Messi's matured a lot since World Cup, says Martino

Lionel Messi has matured a lot since the last World Cup, according to Argentina head coach Gerardo Martino.

The Barcelona forward skippered the national side to the final of the tournament in Brazil, with his goals in the group stage proving particularly important.

Messi will be back in international action this summer at the Copa America in Chile, this time under the guidance of Martino – his former Barca boss who replaced Alejandro Sabella after after the Albiceleste's loss to Germany in the showpiece.

HAPPY NEW MONTH

With let’s twist a fresh sheet
with the perfume of fresh rainwater.
Let’s overlook earlier period errors
making punishment for this month.
Transfer you these good wishes
to carry you trust and joyfulness
Happy New month!

Lagos Govt to provide Wi-Fi services for residents (in parks only)

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos state Ministry of Information Communication Technology, ICT, Mrs Nike Animashaun, has revealed plans by the state government to provide Wi-Fi services to residents of the state. Speaking at the state ministerial briefing in Alausa recently, Mrs Animashaun said the first phase of the Wi-Fi connectivity would be installed in parks within the state. She listed the first parks to benefit from the WiFi installment as Oshodi, Alausa and Ajegunle parks.

GEJ sacks NHIS CEO, confirms Gwarzo as DG SEC & Peter Obi as chairman of SEC

State House press statement

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has relieved the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Dr. Femi Thomas of his appointment with immediate effect. The President has also approved the appointment of Mr. Olufemi A. Akingbade as Acting Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the NHIS.

Boko Haram is a fraud - Buhari

A statement from Gen Buhari signed by his media aide, Shehu Garba.

"The fraud called Boko Haram can be defeated by denying it a recruitment base," General Buhari told visiting leaders of Nassarawa State who came to congratulate him on his emergence as President-elect. No religion allows for the killing of children in school dormitory, in markets and places of worship. They have nothing to do with religion. They are terrorists and we are going to deal with them as they deal with terrorists anywhere," he announced.

FG names major streets & roads in Abuja after GEJ, Sambo, Atiku, El Rufai, others

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has revealed plans to rename some major streets and road in the FCT after some prominent Nigerians.

In a statement released today April 27th by his spokesperson, Nosike Ogbuenyi, the ministersaid those to be honored with street names include President Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President, late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, former Speaker of House of Representatives and Katsina State Governor-elect, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, former Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Dahiru Musdapha, Business moguls, Femi Otedola, Aliko Dangote and several others.

Arsenal need a new spine to win the Premier League - Henry

Thierry Henry believes Arsenal need to sign four players if they are to challenge for the Premier League title next season.

The Gunners drew 0-0 with Chelsea on Sunday and currently sit 10 points behind Jose Mourinho's side with the season drawing to a close.

Henry believes the Gunners should replicate the recruitment strategy employed by the Blues, with the club' record goalscorer claiming that they need a new "spine" as they look to win their first league title since 2004.

NFF's new Nike deal worth $3.75m (743m Naira)

The Nigeria Football Football Federation has revealed that it would earn $3.75m (743m Naira) during its three-and-half-year partnership with Nike and a $500,000 (99m Naira) bonus if the Super Eagles qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia among other perks.
The contract is worth $750, 000 (148m Naira) in its first year and would rise to $1million (198m Naira) each year from 2016 till 2018.