Unai Emery may well be packing his load tonight as coach of the expensively Paris Saint Germain team, after they were dumped out of the UEFA Champions League by holders Real Madrid in Paris.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Casemiro got the goals for Real Madrid as the holders won 2-1 away to a Paris Saint-Germain side missing Neymar to secure their place in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday.

The defeat was like rubbing more salt into the wounds for PSG, who had not lost any of their previous 51 home games in all competitions, a run going back two years to before the start of Unai Emerys reign as coach.

This defeat is likely to hasten the end of his time in charge.

Ronaldo had scored twice including his 100th goal for Real in the competition as they won 3-1 in the first leg in Spain last month, and his header early in the second half at the Parc des Princes effectively ended the French clubs hopes of progressing.

Edinson Cavani equalised on the night for PSG, but only after they had Marco Verratti sent off, and Casemiros late goal secured an ultimately comprehensive 5-2 aggregate victory for Zinedine Zidanes side.

PSG never looked like turning the tie around in the absence of the injured Neymar, and it was a horribly flat way for them to exit the competition.

As they limp out, Reals dream of becoming the first team in more than 40 years to win three successive European Cups remains alive.

A year after their spectacular collapse against Barcelona in the last 16, when they were humiliated 6-1 away in the return after a stunning 4-0 win at home, PSG had hoped to produce a memorable comeback themselves this time.

Yet, shorn of the worlds most expensive player, who is back in Brazil recuperating from a foot operation, they struggled to create chances, and the night will be remembered just as much for the stupidity of a section of their supporters.

Flares were lit en masse on several occasions at one end of the ground, once even leading to a brief stoppage in play, and PSG will face punishment from UEFA as a result.

Without Neymar, this was Angel Di Marias big chance to shine after he was left on the bench for the entirety of the first leg, but nothing came off for the Argentine against his former side, his performance symbolic of a wider malaise in the home ranks.

They had only made Real goalkeeper Keylor Navas work once in the first half, from Kylian Mbappes shot in the 43rd minute.

In contrast, Alphonse Areola had kept the home side in the game with two fine saves to deny Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema before the interval.

That just delayed the inevitable. Having come close with a header moments earlier, Ronaldo broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, heading in a Lucas Vazquez cross for his third goal in the tie.

The goal had come from an error by Dani Alves initially, and it completely punctured PSG and the atmosphere.

The tie had escaped them before Verratti was sent off midway through the second half, picking up a second yellow card for dissent.

Substitute Javier Pastores header deflected into the net off Cavani in the 71st minute to level the scores on the night, but more poor defending allowed Real to make it 2-1 with 10 minutes left.

Unable to clear their lines in their own area, PSG saw Casemiros shot go in via a Marquinhos deflection.

With Marco Asensio and Isco both hitting the post in the second half for Real, the visitors more than deserved their win on the night, as well as in the tie.

Source: NAN

Justice Mojisola O. Dada of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, March 6, 2018, refused the bail application of notorious fraudster, Emmanuel Nwude, who allegedly conspired with two others to tamper with a property that had been forfeited by a court order.

Nwude alongside Emmanuel Ilechukwu and Rowland Kalu were, on March 2, 2018, arraigned on a 15-count charge bordering on forgery and dealing in forfeited property.

One of the counts reads: That you, Emmanuel Nwude, Emmanuel Ilechukwu and Rowland Kalu, on or about 12th day of January 2011, at Lagos within the Ikeja Judicial Division, conspired to forge a Power of Attorney dated 12th day of January 2011, issued in the name of Mankris Venture Limited purporting that Mankris Venture Limited is the owner of Plot Y, Mobolaji Johnson Street, Oregun, Alausa Lagos, whereas you knew that the property was forfeited to the victims of crimes as restitution in the judgment delivered on 18th day of 2005 by Honourable Justice Joseph Oyewole in ID/92c/04- FRN vs. Emmanuel Nwude

A Nigerian Olawunmi Bayode has set a new Guinness Record in the Longest Marathon Reading Aloud Category.

