Floyd Mayweather stripped of WBO belt

Five-weight world champion Floyd Mayweather has been stripped of the WBO welterweight belt won from Manny Pacquiao in May.

The 38-year-old failed to pay the WBO a $200,000 (£128,000) sanctioning fee by the 3 July deadline.

Mayweather had been expected to relinquish the title by now, saying he planned to do so following his points victory over Pacquiao.

Fellow American Timothy Bradley will now become the full belt holder.

After Mayweather defeated Pacquiao, he had declared he would vacate all his titles in order to give younger fighters the chance to win belts.

"The WBO World Championship Committee is allowed no other alternative but to cease to recognize Mr Floyd Mayweather Jr as the WBO welterweight champion of the world and vacate his title." said a statement on wboboxing.com.


Mayweather, who still holds the WBA and WBC belts at welterweight, has until 20 July to appeal against the decision.

He is expected to stage one more fight in Las Vegas on 12 September, although he has yet to name the opponent.

The WBO created a vacant interim welterweight belt for the 27 June fight between Bradley and Jessie Vargas.

StarTimes to thrill viewers with International Champions Cup LIVE

In furtherance of its renewed bid to boost sports content for its teeming subscribers, StarTimes is set to screen the prestigious International Champions Cup live on its digital terrestrial and digital satellite platforms and connect its subscribers with the thrills and excitement of the sporting mundial.

                             The 2015 International Champions Cup North America which will be played between July 11th - August 5th will feature the best clubs in the world competing across 12 regions in Canada, Mexico, England, Italy and the United States.

Manchester United will face Spanish giant, Barcelona, at Levi’s Stadium while English Premier League champion, Chelsea will also face current Spanish League leader Barcelona at FedEx Field in Washington D.C. Not only are three of the quarter-finalists for the Champions League participating, each team will play four contests and the club with the most points at the end of the tournament will be crowned champion.

In total, 10 teams from around the globe, including England (Manchester United F.C., Chelsea F.C.), Portugal (FC Porto), France (Paris Saint-Germain F.C.), Mexico (Club América), Spain (Barcelona), Italy (ACF Fiorentina) and the United States (San Jose Earthquakes, Los Angeles Galaxy and New York Red Bulls) will compete in the 2015 edition.

Gary Rathbone, Director of Sport at StarTimes said “We are very excited to have exclusive rights to broadcast the International Champions Cup 2015. Football is Africa’s favourite sport and this tournament will certainly be enjoyed by all our subscribers on StarTimes Sport 2 (ST2), StarTimes Sports Premium and other StarTimes sport channels." 

Here is the complete match schedule.....

That's plenty of footballing action far this pre season on Startimes.

USA beat Japan 5 - 2, to win record third women's world cup title.

The USA in the early hours of today beat their Japanese counterpart and defending champions, to win a record setting third women's world cup title.

The USA dominated play in the early moments and they got their reward when Carli Lloyd bundled home from a corner in the 3rd minute.
Lloyd doubled the lead just a minute later after some poor marking by the Japanese in the box.
The match ceased to be a contest when Holiday scored in the 14th minute to make it threedue to some atrocious defending,  then Lloyd completed her hat trick when she netted in from 35yards,the Japanese goalkeeper being the major culprit.
Ogimi pulled one back for Japan in the 27th minute but the damage had already been done.

Japan started the second half better off and were rewarded when Johnson headed in to her own goal but it was short lived because USA restored their three goal  cushion 2 minutes later when Heath struck home after Japan failed to clear their lines off a corner.

Japan put up a late surge in the last fifteen minutes, with half chances here and their, but the deed had already been done.

With this win USA becomes the first country to win the women's world cup on three occasions, 1991,1999 and now 2015.

The match was also noteworthy for substitute appearances from three legends - Homare Sawa in her sixth World Cup, Abby Wambach who reclaimed the armband from Lloyd, and Christie Rampone, now 40 years old.

Congrats to the USA!!

Mayweather risks losing belt won at Pacquiao fight

To the chagrin of fans, now it turns out Floyd Mayweather Jr. may have to do more than just beat Manny Pacquiao to hold the World Boxing Organization 147-pound championship belt. Mayweather, still undefeated, was also supposed to vacate his World Boxing Association and WBO 154-pound belts. But the 38-year-old fighter had failed to do so, which means that come next week, he could lose the belt he won in May.

Thereafter, nothing changes after that. If the WBO does, indeed, strip Mayweather of the 147 lbs. belt, it won’t affect his 48-0 record, neither will Manny Pacquiao be handed the belt.

