GO VIRAL NAIJA

- Spain have insisted Barcelona will not be allowed to play in La Liga if Catalonia becomes independent   - The 7.5 million population of Catalan are clamoring for independence from Spain   - Barcelona is likely to play in the Premier League should Catalan be granted independent   Barcelona could come and play in the Premier League if Sunday's referendum on Catalan independence is passed, the region's sports minister has claimed.   The Spanish government on the other-hand has declared the vote illegal instructing the police to seize ballot boxes.   Spain's prime minister Mariano has insisted the referendum “won't happen”.      There is strong support for independence among Catalonia's 7.5m population including support from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, but parties loyal to Spain are boycotting the vote.   Among the many uncertainties is what will happen to the region's football clubs, including FC ...

- Top military sources say Nnamdi Kanu is not in army custody - They insisted that Operation Python Dance is still on - Kanu's brother had said only the IPOB leader could disclose his whereabouts Top military sources from the army headquarters have spoken about the disappearance of Nnamdi Kanu saying the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra is not in their custody .Kanu’s lawyers led by Ifeanyi Ejiofor had filed a suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, September 27 asking for an order for Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai to produce him in court. The Punch however reports that a top military source said Kanu’s whereabouts was not known to the army and that it would have been revealed if he was in their custody. He said: “If you follow the trends of things, the army has not been talking about a proscribed group. If someone says he does not know where Kanu is, who gave him the authority to file a motion against the army?  “We don’t want to be drawn into thi...

- The Nigeria Customs Service has named the importer of the guns that was impounded at the Tin Can Island port   - An investigation report named Great James Oil and Gas Ltd as the importer of the arms   - The Tin-Can Island command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) had intercepted 2,671 rifles illegally imported into Nigeria from Turkey   The Nigeria Customs Service, on Thursday, September 21, named Great James Oil and Gas Ltd as the importer of the haul of 470 guns that was impounded at the Tin Can Island port last week.   According to Daily Trust's investigation, three individuals with residences in Abuja and Lagos own the company named in the illegal importation of arms.   The Customs boss Col Hameed Ali (rtd), said Great James Oil and Gas Ltd used a vessel, AVS Arkas Africa, to ferry the weapons into Nigeria, but did not name the owners of the company.   However Ayogu Cyril, Ayogu Kelvin and Ayogu Great James registered the o...

- FIFA have shortlisted candidates for the best footballers award for 2017 - Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi made the top three list - The award gala will take place in London Palladium on Monday, October 23, 2017 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has named Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar as the top three shortlisted players for the world best footballer award. The world football governing body made the announcement via a tweet on their official twitter handle @FIFAcom FIFA also named Deyna Castellanos, Carli Lloyd and Lieke Martens for the top three shortlisted women footballers for the women’s category. The Best FIFA Footballers Awards ceremony will be held at the London Palladium on Monday, October 23, 2017.

- Premier league giants Liverpool FC defeated Leicester city 3-2 at the King Power stadium   - The Red were eliminated by Craig Shakespeare boys in the Carabao cup   - In other Premier League games Manchester United defeated Southampton 1-0, Chelsea defeated Stoke City 5-0 and Manchester trashed Crystal Palace 5-0 at the Etihad stadium   Liverpool avenged their Carabao cup defeat to Leicester City by producing a fine display to defeat the Foxes 3-2 at the King Power stadium in the Premier League.   Mohamed Salah headed home a brilliant cross from Philippe Coutinho from the right wing to give the visitors the lead.      Coutinho doubled the lead for the Reds through a brilliantly taken curly freekick from 25 yards.   The Brazilian might have handed in a transfer request this summer but his celebrations show how much Liverpool still means to him.      Okazaki got one for the host righ...

- Uko said Nnamdi Kanu had accepted restructuring over absolute Biafra when Nigerian Army attacked   - Kanu was reportedly consulting with top members of IPOB over the matter when Army attacked   - Professor Ben Nwabueze was the one that convinced Kanu during a meeting between him, southeast governors and other leaders in the region   A southeast leader Evang. Elliot Uko has said that the Nigerian Army attacked the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) just when it was about to tone down on its agitation for sovereignty.   According to The Nation, Uko, the deputy secretary of Igbo Leaders of Thought, said Kanu had accepted at a governor with the meeting (where he was present) to reduce his pro-Biafra activities.   Uko said in a statement he released on Friday, September 22 truly Prof. Ben Nwabueze had convinced Kanu to drop call for Biafra and accept restructuring instead.   Kanu, he said, had accepted the idea on the condition that he...