Bayode, father of three kids, logged 120 hours at 15.30 today at the YouRead Library Yaba in Lagos, beating the previous record set by Nepali Deepak Sharma Bajagain.

The latter had 113 hours 15 minutes in 2008.

Another Nepalese, Tudikhel Ground tied the record.

Bajagains book reading began on September 19 and ended on September 24, 2008.

He recited 17 different books from 13 authors during his record attempt.

Bayode began reading at 1:30 PM on Monday, February 26, 2018 and ended it 15.30 on Saturday.

He announced the record on his Facebook page, saying:

Hello everybody, something just happened right now! My name is Bayode Treasures Olubunmi(Olawunmi) I have just finished reading aloud for 120 hours non-stop!

I did it for the CULTURE!.

Bayode studied at Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and Comprehensive High School, Ketu in Lagos.

I have always loved to read good materials right from when I was in secondary school. I am doing this for the youths, he wrote on twitter, before he began the record setting reading marathon.

Source: NAN

In order to forestall the outbreak of diseases in the country, the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has urged government at all levels to beef up veterinary extension services, surveillance and public health service delivery.

Dr Godwin Abonyi, President of the association, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the ongoing associations annual summit in Abuja on Friday.

He however, decried the rate of outbreak of zoonotic diseases such as Lassa Fever, Monkey Pox, brucellosis, rabies, and Avian Influenza, blaming it on poor surveillance system.

He noted that about 75 per cent of emerging and infectious diseases originated from animals, adding that beefing up surveillance and public health services delivery among others would assist in reducing the burden and associated deaths.

NAN reports that zoonotic diseases are transmitted from animals to humans through various means.

He identified some of the means to include through consumption of contaminated food and water, exposure to pathogens during preparation, processing or by direct contact with infected animals or humans.

The president, who described the menace as worrisome, urged members of the association to put in their best professionally to salvage the situation.

The recent increase in the number of outbreaks of some zoonotic disease such as Lassa Fever and Monkey Pox among others are becoming increasingly worrisome.

Government at all levels should beef up veterinary extension, surveillance and public health service delivery to forestall these menace from becoming endemic in Nigeria,Abonyi said.

Similarly, Abonyi urged government to facilitate the transition from nomadism to ranching, to improve animal husbandry and put an end to farmers/herdsmen clashes and associated death toll.

According to him, as a matter of urgency, federal and states governments should put necessary machinery and intervention in place in livestock industry.

These, he noted, would further safeguard lives and properties arising from herdsmen/farmers clashes and also improve food production and livestock yield.

Abonyi urged members to educate and enlighten stakeholders on the need for peaceful coexistence and the inherent benefits of ranching to livestock farmers.

Source: NAN

There has been an outpouring of rage in the social media after a neurosurgeon at Kenyas largest hospital performed brain surgery on the wrong patient.

The Kenyatta National Hospital, which admitted the horrific error has suspended the doctor, as well as two nurses and an anaesthetist, according to a statement on Friday.

Health Minister Sicily Kariuki also suspended the Chief operating officer of the hospital, Lily Koros, over the blunder. Lily Koros had suspended the four medics.

It was the latest scandal to hit the hospital in recent weeks, after allegations of staff sexually assaulting patients, and the theft of a baby.

An investigation by the Daily Nation newspaper revealed that two men had been taken to the hospital last Sunday.

The two men were wheeled into the hospital unconscious. One needed head surgery to remove a blood clot in his brain, while the other only required nursing and medication to heal a trauma swelling in his head, medically known as closed head injury.

Hours into the surgery doctors discovered there was no blood clot in the brain of their patient, and that they were in fact operating on the wrong man, the newspaper reported.

The hospitals chief operating officer, Lily Koros, issued a statement announcing the suspension of four medics who were at work on that night. The hospital also expressed regret over the incident.

The hospital deeply regrets this event and has done all it can to ensure the safety and well being of the patient in question, read the statement from the hospital, adding the patient was in recovery and progressing well, Koros said.

Kenyatta National Hospital is Kenyas oldest and largest hospital, and also serves as a teaching hospital.

