Huge blow for Nigeria and England as Folarin Balogun switches allegiance to United States

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After months of speculation, Folarin Balogun has finally agreed to represent the United States of America (USA) over England and Nigeria. The 21-year-old made the decision to switch his allegiance having been snubbed by England boss Gareth Southgate. The Arsenal signee, who is currently on loan with French side Reims, was born in the US to Nigerian parents but raised in England. Huge blow for Nigeria and England as Folarin Balogun switches allegiance to United States Balogun played for the US at under-18 level, before switching to England’s Under-21s. He withdrew from the squad in March because of injury and will not play in the upcoming European Under-21 Championship. FIFA rules allow players to switch national eligibility before making a competitive senior appearance at international level. FIFA on Tuesday, May 16, announced that Balogun’s switch from England to the U.S. has been approved, paving the way for him to become US Men National Team (USMNT) next star striker. Speaking to US Soccer’s official website, Balogun said the decision was a “no-brainer” and he feels at “home”. Huge blow for Nigeria and England as Folarin Balogun switches allegiance to United States He said; “When I broke the news to my family they were all just over the moon, especially my mom. She said, ‘What took you so long?’ “To represent the United States means a lot, more than people would know. I’m very proud and honoured to have this opportunity, and I want to give everything I have to make our team successful.” .@Balogun on what it means to represent the United States 🗯️ — U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (@USMNT) May 16, 2023 Balogun previously said he’s open to representing Nigeria. The prolific striker has scored 19 goals in 34 Ligue 1 matches for Reims this season. Following the switch, he is expected to join the U.S. team at the CONCACAF Nations League finals next month.

“If you remove church from Nigeria, country will collapse” — RCCG

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According to retired Major-Gen. Pat Akem-Vingir, a pastor of the RCCG, the intervention church in Nigeria helps to alleviate the effects of hardship in the country. The preacher made this known during the dedication ceremony of the new RCCG branch called ‘Jesus House’ in Abuja. It was presided over by Pastor Enoch Adeboye and attended by thousands of RCCG members and dignitaries.

“If you remove church from Nigeria, country will collapse" — RCCG

Akem-Vingir stated that the church plays an important role in Nigeria’s social and economic fabric. He emphasized that religion, especially the church, provides hope, direction, and purpose for the majority youth population in the country. The pastor went further to say that Nigeria would collapse if the church is removed, highlighting the church’s unique and special place in society. “If you remove the church from Nigeria, the country will collapse. People may deny it, but I am saying it unapologetically. “If the church were not in Nigeria doing what it is doing; serving as the light of the world and as the salt of the earth, the degradation would have been more than we can imagine. “70% of the country is youthful. You can’t allow that kind of generation to be wasted. The church is a place where they can find hope, direction and purpose,” he said. The new RCCG branch in the Durumi area of Abuja is a magnificent 5-storey facility that can accommodate up to 3,000 worshippers at once. Pastor Adeboye, however, in his own speech expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of the project. In his words; “We thank God for this great day, and for the successful completion of this wonderful edifice. We pray that this building will be a beacon of hope for the afflicted and a place of worship for generations to come.” “We pray that this church building will be a source of blessing to all who enter it and that it will continue to serve as a beacon of hope for the afflicted and a place of worship for generations to come.”  

“God go bless you pass Nigeria”— Prisoners get emotional as man puts a smile on their faces (video)

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A Nigerian man, identified as Don Brezy, has gained commendations from many Nigerians after a heartwarming video of him giving money to male prisoners went viral. According to Don Brezy, he suspended his journey to put a smile on the faces of the prisoners.

"God go bless you pass Nigeria"— Prisoners get emotional as a young man puts a smile on their faces; Netizens react (video)

In the video that was shared on Tiktok, Don Brezy could be seen passing wads of notes through tiny holes in the metal barricade fence to the prisoners on the other side. He ensured that each prisoner that appeared close to the barricade got a token from him. The prisoners were visibly emotional as they received the money from Don Brezy.

"God go bless you pass Nigeria"— Prisoners get emotional as a young man puts a smile on their faces; Netizens react (video)

They expressed their gratitude by saying heartfelt prayers for him. One of them even declared that Don Brezy would be blessed more than Nigeria. The video has since gone viral, with many Nigerians praising Don Brezy for his kind gesture towards the prisoners. They described him as a kindhearted man and wished that there were more people like him in the world. Reacting to the video, a social media user identified as, @realrhodwell said, “This is what we need in Nigeria. More love, kindness, and empathy towards one another.” Another user, @michaelebele, said, “This is so touching. God bless you, Don Brezy, for putting a smile on the faces of these prisoners. See the video below… @donbrezy1 We had to stop by to put smile on the prisoners faces #tiktok #viralvideo #naijatiktok #viral ♬ original sound – Don Brezy

“With God’s help, Nigeria will grow under Tinubu” — Pastor Adeboye

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pastor adeboye

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye expressed his belief that with God’s assistance, President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu would be able to repair Nigeria. He made this known during the monthly Thanksgiving service held at the RCCG Headquarters in Ebute-Metta, Lagos State. Represented by his Special Assistant, Pastor Dele Balogun, Adeboye asserted that Tinubu’s administration would bring prosperity to Nigeria. Additionally, the RCCG General Overseer encouraged Tinubu to fulfill the aspirations of Nigerians for a fresh start in the country. “Let us pray for the incoming government that God will support it and give it the Grace to do the right thing. “Thank God the President-elect has promised to fix Nigeria. If God helps him, Nigeria will prosper in his hands,” he said.

