Mr. John Odigie-Oyegun for the post of national chairman.

Initial setbacks

He is also backing Alhaji Kassim Imam for the post of National Secretary but his cards as concerning other offices remain a secret.

By convention eve, Tinubu after some initial setbacks had been able to push Odigie-Oyegun to be accepted by some of the major caucuses of the party including the influential northern caucus. The northern caucus had at a meeting at the Sokoto Governor’s Lodge in Abuja adopted Tinubu’s choice of Odigie-Oyegun for national chairman. Given Tinubu’s sway over the Southwest caucus, the adoption puts Odigie-Oyegun in good position to emerge as national chairman today.

Odigie-Oyegun’s chances were said to have brightened after Tinubu formed a partnership with Senator Bukola Saraki to sell the chances of the former Edo State governor in the north.

However, Tinubu’s man for the post of national secretary, Imam,news agent learnt, may face serious obstacles following objections by elements in the Northern caucus against having the former Lagos State governor produce the two top positions in the party.

But Tinubu it is generally believed is looking beyond this convention for political standing.

Ahead of the convention, there were insinuations that the former Lagos State governor is desirous of seeking the office of vice-president in a match-up with Buhari. Tinubu it is alleged is seeking to replay the Babagana Kingibe model of 1993. Kingibe it would be recalled became a powerful force within the defunct Social Democratic Party, SDP so that even after Moshood Abiola won the nomination that the governors of that era prevailed or rather compelled him to pick their man, Kingibe as his running mate.

The suggestion this time is that Tinubu has been concretising his alliances in the APC to project such power that no matter who wins the presidential ticket later this year, the person would be compelled to pick him, Tinubu as presidential running mate irrespective of religious leanings.

Such apparent projections by the APC national leader are, however, dimmed by increasing mutiny within the party by some governors. For the first time since he emerged in 2007 as the national leader of a political party, Tinubu in the last month has seen his power challenged.

His choice for the chairmanship of the National Convention Planning Committee, was Alhaji Kawu Baraje, but the governors were able to oppose him by producing one of their own, Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State for the position.

Muhammadu Buhari

Buhari has been generally acknowledged as a co-national leader of the party alongside Tinubu. He had as a politician continued to sustain his stature as an elder-statesman leaving the rudiments of politics in the party to Asiwaju Tinubu. Perhaps with his much touted presidential ambition in view, the former head of state has lowered his intra party engagements.

However, critics say that despite Buhari’s immense popularity, his seeming inclinations to perfection have not helped the party. They cite the unnerving situations in the Kaduna and Katsina chapters of the party which have remained in almost perpetual crises as a result of what some allege as Buhari’s inclinations to work with only those he feels comfortable with. Ahead of this convention, Buhari has not shown much enthusiasm to project his associates for national position.

APC Govs

Governors of two of the legacy parties which made up the APC, the ACN and the CPC had until recently trudged dutifully behind the national leaders of the two parties, Tinubu and Buhari.

However, the entry of the five former governors of the PDP into the party seemed to have altered the perceptions of the formerly docile governors. Emboldened by the muscle of their colleagues, the APC governors have begun to show muscle and not surprisingly, the kind of agitations that was once common within the PDP has begun to emerge in the APC.

Unlike the PDP where the president with the instruments of office is able to muscle the governors, both Tinubu and Buhari lack such leverage. It was not surprising that Tinubu was shocked when the governors rebelled on his plans to sustain Bisi Akande as national chairman and followed it up by rejecting his plans to have Kawu Baraje chair the national convention planning committee.

Given the rivalry among the second term governors there is fear that some of the governors could decide to shortchange their colleagues to cut a deal with Tinubu to project their own personal political plans after 2015.

Senator Ali Modu Sheriff

The erstwhile governor of Borno   State and chairman of the BOT of the defunct ANPP, one of the legacy parties has remained a fixture within the party that some would hate. He has become a rallying point for all those overtly opposed to Tinubu in the party.

At one point, his linkage with Chief Tom Ikimi to stop the Asiwaju tendency had threatened the Tinubu camp, but the later restrategised to regain their momentum.

Even within the top heriarchy of the party, there remains a suspicion about Sheriff being a closeted friend of the PDP. The potency of the Sheriff camp has been apparently defined by the limited success of Ikimi’s aspiration for the office of national chairman.

Son kills dad, 86, over piece of land

An Ebute‑Meta Chief magistrate’s court in Lagos, yesterday , remanded a man, Yusuf Akinbiyi, 41, at the Ikoyi Prisons for allegedly killing his father, Agboola Akinbiyi, 86.
The accused, who resides at Madon village, Ijede Ikorodu, Lagos, is facing a one‑count charge of murder.
The magistrate, Miss A.O. Komolafe, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody pending legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions.
The court did not take the plea of the accused.
The prosecutor, Inspector Frank Inah, said the crime was committed on May 21 at about 11.05 p.m. at the deceased’s residence.
Inah said the deceased and the accused lived together, adding that the deceased had provided for the accused as he was jobless.
He said: “The accused wanted to sell his father’s land to enable him travel out of the country, but his father held on to the documents.
“The accused and the deceased had an argument during which the accused beat the deceased with his hands and covered his mouth and nostrils with pillow.”
He said this made the accused to suffocate to death, adding that the accused was later arrested by the Police.
Inah said the body of the deceased had been deposited at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011

Makoko boils: Three feared dead as Police, hoodlums clash

Commercial activities were brought to an abrupt end in Makoko area of Lagos, yesterday, as protesting youths allegedly attacked policemen who were in the area to execute a court order on demolition of parts of the area.

fight Three persons were reportedly feared dead in the fight that extended to Herbert Macaulay Street and the Adekunle end of Third Mainland Bridge. But the Police said no lives were lost.

Seven policemen, as gathered, sustained bullet wounds while others reportedly fled the scene when it became apparent that the youths may overpower them.

The demolition

The state government, two years ago, began demolition of the coastal community occupied mainly by fishermen, claiming that the structures did not observe the mandatory 100 meters setback from a power-line installed on the lagoon.

The demolition was, however, extended beyond the lagoon, thereby displacing over 3,000 families .

The action which was kicked against by a team of human rights activists on the ground that the residents were only given just 72-hour quit notice, resulted in a peaceful protest by the residents during which one of the traditional rulers, identified as Timothy Hunpoyanwa, was shot dead by a Police Corporal, one Pepple Boma, attached to the Marine Police, Oworonshoki .

His death sparked off another protest during which there was a call for the prosecution of the killer policeman as well as urging the Lagos State Government to compensate the family of the murdered community leader.

However, acting on a purported court order yesterday, a team of policemen were said to have stormed the area at about 8 am to provide security for officials that would carry out the demolition exercise, only to be taken unawares by the residents.

Eye witnesses said dangerous weapons were used. An unconfirmed report alleged that the policemen fired some shots at the rampaging youths.

Hoodlums were said to have hijacked the moment, as they reportedly vandalised vehicles plying the route and also looted shops in the area.

Eye-witness accounts

An eye witness, who identified himself simply as Wemimo, described the demolition as a trespass on Federal Government land.

He said: “The Policemen were not attacked by youths residing in the area that is to be demolished. Nobody knew where the attackers came from.

“We were only attracted by gun shots and in the process we all took to our heels. We were later told that the gunshots were from policemen.

“The demolition started in 2012, after we were given just 72‑hour quit notice. They pasted the notice at Makoko on Friday, July 20, 2012 to prevent the owners from seeking redress in court. Before the expiration of the illegal ejection, the Lagos State Government took the law into its hand by engaging in the demolition of houses without a court order.

“Today (yesterday), they came again wanting to continue from where they stopped two years ago.”

 

Hoodlums on rampage

Another eye witness, who gave his name as Kunle Kolawole, said: “We were going about our daily activities when the fracas started. We waved it off at first because something similar occurred two weeks back but it was contained.

“Then all of a sudden these hoodlums went on rampage, even when a team of policemen came and tried to restore peace, they fought back.

“It was a full blown war between them and the police and we all ran to safety because they were shooting indiscriminately. Soon, the hoodlums started vandalising cars and shops.

However, the Police later reinforced and subdued them but the harm had been done. It was after peace had been restored that we saw some corpses around. I don’t know if they were that of the hoodlums or bystanders. The corpses were later taken away by the Police.”

 

Seven Policemen

injured

Contacted, spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Ngozi Braide, said: “Policemen at Makoko at about 8am today (yesterday) went to execute a court order on demolition of certain area of Makoko.

“Youths of that area on sighting the policemen mobilised and launched an attack on them. They were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons like cutlasses, bottles, daggers, rods and sticks. Seven policemen sustained pellet injuries and are receiving treatment now.

“At this juncture, Police decided to withdraw to avoid innocent casualties. Security is heightened in the area and normalcy has returned, but no life was lost.”

- 

FG bows to health workers’ demand

After series of negotiations lasting several months, the Federal Government has accepted to demands of the Joint Health Sector Unions & Assembly of Healthcare Professionals, JOHESU/AHPA, for better remuneration and conditions of service.
Top among the demands is the skipping of CONHESS 10, restoration of consultancy status, abolition of the deputy chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, and promotion of officers from CONHESS 14 to 15 as Directors, among others.
In a statement, JOHESU/AHPA, umbrella body for nurses, laboratory scientists, pharmacists, radiologists, among others, issued a 30-day ultimatum for government to implement the demands so as to avert industrial unrest.
Government had reached an agreement with the workers after a meeting on June 5. The agreement was confirmed in a statement by heads of the joint unions.
According to the communiqué, “JOHESU/AHPA expressed satisfaction over the circular number MH/PM/138/VoI.111/79 of May 16, 2014 released by government formally restoring consultancy status to other healthcare professionals and approving the payment of specialist allowance to deserving officers.
“In furtherance to this, JOHESU/AHPA has therefore directed that all members who are due and satisfy the existing criteria, as upheld by the court judgment for consultancy position apply for the payment of the allowance with its accrued arrears with effect from January 1, 2010 in line with the CONHESS circular reference SWC/S/04/S.410/VoI.II/349 dated December 8, 2009.”

