Papa Bouba Diop Dies Aged 42
Former Senegal, Fulham and Portsmouth midfielder Papa Bouba Diop has died aged 42.
Bouba Diop made 129 appearances in the Premier League and also had spells in England with West Ham and Birmingham City.
He played for Senegal at the 2002 World Cup and scored the winner in the tournament's opening game as his country beat France 1-0.
"Once a World Cup hero, always a World Cup hero," Fifa posted on social media.
A post on Fulham's Twitter account said the club was "devastated" and, using Bouba Diop's nickname, added: "Rest well, Wardrobe."
BBC
WHO IS PAPA BOUBA DIOP?
Papa Bouba Diop (28 January 1978 – 29 November 202 was a Senegalese professional footballer. His preferred position was defensive midfield but he could also play as a centre back, where he previously played at Lens. Diop was considered a strong and aggressive player.
His playing style and ability drew comparisons to Patrick Vieira. Diop's second of a total of 11 international goals for Senegal came in a 1–0 defeat of then-world champions France in the opening match of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, in Senegal's first ever match at the FIFA World Cup.
Wikipedia
Bouba Diop played for RC Lens, Fulham, Portsmouth, AEK Athens, West Ham United, Birmingham City, amongst others
We are devastated to hear news reports this evening that Papa Bouba Diop has passed away, aged 42.
Rest well, Wardrobe �
Fulham FC
FIFA is saddened to learn of the passing of Senegal legend Papa Bouba Diop.
Once a World Cup hero, always a World Cup hero.
FIFA WorldCup
Everyone at West Ham United is saddened to learn of the passing of Papa Bouba Diop at just 42.
A part of our 2011/12 promotion-winning squad, he'll always be a part of our Club. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
Rest in peace, Papa ❤️
West Ham United
We are devastated to learn of the passing of former player Papa Bouba Diop at the age of 42.
Our thoughts are with Papa’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time. �
Birmingham City
� We’re devastated to hear reports that FA Cup winner Papa Bouba Diop has passed away after a long illness, aged just 42
Rest in peace, The Wardrobe ��
#Pompey
Portsmouth FC
It is with great sadness that the Racing Club de Lens has just learned of the disappearance of its former player Papa Bouba #Diop, at the age of 42 years. We offer our deepest condolences to his loved ones. �❤️� #LensoisPourToujours #rclens
RC Lens
We send you all our thoughts in this painful time and send our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones �
Toulouse FC
Papa Bouba Diop scored Senegal's first World Cup goal against then holders, France.
Senegal were pitched in Group A against France, Denmark and Uruguay
#sports
Ndume to Jonathan: You don’t know how great you have become in the eyes of your critics
I’ve Realised My Mistakes For Criticising Jonathan – Ndume
The Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, says he has known the value and landmark a former President, Goodluck Jonathan left in Nigeria and its political landscape after his tenure in office in 2015.
The lawmaker spoke on Saturday at Apo legislative quarters, Abuja, during the Grand Opening of Dr. PhysiQ Specialist Center for Wellness and Medical Lifestyle Change, and launching of a book titled: ‘Everything heals” authored by Dr. Susana Adams, the CEO of the Centre.
Ndume also stated that his recent detention at Kuje prison and subsequent release from the custody was the will of God, saying that “as God wants it, that I must be here, because I was just released from detention yesterday night (Friday), maybe God wants me to attend this occasion, otherwise, I would have been in Kuje prison up till now.”
Jonathan, who was the chairman of the occasion later inspected the new Wellness Centre, and was accompanied by the former of Minister of Information, Labaran Maku; the veteran journalist, Eugenia Abu, among other dignitaries.
Speaking before the inspection, the Borno Senator said other people who were skeptical about the ex-president’s behaviour have also realised how great he is, adding that many Nigerians don’t value what they have until they lose it.
The Borno Senator’s remark is coming a few days after the Chairman of the Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress, Mai Mala Buni, and some APC governors visited the ex-President.