AFP

Source: NAN

US President Donald Trump was warmly received by members of what he calls the fake news media on Saturday night at a light-hearted gala that is one of Washingtons longest-running traditions.

Trump was the guest of honour at the 133rd Gridiron dinner, where prominent Washington-based journalists traditionally make fun of the president and take jabs at the US political scene.

The event featured journalists in costumes satirizing US politics and the White House culture in raucous skits, songs and speeches.

About 600 people attended, including members of Congress, Trumps cabinet and several ambassadors and prominent politicians.

Trump said he had looked forward to attending the event and appeared to enjoy the show, clapping and laughing at the skits.

In his response Trump made fun of the leaders of the opposition Democratic party but didnt spare members of his own party, even Vice President Mike Pence, who also attended the dinner.

He called him one of the best straight men youll ever meet -a veiled reference to his anti-gay policies.

Trump largely stayed on script as he read from notes in a joking tone. He touched on international politics with regard to tensions on the Korean peninsula, saying that he would not rule out direct talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. But, he quipped that it was Kim who faced the risk of dealing with a madman.

He also said North Korea had called and asked to begin talks, but he said he responded that they would have to denuke first before talks could go forward.

Trump brought up his recent calls for tariffs on steel and aluminium, which have been criticized by US trading partners. He suggested they were good for dying industries whose executives have asked the White House for protection.

The president also referred to the numerous staff departures from the White House during his first year in office. He said he liked turnover and chaos because it was exciting and invigorating and brought in new thought.

In an awkward moment that invoked his marriage, Trump joked about who would be next to leave the White House, first lady Melania Trump or political adviser Steve Miller.

He then attempted to repair any inference that the first lady might leave him by praising her for the job shes done and by saying shes actually having a great time.

But, of course, Trump couldnt resist taking a swipe at Washingtons left-leaning press corps. He said spending the evening with them was the best time hed had since watching their faces on election night.

The famously thin-skinned Trump refused to attend last years show, opting to send Pence in his place.

That show poked fun at Trump and many people in his inner circle, including Steve Bannon, the presidents chief strategist at the time, by portraying him in a devils costume.

The show is produced by the Gridiron Club and Foundation, founded in 1885 by journalists from major US newspapers.

With the exception of president Grover Cleveland, every president since the club was founded has attended the Gridiron dinner at least once.(dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as he turns 81 on March 5.

The party, in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, said it remains proud of the former president.

It said Obasanjo had excelled as an international figure and made outstanding contributions toward global peace and development, particularly, in the African sub-region.

The party described the former president as an outstanding nationalist; a courageous and a dedicated leader, who has made immeasurable sacrifices towards the development, stability and growth of the nation.

Indeed, the PDP intensely celebrates former President Obasanjo who stands tall as one of the best performed Nigerian Presidents, chiefly
because his administration founded and anchored its policies and programmes on PDPs people-based manifesto and ideology.

The PDP also commends Chief Obasanjo for his continued engagement on national issues, particularly his disposition against poor governance, corruption, bloodletting and confusion that now pervade the nation in
the last three years.

While we value Chief Obasanjo for his concerns for the political future of our nation, we note that our repositioned and rebranded PDP remains the only credible political platform for the much desired broad-based
engagements among Nigerians and coalitions across board, the party said.

The PDP said it was more than prepared to salvage the nation in the all-important task of returning her to the path of good governance, national unity and prosperity for all, come 2019.

The party prayed God to grant Obansanjo good health, wisdom and strength as he continues to be of service to the nation.

Source: NAN

Fantastical romanceThe Shape of Water won best picture, U.S. Hollywood film industrys most prestigious honor, at Sundays Oscar ceremony.

The Fox Searchlight movies Mexican filmmaker, Guillermo del Toro, took home the best director Oscar, dashing the hopes of a rare win by a woman or a black filmmaker.

The movie about a mute cleaning woman who falls in love with a strange river creature had gone into the ceremony with a leading 13 nominations, and won a total of four Academy Awards.