Ending Higher Education Fees Crises

LAST month, students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, protested hike in fees. Last week, Lagos State University, LASU, students started picketing the Governor’s Office and disrupting traffic in parts of Lagos. University of Port Harcourt students, this week, protested hike in fees. There are other muted cases.
Tuition fees in Ile-Ife were increased from N17, 000 to N100, 000, excluding an acceptance fee of N20, 000 for new students. In LASU, the hike was from N25, 000 to N348,750. Students and their guardians have managed the burden, which is comparable to fees in some private universities. Lagos State Government argues that LASU must be upgraded to an excellent centre of learning. It explained government spent more than N50 billion on LASU in the last five years.
Number of students admitted into LASU is dropping, a reaction to the fees and perennial crisis that engulfs the university. Enrollment dropped 5,917 (2009) to 4,311 (2010). After the 2011 hike in fees, only 1,951 (39.79 per cent) of the 4,903 candidates offered admission enrolled. The figure shrank to 1,119 in 2013.
The university was shut down twice in three years, following students and staff protests over different issues.
A government committee recommended that the fees be reduced to N65, 500 for new students and N46, 500 for existing students. Government has, however, agreed to reduce the fees by as much as 60 percent.
Education is a right. University education in state-owned institutions should not be priced beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians. Decision-makers tend to think everyone is in similar circumstances as they. It is ironic that governments pay N18, 000 as monthly minimum wage, but expect students to pay economic fees. Where would their parents get the money?
Public universities should not compete with private universities for fees. They are the option for those who cannot afford high fees private universities charge.
Most students are from poor homes. Some have withdrawn from school over fees. Governments neglect the role of education in lifting families out of crushing poverty. The argument of policy makers, most of who enjoyed free education, is that education is not cheap anywhere.
We agree, but the solution does not lie in increasing fees. In other climes government provides grants, bursaries and various stipends to cushion the burden on parents. It is not the same here. Also more prudent use of resources would yield results that would save our youth from a futile future.
If our governments cannot provide free education, they should at least provide affordable education to liberate society from the shackles of ignorance.

Man defiles girl, 13, in Jos

A middle aged man identified as Emeka, aka Baba Victor, escaped death yesterday morning as he was almost lynched by neighbours for allegedly defiling a 13-year-old primary five pupil (names withheld) in the neighbourhood.
rape-toon
The said Emeka, a resident of Chief Mailumo Sambo Close, Jos, Jarawa village, according to the victim had slept with her severally with the first incident taking place sometime last year after which he gave her N100.
The latest incident occurred at about 6.30 am yesterday when neighbours caught the man in the act. This attracted residents, mostly women, who wanted to lynch him.
One of the neighbours, Mama Blessing, told news men: “There has been rumours about Baba Victor sleeping with that girl because she is always playing in his room. No one could confirm it until today.
“I have lived here for more than 20 years. Baba Victor has five children, four in their 20s but the wicked man sent the wife and children to their village in the East and lives here alone.”
The neighbour added that the suspect was “up to something because he has older girl friends, some even come from Bukuru to see him. What does he want with this small girl?”
Though the neighbours claimed the act must have been done more than twice, but the victim said: “This is the second time he is sleeping with me. The first time was sometime last year and he gave me N100.”

LBS holds youth talent programme

Some of the nation’s brightest youths will hone their research skills and gain first-hand exposure to academic life at the forthcoming LBS Young Talents Programme.

Scheduled for 1 August 2014, the one-day programme is aimed at building a relationship with budding talents in or out of the university. It will also offer successful candidates research scholarship opportunities and build a network of future LBS faculty.

The LBS Young Talents Programme is open to second-year undergraduates and above, including M.Sc holders and corps members (not older than 30) with a first-class or second-class-upper honours degree.

“The programme will bring talented people in contact with a world-class institution where they will learn what it takes to begin an academic career,” explained Dr Uchenna Uzo, faculty lead on this programme. “It is also an institutionalised way of getting good talent who can become faculty or administrative staff now and in the future.”

As with other LBS activities, the relationship with participants will be maintained after the event so the benefits they derive will be sustained.

“We’ll invite them to programmes from time to time. They’ll be part of LBS…in the sense that they have come here and interacted with the academic community. It will be an annual programme going forward,” Uzo added.

According to Dr Franca Ovadje, member of the faculty team, Africa is on the brink of profound change and the LBS Young Talents Programme could not have come at a better time.

“LBS strives to be a world-class business school with a significant impact on the African environment. The Young Talents Programme (YTP) aims to develop strong academics who will transform society through their knowledge and research,” she said. “YTP will prepare participants for an academic career in business management.”

At the highly interactive programme, the LBS culture, history and inspiration will be discussed. Participants will be exposed to LBS career channels in management research and teaching, including the day-to-day activities of faculty, researchers and administrative staff.

Port-Harcourt Shooting: ECOWAS Court finds govt guilty, imposes penalty

Four years after, the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Abuja has held  that the refusal of the government to investigate and prosecute security operatives that killed and maimed protesters in Port-harcourt  violated their right to peaceful protest.
In a judgment delivered in a suit filed before the court by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) alongside some residents of Bundu Waterfront community, Port Harcourt over attacks on them and their relatives, the court ordered the government to pay $70,000 in damages to the plaintiffs.
The court held the rights to peaceful assembly and association are the foundation of a civilised society, while it imposed damages against the government  for the violations of the plaintiffs’ human rights to peaceful assembly and association and freedom from forced evictions.
Attorney General of the Federation; Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi; Commissioner for Justice Rivers State; and the Commissioner for Urban Development, were joined as Defendants.
However, the River state government was absolved of any wrongdoing by the court, being not a party to ECOWAS protocols and agreements.
It nonetheless, stated that the government of President Goodluck Jonathan is responsible for the persistent infringement of the human rights and prolonged suffering of the residents of Bundu Waterfront community, Port Harcourt.
According to the Plaintiffs, “The planned large-scale demolitions were developed without adequate consultation with affected communities. Njemanze waterfront, a community close to Bundu Ama, was demolished in August 2009 and it is estimated between 13,800 and 19,000 people were forcibly evicted from their homes. Thousands of people, including children, women and the elderly were left homeless and vulnerable to other human rights violations.”
In its response, SERAP stated: “This judgment shows that there is punishment for the government when it allows its security forces to use excessive force against peaceful protesters, and unlawfully drive them away from their homes, with tragic consequences for citizens and communities. That was the case here.
“As the rulings of the ECOWAS court are binding, the Nigerian government will be under pressure to implement this judgment and align its policing practices with international human rights standards,” It added.
It would be recalled that Israel Okari; Joy Williams; Austin Onwe; Tamno Tonye Ama; Victor Opium; Mark Bomowe; Napoleon Tokubiye; Napoleon Tokubiye; Jonathan Bokoko; Williams Tamuno; and Linus John with the support of SERAP dragged the governments to the court in 2010.
The Suit Number ECW/CCJ/APP/10/10 dated 29 October 2010, was filed on behalf of SERAP and the residents by Femi Falana, SAN, Adetokunbo Mumuni and Sola Egbeyinka.

Lagos buckles, reduces LASU fees

LAGOS State government yesterday rose from its Executive Council meeting to reduce fees charged in the Lagos State University, LASU, by 34 to 60 per cent, after much flexing of muscles between the students of the institution and the state government.

NANS-LASU11

The state government, however left the final decision of the reduction from one department to the other to the Governing Council of the university.

In the resolution read by Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Otunba Fatai Olukoga, the Lagos State Government, stated that it accepted recommendation of the Adhoc committee set up by the state government that fees and charges payable by students for incidental services and materials were amenable to a downward review for two main reasons.

“Some of the components have applied to students across all levels when in fact they can be justifiably limited to students at a particular level only; some of the charges included can still be reduced on compassionate grounds.

“On the basis of these principles, government agrees that with the subsidised tuition fees and appropriate moderation of the incidental fees, a reduction, ranging from 34 to 60 percent is possible across the different faculties and courses”, government said in the resolution.

AMOUNT REDUCED FOR VARIOUS FACULTIES BASED ON THE 34-60 % REDUCTION

FACULTIES              OLD FEES (N)    34% REDUCTION (N)   60% REDUCTION (N)

Arts/Education              193, 750              65, 875                       116, 250

Social/Mngment Science  223, 750              76, 075                       134, 250

Communication/Transpt    238, 750              81, 175                       143, 250

Law                                 248, 750              84, 575                       149, 250

Engineering                        298, 750              101, 575                       179, 250

College of Medicine     348, 750              118, 575                       209, 250

The council said it approved the reduction in accordance with the law setting up the university, saying that it had forwarded its approval to the governing council for consideration and implementation.

“Pursuant to its statutory mandate, the University Governing Council will issue details of what is now payable by students in each department and deal with all other management matters of the university”, and advised all individuals and groups within the community to relate to the university council accordingly.

The council observed that notwithstanding the reduction, government will continue with scholarships and bursary provisions for students.

On the retirement age for lecturers, the council is of the view that the decision cannot be unilaterally extended by employees themselves unless the employers cede total control of the institution to employees, which it said is not possible in this instance.

“Regarding the Vice Chancellor’s tenure of office, government also considers it a state prerogative exercisable by Law pursuant to concurrent legislative power of the state government to establish the university and make statutory provisions for their management, and not that of its employees or proprietors of other universities. Government will retain the option of a second term for a Vice Chancellor in order to benefit from good leadership whenever the occasion arises.”

Students reject new offer

In a swift reaction, the students speaking through the President of the Students Union Government, SUG, Mr. Nurudeen Yusuf, rejected the reduction as announced by the government.