Daily Trust had reported how the visit generated a lot of ripples between the ruling APC and the main opposition People’s Democratic Party.
“I must confess, as people call me stubborn person, I’m also a stubborn person… I feel I need to make this testimony here, and also appreciate Mr.(Former) President, as they say you will never know what you have until you lose it. I will stop there.
“For this country, I think Nigerians know that they don’t value what they have until they lose that thing. We thank God for your life and you have changed the political culture and landscape of this country.
“You don’t know how great you are in the eyes of those that were skeptical, those that don’t know you, those that didn’t come close to you. But now, honestly, I am one of those that used to criticize you very well, but I will say it was constructive move,” the lawmaker said.
Boko Haram Trial
Speaking further, Ndume recalled how people working with the former President accused him of sponsoring Boko Haram and how he was vindicated by the court after 6 years of litigations.
The Senator said, “I had a breakfast with him (Jonathan) on 21st November (2011) and I was accused of sponsoring Boko Haram. He was saying, ‘Kai’ the man doesn’t… I don’t think the security would see it that way and from there, I went to SSS and I was detained for 30 days. I went to court for 6 years.
“And when I was vindicated, I had the opportunity to run to meet him, and he said, Ndume, you have been patient and God has vindicated you. Take this as part of blessings from the Almighty. He was genuinely speaking to me, and I believed in that.
“He wanted to be President but Nigeria being what it is, it was a different thing entirely. Like I said, he had left a landmark on this country.”
#nairaland
Zubby Michael Mobbed By Fans In Lagos: Pictures & Video
Nollywood frontline actor, Zubby Michael was mobbed by fans in Lagos.
#zubbymichael
You Are So Rude - Erica Tells Kiddwaya On Big Brother Sierra Leone TV Show
Former Big Brother Naija housemate Erica Nlewedim was displeased by the attitude of her colleague and love interest Kiddwaya during their conversation with some housemates of the Big Brother Sierra Leone.
2 days ago, Erica and Kiddwaya touched down Sierra Leone to grace the eviction party of Housemates Salone Season 2 which was scheduled to hold on Sunday November 29, at New AYV Media Empire Complex, Freetown.
The duo were spotted chatting with the housemates when Kidd suddenly asked who among his BBNaija colleagues they would like to speak to over the phone. Some said Laycon, while others mentioned Ozo. Erica tried to chip in some words, but was interrupted by Kiddwaya. So she gently told him “that’s so rude.”
#bbnaija #erica #kiddway
Diego Maradona's Doctor Under Investigation For Manslaughter (Photos)
‘They are trying to make me the scapegoat’: Maradona's doctor tearfully denies responsibility for 60-year-old football icon’s fatal heart attack after being placed 'under investigation for involuntary manslaughter' by police in Argentina
Police raided the home of the footballer's personal doctor Leopoldo Luque; they are trying to establish whether Maradona was the victim of negligence.
Luque said in emotional interview he did everything possible to help Maradona, but late football star's family and lawyers are demanding probe into his death at 60; the footballer's daughters claimed he was not receiving the right medication
Diego Maradona's doctor has tearfully denied any wrongdoing in his care of the late footballing icon as the police investigation into his death continues.
Leopoldo Luque is being probed over medical negligence and police are treating the footballer's death as a possible culpable homicide.
But in his first media interview since police raided his home earlier today, the doctor has said 'someone is trying to find a scapegoat' where there isn't one.
Police raided the home of the personal physician Luque on Sunday and investigators are looking into all the medical staff involved with his care.
Luque was at his home while the search on the outskirts of Buenos Aires took place, while Argentinian TV stations have been broadcasting live images of police entering his clinic.
The searches were ordered after Maradona's daughters Dalma and Giannina gave statements yesterday and questioned whether the medication their father was receiving was appropriate.
Argentinian media are reporting Luque could be questioned as an 'imputado', someone who is under official investigation on suspicion of possible mala praxis or negligence.
The physician mounted an emotional defence of his treatment of the soccer legend after the police search of his home.
