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South Africa marches against xenophobia

About 30,000 people are marching through South Africa's main city, Johannesburg, to demand an end to a recent wave of xenophobic attacks.

Both locals and immigrants are taking part, with placards saying "Africa Unite" and "Welcome foreigners". An anti-xenophobic protest is also taking place in the coastal city of Port Elizabeth. 

South Africa's army was deployed to flashpoints on Monday to prevent further violence. At least seven people have been killed, 5,000 left homeless and many foreign-owned shops looted since the attacks started about three weeks ago.

Watch what happens when aspiring rapper drops freestyle for Kanye West as he leaves NY hotel

The Yeezus rapper, who was in New York for the Time 100 Gala with his wife Kim Kardashian last two nights, was approached by a young fan as he left a hotel.

Kanye, who was swarmed by photographers and security zoomed straight towards his car, where the aspiring rapper followed.

 

Nigeria targets last Boko Haram bases

Nigerian ground troops have joined an offensive on the last known hideout of the Boko Haram Islamist militants, a military spokesman has told the BBC.

The vast north-eastern Sambisa forest is where they have many bases - and it has been subject to aerial bombardments since February.

Chelsea's Eden Hazard among world's top three - Zinedine Zidane

PHOTO CREDITS: 101GREATGOALS

Chelsea forward Eden Hazard is one of the top three players in the world, according to Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane.

The Champions League holders were recently linked with the Belgian, who Zidane believes should now be spoken of in the same breath as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 24-year-old, who last year claimed fellow-No 10 Zidane was 'his hero', has since committed his future to the Premier League champions-elect by signing a new contract until the summer of 2021.

World Cup winner Zidane said: "There are players I keep an eye on and who I like a lot, like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, of course."

Bode George worked for Tinubu – PDP Chief

A Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant in Lagos State, Babatunde Gbadamosi, has accused the leader of the party, Chief Bode George, of colluding with the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to ensure PDP’s defeat in Lagos. He, therefore, called on George to resign immediately.

However, in a swift reaction, George described Gbadamosi as an irresponsible man who may be suffering from a mental problem.

Gbadamosi, who came fourth at the PDP governorship primary last year, said the party would have performed better at the poll if the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Musiliu Obanikoro, was given the ticket.

PHOTOS: Flying Mansion; Luxury plane firm unveils £400 million Boeing customised with restaurant and bedrooms

A company that builds luxury aircrafts have unveiled the interior of one of their £400 million planes.

US company Greenpoint's renderings show the inside of a Boeing 747-8, which features the likes of a restaurant, living suite and stylish bedrooms.

Boeing 747's usual capacity is around 450 passengers, but this aircraft, which was completely redesigned, looks more like a super yacht than a passenger plane.

Hernandez sinks Atletico as Real reaches semis

Javier Hernandez scored a late winner as Real Madrid edged past 10-man Atletico Madrid with a 1-0 win to secure their place in the Champions League semi-finals.

The striker tapped in from close range as the hosts pressed for the all-important winner, after Diego Simeone’s men had Arda Turan sent off for a second yellow card with 13 minutes remaining.

NNPC has started refunding unremitted $1.48bn –Alison-Madueke

The Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, on Wednesday disclosed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has started refunding the $1.48bn unremitted fund into the Federation Account as recommended by an audit firm, PriceWaterHouse Coopers.

She however did not disclose how much has so far been refunded by the corporation. She also denied reports that she was seeking the assistance of some highly-placed persons in order to escape prosecution for alleged corruption from the incoming administration of the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari.

Alison-Madueke spoke with State House correspondents at the end of the weekly meeting of Federal Executive Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Juve reach semis after draw

Juventus progressed to the Champions League semi-final after a goalless draw at Monaco meant they went through 1-0 on aggregate.

In a game bereft of clear chances, Juventus hit the crossbar in the closing minutes through Andrea Pirlo's free-kick, after Carlos Tevez’s long-range flew wide in the first half. 