According to him, ‘We had our meeting immediately after we got the news and decided that we will not accept this reduction. It is a ridiculous one as far as we are concerned.  This is our position. When the Lagos State Government increased the fees in 2011, it was not announced through the Governing Council.

It was the Government that announced it. But now, the Governor is sending the Governing Council to us, he is supposed to make such a announcement by himself. Another issue is this: why are we being given this information in terms of percentages? How can a market woman whose child is in LASU calculate 34 – 60 percent? Even then, it is not a fair position at all. We want it to be reduced to at most N65, 500 for fresh students and N46, 500 for freshers.

“We are not yet happy about the latest development because the govt is yet to tell us the exact amount they have reduced the fees to in Naira and Kobo.

They should come out in clear terms to tell us directly the exact amount we are going to be paying, not saying the Governing Council will determine the amount each faculty will be paying. When the fees were hiked in 2011, it was government who directly told us in naira and kobo what each faculty will pay, and not in percentages.

This is our stand which will be made known in a press conference tomorrow” (today).

Meanwhile when contacted to confirm the reduction, the Pro-Chancellor, Mr. Teju Augusto said: “I am currently out of the country, so I am not aware of any reduction.”

‘Ronaldinho’ fools Messi in Brazil

Lionel Messi  got a huge shock during Argentina’s training session on Wednesday by a pitch invader he briefly mistook for his former Barcelona team-mate and friend Ronaldinho.
Argentina trained in front of thousands of fans and press at Belo Horizonte’s Estadio Independencia, where Ronaldinho regularly turns out for Atletico Mineiro.
MessiRonalAfter some light running, the Albiceleste squad were divided into small groups for games of football-tennis in a low-key session which finished amid chaos as over a dozen supporters climbed over the fences to invade the pitch and ran in search of a handshake or a hug from their heroes.
Most headed in Messi’s direction and security guards were overwhelmed in their attempts to halt the fans as the practice was quickly brought to an abrupt end.
But the Argentine was initially fooled by the Ronaldinho double.
Robinson Oliveira, who works as a professional lookalike of the Brazilian forward, told Goal: “When he saw me he was shocked because he thought I was the real Ronaldinho and he told me that I didn’t need to run on the pitch to see him.
“He said: ‘What are you doing running on here to see me?’ When he held my hand, I went down on my knees [and bowed]. It was so emotional.”
He added: “I didn’t plan this. I just thought to myself that I have to hold his hand because this is the only opportunity I will have to see him.”
The lookalike, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the former Barca hero, ended up with a bloodied hand after scaling the fence in his adventure to meet Messi, but said: “It was worth it.”
Asked which of the two players he prefers, he replied: “Ronaldinho, of course!”
Argentina and Messi kick off their World Cup campaign against Bosnia at the Maracana on Sunday.

Why corrupt persons should be killed — Delegate

A delegate representing the North East zone, Paul Bassi, who advocated for capital punishment for persons convicted of corruption in Nigeria, stressed that given the level of corruption plaguing the country only draconian laws could tame the itchy fingers of public officials.
Bassi, who spoke during discussions on the report of Committee on Agriculture stressed that the volume of public funds stolen every year could have been deployed to funding agriculture.
The Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources had also called for immediate passage of the Bill for the Establishment of the Nigerian Soil Science Institute which it said was pending in the National Assembly, if the current critical shortage of manpower in the sector must be addressed.
When established, it said the institute when established would provide leadership in regulating the training and professional practice of soil science in the country and address the current critical shortage of manpower in the sector.
It therefore called for and emphasized the need for appropriate review and amendment of the Land Use Act; an issue that has re-echoed repeatedly in the Conference and whose resolution is currently pending.
The Committee also recommended the recreation of Commodity Marketing Boards or Corporations, akin to what obtained in the country in the late 1940s to late 1980s, saying that the first set of commodities to be included in this would be cotton, oil palm, cocoa and groundnuts.

$3m bribery scandal: ICPC re-arraigns Farouk, Emenalo

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, yesterday, re-arraigned the former Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on fuel subsidy probe, Farouk Lawan on a seven-count criminal charge.
Lawal, alongside the erstwhile Secretary of the probe committee, Mr. Boniface Emenalo, entered fresh plea to the charge which was preferred against them before an Abuja High Court sitting at Gudu.
Meanwhile, the lawmakers, yesterday, narrowly escaped being remanded in prison custody by the high court.
Shortly after they took turns and pleaded “not guilty” to the charges against them which bordered on conspiracy, corruption and gross breach of public trust, it was discovered that two of the persons that earlier stood surety for them were not present in court.
Consequently, trial Justice Adebukola Banjoko insisted that the accused persons must produce all the three men that previously stood as their sureties.
The court stressed that the three sureties must be physically present to sign a fresh undertaking for the two accused lawmakers, failure of which they would be remanded in Kuje prison.
Sequel to the development, the case was stood down for over two hours, after which the accused persons secured bail upon perfecting all the conditions initially handed to them by the former trial Judge in the matter, Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi.
Their arraignment yesterday followed the elevation of Justice Oniyangi to the position of  Chief Judge of the Federal  Capital Territory.

FIFA a ‘mafia family’ says ex FA chief

Football’s world governing body acts like a “mafia family” with head Sepp Blatter its “Don Corleone” according to a former chairman of England’s Football Association.
Lord David Triesman was speaking Wednesday after renewed criticism of FIFA, football’s global authority, following reports in Britain’s Sunday Times alleging millions of dollars in bribes were paid to help Qatar secure hosting rights for the 2022 World Cup.
FIFA’s chief investigator Michael Garcia is due to submit a report into the conduct of the bidding process.
Blatter, a 78-year-old Swiss, has also come under fire for suggesting he might renege on his promise not to stand for a fifth term as FIFA president.
“FIFA, I’m afraid, behaves like a mafia family. It has a decades-long tradition of bribes, bungs and corruption,” Triesman said on the eve of this year’s World Cup finals in Brazil.
“About half of its executive committee who voted on the last World Cup have had to go.
“Even its past president Joao Havelange has been removed from his honorary life presidency in his 90s.
“Systematic corruption underpinned by non-existent investigations where most of the accused are exempt from the investigation make it impossible to proceed.
“Foreign construction workers dying in their dozens in Qatar stadium construction sites are essentially ignored.”
He also backed current FA chairman Greg Dyke for saying it was “grotesque” of Blatter to suggest racism lay behind recent criticisms of Qatar’s World Cup bid.
“Don Corleone, I believe, would have recognised the tactics and he probably would have admired them,” said Triesman in a reference to the Mafia character played by Marlon Brando in the first two ‘Godfather’ movies.
Triesman, the initial chairman of England’s failed bid to stage the 2018 World Cup, was speaking during a debate in the House of Lords, the British parliament’s upper chamber, where his remarks are protected from legal action.

Jealous lover kills rival, eats his heart

A jealous lover in South Africa stabbed a rival, cut out his heart and ate it with a knife and fork, police and media reported Thursday.
Police were called to the gruesome scene at a house in Cape Town’s Gugulethu township by frantic neighbours, spokesman Frederick van Wyk told the Cape Times.
“On the scene they found a suspect, a Zimbabwean national, busy eating the heart of a human with a knife and fork,” he said.
The woman at the centre of the love triangle told police that her former lover had visited the house where she was living with her current partner and they had chatted together before he gave her money to buy liquor and she left.
When she returned she found her partner, 62-year-old Mbuyiselo Manona, had been stabbed, Van Wyk said.
Neighbours alerted by the commotion said they had peered through the house windows to see the man cutting out Manona’s heart and eating it.
“The whole situation was crazy. We were shouting at him to stop, but he did not listen,” one neighbour said.
“Even when the police got here… the guys were scared to go in. They had to call for back-up.
“You can’t really blame them — how do you go into a room with someone dripping another person’s blood out of his mouth?”
Western Cape deputy police commissioner Sharon Jephta said the motive for the murder was “definitely a love triangle”.

Indian woman says police gang-raped her inside station

An Indian woman said Thursday she was gang-raped by four officers at a police station, the latest in a string of shocking sex attacks in the troubled state of Uttar Pradesh.
The woman said she had gone to the station overnight on Monday in the state’s Hamirpur district to seek her husband’s release when she was attacked.
“At 11:30pm when there was no one in the room the sub-inspector took me to his room and raped me inside the police station,” the woman told CNN-IBN.
The woman filed a complaint with a senior officer on Wednesday over the attack, which allegedly occurred when she refused to pay a bribe to secure the release of her husband.
“The procedure will be followed, the victim has filed a complaint and the guilty will be arrested soon,” Virendra Kumar Shekhar, a police official from Hamirpur, said.
Sub-inspector Balbir Singh said a criminal case had been lodged against four officers from the station.
The case is the latest in a string of horrific rapes and murders in Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, where its chief minister Akhilesh Yadav is under growing political pressure over his handling of law and order.
Late last month, two girls, aged 12 and 14, were gang-raped and lynched in their village. They were attacked after going into a field to relieve themselves at night because they did not have a toilet at home.
Their families refused to cut the bodies down from the tree for hours in protest, saying police had failed to take action against the attackers because the girls were from a low caste.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged all politicians to work together to protect women, in his first comments on the issue since the hanging of the girls sparked public outrage.
Modi warned politicians against “politicising rape”, saying they were “playing with the dignity of women” in his first speech to parliament since sweeping to power at last month’s national elections.
India brought in tougher laws last year against sexual offenders after the fatal gang-rape of a student in New Delhi in December 2012, but they have failed to stem the tide of violence against women.
Also on Wednesday, a 45-year-old woman was found hanging from a tree in Uttar Pradesh, with her family saying she had been raped and murdered.
A police officer said they were questioning five men over the incident, which occurred several kilometres from her home in Bahraich district.
“They (her husband and son) have alleged that the woman, before being strung up from the tree, was raped and murdered by these men,” district superintendent Happy Guptan told AFP.

