Ancelloti Recorded a Grand Slam as Real Madrid Lifts La Liga Title

Real Madrid Coach Carlo Ancelotti became the first manager to win the league in all five of Europe’s major leagues as Real Madrid beat Espanyol 4-0 to win at home against Espanyol on Saturday, to officially clinched the 2021-22 La Liga season title.

Two goals from Rodrygo and strikes from Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema confirmed Real’s 35th Spanish title.

The day before the match, manager Ancelotti had expressed his desire to close it out: “We’re on match point and when the best tennis players get there, they make sure they win it.”

Now sitting 17 points above second-placed Sevilla and 18 above Barcelona, with four matches to play, there are not enough points available for any of the chasers to catch up with the Los Blancos at this point.


Super Agent Mino Raiola Dies at 54

One of the most influential agents in football Mino Raiola,who represented the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba and Erling Haaland, has died aged 54.

A statement shared by Raiola’s family on his Twitter account read: “In infinite sorrow we share the passing of the most caring and amazing football agent that ever was.

“Mino fought until the end with the same strength he put on negotiation tables to defend our players. As usual, Mino made us proud and never realised it.

“Mino touched so many lives through his work and wrote a new chapter in the history of modern football. His presence will forever be missed. Mino’s mission of making football a better place for players will continue with the same passion.

“We thank everybody for the huge amount of support received during these difficult times and ask for respect to the privacy of family and friends in this moment of grief.”

Raiola’s account tweeted in January to say he was undergoing “ordinary” medical checks and that he had not required “emergency intervention”.

According to Sky Sports the confirmation from Raiola’s family came two days after incorrect reports of his death spread. Alberto Zangrillo, head of the anaesthesia and intensive care unit of San Raffaele hospital in Milan, where Raiola was being treated said: “I am outraged by the phone calls from pseudo-journalists who speculate on the life of a man who is fighting.”

Raiola rose to prominence in the Netherlands and Italy in the 1990s and was involved in the deals that saw Dennis Bergkamp and Pavel Nedved move to Serie A.

More recently, Raiola helped to broker Paul Pogba’s then-world record transfer to Manchester United from Juventus, as well as Erling Haaland’s move from Red Bull Salzburg to Borussia Dortmund.

May his soul rest in peace.

Fast Rising Fashion Designer Yvonne Yvette Assists Girl Child

Fast Rising Fashion Designer Yvonne Yvette Assists Girl Child

BOUYED by her phenomenal success in the fashion industry on the international stage, United Kingdom-based fashion designer and girl-child advocate, Yvonne Gambe, who is popularly known as Yvonne Yvette, has been busy fundraising for poverty-stricken young girls in her home country.

The designer, whose label is called Yvonne Yvette (YY), told Zim Community News yesterday that yesterday she donated sewing machines and accessories to the girl-child in Murewa accompanied by the Ekenia Chifamba-led girl-child empowerment organisation Shamwari YeMwanasikana.

“The aim was to raise awareness about period-poverty facing the girls in the rural areas…so I am here to do the handover to Ekenia and her team.

“We donated five sewing machines, at least 100 metres of fabrics, sewing accessories for girls to make their own re-usable pads as well as making enough pads to sell and make money with the project.

“We also donated six bags of pigfeed to Shamwari YeMwanasikana as they have a piggery project they are running at the centre.”

The designer, whose label is called Yvonne Yvette(YY), added that as a fashion designer, she was also looking to bring her brand back home.

“The marvellous results of my work come from the pride I have of my life experiences, from growing up in the humble yet fashionable streets of Africa to living in bustling and trendy Europe in my adult life.

She said such exposure had allowed her to make a double impact on the fashion scene by innovatively fusing African print fabrics with fabrics from other parts of the world to create world class designs.

“However, my work is not limited to that, I also use a broad array of other approaches to designing such as those seen in my diverse 2017 Bow Collection.”

Although very young, the YY African-inspired brand has made a huge impact in a number of communities, with several of its designs, created between 2014 and now, having been worn by many happy clients and models of various ages across the world and yet all-inclusive brands of this current generation.

This includes formal wear, casual wear and even swimwear.