Outrage as Lion is seen eating grass at a zoo in Nigeria (Video)

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Outrage as Lion is seen eating grass at a zoo in Nigeria (Video)

An underfed lion feeding on grass in a caged environment at a zoo in Nigeria sparks mixed reactions across the internet space. A video making the rounds on social media captured the moment a flesh-eating (carnivorous) animal switched to survival instincts and fed on grass like goats and other herbivores. Feeding on grass is a result of the poor nutritional supply to the lion as seen at a yet-to-be-identified zoo in Nigeria.

The video has since sparked mixed reactions, some of which attributed it to the economy of the country while others expressed concerns for the lion. See some reactions below … Harry_walter123 wrote: “Simba remember who you are😂.” Alahaja_armani penned: “Perfect representation of Nigeria has happened! Hand don meet lion 😩🤦🏽‍♀️ the sound track sef 😢.” Jadegrin noted: “The lioness is sick that is her way of getting medication. The zoo keepers should pay more attention to them 😢.” Godson_allsom stated: “This is so bad 😢 all this Pablo wey Dey sacrifice goat and ram 🐏 to there gods Should spare some for this poor lion 🤲🏻🥲.” __adesolla wrote: “Na condition make crayfish bend 😩 the other one wey gree chop grass don faint for ground so 😂.” Watch the video below …

“I don’t want to go back to Nigeria” – Victim reacts as UK court sentences Ekweremadu, others to jail

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Ike Ekweremadu

Former Deputy Senate President of Nigeria, Ike Ekweremadu, has been sentenced to nine years and eight months imprisonment for plotting to harvest a man’s kidney, along with his wife, Beatrice, who was sentenced to four years and six months imprisonment. A medical doctor, Dr Obinna Obeta, was also sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. They were found guilty of conspiring to arrange the travel of a young man with the intention of exploiting him for his body part. In a letter addressed to the court, the victim revealed his shock upon discovering the reason for the trip was to harvest his organs to give to Ekweremadu’s daughter, Sonia. He said he was approached with an opportunity to work in the UK, something he had “always dreamed of but never thought would happen.” The victim said he was lured to the United Kingdom under the pretense of job opportunity in the country. He added that he could not return to Nigeria because he worries for his safety. The victim claimed someone visited his father in Nigeria and asked him to get the victim, his son, to drop the case. “He [Dr Obinna Obeta] did not tell me he brought me here for this reason, he did not tell me anything about this. I would have not agreed to any of this, my body is not for sale,” the victim said. He told the police he did not want to claim compensation from the “bad people” as it would be “cursed and bad luck”. The victim also revealed his humble background in a Lagos village where he is the oldest of seven siblings living in a home without electricity or running water. He was forced to become a street trader full time, moving to the city to provide for his family when his father fell ill with a heart problem. He sold mobile phone accessories from a wheelbarrow making at most £7 a day and as little as 50p. The victim’s impact statement was read in court on Friday. He claimed his body parts were “not for sale”, and he would not have agreed to the trip if he had known the true reason for it. The victim’s safety concerns remain, as he fears for his life if he were to return to Nigeria.

Husband reportedly sends wife back to Nigeria after she worked to pay his fees, other bills in UK (Video)

Husband reportedly sends wife back to Nigeria after she worked to pay his fees, other bills in UK

A husband has reportedly sent his wife back to Nigeria after she worked hard to pay his fees while he was in school in the UK. The account was shared by a woman as she cautioned people to be mindful of the kind of partners they have.

Husband reportedly sends wife back to Nigeria after she worked to pay his fees, other bills in UK

According to the woman, a friend of hers had returned to Nigeria after she and her husband moved to the United Kingdom in search of better opportunities. The narrator said that the man had been the student, while his wife had been the dependant who worked to earn money and pay his fees as well as sorting other bills. However, when he completed his education, he began asking his wife to return to Nigeria, for reasons best known to him. Watch the lady narrate below;

Female fan flies from UK to Nigeria to celebrate Rema’s 23rd birthday

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A lady who’s a big fan of talented singer Rema, has revealed that she flew from the UK to Nigeria to celebrate his birthday. The young music act, who has been making a steady wave in the entertainment industry and smashing diverse records, turned 23 years today, May 1st, 2023.

Hardcore fan flies from UK to Nigeria to celebrate Rema's 23rd birthday

Fans and colleagues took to their individual platforms to mark his birthday with eulogies and photos of him. Since Rema is spending his birthday in Nigeria, an enamoured fan has flown to Nigeria to celebrate with her idol.

She shared photos from her moments on the plane taking her to Nigeria and another at a Nigerian airport when she arrived the country.

The fan wrote: “booked a flight to Nigeria from the UK just to celebrate Rema’s birthday 🎉 Wish me well guys 😊”

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