Blatter urges ‘integrity’ at FIFA congress

FIFA leader Sepp Blatter called Wednesday for “integrity” as he opened the football governing body’s congress with controversy swirling over alleged corruption in Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid.

The FIFA president said the organisation must move forward in a changing world in which football had become a “multi-billion dollar” industry with “powerful opportunities”.

“Our world is changing, our game is changing. Our organisation must also change. It is our duty to keep football going forward,” Blatter told delegates gathered in Sao Paulo a day before the Brazil World Cup starts.

“It is our duty to lead by example and behave like an example, with integrity,” he added.

Blatter said football’s growth “creates powerful opportunities. Sometimes it creates controversial situations and then some difficulty”.

The build-up to the congress has been marred by allegations that millions of dollars in bribes were paid to help Qatar secure the 2022 World Cup.

Blatter, who is widely expected to announce that he will seek a fifth term as president next year, referred to his situation when he said he was “the only one elected by this congress”.

Blatter had previously said he would not stand again and European delegates on Tuesday called for Blatter to stand down when his term expires next year. They criticised his response to the Qatar allegations after he said they were motivated by racism.

All 32 World Cup squads

Squads for the 32 countries taking part in the World Cup finals from June 12, as announced by national federations (squad numbers in brackets):
Group A
Brazil
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Toronto FC/CAN)(12), Jefferson (Botafogo)(1), Victor (Atletico Mineiro)(22)
Defenders: Dante (Bayern Munich/GER)(13), David Luiz (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA)(4), Henrique (Napoli/ITA)(15), Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA)(3), Daniel Alves (Barcelona/ESP) (2), Maicon (Roma/ITA)(23), Marcelo (Real Madrid/ESP)(6), Maxwell (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA)(14)
Midfielders: Fernandinho (Manchester City/ENG) (5), Hernanes (Inter Milan/ITA)(18), Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg/GER) (17), Oscar (Chelsea/ENG)(11), Paulinho (Tottenham Hotspur/ENG)(8), Ramires (16), Willian (both Chelsea/ENG)(19)
Forwards: Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk/UKR)(20), Fred (Fluminense)(9), Hulk (Zenit Saint Petersburg/RUS)(7), Jo (Atletico Mineiro)(21), Neymar (Barcelona/ESP)(10)
Croatia
Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (Rostov/RUS)(1), Danijel Subasic (Monaco/FRA)(23), Oliver Zelenika (Lokomotiva Zagreb)(12)
Defenders: Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk/UKR)(11), Domagoj Vida (Dynamo Kiev/UKR)(21), Sime Vrsaljko (Genoa/ITA)(2), Danijel Pranjic (Panathinaikos/GRE)(3), Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv Moscow/RUS)(5), Dejan Lovren (Southampton/ENG)(6), Gordon Schildenfeld (Panathinaikos/GRE)(13)
Midfielders: Luka Modric (Real Madrid/ESP)(10), Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla/ESP)(7), Mateo Kovacic (Inter/ITA)(20), Marcelo Brozovic (Dinamo Zagreb)(14), Ognjen Vukojevic (Dynamo Kiev/UKR)(8), Ivan Mocinic (Rijeka)(15), Sammir (Getafe/ESP)(19),Ivan Perisic (VfL Wolfsburg/GER)(4)
Forwards: Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich/GER)(17), Nikica Jelavic (Hull City/ENG)(9), Ivica Olic (VfL Wolfsburg/GER)(18), Eduardo Da Silva (Shakhtar Donetsk/UKR)(22), Ante Rebic (Fiorentina/ITA)(16)
Mexico
Goalkeepers: Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul)(1), Alfredo Talavera (Toluca)(12), Guillermo Ochoa (Free Agent)(13)
Defenders: Paul Aguilar(22), Miguel Layun (both Club America)(7), Hector Moreno (Espanyol/ESP)(15), Diego Reyes (FC Porto/POR)(5), Francisco Rodriguez (Cruz Azul) (2), Rafael Marquez (Leon)(4), Carlos Salcido (Guadalajara)(3), Miguel Ponce (Toluca)(16)
Midfielders: Hector Herrera (FC Porto/POR)(6), Jose Juan Vazquez (Leon)(23), Carlos Pena (Leon)(21), Isaac Brizuela (Toluca)(17), Marco Fabian (Cruz Azul)(8), Andres Guardado (Bayer Leverkusen/GER)(18), Javier Aquino (Villarreal/ESP) (20)
Forwards: Oribe Peralta (Club America)(19), Javier Hernandez (Manchester United/ENG)(14), Raul Jimenez (Club America)(9), Alan Pulido (Tigres)(11), Giovani dos Santos (Villarreal/ESP)(10)
Cameroon
Goalkeepers: Charles Itandje (Konyaspor/TUR)(16), Sammy N’Djock (Fethiyespor/TUR on loan from Antalyaspor/TUR)(23), Loïc Feudjou (Coton Sport)(1)
Defenders: Allan Nyom (Granada/ESP)(22), Cedric Djeugoue (Coton Sport)(4), Dany Nounkeu (Besiktas/TUR)(5), Aurelien Chedjou (Galatasaray/TUR)(14), Nicolas Nkoulou (Marseille/FRA)(3), Henri Bedimo (Lyon/FRA)(12), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (Queens Park Rangers/ENG on loan from Tottenham Hotspur/ENG)(2)
Midfielders: Enoh Eyong (Antalyaspor/TUR)(18), Jean II Makoun (Rennes/FRA)(11), Joel Matip (Schalke 04/GER)(21), Stephane Mbia (Sevilla/ESP on loan from Queens Park Rangers/ENG)(17), Landry N’Guemo (Bordeaux/FRA)(7), Alexandre Song (Barcelona/ESP)(6), Edgar Salli (Lens/FRA, on loan from Monaco/FRA) (20)
Forwards: Samuel Eto’o (Free Agent)(9), Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (FSV Mainz/GER)(13), Benjamin Moukandjo (Nancy/FRA)(8), Vincent Aboubakar (Lorient/FRA)(10), Pierre Achille Webo (Fenerbahce/TUR)(15), Fabrice Olinga (19) (Zulte-Waregem/BEL on loan from Malaga/ESP)
world-cup-2014
Group B
Spain
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)(1), Jose Manuel Reina (Napoli/ITA on loan from Liverpool/ENG)(23), David De Gea (Manchester United/ENG)(12)
Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)(15), Gerard Pique(3), Jordi Alba(18) (both Barcelona), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich/GER)(4), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea/ENG)(22), Raul Albiol (Napoli/ITA)(2), Juanfran Torres (Atletico Madrid)(5)
Midfielders: Xavi Hernandez(8), Sergio Busquets(16), Andres Iniesta(6), Cesc Fabregas(10) (all Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)(14), David Silva (Manchester City/ENG)(21), Koke (Atletico Madrid) (17), Santiago Cazorla (Arsenal/ENG)(20), Juan Mata (Manchester United/ENG) (13)
Forwards: Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona)(11), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid)(19), David Villa (New York City FC/USA)(7), Fernando Torres (Chelsea/ENG)(9)
Netherlands
Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax)(1), Tim Krul (Newcaste United/ENG)(22), Michel Vorm (Swansea City/ENG)(23)
Defenders: Daley Blind (Ajax)(5), Daryl Janmaat(7), Terence Kongolo(14), Bruno Martins Indi(4) (all Feyenoord), Joel Veltman (Ajax)(13), Paul Verhaegh (FC Augsburg/GER)(12), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa/ENG)(2), Stefan de Vrij (Feyenoord)(3)
Midfielders: Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord)(16), Leroy Fer (Norwich City/ENG)(18), Jonathan De Guzman (Swansea City/ENG on loan from Villarreal/ESP)(8), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan/ITA)(6), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray/TUR)(10), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV Eindhoven)(20)
Forwards: Memphis Depay (PSV Eindhoven)(21), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04/GER)(19), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce/TUR)(15), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev/UKR)(17), Robin van Persie (Manchester United/ENG)(9), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich/GER)(11)
Chile
Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad/ESP)(1), Johnny Herrera (Universidad de Chile)(23), Cristopher Toselli (Universidad Catolica)(12)
Defenders: Gary Medel (Cardiff City/ENG)(17), Jose Rojas (Universidad de Chile)(13), Eugenio Mena (Santos/BRA)(2), Gonzalo Jara (Nottingham Forest/ENG)(18)
Midfielders: Arturo Vidal(8), Mauricio Isla (4)(both Juventus/ITA), Marcelo Diaz (Basel/SUI)(21), Francisco Silva (Osasuna/ESP)(5), Felipe Gutierrez (FC Twente/NED)(16), Jose Pedro Fuenzalida (Colo Colo)(19), Carlos Carmona (Atalanta/ITA)(6), Jean Beausejour (Wigan Athletic/ENG)(15), Charles Aranguiz (Internacional/BRA on loan from Udinese/ITA)(20), Miiko Albornoz (Malmo/SWE)(3)
Forwards: Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona/ESP)(7), Eduardo Vargas (Valencia CF/ESP on loan from Napoli/ITA)(11), Jorge Valdivia (Palmeiras/BRA)(10), Mauricio Pinilla (Cagliari/ITA)(9), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo)(22), Fabian Orellana (Celta Vigo/ESP)(14)