You could say that someone is framing matters so that there could be an opportunity for a rematch.

Mayweather has returned to poking fun with Pacquiao on social media, and on Friday, Pacquiao fired back with his own fighting words.

“A real champion is gracious both in his words and conduct,” Pacquiao told PhilBoxing.com. “Someone who is a champion not just in his chosen field of endeavor but even in his own home and private life.”

Pacquiao continued, taking a shot at Mayweather’s domestic violence conviction while touting his strong Christian beliefs:

“We should understand Floyd Mayweather Jr. because of his family background. He hailed from a family of ex-convicts and he himself is an ex-convict. We could not blame him because his action just showed the kind of family upbringing he had.

“I still respect him as God’s creation and I won’t resort to such kind of a low blow just to get his attention. It only reminds me of what he did to his ex-wife. I hope he would find time to reflect on his life and repent for the sins he committed in the past.

“He’s just like a lost soul still groping in the dark. I pray that may God touch his heart so he will discern the real meaning of love and life.”

D’Banj, Eva, OC Ukeje and others – ALL PHOTOS from Road to MAMA concert in Lagos

With the MTV Africa Music Awards only two weeks away, MTV Base hosted nominees, guests, colleagues and music lovers to a night of fun at the Road to MAMA concert on Friday, July 3, 2015 at the Marquee, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Hosted by MTV VJs, Ehiz and Stephanie, celebrities including D’banj, Cobhams, Sound Sultan, Timi Dakolo, Jesse Jagz, Falz, BlackMagic, OC Ukeje, Tanzanian artiste, Vanessa MDee, Emmanuel Ikubese, Olisa Adibua, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Jimmie, Shina Peller, Korede Bello, Lil Kesh, Eva, Phyno, Yemi Alade, Yvonne Vixen Ekwere, Diamond Platnumz, DJ Jimmy JATT, DJ Xclusive, and DJ Caise were among many others in attendance.

Check out photos below…

 

Oc Ukeje D bank and Eva 

Samsung Engineering Academy Lagos graduates!

Samsung Engineering Academy, a Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative between Samsung Electronics and the Lagos State government through the World Bank-supported Lagos Eko Secondary School Education Project, has graduated 53 technicians from the academy. The graduands are expected to deepen the pool of well trained technicians in the country.

Speaking at the ceremony, Head, Lagos State Eko Secondary School Project, Mrs Folasade Fasehun, applauded Samsung Electronics West Africa for investing in such a critical initiative that has the potential of empowering beneficiaries to become entrepreneurs. “These students have undergone a full year training programme, which comprises basic, intermediate and advanced engineering skills. Now, they are well equipped with sound technical skills to build a better future for themselves while contributing towards driving the economy growth and development,” said Fasehun.

Also speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Managing Director of Samsung West Africa Mr. Brovo Kim, said that the Samsung Engineering Academy in 2012 was established to empower indigent Nigerians and positively impact communities. Since its inception, over hundred students have been trained.

“Samsung is dedicated to creating a large pool of skilled engineers with a target of training 10,000 students across Africa. The Samsung Electronics Engineering Academy provides hands-on, vocational skills training, opening up well-paying job opportunities for its graduands to work in the electronics industry either as employees in repair centres, assembly lines or as independent entrepreneurs,” he said.

The graduating students who were drawn from Government Technical College, Agidingbi, Ikeja, have successfully completed one year intensive specialized training at the academy. The students were trained to repair and service modern, digital electronic and home appliances such as LCD TV’s, smartphones, refrigerators, air conditioners and laptops among other appliances.

According to Kim, the graduating students are eligible for an internship at Samsung’s channel partners; outstanding performers will have the opportunity to work as independent service technicians or employees in the company’s retail channel outlets.
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Nice One from SamSung..
Looking Forward to more!

Chile win their first ever Copa America title

Chile finally won their first major trophy to spark jubilant scenes in Santiago as Argentina were beaten 4-1 on penalties in the Copa America final on Saturday.

Gonzalo Higuain and Ever Banega missed from the spot in a shootout at Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos following a drab goalless encounter, as Argentina endured more heartbreak almost a year after losing the World Cup final against Germany.

Higuain blasted high over the crossbar and fellow substitute Banega's tame effort was saved by Claudio Bravo, so Alexis Sanchez had the chance to end Chile's long wait for a Copa title and the Arsenal forward did so in style with a cheeky effort.

