Lekan Emmanuel Blog

The former Liverpool attacker returns to English football after eight years away Fulham have confirmed the signing of the former Liverpool attacker Ryan Babel on a permanent deal, but only until the end of the season. The Dutch international, 32, moves to Craven Cottage from Besiktas, following eight years of nomadic spells at a variety of clubs. Babel joined Liverpool from Ajax in 2007, and scored 22 goals in 146 appearances - many of which came as a substitute. He then set off on a career which has taken in spells at Hoffenheim, Ajax again, Kasimpasa, Al-Ain, Deportivo La Coruna and Besiktas, before now joining Claudio Ranieri's relegation battlers. “My first impressions are good and I’m very excited," Babel told the Fulham website. “I definitely have faith that Fulham can stay up. That’s one of the reasons that I’m here, to try and help that to happen. I’m ready to go, I’m excited and I can't wait.” Fulham co-owner Tony Khan added: “Ryan has excelled at playin...

It’s just been announced that 15-time Grammy award winner Alicia Keys will host the 61 st annual Grammy awards. This is the “Superwoman” singer’s first time as the master of ceremonies. Expressing her excitement about her hosting gig, Keys said,“I know what it feels like to be on that stage, and I’m going to bring that vibe and energy,” said Keys. “I’m so excited to be the master of ceremonies on the biggest night in music and celebrate the creativity, power, and magic. I’m especially excited for all the incredible women nominated this year! It’s going UP on February 10 She’s not the only one excited. Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy, feels the same way. He notes, “A dynamic artist with the rare combination of groundbreaking talent and passion for her craft, Alicia Keys is the perfect choice as host for our show.  Throughout her exciting career, I have watched her become a powerful force within the music industry and beyond. As an artist who speaks to the pow...

Judges at the International Criminal Court have decided to acquit former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo of war crimes, ordering his immediate provisional release after more than seven years in custody.

President Buhari this afternoon decorated the new Inspector-General of Police, Abubakar Adamu Mohammed, at the State House.

Arsenal  goalkeeper and former Chelsea star Petr Cech has announced that he will retire from professional football at the end of the season. The 36-year-old decided to call time on a remarkable career after falling behind Bernd Leno in the pecking order at Emirates Stadium this season. Cech’s contract expires in the summer and he told Standard Sport earlier this month that the club were yet to offer him an extension. With no sign of a fresh offer forthcoming, Cech discussed the situation with family and close friends and decided to hang up his gloves. In a statement released this morning on his social media channels, Cech said: “This is my 20th season as a professional player and it has been 20 years since I signed my first professional contract, so it feels like the right time to announce that I will retire at the end of the season. “Having played 15 years in the Premier League and won every single trophy possible, I feel like I have achieved everything...

Some suspected bandits have carted away with the medals won by a former Nigeria international, Kanu Nwankwo. The vandals were said to have invaded his The Hardley Apartments along Waziri Ibrahim Crescent on Victoria Island. They took all his football medals, plaques, trophies and other valuable items. The hotel has been sealed since 2015 after an alleged default in a transaction between it and Skye Bank (now Polaris Bank). However, a teary Kanu was told, while he was away during the festive season in London, that the apartment has been occupied by some persons. The said occupants had also started the renovation of the facility in spite of the seal order and ligitation, forcing the player to return home over the weekend. Speaking on the issue, Kanu told The Cable that “It was a rude shock to me. I almost couldn’t recognize the hotel as belonging to me anymore. “This is the saddest day of my life as I cannot understand why this happened to me when the matter has yet to be sett...

President Mohammadu Buhari has appointed AIG Abubakar Adamu Mohammed as the Acting Inspector General of Police. He replaces Ibrahim Idris, who has attained the statutory retirement of 60 in the force. Reliable sources in the Presidency and Police on Monday evening said the appointment will be made official shortly. Until his appointment, he was the head of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). The Nasarawa-born police chief has served with the United Nations and INTERPOL. He was also a former Deputy Commissioner of Police(DCP) in Ekiti State.

David Wagner has departed his role as Head Coach of Huddersfield by mutual consent. The 47-year-old leaves Town after detailed discussions with the Board of Directors, with both parties agreeing this is the correct move for the future of the Club.

Arraignment of CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen stalled due to his absence at Code of Conduct Tribunal. The CJN, through his counsel, claimed that he was not properly served. The case was adjourned to 22/01/2019 for proper service and appearance of CJN.