According to a report from Zimbabwe, a pastor and his wife are currently in the grips of the police for allegedly selling tickets to heaven for $500. The Pastor, Tito Wats told thousands of people that it was Jesus who appeared to him, then gave him tickets to people especially sinners so that they could also enter heaven “I don’t care what people or the police are saying about me, I am being persecuted because of doing the work of God.” “Jesus Christ appeared to me and gave me the tickets made of pure gold so that I can sell to people who want salvation”, said the pastor courageously. Thousands of people are protesting at the pastor’s arrest and called on the police to release him immediately as they are using their own money to buy their tickets to heaven. Meanwhile, the story has stirred up reaction in the country especially among other clergies who believe the act of Pastor Tito is total blasphemy and deceit to get the money out of his followers. A...

The Federal Government of Nigeria has stated that it will commence the disbursement of the recovered $322 million Abacha loot through Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT) to 302,000 poor households in 19 states in July, Premium Times reports. Tukur Rumar of the National Cash Transfer Office (NTCO), said this at a roundtable on assets recovery organised by the Swiss Embassy on Thursday, in Abuja. The event was organised to intimate citizens and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the efforts both nations were making on asset recovery after the Post-Global Forum on Assets Recovery (GFAR) held in Washington D.C. in December 2017. At the forum, Nigeria made commendable commitments on beneficial ownership, tax transparency, asset recovery, transparency management of recovered funds and payments to victims of corruption. The states are: Niger, Kogi, Ekiti, Osun, Oyo, Kwara, Cross River, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Benue, Taraba, Adamawa, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Plateau,...

The struggle to be a part of the beard gang is real. Men are now fixing artificial beards to have fuller beards and sideburns. Fake beards isnt really a new thing but the method of fixing this one is what has people talking about it. And the end result looks so real, it's hard to tell it isn't the real deal. Comedian Lil Duval exposed this new trend on Instagram and people have differing opinions about it. Some men have said if women can go about with fake hair and nails then men should also be allowed to have fake beards. More below.

Comedian, Ali Baba has attributed the tanker explosion that occured at the Otedola bridge in Lagos yesterday evening to lawlessness. In a post shared on his IG page, the comedian wrote ''In organized societies, where traffic is a major issue, tankers and heavy duty vehicles move at night or at specified times. In developed climes, MOT agencies... are as serious as the police force. In some other climes, that have deep shores like we do, only one port can not be used for discharge of staples like fuel, and even then, fuel and transportation of inflammable contents are done in controlled methods. We are a Lawless country. If government tries to organize these same tankers now, they will go on strike, shut down the economy and day to day running, and we will let them continue. Same thing with teachers... try to get them to go get retrained and be bwtter qualified to teach, they will strike and wr are back to status quo. We do not punish people who even ch...

Lionel Messi and Argentina hit the training ground on Saturday with renewed hope of qualifying for the World Cup last 16 . Argentina were on the brink of elimination after a humiliating 3- 0 loss to Croatia , but Nigeria’ s 2- 0 win over Iceland on Friday offered the two - time world champions a lifeline . Victory over Nigeria in their final Group D match in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday would send Argentina through as runners - up if group leaders Croatia avoid defeat against Iceland. Gabriel Mercado , Nicolas Otamendi and midfielder Lucas Biglia trained separately from the rest of the squad in the gym as they recover from minor knocks . Defensive pair Mercado and Otamendi suffered ankle injuries in the loss to Croatia but are expected to be fit to face Nigeria . Coach Jorge Sampaoli was roundly criticised for his approach against Croatia , sparking rumours the 58 - year - old would be sacked during the tournament. It had been suggested that...

Germany could face an ignominious first - round exit from the World Cup in Russia unless they rediscover the form that propelled them to glory in Brazil in 2014 in a crunch match against Sweden on Saturday. Joachim Loew ’s defending champions slumped to a 1- 0 defeat against Mexico in their opening Group F match, paying the price for a calamitous first half in a performance that drew stinging criticism . Lothar Matthaeus , the 1990 World Cup- winning captain , said he had not seen a Germany team “ so weak at a big tournament for a long time” following the loss in Moscow . The holders will likely be without defensive pillar Mats Hummels due to a neck injury , while striker Marco Reus could be handed a start after a bright 30 - minute cameo off the bench against Mexico . “ Everyone is ready to fight for their lives , ” said forward Timo Werner , who is again set to lead the Germany attack . With 10 World Cup goals to his name , Germany will a...