“The value of my brand lies in the attention I pay to the details of the client’s needs and the thorough work that I undertake in tailoring their bespoke clothing. Furthermore, the Yvonne Yvette brand is highly trusted on both delivery and quality.

Fashion has always been a part of her life as her father worked in a clothing retail shop while her mother subsidised her family’s income through her sewing business.

Before launching her brand, she attained a BA Honours degree in Accounting and Information Systems.

Following the successful launch of the YY brand, she resigned from her job at a major Swedish Bank, in early 2017 and has never looked back ever since.
Source:ZC News

Illegal refinery: Senate mourns death of 110 persons at explosion site in Imo 

Illegal refinery: Senate mourns death of 110 persons at explosion site in Imo 

…As Lawan urges FG to take immediate action to end looming disaster 

Abuja – The Senate, Wednesday, mourned the deaths of those killed by an explosion at the site of an illegal refinery in Abaezi community, Ohagi-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State on Friday, April 22, 2022.
The decision to do so was reached sequel to a point of order raised by Senator Rochas Okorocha representing Imo West Senatorial District. 
Okorocha, while relying on order 42 of the Senate Standing Order, 2022 as amended, informed his colleagues during plenary that the incident led to the death of 110 persons.
According to him, the tragic incident has thrown the state into mourning. 
He disclosed that the explosion was caused as a result of illegal refining.
The lawmaker, called on the Federal Government to consider a legislation to provide for local technology for artisanal and modular refinery considering the gap in Nigeria’s refining capacity. 
Commenting on the incident, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, underscored the need for local refining of petroleum products to boost the nation’s revenue.
He, however, called on the federal government to take prompt action through the introduction of regulatory policies to prevent disasters associated with the illegal refining of crude oil in Nigeria.
Lawan said, “We cannot in any true sense benefit in a practical way from the oil and gas resources we have in Nigeria if we don’t add the value of refining it.
“Of course, we know what it means as at today, even though crude oil sells for higher, but because we have to import the refined products, the increase in price at the international market does not seem to confer any advantage to our country.
“So, that speaks volumes that we have to refine our petroleum products in Nigeria if we would have to enjoy the benefits of an endowment like that.
“[And] for Nigerians who get engaged and involved in this kind of illegal refining activities, I think government will have to take action.
“It is for government to come to decision on how we should be able to deal with this illegal activities. 
“On one hand, we may encourage private participation, in fact, that is the best way to go. But illegal refining again, at the moment, is causing a lot of damage to our country.
“So, it is a very dicey situation, but we have to utilise the ingenuity of our citizens who are creative and innovative, but in a much regulated way, so that we don’t experience these kind of disasters.”
The Senate, thereafter, observed a minute silence to mourn the victims of the explosion in Imo State. 

Senate amends Terrorism Act, prohibits payment of ransom to kidnappers

…adjourns plenary till May 10

The Senate has passed a bill seeking to amend the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2013, and to prohibit the payment of ransom to kidnappers in Nigeria. 
The passage of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2013 (Amendment) Bill, 2022, followed the consideration of a report by the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

The report was laid by the Committee’s Chairman, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), before consideration.

Bamidele, in his presentation, said the bill seeks to outlaw the payment of ransom to abductors, kidnappers and terrorist for release of any person who has been wrongfully confined, imprisoned or kidnapped. 

According to the lawmaker, “the overall import of this bill is to discourage the rising spate of kidnapping and abduction for ransom In Nigeria, which is fast spreading across the country.”

He disclosed that in the memoranda presented to the Committee, plethora of issues relating to the subject matter of terrorism and terrorism financing in line with global best practices were raised. 

He assured that the amendment to the Terrorism Act would set standards and regulatory system intended to prevent terrorist groups from laundering money through the banking system and other financial networks.

He added that, “having policies in place to combat financing of terrorism will surely reduce or eliminate privacy and anonymity in financial and other sundry transactions as it relates to the subject in our society.” 

He explained further that the need to comprehensively review the Terrorism Prevention Act arose from the unfavorable ratings of Financial Act Task Force (FATF) recommendations of Nigeria’s Mutual Evaluation Report and consequent placement of Nigeria in FATF’S International Cooperation and Review Group Process with its impending sanctions on Nigeria’s economy.