- Alhaji Lai Mohammed has revealed that the financial headquarters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is located in France   - The minister of information stated that the federal government has records of where the pro-Biafra group gets its money from   - He also noted that the UK government had not granted the Buhari administration’s request to shut down Radio Biafra, as he stated that they claimed the issue was about freedom of expression   Lai Mohammed, the minister of information, has disclosed that the financial headquarters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is located in France, Daily Trust reports.   The minister made his comments in a chat with State House correspondents in Aso Rock, Abuja, on Wednesday, September 20.   GO VIRAL NAIJA gathers that the minister disclosed that the pro-Biafra group collects funds from people in the diaspora, as well as from foreign countries. He also stated that the Nigerian government h...

- President Muhammadu Buhari met with President Donald Trump in New York   - The US president hosted selected African head of states to lunch   - This was on the sideline of the United Nations General Assembly   President Muhammadu Buhari attended a lunch in honour of selected African head of states which was hosted by President Donald Trump of the US.   This was contained in a post shared by Femi Adesina who is the special adviser to the president on media and publicity on Wednesday, September 20.        This was on the side-line of the of 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The development was made public by Adesina. GO VIRAL NAIJA gathers that the meeting took place on Wednesday, September 20. Also present at the meeting, were Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Babagana Monguno, National Security Adviser.

- Lionel Messi scored four goals as Barcelona decimated Eibar at Camp Nou - It was in a Spanish La Liga encounter as Barcelona stay on top of the table - Argentinian star Lionel Messi has so far been superb this term for his club Barcelona on Tuesday night, September 19, 2017 continued their superb form of the season as they defeated visiting Eibar 6-1 in a tough La Liga encounter played at Camp Nou. Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi was the man of the match scoring four goals against Eibar who failed to produce any superb display in the tie. Lionel Messi scored the first goal for Barcelona in the 20th minutes when Alejandro Galuez fouled Nelson Semedo in the box, and the referee wasted no time to give a penalty. Paulinho netted the second goal for the hosts with a superb header in the 38th minutes before Denis Suarez made 3-nil for Barcelona in the 53rd minutes. Sergi Enrich pulled one back for the visitors in the 57th minutes, but three other superb go...

- Compliance team of the Customs service discovered 18 suspected smuggled exotic vehicles   - The vehicles were discovered in a shop in Abuja   - 13 of the vehicles were bullet proof- Some of the seized vehicles are: Rolls Royce, Lincoln Navigator, Infinity, G wagons, Range Rovers among others   The Comptroller-General of Customs, retired Col. Hameed Ali, said the compliance team of the service discovered 18 suspected smuggled exotic vehicles displayed for sale at a shin Abuja.   Ali said this while addressing newsmen on the interception of the vehicles on Tuesday, September 19, in Abuja.   He said that beyond non-payment of customs duty, 13 of the vehicles were bullet proof.   Customs boss said that the service was enforcing the law on prohibition of smuggling, adding that possession of smuggled items was an offence.     According to him, the vehicles require clearance from the office of the National Sec...

The 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly is currently ongoing with world leaders addressing their counterparts and other participants.   President Muhammadu Buhari spoke at the event on Tuesday, September 19 around 4.43pm Nigerian time. GO VIRAL NAIJA covered the speech of the president.   However, six hours earlier, a fake copy of the speech had been circulated online and published by even news media expected to be reputable.   After the President's speech was delivered, his media spokesperson, Mr Femi Adesina published the real speech on his official Facebook page.   Below are some differences between the real speech and the fake speech:   1. Restructuring   In the fake speech, President Buhari reportedly spoke on restructuring of the United Nations and improving representation of Africans in official positions. However in the real speech, all he said was:   "......will require strong UN cooperation with ...

- Nigerian military has been told to delist Nnamdi Kanu led IPOB from terrorist group profile   - The call was made the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC)   - IYC urged the federal government to dialogue with IPOB and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu   The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has called on the Nigerian military to delist the IPOB group or any of its affiliate groups as “terrorist organisation”.   The IYC led by Comrade Roland Oweilaemi Pereotubo, made this call on Sunday, September 2017.   The group said the declaration of the group as a terrorists organisation is “Unconstitutional” as “it is targeted at ending right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.    Pereotubor said this in a statement signed by his special assistant on Media, Comrade Alaowei Cleric.   He said dialogue was the only solution to the agitations by the Independent People of Biafra as well as militants in the Southeast and Niger delta region.  ...