Australia
Goalkeepers: Mathew Ryan (Club Brugge/BEL)(1), Mitchell Langerak (Borussia Dortmund/GER)(12), Eugene Galekovic (Adelaide United)(18)
Defenders: Ivan Franjic (Brisbane Roar)(2), Jason Davidson (Heracles Almelo/NED)(3), Matthew Spiranovic (Western Sydney Wanderers)(6), Bailey Wright (Preston North End/ENG)(8), Alex Wilkinson (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors/KOR)(22), Ryan McGowan (Shandong Luneng/CHN)(19)
Midfielders: Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace/ENG)(15), Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory)(5), James Holland (Austria Vienna/AUT)(16), Massimo Luongo (Swindon Town/ENG)(21), Oliver Bozanic (Luzern/SUI)(13), Matt McKay (Brisbane Roar)(17), Mark Bresciano (Al-Gharafa/QAT)(23)
Forwards: Tim Cahill (New York Red Bulls/USA)(4), Dario Vidosic (Sion/SUI)(20), Tommy Oar (FC Utrecht/NED)(11), James Troisi (Melbourne Victory on loan from Atalanta/ITA)(14), Ben Halloran (Fortuna Duesseldorf/GER)(10), Adam Taggart (Newcastle Jets)(9), Mathew Leckie (FSV Frankfurt/GER)(7)
Group C
Colombia
Goalkeepers: David Ospina (Free Agent)(1), Faryd Mondragon (Deportivo Cali)(22), Camilo Vargas (Santa Fe)(12)
Defenders: Pablo Armero (West Ham United/ENG on loan from Napoli/ITA)(7), Juan Camilo Zuniga (Napoli/ITA)(18), Cristian Zapata (AC Milan/ITA)(2), Eder Alvarez Balanta (River Plate/ARG)(16), Mario Alberto Yepes (Atalanta/ITA)(3), Carlos Valdes (San Lorenzo/ARG on loan from Philadelphia Union/USA)(23), Santiago Arias (PSV Eindhoven/NED)(4)
Midfielders: Abel Aguilar (Toulouse/FRA)(8), Fredy Guarin (Inter/ITA)(13), Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Fiorentina/ITA)(11), James Rodriguez (Monaco/FRA)(10), Carlos Carbonero (River Plate/ARG)(5), Carlos Sanchez (Elche/ESP)(6), Alexander Mejia (Atletico Nacional)(15), Juan Fernando Quintero (Porto/POR)(20)
Forwards: Jackson Martinez (Porto/POR)(21), Carlos Bacca (Sevilla/ESP)(17), Teofilo Gutierrez (River Plate/ARG)(9), Adrian Ramos (Hertha Berlin/GER)(19), Victor Ibarbo (Cagliari/ITA)(14)
Greece
Goalkeepers: Orestis Karnezis (Granada/ESP on loan from Udinese/ITA)(1), Panagiotis Glykos (PAOK)(12), Stefanos Kapino (Panathinaikos)(13)
Defenders: Kostas Manolas(4), Jose Holebas(20) (both Olympiacos), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Borussia Dortmund/GER)(19), Vangelis Moras (Verona/ITA)(5), Giorgos Tzavellas (PAOK)(3), Loukas Vyntra (Levante/ESP(11), Vasilis Torosidis (Roma/ITA)(15)
Midfielders: Alexandros Tziolis (Kayserispor/TUR on loan from PAOK)(6), Andreas Samaris(22), Giannis Maniatis(2) (both Olympiacos), Kostas Katsouranis (PAOK)(21), Giorgos Karagounis (Free Agent)(10), Panagiotis Tachtsidis (Torino/ITA)(23), Giannis Fetfatzidis (Genoa/ITA)(18), Lazaros Christodoulopoulos (16), Panagiotis Kone(8) (both Bologna/ITA)
Forwards: Dimitris Salpingidis (PAOK)(14), Georgios Samaras (Free Agent)(7), Kostas Mitroglou (Fulham/ENG)(9), Fanis Gekas (Konyaspor/TUR)(17)
Ivory Coast
Goalkeepers: Boubacar Barry (Lokeren/BEL)(1), Sayouba Mande (Stabaek/NOR)(23), Sylvain Gbohouo (Sewe San Pedro)(16)
Defenders: Kolo Toure (Liverpool/ENG)(4), Arthur Boka (Stuttgart/GER)(3), Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro(7), Serge Aurier(17)(both Toulouse/FRA), Ousmane Viera Diarrassouba (Caykur Rizespor/TUR)(2), Didier Zokora (Trabzonspor/TUR)(5), Constant Djakpa (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER)(18), Bamba Souleymane (Trabzonspor/TUR)(22)
Midfielders: Ismael Diomande(14), Max-Alain Gradel(15) (both Saint-Etienne/FRA), Yaya Toure (Manchester City/ENG)(19), Ismael Cheick Tiote (9) (Newcastle United/ENG), Geoffroy Serey Die (FC Basel/SUI)(20), Didier Ya Konan (Hannover 96/GER)(13)
Forwards: Didier Drogba (Galatasaray/TUR)(11), Gervinho (AS Roma/ITA)(10), Salomon Kalou (Lille/FRA)(8), Wilfried Bony (Swansea City/ENG)(12), Giovanni Sio (FC Basel/SUI)(21), Mathis Bolly (Fortuna Duesseldorf/GER)(6)
Japan
Goalkeepers: Eiji Kawashima (Standard Liege/BEL)(1), Shusaku Nishikawa (Urawa Reds)(12), Shuichi Gonda (FC Tokyo)(23)
Defenders: Yasuyuki Konno (Gamba Osaka)(15), Masahiko Inoha (Jubilo Iwata)(19), Yuto Nagatomo (Inter/ITA)(5), Masato Morishige (FC Tokyo)(6), Atsuto Uchida (Schalke 04/GER)(2), Maya Yoshida (Southampton/ENG)(22), Hiroki Sakai (Hannover 96/GER)(21), Gotoku Sakai (VfB Stuttgart/GER)(3)
Midfielders: Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka)(7), Makoto Hasebe (Nuremberg/GER)(17), Toshihiro Aoyama (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)(14), Hotaru Yamaguchi (Cerezo Osaka)(16), Keisuke Honda (AC Milan/ITA)(4), Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United/ENG)(10)
Forwards: Yoshito Okubo (Kawasaki Frontale)(13), Shinji Okazaki (FSV Mainz/GER)(9), Hiroshi Kiyotake (Nuremberg/GER)(8), Yoichiro Kakitani (Cerezo Osaka)(11), Manabu Saito (Yokohama F-Marinos)(20), Yuya Osako (Cologne/GER)(18)
Group D
Uruguay
Goalkeepers: Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray/TUR)(1), Martin Silva (Vasco Da Gama/BRA)(23), Rodrigo Munoz (Libertad/PAR)(12)
Defenders: Diego Lugano (Free Agent)(2), Diego Godin(3), Jose Maria Gimenez(13) (both Atletico Madrid/ESP), Martin Caceres (Juventus/ITA)(22), Maximiliano Pereira (Benfica/POR)(16), Jorge Fucile (Porto/POR)(4), Sebastian Coates (Liverpool/ENG)(19)
Midfielders: Egidio Arévalo Rios (UANL/MEX)(17), Walter Gargano (Parma/ITA on loan from Napoli/ITA)(5), Diego Perez (Bologna/ITA)(15), Alvaro Gonzalez (Lazio/ITA)(20), Alvaro Pereira (Sao Paulo/BRA)(6), Cristian Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid/ESP)(7), Gaston Ramirez (Southampton/ENG)(18), Nicolas Lodeiro (Corinthians/BRA)(14)
Forwards: Luis Suárez (Liverpool/ENG)(9), Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA)(21), Diego Forlan (Cerezo Osaka/JPN)(10), Christian Stuani (Espanyol/ESP)(11), Abel Hernandez (Palermo/ITA)(8)
Costa Rica
Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas (Levante/ESP)(1), Patrick Pemberton (Alajuelense)(18), Daniel Cambronero (Herediano)(23)
Defenders: Giancarlo Gonzalez (Columbus Crew/USA)(3), Johnny Acosta (Alajuelense)(2), Michael Umana (Saprissa)(4), Roy Miller (New York Red Bulls/USA)(19), Cristian Gamboa (Rosenborg/NOR)(16), Oscar Duarte (Club Brugge/BEL)(6), Heiner Mora (Saprissa)(8), Junior Diaz (FSV Mainz/GER)(15), Waylon Francis (Columbus Crew/USA)(12)
Midfielders: Yeltsin Tejeda (Saprissa)(17), Celso Borges (AIK/SWE)(5), Jose Miguel Cubero (Herediano)(22), Michael Barrantes (Aalesund/NOR)(11), Esteban Granados (Herediano)(13), Christian Bolanos (Copenhagen/DEN)(7), Diego Calvo (Valerenga/NOR)(20)
Forwards: Marco Urena (Kuban Krasnodar/RUS)(21), Randall Brenes (Cartagines)(14), Bryan Ruiz (PSV Eindhoven/NED on loan from Fulham/ENG)(10), Joel Campbell (Olympiacos/GRE on loan from Arsenal/ENG)(9)
England
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City)(1), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion)(13), Fraser Forster (Celtic/SCO)(22)
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton)(3), Gary Cahill (Chelsea)(5), Phil Jagielka (Everton)(6), Glen Johnson (Liverpool)(2), Phil Jones (Manchester United)(16), Luke Shaw (Southampton)(23), Chris Smalling (Manchester United)(12)
Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton)(21), Steven Gerrard(4), Jordan Henderson(14) (both Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton)(20), Frank Lampard (Chelsea)(8), James Milner (Manchester City)(17), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal)(15), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)(19), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)(7)
Forwards: Rickie Lambert (Liverpool)(18), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)(10), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)(9), Daniel Welbeck (Manchester United)(11)
Italy
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)(1), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA)(12), Mattia Perin (Genoa)(13)
Defenders: Ignazio Abate (AC Milan)(7), Andrea Barzagli(15), Leonardo Bonucci(19), Giorgio Chiellini (3) (all Juventus), Matteo Darmian (Torino)(4), Mattia De Sciglio (AC Milan)(2), Gabriel Paletta (Parma)(20)
Midfielders: Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina)(14), Antonio Candreva (Lazio)(6), Daniele De Rossi (Roma)(16), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus)(8), Thiago Motta (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA)(5), Marco Parolo (Parma)(18), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus)(21), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA)(23)