Philippe Coutinho has admitted that Brazil ‘s second World Cup match with Costa Rica was “tough” and hailed his side’s patience en route to a 2-0 win. Brazil seemed poised for another draw as Friday’s Group E clash at the Krestovsky Stadium remained goalless heading into the closing stages. However, Coutinho’s 91st-minute strike and Neymar ‘s follow-up saw the Selecao record an important victory which puts them top of the group. “It was a tough game as we expected,” the Barcelona star told reporters. “We showed good patience to play until the last minute where we were rewarded with those two goals. “We know the responsibility is huge when you’re playing for Brazil. Emotionally, the professor (Tite ) always highlights the mental strength we need from the start to the end.”

Following Super Eagles two goals victory against Iceland yesterday, Nigeria's man of the moment and man of the match, Ahmed Musa's social media numbers sky rocketted. From a little over 180k followers before the match, he rose to 206k within minutes after he scored two goals.  Now, his IG followers curently stand at over 278k!

A heartbroken fan of Argentine superstar, Lionel Messi, has reportedly gone missing after Argentina’s loss against Croatia. Unable to bear the thrashing Argentina received late on Thursday, the diehard identified as Binu Alex, 30, left home, leaving behind a suicide note saying he has nothing to look forward to now. A search operation is on. According to reports, a team of police divers and locals on Friday searched the Meenachil river that flows by Arumannoor near here.  Binu Alex, 30, who was last seen watching the FIFA World Cup match, according to his parents, has been missing from the house since 4am, a police officer, who did not want to be named, told IANS. “A quick search revealed a suicide note in which he says he is leaving the world as he has nothing more to watch and see,” said the officer. A close relative of Alex told IANS that he was a hardcore Messi fan and his mobile phone had a picture of Messi as the wallpaper.  “Yesterday, he p...

Top Ghanaian Nollywood actor, John Dumelo has declared that his new name is Chibuike in reaction to the victory of the super eagles of Nigeria over Iceland in the second game yesterday.  John who had criticized the Super Eagles of Nigeria on social media a few days ago following their loss to Croatia appears to be happy for the victory. John announced the change of name on social media and many Nigerians who remembered his earlier criticisms are not accepting him as one of them. See his post and some reactions below;

At a time when many actors are opting to own choice houses in posh parts of Lagos , popular actor Aremu Afolayan is not convinced that they made their money through the craft. The actor told Saturday Beats that Nigerians are quick to believe anything especially once it is on the internet but the truth is that most actors driving big cars most likely got their money from influential people. He said , “ By the way , I live my life , people tend to think that I am the richest Yoruba actor, but that is a lie . Nigerians assume a lot . I live in a rented apartment because I cannot afford to build one . When they see me buy a new car , they don ’ t know if I paid for the car in instalments ; instead they call me a big boy . What type of big boy lives on N 50 , 000 or N 100 ,000 income per film as an actor ? I challenge any Nigerian actor that is living larger than life to state how they made their money because I am sure it is not from the movies t...

Deadly Ahmed Musa struck two stunning goals to sink Iceland 2- 0 on Friday and then promised to do the same to Lionel Messi ’ s Argentina in Tuesday ’ s Group D showdown . The Leicester City striker , currently on loan at CSKA Moscow , became the first Nigerian to score at two World Cups as the Super Eagles secured a crucial win over Iceland , who missed a penalty. He scored both goals in Nigeria’ s group stage 3 - 2 defeat to Argentina in Porto Alegre , Brazil , four years ago and is relishing the chance to do it again . But this time he hopes it will knock out the South Americans . “ I think scoring against Argentina isn ’ t that difficult for me ,” he smiled after his man - of - the - match performance in Volgograd. “ We know the importance of the game . It ’s do - or- die .” The African side will secure a spot in the knockout stage alongside Croatia if they beat Argentina . A draw would be enough to eliminate the Argentines but would le...