- Spanish right-back Dani Carvajal has agreed a contract extension at Real Madrid till 2022   - The 25-year-old joins the likes of Isco and Marcelo who have also committed their future to Madrid   - Carvajal has won three Champions League titles with Real Madrid in four years   Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal has tied his future to the club by extending his contract until 2022.   According to a statement posted by the club on Sunday September 17, Carvajal has signed a five-year deal.   The 25-year-old Spain international becomes the third Real Madrid player to sign on until 2022 this week after vice-captain Marcelo and Isco also penned contract extensions.   Madrid said in a statement: “Real Madrid and Dani Carvajal have agreed to extend the player’s contract, which will see him remain at the club until June 30, 2022.   Carvajal came through Madrid’s academy and has won three Champions League titles with the Spanish gi...

Matchday 5 of the English Premier League returns after Champions League and Europa engagements.   Here are 5 things to expect from the elite football league this weekend   1. The return of Rooney and Lukaku to their former clubs:      Both Rooney and Lukaku will face their former clubs when Manchester United will host Everton on Sunday, September 15. While we expect a stiff performance from both strikers, we will not be surprised if they both do not celebrate when they get on the scoresheet for their respective clubs.   2. Conte's Chelsea seeking revenge against Arsenal after back-to-back trophy defeats:     Chelsea will be out for possible revenge against Wenger boys as the gunners have denied the Blues two trophies in the last two meetings, the FA Cup and the Community Shield.   3. Tottenham to end the Wembley hoodoo when they welcome Swansea:   Tottenham has ended the Wembly hoodo...

- Morata snubbed Man United for Chelsea because of his talks with Antonio Conte and his close relationship with good friend Cesar Azpilicueta   - The former Real Madrid striker completed a £58m move to Chelsea after the Man United opted to sign Belgian international Romelu Lukaku   - He has scored three goals so far in four appearances for the Blues this season in the Premier League   Chelsea in-form striker Alvaro Morata has revealed that his conversation with gaffer Antonio Conte in the summer and his friendship with teammate Cesar Azpilicueta triggered his decision to join the Blues this season.   According to Morata, he opted to sign for Chelsea for these reasons even after being linked with a transfer to Manchester United all summer.   The Madrid-born star spent time in the youth system of Atlético and Getafe before finding a home with Los Blancos.      He said: "Yes. I had various offers this summer, not o...

- As tensions continue to build up in the south east, the governors of the 19 northern states have thanked their residents for not carrying out attacks against Igbos residing in the north   - The governors called on all residents to keep displaying patriotism, and see themselves as equal, regardless of religion or tribe   - They urged all residents to keep displaying patriotism; but stated that security measures had been put in place to forestall any outbreak of violence   Northern residents have been congratulated by their state governors, under the aegis of the Northern Governors Forum, for not carrying out any attack(s) against Igbos resident in the north.   According to reports, the governors made their comments on the heels of the clashes between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and soldiers in Abia state.   GO VIRAL NAIJA  gathers that in a statement released via the special adviser on communications and strateg...

Davido has launched IF clothing line in the UK.   The award winning musician took to his Instagram page to share the good news. He posted some pictures of himself and his partners.   Davido was seen in the picture wearing one of the 'IF' collection and his 30 billion gang chain.   The launch had DJ Cuppy, Adebayo Oke-Lawal of Orange culture, Omoyemi Akerele and many more in attendance.   GO VIRAL NAIJA gathered that the cloths are now available to be bought on Selfridges.   

-  Cristiano Ronaldo has ignored Real Marid Zinedi Zidane's request to wind back his on-field antics   - The Madrid attacker has been cautioned about failing arms and head shaking when a teammate fails to pass the ball to him   - 'CR7' will miss his team next against away tie to Real Sociedad on Sunday, September 17 due to banReal Madrid gaffer Zinedine Zidane has spoken to Cristiano Ronaldo about his on-field antics.   Spanish Media Don Balon report that Ronaldo has ignored Zidane's requests that he wind back his angry reactions toward teammates.     Ronaldo's flailing arms and head shaking whenever a teammate fails to pass to him and loses possession is gnawing away at many inside the locker room and with Zidane.   The Frenchman spoke to the Portuguese about his actions, urging him to tone it down, but Ronaldo has refused.   There are also concerns among Zidane's staff with Ronaldo's diving, with the fe...

- Paul Pogba will miss a few matches due to a hamstring according to Jose Mourinho   - The Frenchman pulled up during Man United's 3 - 0 win over Basel in the Champions League   - Marouane Fellaini, Ander Herrera and Michael Carrick are all possible replacements   Paul Pogba suffered a knock during his side's Champions League victory over Basel and Jose Mourinho confirms he will miss 'a few matches' with a hamstring injury.   The Portuguese said he does not know how long the Frenchman will be injured ahead of his side's Premier League clash with Everton.     He said: "I don't know. I just know that it's a muscular injury, he's out for the weekend match, that's the only match I'm thinking about. I don't think further than that.   "So for me, it's simple and objective: He's not playing this weekend. I just know it's a hamstring problem.   “I don't know how many [games], but ...