Forwards: Mario Balotelli (AC Milan)(9), Antonio Cassano (Parma)(10), Alessio Cerci (Torino)(11), Ciro Immobile (Borussia Dortmund/GER)(17), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli)(22)
Group E
Switzerland
Goalkeepers: Diego Benaglio (Wolfsburg/GER)(1), Roman Buerki (SC Freiburg/GER)(21), Yann Sommer (Borussia Monchengladbach)(12)
Defenders: Johan Djourou (Hamburg/GER)(20), Michael Lang (Grasshopper)(6), Stephan Lichtsteiner (Juventus/ITA)(2), Ricardo Rodriguez (Wolfsburg/GER)(13), Fabian Schaer (Basel)(22), Philippe Senderos (Aston Villa/ENG)(4), Steve von Bergen (Young Boys)(5), Reto Ziegler (Sassuolo/ITA on loan from Juventus/ITA)(3)
Midfielders: Tranquillo Barnetta (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER)(7), Valon Behrami(11), Blerim Dzemaili (both Napoli/ITA)(15), Gelson Fernandes (SC Freiburg/GER)(16), Goekhan Inler (Napoli/ITA)(8), Xherdan Shaqiri (Bayern Munich/GER)(23), Valentin Stocker (Hertha Berlin/GER)(14)
Forwards: Josip Drmic (Bayer Leverkusen/GER)(19), Mario Gavranovic (Zurich)(17), Admir Mehmedi (SC Freiburg/GER)(18), Haris Seferovic (Real Sociedad/ESP)(9), Granit Xhaka (Borussia Moenchengladbach/GER)(10)
Ecuador
Goalkeepers: Maximo Banguera (Barcelona Sporting)(1), Adrian Bone (El Nacional)(12), Alexander Dominguez (Liga de Quito)(22)
Defenders: Frickson Erazo (Flamengo/BRA)(3), Jorge Guagua(2), Oscar Bagui(18), Gabriel Achilier(21) (all Emelec), Juan Carlos Paredes (Watford/ENG)(4), Walter Ayovi (Pachuca/MEX)(10)
Midfielders: Oswaldo Minda (Chivas/USA)(14), Carlos Gruezo (VfB Stuttgart/GER)(23), Renato Ibarra (Vitesse Arnhem/NED)(5), Christian Noboa (Dynamo Moscow/RUS)(6), Luis Saritama (Barcelona Sporting)(19), Antonio Valencia (Manchester United/ENG)(16), Edison Mendez (Independiente Santa Fe/COL)(8), Fidel Martinez (Tijuana/MEX)(20)
Forwards: Joao Rojas (Cruz Azul/MEX)(9), Felipe Caicedo (Al-Jazira/UAE)(11), Jefferson Montero (Morelia/MEX)(7), Jaime Ayovi (Tijuana/MEX)(17), Enner Valencia (Pachuca/MEX)(13), Michael Arroyo (Atlante/MEX)(15)
France
Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur/ENG)(1), Stephane Ruffier (Saint-Etienne)(16), Mickael Landreau (SC Bastia)(23)
Defenders: Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United/ENG)(2), Lucas Digne (Paris Saint-Germain)(17), Patrice Evra (Manchester United/ENG)(3), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal/ENG)(21), Eliaquim Mangala (FC Porto/POR)(13), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal/ENG)(15), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool/ENG)(5), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid/ESP)(4)
Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (Paris Saint-Germain)(6), Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton/ENG)(22), Blaise Matuidi (Paris Saint-Germain)(14), Rio Mavuba (Lille)(12), Paul Pogba (Juventus/ITA)(19), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United/ENG)(18)
Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid/ESP)(10), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal/ENG)(9), Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad/ESP)(11), Loic Remy (Newcastle United/ENG on loan from Queens Park Rangers/ENG)(20), Remy Cabella (Montpellier)(7), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille)(8)
Honduras
Goalkeepers: Noel Valladares(18), Donis Escober(22) (both Olimpia), Luis Lopez (Real Espana)(1)
Defenders: Edder Delgado (Real Espana)(12), Maynor Figueroa (Hull City/ENG)(3), Victor Bernardez (San Jose/USA)(5), Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic/SCO)(7), Osman Chavez (Qingdao Jonoon/CHN on loan from Wisla Krakow/POL)(2), Juan Carlos Garcia (Wigan Athletic/ENG)(6), Brayan Beckeles (Olimpia)(21), Juan Pablo Montes (Motagua)(4)
Midfielders: Boniek Garcia (Houston Dynamo/USA)(14), Andy Najar (Anderlecht/BEL)(17), Roger Espinoza (Wigan Athletic/ENG)(15), Wilson Palacios (Stoke City/ENG)(8), Marvin Chavez (Chivas/USA)(23), Jorge Claros (Motagua)(20), Luis Garrido (Olimpia)(19), Mario Martinez (Real Espana)(10)
Forwards: Jerry Bengtson (New England/USA)(11), Jerry Palacios (Alajuelense/CRA)(9), Carlo Costly (Real Espana)(13), Rony Martinez (Real Sociedad/ESP)(16)
Group F
Argentina
Goalkeepers: Mariano Andujar (Catania/ITA on loan from Napoli/ITA)(21), Agustin Orion (Boca Juniors)(12), Sergio Romero (Monaco/FRA on loan from Sampdoria/ITA)(1)
Defenders: José Basanta (Monterrey/MEX)(23), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City/ENG)(15), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica/POR)(2), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon/POR)(16), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City/ENG)(4), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter/ITA)(3), Federico Fernandez (Napoli/ITA)(17)
Midfielders: Ricardo Alvarez (Inter/ITA)(19), Lucas Biglia (Lazio/ITA)(6), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid/ESP)(7), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo/ESP)(13), Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors)(5), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona/ESP)(14), Enzo Perez (Benfica/POR)(8), Maxi Rodriguez (Newll’s Old Boys)(11)
Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City/ENG)(20), Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli/ITA)(9), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA)(22), Lionel Messi (Barcelona/ESP)(10), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter/ITA)(18)
Bosnia and Herzogovina
Goalkeepers: Asmir Begovic (Stoke City/ENG)(1), Jasmin Fejzic (Aalen/GER)(12), Asmir Avdukic (Borac Banja Luka)(22)
Defenders: Emir Spahic (Bayer Leverkusen/GER)(4), Toni Sunjic (Zorya Luhansk/UKR)(15), Sead Kolasinac (Schalke 04/GER)(5), Ognjen Vranjes (Elazigspor/TUR)(6), Ermin Bicakcic (Hoffenheim/GER)(3), Avdija Vrsajevic (Hajduk Split/CRO)(2)
Midfielders: Miralem Pjanic (AS Roma/ITA)(8), Izet Hajrovic (Galatasaray/TUR)(20), Mensur Mujdza (SC Freiburg/GER)(13), Haris Medunjanin (Gaziantepspor/TUR)(18), Senad Lulic (Lazio/ITA)(16), Anel Hadzic (Sturm Graz/AUT)(21), Tino-Sven Susic (Hajduk Split/CRO)(14), Sejad Salihovic (Hoffenheim/GER)(23), Zvjezdan Misimovic (Guizhou Renhe/CHN)(10), Senijad Ibricic (Erciyesspor/TUR)(17), Muhamed Besic (Ferencvaros/HUN)(7),
Forwards: Vedad Ibisevic (VfB Stuttgart/GER)(9), Edin Dzeko (Manchester City/ENG)(11), Edin Visca (Istanbul BB/TUR)(19)
Iran
Goalkeepers: Daniel Davari (Eintracht Braunschweig/GER)(22), Rahman Ahmadi (Sepahan Isfahan)(1), Alireza Haghighi (Sporting Covilha/POR)(12)
Defenders: Hossein Mahini(13), Jalal Hosseini(4) (both Persepolis), Amirhossein Sadeghi(5), Hashem Beikzadeh(19) (both Esteghlal), Mehrdad Pooladi (Persepolis)(23), Ahmad Alnameh (Naft Tehran)(17), Pejman Montazeri (Umm Salal SC/QAT)(15), Steven Beitashour (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN)(20), Ehsan Haji Safi (Sepahan Isfahan)(3), Khosro Heydari (Esteghlal)(2)
Midfielders: Reza Haghighi (Persepolis)(8), Andranik Timotian (Esteghlal)(14), Ghasem Hadadifar (Zob Ahan Isfahan)(11), Bakhtiar Rahmani (Foolad)(18), Javad Nekounam (Kuwait SC/KUW)(6)
Forwards: Karim Ansari Fard (Tractor Sazi)(10), Reza Ghoochannejad (Charlton Athletic/ENG)(16), Alireza Jahan Bakhsh (NEC Nijmegen/NED)(9), Masoud Shojaei (UD Las Palmas/ESP)(7), Ashkan Dejagah (Fulham/ENG)(21)
Nigeria
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille/FRA)(1), Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United)(21), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva/ISR)(16)
Defenders: Efe Ambrose (Celtic/SCO)(5), Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor/TUR)(14), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves)(6), Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough/ENG on loan from Chelsea/ENG)(22), Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC/ISR)(13), Joseph Yobo (Norwich City/ENG on loan from Fenerbache/TUR)(2), Ebenezer Odunlami (Sunshine Stars)(12)
Midfielders: John Obi Mikel (Chelsea/ENG)(10), Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio/ITA)(17), Reuben Gabriel (Beveren/BEL)(4), Ramon Azeez (Almeria/SPA)(15), Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns/RSA)(3)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow/RUS)(7), Shola Ameobi (Free Agent)(23), Victor Moses (Chelsea/ENG)(11), Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce/TUR)(9), Peter Odemwingie(Stoke City/ENG)(8), Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen/NED on loan from VVV-Venlo/NED)(19), Michael Babatunde (Volyn Lutsk/UKR)(18), Okechukwu Uchebo (Cercle Brugge/BEL)(20)
Group G
Germany