As expected, Britains Gary Oldman was named best actor for playing World War Two leader Winston Churchill in Warner Bros.Darkest Hour, while Frances McDormands woman in a fury was a popular best actress winner for Fox Searchlights dark comedyThree Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

Elsewhere, awards were spread around, recognizing first-timers, LGBT movies and films inspired by other cultures.

Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel tackled Hollywoods sexual misconduct scandal with jokes on a night heavy with nods to activism on issues ranging from LGBT issues and school shootings to sexism and racism.

Gay romanceCall Me by Your Name won best adapted screenplay and racial satireGet Out won best original screenplay.

A Fantastic Woman, Chiles groundbreaking story about a transgender woman, played by transgender actress Daniela Vega, won best foreign language film, and Mexican-inspiredCoco was named best animated feature.

Sam Rockwell, and Allison Janney took home their first Oscars for their supporting rolesThree Billboards and independent ice-skating movieI, Tonya, respectively.

Reuters

Source: NAN

Bollywood actors and fans across India posted messages for a speedy recovery for Slumdog Millionaire actor Irrfan Khan after he announced on Twitter that he had a rare disease.

Khan, 51, has acted in several award-winning Bollywood films as well as British and Hollywood productions.

His English-language films include Life of Pi, Slumdog Millionaire and The Amazing Spider Man.

Sometimes you wake up with a jolt with life shaking you up. The last fifteen days, my life has been a suspense story, Khan said in a tweet.

He asked fans not to speculate as I will myself share with you my story within a week ten days, when further investigations come with a conclusive diagnosis.

I have never given up and have always fought for my choices and always will, Khan wrote.

Khan has acted in more than 100 films, mostly in Hindi.

He won Indias National Film Award in 2013 for his depiction of an athlete who becomes a bandit in the biographical movie Pan Tomar.

His sensitive portrayal of a lonely accountant who mistakenly receives a colleagues lunchbox in the film The Lunchbox won him the Viewers Choice Award at the 2013 Cannes film festival.

Several fellow actors and fans wished Khan a speedy recovery on Twitter.

You are a fighter! You will shoo off whatever that rare disease is Prayers, read a tweet from one fan.

I see you out-performing this one as well @irrfank Its gonna pass Good things happen to good people Power to You, Sir!! said another.

Source: NAN

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted a charge from the Football Association for wearing a political symbol, the English governing body announced on Monday.

Guardiola has said he wears a yellow ribbon to support imprisoned pro-independence politicians in his native Catalonia.

The FA ruled it breached their rules on kit and advertising regulations.

Guardiola said in November: If one day in prison was already too much, look how many days theyve been there now.

Like everybody knows, hopefully sooner or later I can stop wearing it.

The 47-year-old has been wearing the ribbon in support of the political leaders jailed following the Catalonia independence referendum last October, which was declared illegal by Spain.

An FA statement read: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted an FA charge for wearing a political message, specifically a yellow ribbon, in breach of the FAs kit and advertising regulations. A paper hearing has been requested, with a date to be set in due course.

His much-publicised stance over the controversy in Catalonia has become a major issue in his homeland where, according to reports in Spain, the City managers private plane was searched at Barcelonas El Prat airport two weeks ago by police looking for exiled Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont.

Since the charge was issued Guardiola has either covered up the ribbon during games or not worn it.

However, Guardiola insists that, even though his protest aims to highlight the fates of a jailed group that includes Catalan politicians Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, it is not a political issue.

When men and women put on a pink ribbon its because of the support for the breast cancer initiative, he said.

The same when I wear the the prostate cancer badge, its the same, the idea is the same, there are a lot of ribbons.

Im pretty sure there are people all around the world in Spain and Catalunya who do not want to be independent, but they are not agreeing with putting people in prevention jail.

The FAs stance on the matter differs from European governing body UEFA, who allow the ribbon to be worn. City also believe the symbol is not generally considered offensive

The yellow emblem worn by Guardiola during Sundays Premier League win over Chelsea was the daffodil of the Marie Curie cancer charity.

Source: NAN