Neymar double eases Barca into last four

Neymar bagged a first-half brace as Barcelona beat Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 at the Nou Camp to ease into the Champions League semi-finals with a 5-1 aggregate victory.

Heading into the game with a 3-1 lead, the hosts never looked in danger of relinquishing their healthy advantage as PSG struggled to cope with Barcelona’s pacey passing style.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho confident all of his strikers will be available for trip to Arsenal

Jose Mourinho is confident all his strikers could be fit for Chelsea's showdown with Arsenal next Sunday.

Mourinho's players returned to training Tuesday after being given two days off as an extended break to prepare for their London derby at the Emirates. It was designed to recharge their batteries and Chelsea hope Diego Costa will train fully ahead of the Arsenal game and be fit to face Arsene Wenger's men.

Nigeria Politics: Everybody must join the change process – Osinbajo

The Vice President-elect, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has urged Nigerians to sustain the battle that brought about a change in government at the recent general elections, saying the process has just begun.

Osinbajo called on citizens to continue to engage public officials and participate actively in the change process that started with the outcome of the general elections. This, he said, would bring the desired “relief” to the citizens.

In a message posted on his Twitter page on Tuesday, he urged Nigerians to see the outcome of the elections as a motivation to fight harder.

“Many Nigerians fought hard for this. Now we have to fight even harder the good fight for relief to the masses,” he tweeted.

David Moyes wants to return to the Premier League

David Moyes is ready to return to the Premier League but only after completing his managerial rehab stint in Spain. Moyes says he will see out the final year of his contract with Real Sociedad, despite being wanted by English clubs.

West Ham and Newcastle are among the Premier League clubs keen to lure Moyes back to England this summer, but the 51-year-old has vowed to stay in La Liga.

“I’m enjoying going to different stadiums, I’m enjoying working with different players, trying to learn the language, the culture,” said Moyes.

Bayern fightback pleases Pep

Pep Guardiola was elated with Bayern Munich’s stunning 6-1 demolition of Porto in the quarter finals of the Champions League.

Trailing the Portuguese champions by two goals from the first leg, Bayern sent a warning out to their European rivals as five first-half strikes equalled, and then surpassed, Porto’s first leg lead.

Xabi Alonso completed the victory with a sumptuous free-kick two minutes from time as the Bundesliga side secured a place in the last four.

Jega happy that election did not result to a run-off

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said on Tuesday that a presidential run-off would have led to a crisis in the country.

Jega, in his first public comment on the March 28 and April elections, predicated his assertion on what he called many lacunas in the amended Electoral Act. He suggested during a dialogue session with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room in Abuja, an amendment to the electoral law since it provides for only seven days after the first election to hold a run-off.

He said the incoming administration of Muhammadu Buhari should not wait till 2019 general elections before reviewing the Electoral Act.

Jega disclosed that he was happy when the March 28 presidential poll produced a clear winner.

Jonathan Sacks Inspector General Of Police Suleiman Abba, Appoints Arase as Acting IG

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has relieved the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba of his appointment and duties with immediate effect.

President Jonathan has also appointed Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase as Acting Inspector-General of Police, also with immediate effect.

Keshi Finally Signs New Contract As Nigeria Senior Team Coach

The Nigeria Football Federation has re-engaged Mr Stephen Keshi as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles. At a contract signing ceremony in Abuja, the Acting President of the federation, Mr Seyi Akinwunmi, said that the federation remains committed to the development of football in Nigeria. 

Mr Keshi who tutored the Eagles to a Nations Cup victory in 2013, however appealed to Nigerians to support the national team in order to achieve greater success.

Bruce Jenner 'wears a sports bra' for bike ride as he picks a female name

He is expected to reveal the details of his transition into a woman later this week. Bruce Jenner appeared to wear a sports bra as he was spotted riding his motorcycle around Santa Monica.

The Olympic medallist and step-dad of Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian, was spotted with what appeared to be supportive underwear during an outing on Sunday.

I'm better than Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson - Floyd Mayweather

Floyd Mayweather believes he is a better boxer than Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson.