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)(1), Roman Weidenfeller (Borussia Dortmund)(22), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hannover 96)(12)
Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich)(20), Erik Durm(15), Kevin Grosskreutz(2) (both Borussia Dortmund), Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke 04)(4), Matthias Ginter (SC Freiburg)(3), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)(5), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich)(16), Per Mertesacker (Arsenal/ENG)(17), Shkodran Mustafi (Samdoria/ITA)(21)
Midfielders: Julian Draxler (Schalke 04)(14), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid/ESP)(6), Christoph Kramer (Borussia Monchengladbach)(23), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich)(18), Mesut Oezil (Arsenal/ENG)(8), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich)(7)
Forwards: Miroslav Klose (Lazio/ITA)(11), Lukas Podolski (Arsenal/ENG)(10), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich)(13), Andre Schuerrle (Chelsea/ENG)(9), Mario Goetze (Bayern Munich)(19)
Portugal
Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon)(12), Beto (Sevilla/ESP)(22), Eduardo (Braga)(1)
Defenders: Andre Almeida (Benfica)(19), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce/TUR)(2), Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid/ESP)(5), Joao Pereira (Valencia/ESP)(21), Luis Neto (Zenit Saint Petersburg/RUS)(14), Pepe (Real Madrid/ESP)(3), Ricardo Costa (Valencia/ESP)(13)
Midfielders: Joao Moutinho (Monaco/FRA)(8), Miguel Veloso (Dynamo Kiev/UKR)(4), Raul Meireles (Fenerbahce/TUR)(16), Ruben Amorim (Benfica)(20), William Carvalho (Sporting Lisbon)(6)
Strikers: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid/ESP)(7), Eder (Braga)(11), Helder Postiga (Lazio/ITA)(23), Hugo Almeida (Besiktas/TUR)(9), Nani (Manchester United/ENG)(17), Rafa (Braga)(15), Silvestre Varela (FC Porto)(18), Vieirinha (Wolfsburg/GER)(10)
Ghana
Goalkeepers: Adam Larsen Kwarasey (Strømsgodset/NOR)(12), Fatawu Dauda (Orlando Pirates/RSA)(16), Stephen Adams (Aduana Stars)(1)
Defenders: Samuel Inkoom (Platanias/GRE on loan from Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk/UKR)(2), Daniel Opare (FC Porto/TUR)(4), Harrison Afful (Esperance/TUN)(23), John Boye (Rennes/FRA)(21), Jonathan Mensah (Evian-Thonon-Gaillard/FRA)(19), Rashid Sumaila (Mamelodi Sundowns/RSA)(15)
Midfielders: Michael Essien(5), Sulley Muntari(11) (both AC Milan/ITA), Mohammed Rabiu (Kuban Krasnodar/RUS)(17), Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus/ITA)(20), Emmanuel Agyemang Badu (Udinese/ITA)(8), Afriyie Acquah (Parma/ITA on loan from Hoffenheim/GER)(6), Andre Ayew (Marseille/FRA)(10), Mubarak Wakaso (Rubin Kazan/RUS)(22), Christian Atsu Twasam (Vitesse Arnhem/NED on loan from Chelsea/ENG)(7), Albert Adomah (Middlesbrough/ENG)(14)
Forwards: Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain/UAE)(3), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Schalke 04/GER)(9), Abdul Majeed Waris (Valenciennes/FRA, on loan from Spartak Moscow/RUS)(18), Jordan Ayew (Sochaux/FRA on loan from Marseille/FRA)(13)
United States
Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa/ENG)(12), Tim Howard (Everton/ENG)(1), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)(22)
Defenders: DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla/MEX)(7), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City)(5), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin/GER)(6), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City/ENG)(20), Timmy Chandler (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER)(21), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy)(3), Fabian Johnson (Borussia Moenchengladbach/GER)(23), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders FC)(2)
Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake)(15), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes/FRA)(11), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC)(4), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo)(14), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg/NOR)(10), Jermaine Jones (Besiktas/TUR)(13), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)(19)
Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Sunderland/ENG)(17), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC)(8), Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar/NED)(9), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)(18), Julian Green (Bayern Munich/GER)(16)
Group H
Belgium
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid/ESP, on loan from Chelsea/ENG)(1), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool/ENG)(12), Sammy Bossut (Zulte-Waregem)(13)
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (Atletico Madrid/ESP)(2), Anthony Vanden Borre (Anderlecht)(21), Daniel Van Buyten (Bayern Munich/GER)(15), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City/ENG)(4), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham/ENG)(5), Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal/ENG)(3), Nicolas Lombaerts (Zenit Saint Petersburg/RUS)(18), Laurent Ciman (Standard Liege)(23)
Midfielders: Axel Witsel (Zenit Saint Petersburg/RUS)(6), Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United/ENG)(8), Steven Defour (FC Porto/POR)(16), Moussa Dembele (Tottenham Hotspur/ENG)(19), Kevin De Bruyne (Wolfsburg/GER)(7)
Forwards: Romelu Lukaku (Everton/ENG, on loan from Chelsea/ENG)(9), Divock Origi (Lille/FRA)(17), Eden Hazard (Chelsea/ENG)(10), Kevin Mirallas (Everton/ENG)(11), Dries Mertens (Napoli/ITA)(14), Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United/ENG)(20), Nacer Chadli (Tottenham Hotspur/ENG)(22)
Algeria
Goalkeepers: Rais M’bolhi (CSKA Sofia/BUL)(23), Mohamed Zemmamouche (USM Alger)(16), Cedric Si Mohammed (CS Constantine)(1)
Defenders: Essaid Belkalem (Watford/ENG)(4), Madjid Bougherra (Free Agent)(2), Liassine Cadamuro (Real Mallorca/ESP on loan from Real Sociedad/ESP)(17), Faouzi Ghoulam (Napoli/ITA)(3), Rafik Halliche (Academica Coimbra/POR)(5), Aissa Mandi (Reims/FRA)(20), Mehdi Mostefa (AC Ajaccio/FRA)(22), Carl Medjani (Valenciennes/FRA on loan from AS Monaco/FRA)(12), Djamel Mesbah (Livorno/ITA on loan from Parma/ITA)(6)
Midfielders: Nabil Bentaleb (Tottenham Hotspur/ENG)(14), Yacine Brahimi (Granada/ESP)(11), Medhi Lacen (Getafe/ESP)(8), Saphir Taider (Inter/ITA)(19), Hassen Yebda (Udinese/ITA)(7)
Forwards: Abdelmoumen Djabou (Club Africain/TUN)(18), Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia/ESP)(10), Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City/ENG)(21), Islam Slimani (Sporting Lisbon/POR)(13), El Arabi Soudani (Dinamo Zagreb/CRO)(15), Nabil Ghilas (FC Porto/POR)(9)
Russia
Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow)(1), Yury Lodygin (Zenit Saint Petersburg)(12), Sergei Ryzhikov (Rubin Kazan)(16)
Defenders: Vasily Berezutsky(14), Sergei Ignashevich(4), Georgy Shchennikov(3) (all CSKA Moscow), Vladimir Granat(13), Alexei Kozlov(2) (both Dynamo Moscow), Andrei Eshchenko (Anzhi Makhachkala)(22), Dmitry Kombarov (Spartak Moscow)(23), Andrei Semenov (Terek Grozny)(5)
Midfielders: Igor Denisov(7) (Dynamo Moscow), Alan Dzagoev (CSKA Moscow)(10), Pavel Mogilevets (Rubin Kazan)(15), Denis Glushakov (Spartak Moscow)(8), Viktor Fayzulin(20), Oleg Shatov(17) (both Zenit Saint Petersburg)
Forwards: Alexander Kerzhakov (Zenit Saint Petersburg)(11), Alexey Ionov(21), Alexander Kokorin (both Dynamo Moscow)(9), Maxim Kanunnikov (Rubin Kazan)(6), Alexander Samedov (Lokomotiv Moscow)(19),Yury Zhirkov(18) (Dynamo Moscow)
South Korea
Goalkeepers: Jung Sung-Ryong (Suwon Bluewings)(1), Kim Seung-Gyu (Ulsan Hyundai)(21), Lee Bum-Young (Busan IPark)(23)
Defenders: Hong Jeongho (FC Augsburg/GER)(20), Hwang Seok-Ho (Sanfrecce Hiroshima/JPN)(6), Kim Chang-Soo (Kashiwa Reysol/JPN)(2), Park Joo-Ho (FSV Mainz/GER)(22), Kim Young-Gwon (Guangzhou Evergrande/CHN)(5), Kwak Tae-Hwi (Al Hilal/KSA)(4), Lee Yong (Ulsan Hyundai)(12), Yun Suk-Young (Queens Park Rangers/ENG)(3)
Midfielders: Ha Dae-Sung (Beijing Guoan/CHN)(8), Han Kook-Young (Kashiwa Reysol/JPN)(14), Ji Dong-Won (FC Augsburg/GER)(19), Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland/ENG, on loan from Swansea City/ENG)(16), Kim Bo-Kyung (Cardiff City/ENG)(7), Lee Chung-Yong (Bolton Wanderers/ENG)(17), Park Jong-Woo (Guangzhou/CHN)(15), Son Heung-Min (Bayer Leverkusen/GER)(9)
Forwards: Kim Shin-Wook (Ulsan Hyundai)(18), Koo Ja-Cheol (FSV Mainz/GER)(13), Lee Keun-Ho (Sangju Sangmu on loan from Ulsan Hyundai)(11), Park Chu-Young (Free Agent)(10)

