FC Barcelona to set up its first African academy in Lagos Read more: https://www.naij.com/739703-fc-barcelona-set-first-african-academy-lagos.html

Barcelona are the reigning UEFA Champions League, Copa Del Rey and La Liga champions. The governor said: “This visit by FC Barcelona is coming at a point where I believe strongly that we have nothing else to say than to say we are committed into this partnership because we know the partnership will give us the first FCBEscola in Africa. “I was made to understand that this is the first of its kind in Africa and so Lagos is priding itself as a major receptor of the next academy to be established in Africa.”
Read more: https://www.naij.com/739703-fc-barcelona-set-first-african-academy-lagos.html

Watch has been found guilty of breaching Ofcom regulations over a Derren Brown programme.

Something Wicked This Way Comes was broadcast at 9.10am on December 6 and received five complaints over the illusionist swearing and a stunt involving a plastic bag and walking on broken glass.

A 14-minute segment of the show saw Brown place a plastic bag over his head to restrict the air supply to his brain, before removing the bag and walking over broken glass to demonstrate how the human body wouldn't bleed in the situation.

UKTV confirmed that the programme was broadcast in error and "fully acknowledged that the programme was unsuitable for a pre-watershed audience". It added that it was aware of the incident before being contacted by Ofcom, with an internal investigation revealing that the broadcast was a result of "human error".

Watch breaches Ofcom regulations by accidentally airing sweary Derren Brown programme before the watershed

Councillor Ken James, Caerphilly’s cabinet member for regeneration and planning, also said the council will be consulting over the next couple of weeks so they can identify any issues and build these into the detailed traffic management plans on the day.

Changes from the inaugural event in 2015 will occur on the Usk Road from Caerleon to Usk, where the route turns right at the Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel just before Llangybi and travels through Tredunnock and past the Newbridge on Usk before joining Abernant Road towards Usk.

The route then travels through Llantrisant and Llanllywel before arriving in Usk via Maryport Street, before a right turn into Church Street. The route then leaves Usk along the B4598, Porthycarne Street, through Chain Bridge and Nantyderry before re-joining the 2015 route on the A4042 south of Llanover.

Katie Hopkins has said epilepsy has "plagued" her life since she was 19 as she prepared for brain surgery to treat the condition.

Writing in a column for the Daily Mail, the controversial media personality opened up about the procedure in which surgeons will remove part of her brain.

Talking about an outright cure, she wrote: "The odds aren't great."

However, the 41-year-old said she is undergoing the surgery to prolong her life expectancy.

Katie Hopkins prepared for brain surgery to treat epilepsy that 'plagues' her Read more: http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk/8203-Katie-Hopkins-prepared-brain-surgery-treat/story-28785229-detail/story.html#ixzz40vLu2HWx Follow us: @WesternDaily on Twitter | WesternDaily on Facebook

Nigeria midfielder Mikel Obi has again thrown jibes at former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, saying the London club’s dressing room is a lot more relaxed because caretaker manager Guus Hiddink minds his own business.

Mikel mostly warmed the bench during Mourinho’s second coming, but he has been a lot more regular under Hiddink.

“From day one, since Guus has come in, the atmosphere has changed,’ the 29-year-old Mikel said. “The players feel more relaxed, people know what their jobs are and people are getting on with their jobs in a more relaxed way. And a way they can perform very well.

“He has given responsibility to people and expects them to thrive on it and make sure they do it in way where they feel comfortable. I think that is what the players are showing now.

“When you come into the training ground, the players are more relaxed, he doesn’t get into people’s business, he gets on with his own thing and players feel very comfortable and know exactly what to do so when he gets on the training pitch, he doesn’t need to speak.

“We all know what he wants and it is the same when we go into a game.”

The Nigeria star said like most of the Chelsea players he will want Dutchman Hiddink to stay beyond this season.

“I want him to stay,” he said. “It is the choice of the owner, the club and the board. They will have to decide. But if you speak to the players, 98 or 99 per cent of them want him to stay so I mean, we are very happy, we are performing well and let’s hope this continues.

“It depends on the board and it depends on Guus if he wants to continue. He has said that he is here until the end of the season but you never know, he might change his mind. If the club want to appoint him fair enough. His record speaks for itself.”

  

Chelsea have contacted the agent of Diego Simeone to inform the Atletico Madrid manager he remains prominently among their favoured contenders to become the club's new permanent manager this summer, according to reports. It's also claimed that the Argentinian is learning English in the event he does move to the Premier League.

Chelsea ace: I promise my performances will improve

The Ghana international has struggled to cement his place among Chelsea’s starting XI since his summer arrival from Augsburg.