- Nigeria police has revealed the cause of Hausa, Igbo crisis in Jos   - The Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong had on Thursday, September 14 imposed curfew in Jos over the crisis   - The police also warned the citizens against making inflammatory statements   The Plateau state police command has warned residents to desist from making provocative comments capable of threatening the existing peace in the state.   According to a report, the public relations officer of the command, ASP Terna Tyopev, gave the warning in an interview with newsmen on Friday, September 15 in Jos.   GO VIRAL NAIJA  gathered that he was reacting to the Thursday’s clash between some Igbo traders and Hausa youths where two persons were killed.   It was reported that there was palpable tension in the city of Jos Thursday, September 14 evening following the report that Hausa youths were attacking Igbos over the situation in the South-East.   Areas...

- The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu has petitioned the European Union on the ongoing military operation in southeast   - Nnamdi Kanu accused the army of intimidation, torture, arrest, abduction and killing of civilian populace in the southeast   - He also petitioned the European Union High Commission, the presidents of United States of America, Russia, Israel, United Kingdom and France   The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu has petitioned the European Union on the ongoing military operation in south east region of Nigeria.   The IPOB leader in the petitioned dated September 14, accused the Nigerian military of intimidation, torture, arrest, abduction and killing of civilian populace in the southeast.   The letter written by the counsel to the IPOB leader, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, was addressed to the secretary general of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, the European Union High Commissio...

- Real Madrid and Barcelona battling for Marseille teenage prodigy Maxime Lopez   - Both clubs have certain histories with the player that could prove useful in signing the player   - The Marseille wonderkid has been compared to Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta   Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are set to go to war over the signature of Marseille teenage sensation Maxime Lopez, according to reports in Catalonia.   The 19-year-old is the latest in a long line of talented young French players and has been compared to Nou Camp legend Andres Iniesta.    However, Sport report that Real Madrid have the advantage in the race for his signature, as Lopez’s childhood hero was Los Blancos manager Zinedine Zidane.   Also the 1998 Ballon d’Or-winner is a fan of the Marseille ace as well.   Speaking in March, Zidane said of Lopez: “He is small, but his style of plat is fascinating.   “I really like his per...

- Unsettled Arsenal attacker Alexis Sanchez has been linked with a move to Real Madrid - The Chilean failed to secure a summer transfer deadline day move Manchester City - Spanish media report that Madrid might be tempted to consider Sanchez due to his work rate Arsenal attacker Alexis Sanchez has emerged as a shock target for Real Madrid, according to reports originating from Spain. Spanish media Don Balon are claiming Real president Florentino Perez has shortlisted the Arsenal forward as a reinforcement up front at the Bernabeu. Karim Benzema’s recent injury and the sale of Alvaro Morata has highlighted how the Champions League holders can be left short in attack. And Perez’s potential targets include Chilean international who was moments away from joining Manchester City on deadline day. The other names on the list include Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Timo Werner from RB Leipzig and Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich...

President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Tukur Buratai, have been sued over the tension currently ongoing in Abia state between security operatives and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The suit was instituted by the prominent Igbo pressure group, the Alaigbo Development Forum (ADF). The Sun reports that the suit was filed at the Federal High Court in Enugu on Thursday, September 14. The group is reportedly asking the court for an order of immediate withdrawal of the soldiers of the Nigerian Army in the entire southeastern part of Nigeria. The organisation seeks a declaration that “the action of the defendants, especially the 1st defendant (Buhari), in calling out, operationally engaging or deploying the armed forces of the Federation to the south eastern part of the country is illegal, unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.”  The ADF is represented by a team of seven lawyers led by Max Ozoaka wh...

- Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state has said that soldiers would be withdrawn from the state on Friday September 15   - The Army had deployed troops to Abia state to forestall break down of law and order   - Governor Ikpeazu also noted that he would meet with the President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss possible ways of relaxing Operation Python Dance II in the state   Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state said on Thursday September 14 that soldiers would be withdrawn from the streets of Umuahia, the state capital, and Aba, its commercial nerve centre, by Friday September 15.   GO VIRAL NAIJA  gathered that Ikpeazu made this known at Government House, Umuahia, while reacting to the security situation in the state. Umuahia had been a scene a violence September 14, when soldiers allegedly shot 3 people and the commissioner's office was attacked. Calm was however said to have been restored to the state.   He said the situation in the past...

- Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the lawyer to Nnamdi Kanu says soldiers forcefully gained entrance into the IPOB leader’s house after shooting for about 40 minutes - He states that the entrance gate of the IPOB leader’s residence was forced open by the soldiers - The lawyer appeals to IPOB members to remain calm in the face of unprovoked killings and torture Report just reaching GO VIRAL NAIJA  has it that rampaging soldiers have allegedly stormed into the home of the leader of the indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in Abia state. He said the entrance gate of the IPOB leader’s residence was broken-down and forced open. Ejiofor said: “Their mission is still unknown as every person seen in his house has surrendered, including his aged parents. "Military has declared war on the innocent , unarmed and defenceless civilians. The situation is serious. My Client whereabout has remained unknown.

- Arsene Wenger defends unsettled Arsenal attacker Alexis Sanchez - The Arsenal boss revealed that the striker is still eager to compete for his place in the team - Sanchez was used as a late substitution in Arsenal 3-0 win over Bournemouth Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has come in defence of his unsettled attacker Alexis Sanchez, dismissing rumors that the attacker is ‘fat’. Sanchez has endured a difficult few weeks following speculation that he could join Manchester City and also the poor performances of Chile in the world cup qualifiers. La Roja put their World Cup qualification in serious jeopardy by losing back-to-back qualifiers against Paraguay and Bolivia. Sanchez, as the side's talisman, received plenty of criticism, with former Under-20 coach Jose Sulantay labeling him “fatter than normal” and “physically out of shape.” Arsene Wenger has leaped to the defence of his star attacker by pointing to statistics to rubbish those claims.   Wenger said: ...

- Lionel Messi celebrated his daughter as she turned 2 - The Barcelona attacker took to his Instagram to gush about his daughter - Messi is currently La Liga highest goal scorer Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi celebrated his daughter as she turns 2 today September 11 2017. The star forward took to his Instagram page to show his daughter love, he posted: “Happy birthday, beautiful chubby !!!!! I love you, honey” The post on Instagram got over a million likes in less than twenty minutes of going live. Messi is currently the highest goal scorer in La Liga with 5 goals from 3 matches. Meanwhile, watch this funny video by  GO VIRAL NAIJA TV . Watch by clicking on the link below. https://youtu.be/tc7Nb8u2-oA

- Argentinian forward Lionel Messi has revealed another tattoo on his body - The Barcelona star has inked the lips of his wife Rocuzzo near his groin - Lionel Messi is one of the richest players who has superb love for tattoo Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi is one of the richest football stars in the world whose love for tattoos knows no bound considering how plenty the ink is on his body. The Argentinian forward has now exemplified another love for tattoo as he has inked the lips of his wife Antonella Rocuzzo near his groin. Messi reportedly got the new ink in the summer and it is said to symbolize how he will always have his wife's kiss with him wherever he goes. See the photo below Add caption Barcelona star Lionel Messi reveals new tattoo of his wife on his body

In a video shared by army spokesperson, SK Usman's Facebook page, members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) could be seen throwing stones and sticks at a military armoured tank and other vehicles outside the home of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu on September 10.

- Pep Guardiola has revealed reason Man City did not sign Alexis Sanchez - The Arsenal striker was seriously linked with a move to the Etihad - Guardiola explained that the Gunners want Raheem Sterling plus cash Manchester City gaffer Pep Guardiola has finally explained the rationale that made the club not to sign Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez before the close of the transfer window. The Chilean international was heavily linked with a mega million move to the Etihad Stadium this summer, but a move for the former Barcelona man collapsed on the last day. Guardiola has now claimed that it was Manchester City who refused to sanction a deal for Alexis Sanchez after Arsenal demanded Raheem Sterling in exchange. Guardiola explains why Man City did not sign Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez "Arsenal wanted to make a swap with Sterling, they talked to me and I said 'no chance, zero chance, not one percent chance,'' the former Barcelona boss explained.

- Cristiano Ronaldo has launched his new aftershave - The Portuguese captain added the aftershave to his two existing fragrances in the market - The star attacker last year opened up his own CR7 hotel on his hometown island of Madeira Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has launched his new CR7 aftershave adding to his two signature fragrances already in the market. He has added to the growing range with the new eau du toilette aimed at his huge following around the world. Ronaldo took to his Instagram page to announce the successful lunch of his new aftershave to his 110milllion followers on the elite social media platform. The CR7 is the latest in the line of fragrances, joining the Legacy and Legacy Private Edition scents in the market. The fragrance is blended with notes of bergamot, cardamom, lavandin, tobacco, cinnamon, sandalwood, musk and vanilla. Cristiano Ronaldo launches new CR7 aftershave And the makers claim the new offering is a ‘contemporary coc...