The 38-year-old welterweight, who is undefeated in 47 professional fights, plans to cement his legacy by beating Manny Pacquiao when the two meet at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 2 in the most anticipated match of the modern era.

Mayweather says he has already eclipsed the careers of Robinson and Ali, the man widely regarded as the greatest boxer in the history of the sport.

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling signs new four-year contract

Manchester United have confirmed defender Chris Smalling has signed a new contract that keeps him at the club until 2019.

The 25-year-old England star was reportedly the subject of interest from Arsenal in the January transfer window but following some assured displays at the heart of Louis van Gaal's defence, has committed his future to Old Trafford.

Man arrives Abuja from Lagos trekking for Buhari's victory

Man in red

A 33 year old Hashimu Suleiman, who trekked from Lagos to Abuja to celebrate the victory of the President-Elect Muhammadu Buhari arrived yesterday, to a rousing crowd of Abuja residents who trooped out to catch a glimpse of him.

He arrived to Abuja around 5pm, and was in the company of security operatives protecting him from overzealous fans looking to take photographs with Mr. Suleiman.

Hashimu Suleiman vowed to embark on a solo trek from Lagos to Abuja if All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari emerged as the  winner of the March 28th general election.

VIDEO & PHOTOS: Mayweather acquires 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600‎

His boxing showdown with Manny Pacquiao may be edging closer but Floyd Mayweather showed no sign of nerves as he splashed out on a $210,000 Mercedes-Maybach S600 to add to his fleet of sports cars.

Mayweather, who is expected to get £120million for the fight, took time away from the boxing ring as he posted a video via his Instagram page showing off the latest member of his sports car collection.

Okupe insists Buhari has no certificate

The Senior Special Adviser to the President on Public Affairs, Doyin Okupe, has said that he stands by his words that the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, is not an electable leader.

Many critics of the All Progressives Congress candidate, including the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who, in the buildup to the March 28 presidential election, condemned Buhari, had subsequently apologised after he won the election.

But Okupe, on Monday said he would stand by his words that Buhari, who he said had no West African Senior School Certificate, was not eligible to contest for President.

South Korea PM offers to resign

South Korea's Prime Minister Lee Wan-koo has offered to resign after facing accusations of accepting bribes.

President Park Geun-hye has not said if she will accept Mr Lee's resignation, but has expressed sympathy for him. State news agency Yonhap said she had called for a "thorough investigation" into the scandal.

Mr Lee denies accepting 30 million won ($27,700; £18,600) in illegal campaign funds in 2013, but has come under pressure to stand down.

Nadal not concerned by Djokovic's flying start as the French Open draws closer

Rafael Nadal insists Novak Djokovic does not pose more of a threat to his reign at the French Open, despite his defeat by the Serb at the Monte Carlo Masters.

Djokovic has produced a dominant start to the year, stringing together a 17-match winning run while taking the season's first three Masters titles.

A switch to clay failed to disrupt the world No 1's unstoppable form as he collected the title in the principality after a 6-3 6-3 win over Nadal in the semi-finals.

Fayose supporters lay siege to Ekiti Assembly

There was panic again in Ado Ekiti on Monday as members of the Peoples Democratic Party and supporters of Governor Ayodele Fayose laid siege   to the Ekiti State House of Assembly complex in order to halt the resumption of the 19 All Progressives Congress lawmakers.

Fayose had announced in a statewide broadcast on Sunday that the lawmakers planned to take over the assembly to commence their impeachment proceedings against him.

He therefore urged transport unions, market women and workers to rise up and protect the mandate they gave him.

PHOTOS: Last moments of Mozambican man who bled to death in South Africa's anti-immigrant violence

A man who fled to South Africa in the hope of a better life has been brutally murdered by a mob who are believed to have attacked him purely because he came from Mozambique.

Shocking images capture the moment the armed gang surround Emmanuel Sithole and repeatedly stab him with knives and bludgeon him with a wrench in Alexandra township near Johannesburg.