But following injuries to John Terry and Kurt Zouma, the 21-year-old was given the opportunity to prove himself against the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Angel di Maria on Tuesday night.

The left-back put in a strong performance against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League that would have left manager Guus Hiddink impressed by his display.

Eden Hazard believes Real Madrid are the only club that can prevent him from starting next season at Chelsea.

Chelsea midfielder reveals his feelings on persistent Justin Bieber comparisons

Mesut Ozil is cautious about facing Leicester on Sunday

Chelsea will issue stadium bans and support police action if it can identify the supporters who threw coins at Manchester City players at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, as the FA Cup was marred by such incidents for the second day in a row.

Coins were thrown when David Faupala celebrated with City teammates in the corner of the pitch, near Chelsea fans, after scoring on his debut.

"We condemn such idiotic and dangerous behavior," Chelsea's head of communications, Steve Atkins, said. "If we can identify those responsible, then we will ban them from Stamford Bridge.

"It is worth noting it is a criminal offense, too. We will support any police prosecution if we can identify, along with the police, the individuals responsible for their behavior today."

Chelsea's interim manager Guus Hiddink also voiced his disapproval.

"I was aware. I can easily say 'no, I am not aware' - but I was aware," Hiddink said. "I like to always face the facts.

"There were coins thrown to the Man City players in their celebration. We condemn it, I condemn it strongly and Chelsea, I think they will react. Those people, they must not come into stadiums."

City manager Manuel Pellegrini said he did not know about the incident in the 37th minute of a game which Chelsea eventually won 5-1.

On Saturday, West Bromwich Albion captain Chris Brunt was struck in the face by a coin which was thrown by a supporter of his team after a 3-1 defeat by second tier Reading.

Brunt had gone over to applaud the fans for their support at the end of the match.

"They thought it was OK to throw a coin at their own players. I'm disgusted," Brunt said to the BBC, with a cut clearly visible under his eye. "They paid a lot of money to come, but a small minority spoilt it."

The English Football Association is investigating the incident involving Brunt.

"We strongly condemn any such behavior and will work with both clubs and the authorities to identify those responsible," the FA said in a statement.

With third-placed Fiorentina hosting title hopefuls Napoli next week, Roma have a great chance to snatch the final Champions League spot with a win at Empoli. It couldn't have gone much better for Spalletti, who is moving an extremely talented squad in the right direction. Totti or no Totti.

Edin Dzeko, Mohamed Salah ensure Roma don't miss Francesco Totti

If Roma's players were affected by the row that exploded between coach Luciano Spalletti and club legend Francesco Totti, they certainly didn't show it on Sunday night. A 5-0 hammering of Sicilian travelling circus Palermo gave the Giallorossi their fifth straight win to keep them in fourth position, two points from the Champions League places, and let their captain know that they can get on just fine without him.

Spalletti dumped Totti out of the squad after he made his discontent both at not playing and a lack of contract extension public on the evening news, and with Totti looking on from the stands, Roma's other attackers went to town on poor old Palermo, with Edin Dzeko and Mohamed Salah both scoring twice and Seydou Keita bagging his first of the season.

The chanting of Totti's name that came at the start faded away and were replaced with cheers for man-of-the-match Dzeko and the return of Kevin Strootman, who ended his knee injury nightmare with a sedate 13 minutes in a match that had been long since won.

What Totti saw on Sunday was a team that doesn't revolve around him like it once did. Dzeko topped and tailed this routine win in the 30th and 89th minutes with a smart left-foot finish -- just seconds after possibly the miss of the season -- and a bullet header, while Salah's brace was possibly even better.

The Egyptian smashed home Dzeko's delicate flick from an acute angle to make it three on the hour and curled in an impossible-looking second from the byline just two minutes later. January signing Diego Perotti got in on the act with the cross for Dzeko's second, while Miralem Pjanic excelled in a more advanced role alongside Salah, setting up his compatriot's opener and offering the sort of creativity with which Totti made his career.

Mourinho should take the Manchester United job tomorrow- Wilkins

Chelsea FC easily defeated a weak Manchester City side 5-1 at Stamford Bridge. By looking at the team sheets before the match, it was clear what both clubs were doing. City were resting their big names for their midweek UEFA Champions League tie, while Chelsea were intent on putting everything that they had into the FA Cup.

Diego Costa continued his steady goal production by scoring the game’s opening goal. David Faupala pulled one back for the visitors, but that would be it, as Willian, Eden Hazard, Gary Cahill and Bertrand Traore turned the contest into a rout in favor of the hosts. Here are five talking points from today’s match.