Four-time runners-up Chile celebrated in style as Argentina were left to reflect on what might have been once again, as their 22-year wait for a major trophy goes on.

Argentina have now lost two of the last three Copa finals and Lionel Messi - the only Argentina player to score in the shootout - is still to lift a major trophy at international level.

A capacity crowd generated a tremendous atmosphere and Chile, coached by an Argentine in Jorge Sampaoli, appeared to be inspired as they made an encouraging start.

Eduardo Vargas' long-range strike flashed narrowly wide before Sergio Romero got down to his left to keep out Arturo Vidal's volley following a swift Chile break.

Chile goalkeeper Bravo was then called into action to keep out Sergio Aguero's close-range header after the striker had got on the end of Messi's dangerous free-kick.

The game was being played at a frantic pace and Vargas should have done better when he raced onto a ball over the top of the Argentina defence, but blasted high over the crossbar.

The Albiceleste suffered a blow when Angel Di María pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury just before the half-hour mark, with Ezequiel Lavezzi replacing the Manchester United winger - who missed the World Cup final due to a thigh problem.

Lavezzi had a great chance to make an impact when Aguero cut the ball back into his path just before half-time, but the Paris-Saint Germain forward shot straight at Bravo.

Both sides were lacking quality in the final third, but Sanchez almost conjured up a moment of magic to win it when he showed great technique to volley just wide of the far post seven minutes from time.

Argentina had one final chance to snatch victory in normal time when Lavezzi's cross had a little too much on it and Higuain could only fire into the side-netting at full stretch beyond the back post two minutes into time added on.

Sanchez had the only opportunity in the first half of extra time when he raced away following a mistake from Javier Mascherano, but shot just over the crossbar under pressure from the covering Pablo Zabaleta.

Lavezzi appealed for a penalty when he went down under a challenge from Francisco Silva with five minutes remaining, but referee Wilmar Roldan saw nothing untoward and it came as no surprise that the game would be settled by a shootout.

It was advantage Chile when Higuain fired Argentina's second spot-kick high over the bar, then Banega's poor effort was kept out by Bravo to allow Sanchez to win it.

Stephen Keshi fired as Super Eagles coach

Stephen Keshi’s contract as head coach of the Super Eagles has been terminated, the Nigeria Football Federation has announced.

The 53-year-old who was re-appointed as the country’s senior national team coach in April was kicked out on Saturday evening, with assistant Salisu Yusuf and the Technical Directorate of the NFF led by Amodu Shuaibu to take offer till a substantive handler is announced.

“Having thoroughly reviewed the reports/findings of the NFF disciplinary committee and NFF Technical and Development Committee, as well as having reviewed the actions and inactions of Mr. Stephen Keshi, in the performance of his duties as Super Eagles’ head coach, which we found to lack the required commitment to achieve the ederation’s objectives as set out in the coach’s employment contract,” a statement by the NFF Executive Committee read.

“To this end and pursuant to the provisions of clause 4.3 of the employment contract between Mr. Stephen Keshi and the NFF (the contract) and the various clauses therein, the Nigeria Football Federation has decided to exercise its option to summarily terminate the employment contract of Mr. Stephen Keshi with the Federation with immediate effect.”

“It added that the termination was “without prejudice to the settlement of any existing and due financial obligations between the NFF and Mr. Keshi.

“In the interim, the Super Eagles’ team affairs will be jointly managed by assistant Coach, Salisu Yusuf and the Technical Directorate of the NFF headed by Coach Shuaibu Amodu, until the Federation names in due course a new head coach, who, along with the NFF will chart a new direction for the Super Eagles to ensure credible participation in international competitions and assist in building a sustainable football culture for the country,” it concluded.

The former Mali and Togo handler job came under intense scrutiny since the 2-0 victory over Chad after he put a non-league player on the bench and his name also appeared on the FIF website as one of more than 50 coaches applying for Cote d’Ivoire national team job.

Copa América | Argentina crush Paraguay to set up Chile final

Argentina showed ruthlessness in the early hours of today when they pummeled semi-final opponents Paraguay by 6-1 to make a statement of intent as they reached the Copa América final. 

The torchbearer for the Argentine's was four-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi who racked up a 9.5 match rating despite not scoring in the game. 

He was blistering and everything good for football as fans got value for money watching him leave Paraguay defenders for dead on several occasions including an epic nutmeg that left two opposite players trolling on the floor and grasping for breath. 