Luque broke down in tears as he insisted he had done everything possible to assist the retired footballer in his first interview since investigators launched their shock operation to try to establish whether Maradona had been the victim of medical negligence.
Tears rolled down his cheeks as he insisted in a hastily-arranged press conference at his home near Buenos Aires which lasted nearly 40 minutes a 'friend' had died and Diego was his own worst enemy when it came to accepting help from professionals.
He said: 'I was shocked when police turned up at my door. I'm going to co-operate fully.
'I know what I did and what I did was for Diego's benefit until the last moment. I did the best I could.
'I feel terrible because a friend died. I don't blame myself for anything. It's very unfair what's happening.
'I didn't see Diego's daughters a lot but the rest of his family, his siblings and his nephews adore me.
'Someone is trying to find a scapegoat here when I don't see one anywhere.
'We all did the best we could with Diego.'
Insisting Diego had a problem with pills and alcohol, he added: 'He punished himself in a way I wasn't going to allow, not as a doctor but as a friend.
'I don't see good and bad people in all this. We all did what we could. But Diego was the most difficult one of them.
'You couldn't do anything if Diego didn't want it. He hated doctors and psychologists. With me it was different because I was honest with him. He was my friend.
'He should have gone to a centre of rehabilitation when he left hospital but he didn't want to.
'If I'm responsible for anything when it comes to Diego, it was loving him and improving his life.'
Maradona's lawyer Matias Morla last week demanded a top-level probe into the emergency response to the retired footballer's death.
Morla said the first ambulance took more than half an hour to reach the rented house north of Buenos Aires where the former Naples and Barcelona star suffered heart failure.
He called the delay a 'criminal idiocy' and complained Maradona had not received any medical checks in the 12 hours before he died.
It later emerged the first ambulance took 11 minutes to reach the private San Andres gated estate near Buenos Aires Maradona moved to after leaving hospital on November 11 following his brain blood clot operation.
On Saturday it emerged Maradona's nurse had admitted she lied about an early-morning check-up.
Initial reports pointed to a 24-year-old nephew who was staying with him at the San Andres home being the last person to see him alive over breakfast the day Diego died.
Maradona was said to have told his relative 'I'm not feeling well' before going back to bed and dying in his sleep before investigators were told he had never got up on Wednesday to eat anything.
Diego's nephew told investigators he last saw him when he went to bed around 11pm on Tuesday. An uneaten late-night sandwich snack was among the items found in his room by police.
A night-shift nurse told investigators he had seen Maradona 'sleeping and breathing normally in bed' around 6.30am on Wednesday.
A report in the hands of state prosecutors heading a probe into the retired footballer's death, leaked to Argentinian media and signed by a nurse named locally as Dahiana Gisela Madrid who took over around the same time, states: 'At 6.30am I started my shift and the patient was resting.
'At 7.30am he is heard moving around inside his room. At 8.30am he continues to rest. At 9.20am he refuses to have his vital signs monitored.'
The health report for private medical firm Medidom is now at the centre of an ongoing probe after the nurse reportedly told investigators she had never entered Diego's bedroom the morning of his death to check up on him.
Local news agency Telam, citing judicial sources in a report widely echoed in the Argentinian press, said the nurse had claimed in her second statement under oath that she had been 'made to lie' for the Medidom report.
'What the witness added in that second statement is that she was made to write in a report for Medidom, where she is part of the nursing team assisting people receiving home medical care, that she had tried to monitor Maradona's vital signs when the reality is that she let him rest,' the report said.
It was not made crystal clear if she was claiming her bosses had obliged her to file the 'false' report amid concerns they would be accused of negligence over Maradona's death, or her hand had been forced by others.
Psychiatrist Susana Cosachov and psychologist Carlos Diaz, who formed part of Maradona's care team, are said to have entered the room just before midday and made several unsuccessful attempts to revive him before calling 999.