But Pellegrini’s request was ignored and, concerned that injury-hit City were in danger of being stretched to breaking point, the Chilean boss prioritised European success and next weekend’s League Cup final against Liverpool, admitting that he didn’t consider the Stamford Bridge showdown “a real game”.

Pellegrini had warned fans they wouldn’t get value for money because he would rest stars like Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure and he was true to his word as he fielded an unrecognisable starting line-up featuring six teenagers, five of whom were making their full debuts.

In contrast, Guus Hiddink, with the luxury of having played in the Champions League already this week, named his strongest available side and it was men against boys as they swept into the quarter-finals thanks to a pair of assists and a goal from Hazard.

Diego Costa put Chelsea ahead and, although David Faupala equalised for the visitors, second half goals from Willian, Gary Cahill, Hazard and Bertrand Traore handed City a third successive defeat.

West Ham also reached the quarter-finals on Sunday as Tottenham Hotspur were knocked out by fellow capital club Crystal Palace.

Martin Kelly was Palace’s unlikely hero at White Hart Lane as his first goal for the south London side — and first for anyone since he scored 1,545 days previously for Liverpool at Chelsea in November 2011 — on the stroke of half-time proved the difference.

Palace’s reward was a quarter-final away to second-tier Reading, a club once managed by Eagles boss Alan Pardew.

Chelsea are away to Everton in a repeat of the 2009 FA Cup final which the Blues won during current caretaker boss Guus Hiddink’s first spell as interim manager.

West Ham, who in Sunday’s opening fifth round tie saw off Championship Blackburn Rovers 5-1, will travel to the winners of Monday’s tie between third-tier Shrewsbury Town and struggling Manchester United.

Meanwhile holders Arsenal, bidding to become the first club to win the FA Cup three years in a row since the 19th Century, must see off Hull in a replay following Saturday’s goalless draw at the Emirates if they are to face Watford in next month’s quarter-finals.

Tottenham, second in the Premier League, had earlier seen Dele Alli twice hit the post with the same shot and this loss ended their hopes of emulating the celebrated League and Cup ‘double’ winning Spurs team of 1960/61.

Pardew, a member of the Eagles’ side that lost the 1990 final and West Ham manager when they lost to Liverpool in the 2006 showpiece match, was delighted by his team’s resilience.

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FA Cup: Miffed Pellegrini fields second-string side as hapless City go down 1-5 to Chelsea

Champions League reform is wanted by Europe's top clubs, says Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu

Read more: h

Barcelona nine points clear after Las Palmas win
Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/la-liga-review-barcelona-nine-points-clear-after-las-palmas-win#8LWQFzzxc8lYFt3Y.99

 Chris Brunt Hit in Face by Coin Thrown by Own Fans

The Belgian has no doubt the trio are top of the pile after witnessing their feats on a daily basis, while he is content with his bit-part role under Luis Enrique at Barcelona

Coach Ernie Merrick is lamenting an "horrendous" schedule after conceding Wellington Phoenix's A-League finals hopes are finished.

Presented with a chance to move past Newcastle into eight spot, the Phoenix conceded the lead twice before losing 3-2 to the Jets at Hunter Stadium on Saturday to stay second-last on 19 points after 20 games.

The defeat came the day after Wellington's future in the A-League was secured for the next four years. An increase in home crowds will be one of the factors in Phoenix gaining two further three-year licences.

But for Merrick, the lack of opportunities just to play regularly at home ground Westpac Stadium this year has been a concern and a factor in the club's on-field troubles.

"I think we came out very flat. I don't think we were up for a really good game," Merrick said.

"I've never had a season like this and it's just getting worse.

"The boys - I think it's got something to do with the travel.

"The last 17 rounds, we've been in New Zealand six times, and only four at Westpac, so we don't seem to have a home advantage anymore.

"It's a fairly horrendous draw and the boys didn't cope with the heat. They weren't up for it."

Merrick took no solace from the fact they have five games at Westpac Stadium in the final seven matches.

Second-game striker Hamish Watson scored his first and second goals in the A-League for Phoenix to give them a 2-1 lead at half-time.

But the 22-year-old injury replacement signing was then sent off for a second yellow card in the 71st minute after kicking the ball away at a Jets free kick.

A 27th-minute own goal from Andrew Durante and a double to former Denmark international Morten Nordstrand in the 53rd and 73rd minutes gave Newcastle the win.

Merrick said Watson's day summed up Wellington's season.

Russia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Venezuela held talks on the current oil market situation in the Qatari capital of Doha on February 16 and agreed to proceed with the output freezing initiative if other countries followed suit. The proposal was later backed by Ecuador, Algeria, Nigeria and Oman.