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The Albaceleste raced to a two goal lead in the first half as Manchester United's Marcos Rojo scrambled in a Messi shot on 15mins before PSG man Javier Pastore scored the second from a clinical Messi pass to make it 2-0.

However, Lucas Barrios made it a contest when he fired pass Sergio Romero in the Argentine goal as the first half ended 2-1. 

In the second period the match ceased to be a contest as the Argentina added four more goals to their earlier two. British record signing Angel di Maria notched a brace within six minutes as he converted a pass from Pastore then netted a rebound again from the PSG's man saved shot after fine work from Messi played him in. 

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Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero headed in a di Maria cross for goal number five before Gonzalo Higuian added the sixth goal via another Messi pass. 

The final of this year's Copa América will be between Argentina and Chile on Saturday as Lionel Messi chase his first International medal....

South African Tourism and AfricaMagic’s StarGist 5-star all expenses paid trip give away

South African Tourism in partnership with AfricaMagic’s popular show, StarGist, is giving away a 5-star all expenses paid trip to South Africa for 3 days.

To win this once in a lifetime experience, all you have to do is complete the form below and answer one easy question.

Winners will be chosen by means of a random draw bi-weekly by South African Tourism. Prizes are valid till 31 March 2016, and are not transferable.

Terms & Conditions:
– Entrants must be over 21.
– Entrants must have a valid passport.
– Entrants must have a valid and active DSTV subscription.
– Entrants must be contactable via email and telephone number provided.

PRIZE DESCRIPTION:
– 3-day trip to South Africa, for winner and a partner.
– Return business class flights from nearest capital city to South Africa city.
– Winner and partner must travel at the same time and depart from the same city.
– Once issued, tickets are non-transferable and may not be reissued once travel has commenced
– 2 night 5 star hotel accommodation.
– Return transfers between hotel and airport.
– VISA costs to be covered by SA Tourism.
– Prize Provider: South African Tourism..

Enter by completing this form...

https://dstvo.wufoo.com/forms/m1q4e2ww0eih4s2

Nine Nigerian Banks Make Top 1000 Global Banks List

Nine Nigeria banks made this year top 1000 global banks. The top 1000 global banks was released Monday by the Banker magazine in London.
The banks that made the top 1000 global banks which are the top 25 banks in Africa are: 
Zenith,
Ecobank,
First Bank,
Gtbank
Access Banks
Diamond Bank,
UBA,
Fidelity
and FCMB.

According to the banker Zenith bank placed first among Nigeria top banks in terms of tier 1 capital but 6th in Africa with a capital of $3.162 billion. It was followed by Eco Transnational which is second in Nigeria and 7th in Africa with a capital base of $3.030 billion. First Bank ranked 3rd in Nigeria and 10th in Africa with a capital of $2.327 billion.

Next in the ranking is Gtbank which came 4th in Nigeria and 13th in Africa. The Banker report said that Access Bank is 5th in Nigeria but 15th in Africa with a capital base of $1.398 billion.

Others are Diamond which is 6th in Nigeria and 17th in Africa, UBA ranked 7th in Nigeria and 17th in Africa while Fidelity ranked 8th in Nigeria and 21 in Africa. FCMB on its part was the 9th bank from Nigeria to make the top 25 banks in Africa.

The Bankers report said “Nigeria’s banks endured a difficult close to 2014, as the significant slump in oil prices caused havoc with the country’s economy

Etisalat spices up universities with new Easycliq datafied offering .

Etisalat spices up universities with new Easycliq datafied offering
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Nigeria’s fastest growing and youth-centric telecommunications company, Etisalat ignited some Nigerian institutions with a drone-themed media engagement funfest to communicate the benefits of the two new services on Easycliq – ‘Social Me on Cliq’ and ‘Music & Video Night Download.’

Some of the institutions that benefited from the social media experience included, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, Imo State University, Owerri, University of Calabar, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) and Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu. 

 

Students at these institutions were treated to fun games which gave them the opportunity to win prizes. The climax of each day of the event was the display of camera-equipped drones which excited the students and captured memorable moments in real time.

According to Manager, Youth Market Segment, Idiare Atimomo, ‘’Social Me on Cliq gives customers on Easycliq unlimited access to BBM, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for an affordable price of N150 per week or N500 per month. To subscribe, Easycliq users only need to recharge N200 and dial *343*6*10#.’’

 Also, with ‘Music and Video Night Download’, subscribers can download trending music, exciting TV shows and the latest movies in mp3, mp4 and mpeg files between the hours of 12.30am and 4.30am every day at N500 by dialing *229*10*10#.