He stated that the National Task Force on improving Nigeria’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime in Nigeria, proposed improvement on the Act in order to address the deficiencies noted in its provisions so as to align with the required standard as obtainable in other jurisdictions.

He emphasised that the proposed repeal and enactment Bill was geared towards improving the effectiveness of countermeasures against terrorism, terrorism financing and proliferation financing.

The lawmaker noted that the repeal is aimed at providing adequate framework for improved international collaboration, inter-agency cooperation and freezing of terrorist funds/assets. 

Bamidele said that, “the passage of this Bill will save Nigeria from being included among countries in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List with its attendant negative consequences, which might ultimately result to international sanctions that would affect the image of the country in the comity of nations.”

The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, in his remarks after the bill was passed, said the bill would compliment the federal government’s efforts in the fight against insecurity when signed into law by the President. 

He said, “It is our belief here in the Senate, that this bill, by the time signed into an Act by Mr. President, will enhance the efforts of this government in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping, and other associated and related vices.

“This is one piece of legislation that can turn around not only the security situation in Nigeria, but even the economic fortunes of our country.

“We have done so much as a government, in terms of infrastructural development across all parts of this country, but because security situation is not the kind of situation that we all want, this tends to overshadow all the tremendous and massive developments in our country. 

“I believe that the Executive will waste no time in signing this bill into law, and it is our hope that this additional piece of legislation will achieve the purpose for which it has been worked upon by the Senate, and, indeed, the National Assembly and, for the reason for which it would also be signed by Mr. President. 

“Let me make it very clear here, that the fight against insecurity, whether it is kidnapping, terrorism or whatsoever, is not the sole role of a government.

“The contribution and support by citizens is essential, because our security agencies need vital and critical information against terrorism and other things that make life difficult for us.”

The bill was passed by the chamber after it scaled third reading on the floor.

The Senate, thereafter, adjourned plenary session till May 10, 2022, for the Sallah break. 

Iñaki,Nico Williams and Nketiah set to join Ghana National Team

Ghana national team is receiving a massive boost to their underwhelming attack before the Black Stars compete in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

According to Pan-Africa Football, Spanish-born brothers Iñaki and Nico Williams have reportedly received the approval of their parents to compete for Ghana after previously representing the nation of their birth at youth national team level, with Iñaki making one appearance in a friendly for Spain’s senior team. 

The Athletic Bilbao attackers will add instant quality to the Ghanaian attack with the 27-year-old forward Iñaki and his 19-year-old brother Nico set to operate from the wing.

Also Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah has also taken a leap forward towards committing to Ghana by acquiring a Ghanaian passport. 

The 22-year-old poacher was a prolific scorer for his birth country England at the under-21 level, captaining the England team at the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

Nketiah has made major strides this season in the Arsenal first team after struggling to obtain regular playing time, scoring a career high seven goals for the Gunners in all competitions this season

Sue Gray’s Partygate Report Could Stop PM’s Premiership

Sue Gray’s Partygate Report Could Stop PM’s Premiership
investigators

Boris Johnson could be forced to resign after the Sue Gray review into claims of Covid rule breaches in the Government is published, according to a report.
Ms Gray, a senior civil servant, was forced to delay the publication of her investigation into alleged parties held in Downing Street and Whitehall during England’s coronavirus lockdowns due to the Metropolitan Police commencing their own inquiry.

In an interim report published in January, the Cabinet Office official said there had been “failures of leadership and judgment” in No 10 over the so-called partygate saga.
The Times, citing an official it described as being familiar with the contents of the complete report, said Ms Gray’s full findings were even more personally critical of the Prime Minister and could end his premiership.

According to the paper, the official said: “Sue’s report is excoriating. It will make things incredibly difficult for the Prime Minister.

“There’s an immense amount of pressure on her — her report could be enough to end him.”
No 10 declined to comment.

It comes amid separate reports in the i newspaper that Conservative rebels are preparing to oust Mr Johnson in the event of a poor showing at the local elections next month or if further fines are issued to him.
Scotland Yard has already fined Mr Johnson, along with his wife Carrie and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, for attending his 56th birthday bash held in June 2020 when Covid rules banned indoor gatherings.