A recording of the call Maradona's personal physician Leopoldo Luque made to the emergency services, stating he had suffered a suspected cardiac arrest, has been leaked to Argentinian media.
The former Naples and Barcelona star, who was just 60, was declared dead around midday on Wednesday. Initial post-mortem results revealed the recovering cocaine addict, who also had alcohol problems, had suffered heart failure which caused pulmonary edema.
Medics are also said to have detected dilated cardiomyopathy, a medical condition in which the heart muscle becomes weakened and enlarged and cannot pump enough blood to the rest of the body.
Pulmonary edema, fluid accumulation in the lung's tissue and air spaces, is caused by heart problems in most cases.
State prosecutors are analysing CCTV footage of the cameras on the estate where Diego was living and the mobile phones of the nurses who were looking after him in the hours leading up to his death.
Leopoldo Luque was not at the rented home Maradona was using when he died.
A judicial source told respected Argentinian newspaper La Nacion: 'As Luque was Maradona's personal physician the decision was taken to search his house and surgery to look for documents that could determine whether, during Maradona's treatment at home, there were any irregularities.'
Investigators are believed to be searching for details of the medicine being administered to Maradona as well as his health records and other documents that could play a key role in the investigation.
Thirty police and judicial officials are said to be at Luque's home and another at his work address.
Lightweight woman knocks out 529-pound man to win inter-gender 'freakshow' MMA fight (video)
A lightweight female fighter beat a 529-pound man to win an inter-gender MMA fight.
The fight, which has been described as a "freakshow" by many in MMA, took place in Russia between professional fighter Darina Madzyuk and blogger Grigory Chistyakov.
The fight lasted only one peculiar round.
Chistyakov appeared to take the upper hand early on, pinning Madzyuk in a choke hold by the side of the cage.
The referee broke them apart, and after a few poorly aimed punches from both fighters, Madzyuk managed to get her rival on the floor, and began bludgeoning the top of the amateur’s head for several seconds before the referee pulled her off and gave her the win.
In light of the defeat, the male Russian fighter claimed he would be training actively and lead a healthier lifestyle.
"After this fight, I will start to train actively," the beaten Chistyakov said.
"I will try to lead more or less a healthy lifestyle. Blogger Nastya Tuki-Tuk will be my coach.
"It happened. She hit me fine and I fell. Although she is small, I lay on her back, but she did not fall, and than I didn’t know what to do."
The fight has gone viral on social media.
APC To Hold Emergency NEC Meeting On Tuesday
An emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the APC has been scheduled for Tuesday, 8th December, 2020.
In a formal invitation sent to APC NEC members by the National Secretary of the (CECPC), Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe, the meeting will "review the Party's position and set agenda for the Party's next move."
In line with the COVID-19 health protocols, the APC NEC meeting will be virtual. Login details will be sent to APC NEC members. The meetingfor 11am at the Council Chamber, State House, Abuja
2023: "We Want A Humbled, Peaceful Governor Like You From Nkanu Land", Youths Tell Ugwuanyi
…As Sen. Nnamani lauds governor on peace
Youths from Enugu East Senatorial District, in Enugu State, under the aegis of Nkanu Youth Assembly, have renewed the quest for the governorship position of the state to return to the zone in line with the power rotation arrangement among the three senatorial zones, IgbereTV reports.
Speaking during the Nkanu Cultural Fiesta in Enugu, organized by the Nkanu Youth Assembly, the National President of the association, Hon. Edeani M. Edeani, applauded Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who graced the occasion, for his administration's youth empowerment programmes, stressing that "the governor has been very supportive to the youth".
Hon. Edeani disclosed that Gov. Ugwuanyi, during the COVID-19 lockdown, supported the youth group to open a poultry farm at Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area and a rice farm at Isi- Uzo LGA.
The association, who urged Gov. Ugwuanyi to remain committed to his earlier stance that it is the turn of Enugu East Senatorial zone to produce the next governor of Enugu State in 2023, wished that the person from Nkanu land will be "a humble, peace-loving and hardworking governor like Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi".
