Keshi release Final AFCON list

The highly anticipated Super Eagles’ squad list for the Africa Cup of Nations to be held in South Africa has finally been released and apart from team Captain Joseph Yobo, goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide, defender Elderson Echiejile, John Mikel Obi and forward Kalu Uche who were at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola, the rest will be making their debut in South Africa.
Six players from the Nigeria Premier League made the list. They are Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Godfrey Oboabona, Gabriel Reuben, Sunday Mba and Ejike Uzoenyi.
Dynamo Kiev striker, Brown Ideye who were not in the list earlier after struggling to impress in training were in the list submitted by the Nigeria Football Federation, Wednesday night.
Surprisingly, Turkey-based midfielder Raheem Lawal, who was on the original list and Bright Dike were left out after both players put up impressive performances in the games they played.
The eagles will depart Faro, Portugal for South Africa on January 16.
Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi, Joseph Yobo made the final list as expected to the 2013 Africa Nations Cup.
The Eagles in their warm match before the games played a goalless draw with Cape Verde in a friendly match in Faro on Wednesday.
Final list:
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheba, Israel); Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)
Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (SC Braga, Portugal); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce, Turkey); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria); Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den Haag, Netherlands); Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria).
Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Obiora Nwankwo (Calcio Padova, Italy); Fegor Ogude (Valerenga FC, Norway); Reuben Gabriel (Kano Pillars, Nigeria);
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emmanuel Emenike (Spartak Moscow, Russia); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria); Ikechukwu Uche (Villarreal FC, Spain); Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine); Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria).
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on January 19. Nigeria will play Burkina Faso, Zambia and Ethiopia in Group C.
The first two games against the Etalons and the Cup holders; Zambia coming up inside Nelspruit’s Mbombela Stadium on 21st January and 25th January respectively.
The clash with Ethiopia’s Walya Antelopes will be at Rustenburg’s Bafokeng Sports Palace on 29th January.

PDP assures members of unwavering unity

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has assured party members of the unwavering unity of purpose in its ranks and files.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Olisa Metuh, gave the assurance in a statement he issued on Thursday in Abuja. ``We are united under the able and dynamic leadership of our National Chairman, Dr Bamanga Tukur,’’ he said.

Metuh said that the party was ever determined to ensure that it fulfills its electoral promises to the people by ensuring that all in positions of authority performance creditably. He commended the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) for the prompt resolution of the misunderstanding in the party`s NWC.

The publicity secretary noted that the PDP was the only political party in the country where differences in the leadership of its various organs could be resolved within a record time. He said that divergent opinions on issues were normal in large political party like the PDP.

According to him, the ability of the leadership of such parties to resolve and find a common ground on such issues was its strength and dynamism. Metuh added that it was only in the PDP that misunderstandings were not just resolved but were resolved in matters of hours. ``The NWC of the PDP, therefore, wishes to commend the BoT of the party for proving its role as the conscience of the party.’’

Upbeat swing for AMAA 2013, as nomination party moves southwards

AS part of activities to herald the 2013 edition of the African Movie Academy Award (AMAA), organisers of the prestigious award, in collaboration with Airtel Nigeria, embarked on a nationwide screening tour of 2012 AMMA winning films. The project, which saw the crew move round major cities in the country, ended recently at the Silverbird Galleria, Abuja, with exclusive after party at the TKlez Lounge, Hotel De Bently.
Aside from providing movie lover with the opportunity of watching AMAA 2012 Best Film, Adesuwa, produced by renowned film Director, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, and Man on Ground, written and Directed by Akin Omotosho, the Abuja event also provided class entertainment, fun, social networking and reunion for guests, especially members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), led by the Chairman of the Abuja Chapter, Chief Onwurah Ifeanyi and veteran actor, Sidney Diala.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Marketing Officer of the telecommunication company Olu Akanmu expressed satisfaction over the partnership, which is inline with the vision and commitment of the outfit to putting smiles to the faces of Africans.
“Though our primary call of duty is to provide borderless mobile telecoms services, we also take pride in empowering Nigerians by lending support to their passions. Our partnership with Nollywood through the sponsorship of AMAA resonates with that commitment and we are delighted that this screening exercise has not only showcased creativity of the Nigerian nay African, but also provided opportunity for Nigerians to mingle live with their screen stars.”
Meanwhile, the organisers have extended the closing date for all 2013 entries from December 31st 2012 to January 31; the first time the organisers will be extending deadline in the last 9 years. The adjustment, according to the Executive Secretary Tony Anih, will give filmmakers and practitioners across Africa more time to submit their films.
“We are extending our deadlines for two reasons. One, our website crashed which means we could not retrieve some of the entries that were submitted and uploaded entries online. Some practitioners too cannot submit online and the most affected people are filmmakers from North Central and southern Africa regions. Some of them have had to send in their entries again via post and because of poor transportation infrastructure connecting Africa countries via roads and air, some of the entries have not arrived Nigeria yet.
The second reason, according to Anih, is based on the request from African filmmakers.
“The primary reason was the technical issue we had and the Jury decided that a month extension should be granted and that also provides window for those who have not submitted to do so. But the entry rules have not changed and this means films that will be accepted are films produced between December 2011 and December 2012.’’
Notwithstanding the extension, the AMAA award will still hold in April this year, which is the traditional month for the ceremony. Also, the College of Screeners and Jury have agreed to put in extra hours to ensure the new submission date will not affect other scheduled pre-event activities.
Going by the tradition of the AMAA, this year’s Nomination party is billed for March and there are indications that the continental party, which parades notable African movie stars, will be heading to Southern Africa, though no particular country has been mentioned.
“Within the next couples of days, we will announce the country that will host the nomination party. One or two countries have shown interest and we hope to conclude within the next few days on where we are going but we may go the way of a country in Southern part of Africa but not South Africa,’’ Anih declared.