Downing Street is said to be braced for Mr Johnson to receive a second fixed-penalty notice (FPN) after police reportedly began issuing fines relating to a “bring your own bottle” drinks do in the No 10 garden on May 20, 2020.

He reportedly attended half of the 12 gatherings being probed by police.

Cabinet ministers on Sunday offered a defence of the Prime Minister, with Conservative Party chairman Oliver Dowden suggesting it was “quite a speculation” to predict Mr Johnson could be hit with more FPNs.

He and Brexit opportunities minister Jacob Rees-Mogg backed Mr Johnson to lead the Tories into the next general election, which is currently scheduled for no later than January 2025.
Source: Upday News

Ancelotti Looking forward to the only Title Missing in his Cabinet

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is waiting earnestly to win one title still lacking on his Cabinet
Carlo Ancelotti before the season began said: “It would be nice for me to win LaLiga, it’s the one I am missing…” 
He is now only 3 wins away from becoming the first manager in football history to win all of Europe’s top 5 leagues.
The Blancos have won only one La Liga crown since 2017, and two in the last 10 years, however coach Ancelotti has them closing in on domestic dominance

The Blancos are edging their way towards the finishing line,with only three wins to be crowned 2022 La Liga Champions.

Fury is no GOAT until he Fights Joshua and Usyk

World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury retained his WBC title with a brutal sixth-round stoppage of fellow Briton Dillian Whyte in front of more than 94,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. 
A right uppercut from Fury sent Whyte to the canvas while the champion raised his right hand in celebration.

The Gypsy King’s knockout of Whyte had an awesome quality to it. 

Fury stated that this was going to be his final fight as a professional (not that that stopped him from teasing a crossover fight with UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou right after). It would see Fury walk away from the sport undefeated, an accomplishment that is historically uncommon in the division.

However,boxing fans are strongly stating in different quarters that Fury cannot be described as The Greatest Of All Time, until he Fights Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk.

In summary, Fury has had five world title bouts in his entire career, a positively few haul that is bested even within his own era by Anthony Joshua’s 11 (nine wins). Three of them came against the same man – Deontay Wilder, a one-handed, one-trick knockout artist with plenty of heart but no coordination or stamina.

Tyson Fury thanked the 94 thousand attendees who witnessed his victory,he also thanked Whyte for being a warrior, assuring that he has proven to be one of the best fighters in history.

A little look at history Muhammad Ali proclaimed himself the greatest, but contestable as that claim was, he nevertheless fought every heavyweight of note in his day, and won against most of them too. Joe Louis defended the heavyweight crown 26 times, a record that stands to this day. Rocky Marciano fought everyone in his era as well, and still retired undefeated at 49-0. Both Lewis and Mike Tyson held all major titles on offer at the same time, with the latter still the youngest ever heavyweight champion of the world. Klitschko reigned unbroken for 9 years, the second-longest title reign of all time.

What exactly is Fury’s claim to greatness supposed to be? He lacks longevity, resumé, title defences or any striking historic achievement.

Fury as a GOAT candidate is a risible claim, but perhaps that’s a sign of the times we live in: the more knowledge there is out there, the less people care about any of it. Post-truth times, ladies and gentlemen.

Now it is Fury who came out to the Wembley arena, accompanied with the song, American Pie and an emotional video of the best moments of his career. 

Will this be the last professional fight in the Gipsy King’s career? Time shall Tell..

Manchester United Confirms Erik ten Hag as their new manager 

Manchester United have officially confirmed that Erik ten Hag is taking over as their new manager.

Ten Hag will leave his job at Ajax at the end of the season to become United’s fifth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. 

The 52-year-old will be joined at Old Trafford by his No 2 Mitchell van der Gaag.

The Dutchman’s appointment has been expected for some time. since Sportsmail revealed a month ago that he had been interviewed for the job having moved ahead of Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino.

 United confirmed the news in a statement on Thursday morning. 

Ten Hag said: ‘It is a great honour to be appointed manager of Manchester United and I am hugely excited by the challenge ahead.

‘I know the history of this great club and the passion of the fans, and I am absolutely determined to develop a team capable of delivering the success they deserve.

‘It will be difficult to leave Ajax after these incredible years, and I can assure our fans of my complete commitment and focus on bringing this season to a successful conclusion before I move to Manchester United.’