The National President also appreciated other personalities who have been supporting the association to realize its set objectives and went further to propose that every November 29 should be declared as "Nkanu Cultural Day" in the state.
The maiden annual cultural event, which was organized to promote unity and the beautiful culture of Nkanu, as well as protect the socio-political cum economic interests of the zone, honoured the former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani as the Grand Patron of the association.
It equally recognized other notable sons of Nkanu land as Patrons such as the member representing Nkanu East Constituency, Rt. Hon. Paul Nnajiofor; Capt. Everest Nnaji (Odengene); Prof. Hillary Edeoga (Former Vice Chancellor, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State); Engr. Okwudiri Daniel Ohaa (Enugu State Chief Fire Officer) Major Gen. C.O Ugwu. Rtd (Ambassadorial Nominee), among others. Members of the Advisory Board of the group such as the Special Assistant to the Governor, Hon. Ferguson Chimaroke Nnamani Jnr., were also honoured.
In his remarks, Senator Nnamani expressed deep appreciation to Gov. Ugwuanyi for the enduring peace being enjoyed in Enugu State, stating that it is “uncommon” in other states in the country.
The former Senate President stressed that the fact that the governor has ushered in an enduring peace in Enugu State, it is a worthy legacy he will be leaving behind at the end of his tenure in 2023.
He therefore encouraged the governor, who was presented with a Meritorious Award of Excellence by the Nkanu Youth Assembly, as the “Icon of Peace and Youth Development”, in recognition of “your excellent leadership and inclusion of youths in governance”, to continue to provide dividends of democracy to all the three senatorial districts in the state.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, harped on the need for the various youth associations in the zone to harmonize their objectives and work together to achieve their common goal of realizing the governorship seat of the state in 2023, which he expressed optimism that the governor plays a major role to actualize.
Dignitaries at the colourful event include the member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Hon. Prince Cornelius Nnaji; the member representing Enugu South Urban Constituency, Hon. Sam Ngene; the Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari, Hon. Maduka Arum; the former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eugene Odoh; former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia; the former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani; Prince Engr. Lawrence Ezeh, and former Chairman of Nkanu East LGA, Hon. Ikechukwu Ubagu, among others."
#nairaland
Umahi: I Planned Defection To APC With Anyim, NASS Members
Ebonyi Governor David Umahi has revealed he actually planned his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) with former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim and National Assembly members from the state.
Umahi disclosed this while addressing APC stakeholders at a meeting in Abakaliki.
He said Anyim backed out of the plan because he (Umahi) went to see President Buhari over the defection plan without carrying him along.
According the Governor, the plan was for Anyim and other leaders to join him in APC two weeks after he must have successfully defected.
Umahi said he consulted all the National Assembly members and Elders from the State over his defection to APC, claiming all them approved the move and even agreed to defect with him.
He said the only grievance of the NASS members and other leaders was that he joined APC before them, revealing that they actually wanted to join APC before him.
“They were planning to ambush me, but it is difficult to catch the air,” he said.
Reacting to the allegation making the round that Anyim gave him N5bn to prosecute his governorship election in 2015, Umahi said: “I was a deputy Governor, somebody occupying the highest position from the Southeast (referring to Anyim) went and arranged for a N5bn naira loan for me to prosecute the presidential election for his government. I had to sell many of my properties to pay back that money.”
Read Also: Umahi: Limit of opportunism
Umahi vowed to fight those who antagonising him, saying “let me tell you, I’m not afraid of anybody but I respect everybody. But I have said that if God sent me, this will be the last fight in this state.”
He alleged former Governor Martin Elechi was also fought by the same people fighting him.
“All these people that came together to fight me, they collect contracts, they collect monthly pay, they collect vehicles. And when they are asked to bring people that worked for us, they will bring their wives, children and relations.
“Now, they are dressing words for us. We are in chapter one, in Chapter two, I will publish all that I have done for the leaders of this state,” Umahi vowed.
#nairaland