Former CBN Governor Charles Soludo Arrested Over Bribery Scandal

The immediate past Governor of the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof Charles Soludo was on Thursday arrested by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with the alleged Australian polymer banknotes bribery scam.
In 2006, CBN under Prof Soludo awarded the printing contract of its 20 naira polymer note to Securency International, a subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of Australia.
According to Proshare, an Australian newspaper ‘The Age,’ reported that Securency International, which manufactures polymer used in banknotes in 28 countries, paid “kickbacks” to secure polymer note printing contracts in some countries, including Nigeria.
The report revealed a total of 750 million naira ($4.6 million) was paid as bribes, with millions of dollars transferred into offshore bank accounts of two British-based businessmen for onward transfer to top Nigerian government functionaries.
Between 2006 and 2008, Securency has supplied 1.9 billion banknotes to the apex bank, in what is reportedly the Australian minter’s biggest African deal.
EFCC’s Acting Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed to THISDAY that: “We have Soludo in our custody, among several other suspects, and it is part of an ongoing investigation over his involvement in the award of contract and printing of polymer banknotes when he was the governor of the CBN.”
The former bank chief-turned-politician, is credited with strengthening the capitalization of Nigerian banks to 25 billion naira ($160 million) thereby forcing the eradication of poorly capitalized financial lenders in the country.

NAFDAC probes AIDS cure claim by UNIBEN don

National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control has begun a probe into Prof. Isaiah Ibeh’s claim that he had discovered a herbal drug capable of curing AIDS, allAfrica.co reports.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, said the agency had invited Ibeh to prove his claim.

He warned members of the public  against  buying  the drug  because it had  not been subjected to standard scientific protocols.

I would accept Dbanj’s proposal if he approaches me – Tonto Dike

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The controversy surrounding Afro beats singer Dbanj and the pair of Tonto Dike and Yvonne Nelson is apparently completely at an end.

Initially, it was revealed that the singer was in a relationship with Yvonne until Tonto jumped unto the band wagon and supposedly shunned off Yvonne from the equation.

Yvonne was reported to have been upset about the issue and decided to move on. Tonto in turn focused on her career and is quite thrilled about the prospects of Dbanj approaching her with a music label contract proposal.

Mrate Philanthropy of the Year: Alero Dangote

Chelsea FC defender Ashley Cole set for Real Madrid CF talks

Ashley Cole's agent has reportedly flown to Spain for talks with Real Madrid about a possible move for the Chelsea defender.

Cole is out of contract in the summer and has been linked with a number of in recent weeks, including Madrid, while Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be keen.

The Blues are sticking to their policy of refusing to offer long-term deals to players over the age of thirty, with the England international set to be on the move at the end of the season, along with team-mate Frank Lampard.

And according to the Daily Mail, Cole's agent is in Spain as he looks to secure what is likely to be the last big-money contract of his career.

According to Friday's report, despite the interest from PSG and former Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti, the left-back is keen on a move to Real or their rivals Barcelona.

Manchester United are also rumoured to be interested in signing Cole on a free transfer in the summer.

Real Madrid defender Fabio Coentrao has been linked with a move to Chelsea as a replacement for Cole.

Reports in Spain towards the end of last year had suggested that Coentrao could be made available for sale in 2013, and in recent days it has been suggested that Los Blancos are willing to consider a sale this month should they receive a good offer.

And according to AS, the Portugal international has also emerged as a possible target for Man Utd as manager Sir Alex Ferguson considers his options at left-back.

Bookmakers Sky Bet make PSG favourites to sign Cole in their Ashley Cole Next Club market at time of writing, ahead of Jose Mourinho's side.

Terry makes Chelsea return

Chelsea captain John Terry made a return to action on Thursday night as he played 45 minutes for the club's under-21 side.