In a chilling twist the victim was left bleeding to death in a gutter because a medical centre just 300 feet away was closed for the day because the doctor who worked there was also a foreigner and feared becoming a victim of a xenophobic attack himself.

PHOTOS: Pregnant Kourtney Kardashian shows off her killer curves as she poses nude

Heavily pregnant Kourtney Kardashian left little to the imagination as she showed off all of her curves in a naked photoshoot on a new episode of reality show, KUWTK. 

The 36-year-old appeared perfectly at ease with her body as she smiled for the cameras, covering her cleavage with her hands as she paraded around the set.

However, her long-time love Scott Disick took it upon himself to let her know that she could do with a little personal grooming before the photoshoot. 

PDP Chieftains Ask Jonathan To Prepare for 2019

Some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party have called on President Goodluck Jonathan to start preparing to run again for election in 2019.

The group, which held a high level meeting last week, expressed the view that it was the party, not the President, who failed in the elections.  They blamed his defeat on the refusal of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to work assiduously to help him win the re-election.

Chelsea sweat over Drogba ahead of Arsenal clash

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is facing a race to be fit after picking up an injury ahead of Sunday's clash at Arsenal. 

The Blues are 10 points clear of the second-placed Gunners and a win against Arsene Wenger's men will mean they can wrap up the title at Leicester three days later.

Zulu King appeals for South Africa calm

 

Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini has asked for an end to violence after attacks against migrants in South Africa. The king told crowds of thousands at a stadium in Durban that previous reports that he said foreigners should "go back to their countries" were distorted. 

He has been accused of fuelling attacks in which at least seven people died.

Football player sacked for sex with fan in manager's dug-out

A semi-professional footballer has been sacked after he was filmed having sex with a supporter in the manager’s dug-out.

Striker Jay Hart can be heard laughing on the mobile phone footage as he was caught still in his club T-shirt with his tracksuit bottoms around his legs.

Father-of-two Hart, 24, scored with the woman after his team slumped to a 4-1 defeat. His team Clitheroe had been playing away at Mossley AFC, who had promoted their final game of the season as a “ladies day” to attract more female supporters.

Couple stabs 10-year -old girl in private parts

CREDITS: PUNCH

A 10-year-old girl, Chidinma, has been admitted at an undisclosed hospital after a couple, Eucheria Chukwuma and Jerry Oko-Oboh, allegedly beat her up and stabbed her in the private parts with a broken bottle.

It was learnt that the couple and the victim’s family lived on Joshua Street, Agbabiaka, in the Ajangbadi area of Lagos, Nigeria.

The couple assaulted the minor for allegedly fiddling with the vagina of their three-year-old daughter, Peace.

Hundreds held in South Africa anti-immigrant violence

More than 300 people have been arrested in South Africa in connection with a wave of violence against immigrants from other parts of Africa, the minister of home affairs says.

Malusi Gigaba issued a warning to those responsible, saying that they would be subject to "the full might of the law".

At least six people have been killed in the past two weeks.

I didn’t spend N2tn on elections –Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday said there was no truth in a report that he and the Peoples Democratic Party spent N2tn for campaigns ahead of the just-concluded general elections.

He also denied setting up a committee to conduct an audit of how the elections funds were disbursed by party members and state officials.

Jonathan made the clarification in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati.

Eight shot dead at Brazil's Sao Paulo football fan club

Eight men have been killed at a football fan club in Brazil's biggest city, Sao Paulo, police say. They said the supporters of the Corinthians club were preparing banners ahead of a match when gunmen burst in.

The attackers ordered seven fans to lie down before shooting them. The eighth man was hit as he tried to flee.

Chukwumerije dies of lung cancer at 75

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, died on Sunday evening after a prolong battle with lung cancer.

The ranking senator and former Information minister, born in November 1939, was aged 75.

His family, in a statement by Chidi Chukwumerije titled, “The passing of an inspirational icon,” explained that the late senator, who represented Abia North Senatorial District in the upper chamber, died “surrounded by his family.”