Adamawa bans football viewing centres

The Adamawa Government has banned the operation of football viewing centres indefinitely in the state.
The state government said in a statement by Ahmad Sajoh, Director Press and Public Affairs to Gov Murtala Nyako, that the the ban was based on the advice of the Nigerian Army.
The statement said the government regretted any inconvenience caused by the action to the teeming football fans and the owners of the viewing centres.
There is growing concern over the safety of viewing centres in Adamawa following last Sunday’s bomb attack on a pub in Mubi.
The beer parlours also serve as football viewing centres at Kabang ward of Mubi town where the incident claimed many lives.
With the ban, most football fans will not be able to watch the 2014 World Cup matches from the centres which had sprung up across the state.

Blatter ready for new term as FIFA chief

Sepp Blatter told the FIFA congress Wednesday that he was ready to stand for a new term as the world football body’s president, ignoring calls by European officials to end his reign.

Blatter

“My mission is not finished… I’m ready to accompany you in the future,” said the 78-year-old, who had previously promised to stand down at the end of his fourth term.

All eyes on Messi, Ronaldo, Brazil, Spain as world’s biggest football event gets underway

The 2014 FIFA World Cup finals, arguably the world’s biggest sporting event, gets underway at Sao Paulo in Brazil on Thursday with the hosts taking on Croatia.

The opening ceremony, to be staged at the Arena de Sao Paulo and preceded immediately by the opening match, will kick-start a 32-day football spectacle.Ronaldo-Messi

It will involve a performance by Pitbull, Claudia Leitte, Jennifer Lopez and Olodum, climaxing a ceremony which starts at 15.14 hours Brazilian time.

The performance is set to thrill the public by paying homage to Brazil’s three biggest treasures – its nature, people and football.

Billed to last 25 minutes, the cast is made up of more than 600 people, the majority of whom study at dance or circus schools or at cultural workshops.

In addition to the 62,600 fans present in the stadium, the ceremony will be shown on television in 200 territories around the world.

This will involve more than 160 principal rights-holders broadcasting to all four corners of the globe, making the event one of the most watched in recent times.

But the real action, which the whole world has waited for with bated breath since 2010, comes with the opening match.

It is a game from Group A, and the hosts will be hoping to set off their campaign for a sixth title on a good note by beating Croatia.

The group looks tight with Mexico and Cameroon as the other contenders, but both Brazil and Mexico look likely to get the second round tickets.

But any one of Cameroon and Croatia hold the outside chance, with any one of them good enough to beat Mexico to the second ticket from the group.

Brazil have an edge over all others in the group, having met them all in past World Cups and beaten them, with Mexico the only one capable of standing up to them.

But since the history of World Cup opening matches is replete with shocking results on such grand occasions, Brazil may well have to watch it in this opening game.

Thereafter, the competition offers a different mixture of excitement, suspense, gritty action and finesse, with Group B harbouring one of the other competition favourites.

Defending champions Spain take on top side Netherlands on June 13, in a repeat of the 2010 final game in South Africa, which the Spaniards won 1-0.

Both sides are expected to advance from the group comfortably, and only Chile is expected to threaten them, even though Australia will make them bring out some sweat.

Group C has Colombia, Greece, Cote D’Ivoire and Japan, with any one of them capable of leading the pack and any of them also capable of losing out disappointedly.

In Group D, Uruguay, England and Italy are the teams with the chance to advance to the next round, even though Costa Rica should not be disregarded.

1998 champions France are alongside Switzerland and Ecuador, with the latter more at home to pick the second Group E ticket, but Honduras can create some little headache for the unwary.

Group F will be difficult a bit, with Argentina holding the key to Nigeria’s progress, while Iran should find things tougher than they can keep up with.

Bosnia-Herzegovina will be a strong proposition for the others, and look good to jostle with the South American giants for the group’s top spot, which may be too bad for Nigeria.

Already dubbed “group of death’’, Group G will be another interesting pack, with all four of Germany, Portugal, the U.S. and Ghana looking good enough to advance to the next round.

But, Germany stand out as favourites to advance and also move on to challenge for the title, with any one of the others good enough to move to the second round.

Group H has Belgium, Algeria, Russia and South Korea, and the form book will give the two tickets to the European sides.

But if inexperience does not stifle Algeria’s performance and South Korea find their bearing early enough, then expect that a surprise awaits either of Belgium and Russia.

However, it is not going to be all about team performance at this World Cup, notable players have given indications they would use the competition to raise their personal ratings.

Brazil has the likes of FC Barcelona’s Neymar, as well as Fred and Thiago Silva, while Croatia have Mario Mandzukic and Real Madrid’s Luka Modric to boast of.

Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o, Spain’s Andres Iniesta, Xavi Alonso and Fernando Torres are also waiting in the wings, with Chile’s Alexis Sanchez equally looking ready to shine.

Colombia’s Radamel Falcao has been injured much of the season and now has the opportunity to live up to his name if injury permits.

Georgios Samaras of Greece, as well as Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani of Uruguay are also other players the football world has been waiting to see on the world stage.

Equally, Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure of Cote D’Ivoire need to carry the hopes of their country on their shoulders effectively, so as to remain the national heroes they are.

Karim Benzema will have to re-enact what he has been doing for Real Madrid for France, while Sergio Aguerro has to also live up to his billing.

Also, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard have a lot to prove with Belgium, while Edin Dzeko (Bosnia-Herzegovina) and Mesut Ozil have to show they are worthy of their value.

But Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo perhaps have more to prove than the rest, as they carry more of the burden of what Argentina and Portugal will show in Brazil.

They may even have more than their team’s aspirations to worry about, with the title of the world’s best player now at stake and up for grabs between the two.

Whichever way the event goes by July 13, hosts Brazil and defending champions Spain, as well as Messi and Ronaldo would not have failed to catch the headlines.

They would have had the opportunity to either live up to expectations or fail to raise their game and thus disappoint.

A lot of factors would have come into play in this regard, such as luck and injuries in particular.

But, given what they have all promised in the past two years, there is no doubt that Brazil 2014 will live up to expectations as a tournament.(NAN)

Excitement, as World Cup begins today

Brazil is desperate to make a powerful statement of intent in today’s World Cup opener against Croatia as they seek to relieve the suffocating pressure that has engulfed the team in the build-up to the tournament.
Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has the luxury of being able to field the same team that destroyed world champions, Spain 3-0 in the final of last year’s Confederations Cup, with Barcelona star Neymar the focal point of a powerful and settled line-up.ubani-2014
The five-time champions are expected to qualify from their group without too much trouble but Barcelona defender Dani Alves admitted there was anxiety ahead of the Sao Paulo opener, as they seek to ease the jitters.
“I have always said that if you don’t feel anxiety it is not worth being a professional athlete. The opening game is difficult, important,” said Alves.
But Scolari, who masterminded Brazil’s last World Cup win in 2002, is likely to stick with his tried-and-tested winning formula against 18th-ranked Croatia after the same 11 edged past Serbia 1-0 in a friendly last week, courtesy of a goal from Fred.
Croatia will be missing Bayern Munich’s striker, Mario Mandzukic because of a red card he picked up in a match against Iceland in November.
But they also boast of Real Madrid’s Luka Modric in their line-up, who said the key to the game would be the midfield battle, admitting the task of taking on Brazil in their own backyard was daunting.
“Virtually every game is decided in the midfield. In most situations, the winner is the team that has the better midfield,” said Modric. “I hope that we can show our qualities and can beat Brazil. But this will of course be very difficult.”
Modric, fresh from winning the Champions League with Real Madrid, highlighted the danger of Neymar, hailed by many as the key man for Brazil.
“Neymar did not have the best of season with Barcelona, but when he plays for Brazil, he is a completely different player,” said Modric. “But I believe that we will find a way to stop him.”
The match will be played in the 61,600-capacity Corinthians Arena, which was delayed by accidents in which three workers were killed.
Opening ceremony spectacle (Time 7.15 p.m)
More than 600 dancers reportedly started rehearsing a month ago to put on a show that the world will surely be amazed at.
“The Opening Ceremony is a tribute to Brazil and its treasures: Nature, people football,” said Daphne Cornez, the show’s Belgian artistic director.
“The sense of excitement here is amazing and everyone is very motivated. It doesn’t matter whether they’re feeling tired or hot sometimes, or if they have to go through routines again and again; they just keep on smiling. It’s amazing.”
One of the performers, a 60-year-old female dancer, Edna Sasson, who will be representing a river could barely contain her excitement. “It’s a unique event,” said Sasson. “It’s not like dancing at the local theatre or any other theatre for that matter”.
Adamawa shuts viewing centres
Meanwhile, back home in Nigeria, the Adamawa State Government has announced the closure of all commercial football viewing centres in the state with immediate effect.
A statement issued in Yola, yesterday, and signed by the Director Press and Publications to Governor Murtala Nyako, Ahmed Sajoh indicated that the closure was based on advice by the 23rd Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Yola to that effect.
“Owing to the current security challenges, the Army authorities have advised the state government to close all the commercial football viewing centres during the forthcoming World Cup Competition in Brazil”, the statement read.
The measure, according to the statement has become imperative as insurgents tormenting the northern states, especially the North East Sub – region have shifted most of their attacks on commercial football viewing centres and other crowdy public places.
Government, according to the statement reasoned that commercial football viewing centres will record unprecedented crowd during the world cup tournament, and the insurgents might capitalize on the crowd- pulling tournament to wreak havoc.
It advised owners of such viewing centres to take the ban in good faith as it is in the interest of the public, especially the youths who constitute the larger percentage of the viewers.
It will be recalled that an attack on a football viewing centre in Mubi, Adamawa State about two weeks ago, claimed the lives of over 40 persons, and left hundreds others injured.
Reacting to the closure, some operators of such centres in Yola, described it as a welcome development.
Aliyu Auta, owner of Uratu VIP football viewing centre opined that though the closure has to do with security which is the most important aspect of life, the economic effect to the operators also matter a lot.
Auta was of the opinion that since most of them depend on the centres for their livelihood, government should provide alternative measures.