Despite a brief rally immediately following the decision, oil prices have so far remained largely unaffected.

Oil in Turmoil

9,000 Chinese villagers are being displaced to build this massive radio telescope in search of alien life

Premier League clubs to receive Europa League bonuses

The Premier League has discussed offering bonuses to clubs who advance in the Europa League in order to encourage them to take it more seriously.

England is in danger of losing its fourth Champions League qualification spot to Italy's Serie A in the 2017-18 season if clubs fail to improve their overall performance in European competitions, with the Europa League often considered a hindrance rather than a priority for participating clubs.

A change in the rules to the competition means that the winners of the Europa League now automatically qualify for the following season's Champions League, although at a recent meeting of Premier League sides, a further financial incentive was mooted.

NBA Trade Deadline: The 5 players most likely to be dealt

Mauro Icardi refuses to leave Inter Milan

Liverpool transfer news: Klopp confirms he made decision to sign Matip, not the transfer committee

Liverpool transfer news: Klopp confirms he made decision to sign Matip, not the transfer committee

Liverpool transfer news: Klopp confirms he made decision to sign Matip, not the transfer committee

Liverpool transfer news: Klopp confirms he made decision to sign Matip, not the transfer committee

Are Gareth Bale's injury problems costing Real Madrid

PSG 2-1 Chelsea - Benfica 1-0 Zenit: Uefa Champions League last 16 - as it happened

Chelsea chase huge move for World Cup winner: He has an eye-watering release clause

Jonas snatches stoppage-time win for Benfica over Zenit

the news that John Terry will miss Chelsea vs PSG

Chelsea star won’t be wearing a Chelsea shirt next season

IT COULD be Real Madrid, it could be Paris St Germain, but it’s appears almost inevitable Eden Hazard won’t be wearing a Chelsea shirt next season.

The brilliant Belgian playmaker only signed a new five and a half year deal at Stamford Bridge a year ago but we all know contracts in football mean nothing these days and Hazard’s focus has clearly not been fully with the Blues for some time, as highlighted by his untimely revelations on the eve of arguably Chelsea’s biggest game of the season.

The celebrations told you everything about the enormity of the result.

Mauricio Pochettino went over to the travelling Tottenham fans after the final whistle, clenched his fists and then punched the air in sheer delight.

This was a season-defining victory, the sort of win which sends out a message of intent and also one which means you cannot be in denial any longer.

Pochettino has often shied away from admitting that Spurs are even in a title race, changing his mind from week-to-week to play down expectations as they have quietly crept up on the rails.

But make no mistake about it now. Tottenham are bang in the middle of this title race, their fans are daring to dream and they must be seen as genuine contenders.

Tottenham are bang in the title race

For Valentine's day, surprise your loved one with Air France!

A Chelsea branded corner flag before the Barclays Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, London

Steve McClaren facing a big decision on Georginio Wijnaldum - will he axe him?

Given that Chelsea are currently on a nine-game unbeaten run in the league, it should come as little surprise that pundits are giving Newcastle United little chance at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

Erik Lamela and his Tottenham team-mates are preparing for Sunday's trip to Manchester City

Erik Lamela all smiles with Tottenham stars ahead of Man City clash

Anthony Martial relaxes with daughter ahead of Sunderland v Man Utd

Rafael Nadal has confirmed that he will return to the grass of the Aegon Championships at Queen’s Club this summer.

It had been something of a rocky start for the first ATP500 tournament of the year in Rotterdam.

It had been something of a rocky start for the first ATP500 tournament of the year in Rotterdam.

WEST HAM OPEN CONTRACT TALKS WITH DIMITRI PAYET TO WARD OFF £38M INTEREST FROM ANONYMOUS CHINESE CLUB

GAEL CLICHY SCORES 50-YARD MONSTER GOAL IN TRAINING,

ZINEDINE ZIDANE SCORES FIRST EVER PROFESSIONAL GOAL AND WINS HIMSELF A NEW RENAULT 

DAVID DE GEA’S UNSIGNED REAL MADRID CONTRACT LEAKED

CHARLTON ATHLETIC VOW TO INVESTIGATE AFTER RECEIVING ‘FAKE RESIGNATION LETTER’ FROM UNDER-FIRE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Charlton Athletic have launched an investigation after a forged resignation letter from under-fire chief executive Katrien Miere appeared on the Companies House website.

Companies House, which is the UK registrar responsible for incorporating and dissolving limited companies, received the paperwork in early December then ratified the termination of Miere’s role before being alerted that the resignation was a doctored fake.