PA PhotosJohn Terry's return from injury gives Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez a timely

The Blues skipper has not played since the 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on November 11, as he has fought his way back from a knee injury that has taken time to heal, missing 16 first team games in the process.
Terry partnered 16-year-old Danish centre-back Andreas Christensen in the heart of the Chelsea defence, and appeared to come through the examination unscathed, as he edges closer to a first team return.
Manager Rafael Benitez, who has hinted Terry may be considered for a return to first team duty when Chelsea take on Stoke in the Premier League on Saturday, watched from the stands as he successfully came through a goalless first half against Fulham at the Blues' Cobham training base in a game which Chelsea eventually won 2-0. Terry had an early scare when his mistake almost let in Fulham, but otherwise he was rarely troubled in a calm and composed performance.
"It's been a long two months, but I got a couple of tackles in and everything felt fine," Terry told Chelsea TV. "I came through the game and put myself forward. The manager said in the week it might take time.
"Maybe it is too soon to get a start and the lads have been playing well anyway. I know I have to be patient and wait for my chance to get back into the squad. The knee feels totally fine, it's just the lungs that are feeling it a bit."
Chelsea have missed Terry's leadership qualities as in his absence they have crashed out of the Champions League, lost the World Club Cup Final to Corinthians, fallen behind in the title race and find themselves 2-0 down after the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final against Swansea.

Messi turns down €30 million salary from Russian club

Barcelona player, Lionel Messi (RIA Novosti / Alexey Filippov)

The world’s top footballer Lionel Messi, has turned down a super-rich offer from Russia and decided to prolong his deal with Barcelona.
­El Mundo Deportivo paper reports that an unnamed Russian Premier League side offered Messi a three-year deal with a record annual salary of €30 million.
If the deal was struck Barcelona were to receive €250 million for the Argentine’s transfer.
Messi’s father, Jorge, who’s also his agent, said his son rejected the proposal because of the Russian club’s vague prospects of participation in major international competitions as well as weather and the language barrier.
On December 18, it was announced that Barcelona has prolonged the contract with their biggest star until 2018.
There are only two Russian clubs capable of making such a generous offer for Lionel Messi.
They are Zenit Saint Petersburg, who spent nearly €100 million on Hulk and Axel Witsel this September, and Anzhi Makhachkala, who are paying Samuel Eto’o football’s biggest salary of €20 million.

Mrate Footballer Of The Year:Cristiano Ronaldo

After a recently concluded poll on our blog in which cristiano ronaldo won.He help Real Madrid to their first League title since 2008,he scored goals more than every footballer except lionel messi.He is undisputed a true living fooball legeng.Congratulation to C.Ronaldo

Mrate Artist Of The Year: D'banj

This award goes to non other than the Koko Master Himself for his numerous achievement in 2012.

Mrate Personalities Of The Year

The Inagural Edition Of The Mrate Personalities of the Year for the concluded year 2012  is here. After some of our reader votrd for their personalities of the year

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Four in a row! Messi world’s best footballer again

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Messi with balon

FIFA Ballon d'Or award winner Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi poses with the trophy during the FIFA Ballon d'Or awards ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich on January 7, 2013. (AFP Photo / Fabrice Cofrini)

Barcelona star, Lionel Messi, has continued his reign in world football, snatching a record fourth consecutive FIFA Ballon d’Or award.
­The name of the world’s best football player was announced at a gala-show in Zurich, Switzerland on Monday night.
Messi received 46.6 per cent as a result of the vote by journalists, national team coaches and captains.
Barca teammate and best European player of 2012, Andres Iniesta (10.91 per cent), and Real Madrid star, Cristiano Ronaldo (23.68 per cent) were the 25-year-old’s rivals for the award.
“Even though Barcelona did not lift a major trophy in 2012 – the Copa del Rey aside – Lionel Messi continued to go from strength to strength, amassing goals and records along the way,” FIFA’s official website wrote of the Argentinean’s display this year. “The three-time Ballon d’Or winner was no less impressive for Argentina either, helping them dominate the South American FIFA World Cup qualifiers.”
Messi was really on fire in 2012 as he scored 91 goals to beat the seemingly unreachable record for the most goals in a calendar year, set by Germany’s Gerd Muller back in 1972.
The ceremony also saw FC Barcelona become the team, with most – nine – Golden Ball’s handed to their players.
Besides Messi’s four titles, the most prestigious prize in football was awarded to the Catalan side’s representatives, Johan Cruyff (two times), Hristo Stoichkov, Luis Suárez Miramontes, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo.
The boss of world and European champions, Spain, Vicente del Bosque, was honored as the best coach of the year.
Team USA’s forward, Abby Wambach, was crowned the top female footballer in 2012, while the Fair Play award went to the football federation of Uzbekistan.
The line-up for the FIFA FIFPro World XI was also announced in the ceremony, with the following players making the all-star squad in 2012:
Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas (Spain); Defenders: Dani Alves (Brazil), Marcelo (Brazil), Gerard Piqué (Spain) and Sergio Ramos (Spain); Midfilders: Xabi Alonso (Spain), Andrés Iniesta (Spain) and Xavi Hernández (Spain); Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Radamel Falcao (Colombia) and Lionel Messi (Argentin

Happy New Year

To all our esteemed readers we wish happy new year from Mrate INC. though it might be late we are very sorry for not wishing earlier.
Happy New Year.