Rossi claims Argentina MotoGP

Valentino Rossi survived a late battle with defending world champion Marc Marquez to win a dramatic MotoGP of Argentina on Sunday. 

Marquez led the race from the start and opened up a lead of over four seconds before tyre problems allowed the veteran Rossi to reel him in and finally take the lead on the penultimate lap. 

Spanish rider Marquez, who won a record 13 races last season, then clipped Rossi's back wheel and crashed out to allow Rossi a clear track to race to victory from eighth on the grid.

Marquez and his Honda team's decision to go with hard tyres from pole backfired badly as 'the Doctor' gradually reeled him in on his Yamaha. 

My plea for forgiveness not cowardice –Fayose

The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has said his asking for forgiveness should not be taken for cowardice by his opponents, saying his tenure in office will be determined by God.

He said he took the step to seek a genuine reconciliation with the All Progressives Congress, whose 19 lawmakers in the state House of Assembly were plotting his impeachment.

The governor spoke on Sunday at the thanksgiving service organised for him at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Anglican Communion, Ado Ekiti, to celebrate his electoral victory at the Supreme Court.

Fayose said, “I asked for forgiveness for reconciliation and to pursue genuine peace. Waiving the olive branch does not mean cowardice, it is for peace. Conspiracy is against God’s will. What better way could one seek peace other than asking for forgiveness.”

Fast & Furious 7 makes $1 BILLION in just 17 days

Fast and Furious 7 has officially become the fastest film to make $1 billion at the box office.

The racing sequel - which is the last film in the series to star late actor Paul Walker - has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top and has now made the massive figure in just 17 days.

Furious 7 becomes the 20th movie to reach the billion dollar mark and it could be well on its way to topping the list. Though with Avatar currently ruling with $2,787,965,087, it's got a bit of a way to go.

Boy with no neck muscles leaving his head lying on his chest or shoulder

A family is appealing for urgent medical help for their son who suffers from a mega-rare condition which has left him with a twisted neck and a 'wasted' body.

Mahendra Ahirwar, 12, from a village in India's Madhya Pradesh state ,suffers from a mystery muscle-wasting disease, which has left him too frail to support his own body parts. The boy's extensor neck muscles are unable to hold his head in place, meaning it constantly falls onto his right shoulder or his chest. In addition, his limbs have lost almost all muscle tissue, leaving him weighing just two-and-a-half stone.

Mahendra's parents say he was born a healthy baby, but within three years of his birth he developed the condition, which left them baffled for 24 months.

WHO Blames Pesticide For ‘Mysterious Deaths’ In Nigerian Town

Pesticide poisoning was the likely cause of the mysterious deaths of at least 18 people in a southwestern Nigerian town earlier this week, the World Health Organization said Sunday.

The “current hypothesis is cause of the event is herbicides”, WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl said in a Tweet.

“Tests done so far are negative for viral and bacterial infection,” he added.

Kim Kardashian shows off brand new $400k custom made Rolls Royce

Looking at the license plate of her new ride, it's clear that LA based luxury car and customization company, Platinum Motorsport had worked on the the sultry starlet's car.

Giving the Phantom a solid silver finish, dark tinted windows and narrowed headlights, it's obvious that the business woman's latest purchase didn't come with a credit crunch busting budget price tag.

ISIS release sickening new video showing 30 Ethiopian Christians being shot and beheaded

ISIS militants have released a video reportedly showing about 30 Ethiopian Christians being shot and beheaded in Libya.

The video, in which militants call Christians crusaders and say they are out to kill Muslims, showed about 15 men being beheaded on a beach and another group of the same size shot in their heads in scrubland.

Both groups of men are referred to in a subtitle as "worshippers of the cross belonging to the hostile Ethiopian church".

Aston Villa to meet Arsenal in FA Cup final

Aston Villa will meet Arsenal in the FA Cup final after a thoroughly deserved win over a desperately disappointing Liverpool at Wembley. 

Villa's win was a triumph for manager Tim Sherwood as his side produced a performance of style, composure and grit to come from behind after Philippe Coutinho clipped Liverpool into the lead.