Cesc Fabregas has played down the contribution of Cristiano Ronaldo at the World Cup and said that Argentina ’ s struggles are not all Lionel Messi ’ s fault . Writing in a column for BBC Sport, Fabregas, who was left out of Spain ’ s squad for this summer ’s tournament, said that Ronaldo ’ s four goals in two games , including a hat trick against La Roja , “ have come from set - pieces , penalties or mistakes . ” Fabregas also praised former Barcelona teammate Messi and bemoaned Argentina ’ s lack of quality as they have drawn with Iceland and lost to Croatia putting them on the brink of an early World Cup exit . “ It was a similar story for Messi against Croatia , but it was notmall his fault , ” Fabregas said . “ As I said in my TV analysis after Argentina ’ s defeat , they look like a broken team . “ So it is has been really difficult for him . He does not have the quality in behind him , when he needs someone who can help him build up the play . ”Fabregas —...

The present generation of Christians in Nigeria may cease to exist in 25 years from now ( 2043 ) , beginning from 2018 , a group of Christians under the aegis of National Christian Elders Forum, championed by a former Minister of Defence , Lt . Gen . Theophilus Danjuma (retd . ), and Solomon Asemota ( SAN ) , has warned . According to them , the present generation of Christians faces the risk of being the last set of Christians in Nigeria . The NCEF therefore demanded the restructuring of the Christian Association of Nigeria before the 2019 general elections . The organisation warned that if the current faulty structure would be carried into 2019 , it might be too late to preserve Christianity in Nigeria. The Secretary of NCEF , Bosun Emmanuel , expressed these fears in his paper entitled : “ Impact of lack of unity in CAN as threat to Christian faith ” , delivered during the annual conference of Catholic Men ’s Guild , held at the Catholic Churc...

The Super Eagles could find themselves relying on the Group D leaders – who plan to leave big names out against Iceland – to reach the knockout stages . Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel has called on Croatia to be professional and not rest players against Iceland in a match that could yet decide the Super Eagles ’ World Cup fate . Two goals from Ahmed Musa ensured Nigeria remain in the hunt for a place in the knockout stages as they saw off Iceland in Volgograd . Gernot Rohr’ s side now know that a victory over Argentina in Saint Petersburg will be enough for them to reach the last 16 for the fourth time in their history . And though a defeat to the Albiceleste would confirm their elimination , a draw would mean they require Croatia to do them a favour against Iceland . Croatia have already booked their place in the latter stages of the competition , and as such manager Zlatko Dalic has vowed to leave out some of his star players in a bid to conserve their fitne...

Late Michael Jackson 's father Joe Jackson has been hospitalized in Las Vegas with stage four terminal cancer The 89-year-old and father of 11 who has been battling the illness for some time is currently bedridden with stage four pancreatic cancer and his condition is rapidly deteriorating. According to TMZ, he was visited at an unidentified hospital by some of his kids and grandkids after doctors informed his large family that the disease is untreatable. His wife of 68 years, Katherine Jackson , was also at his bedside recently. The Daily Mail reported that there is a row over access to him as  Jackson’s “handlers” had barred certain family members from visiting him. Over the years, Jackson struggled with health issues including a 2012 stroke, a second stroke with heart accompanying arrhythmia in 2015 and a Los Angeles hospitalization in 2016.

ITALY Medhi Benatia faces a decision over his future, with Arsenal, Marseille and to a lesser extent Borussia Dortmund interested in the Morocco centre-back. (Tuttosport) West Ham attacker Marko Arnautovic and Stoke City right back Moritz Bauer have both been offered to Inter Milan this summer, with the Serie A side even meeting with the brother of the player, who has been a target for Manchester United. (Gianluca Di Marzio) Juventus have made contact with PSV Eindhoven to enquire about Mexico international Hirving Lozano. Bidding for the 22-year-old could start at €35m, although the price could rise further if he continues to impress at the World Cup. (Tuttosport) Paris Saint-Germain officials met with Juventus in Milan on Wednesday, with the transfer of Chelsea transfer target Alex Sandro among the topics discussed. However, PSG’s hands are tied due to Financial Fair Play regulations until July 1. (Tuttosport) SPAIN Barcelona will complete the ...

MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS Man City will pull out of a deal for Leicester playmaker Riyad Mahrez for a second time if the Foxes do not lower their asking price for the player. Man Utd have been told Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng will cost them around £50m. LONDON EVENING STANDARD Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly says Chelsea must give Maurizio Sarri time at Stamford Bridge if the Italian takes over in west London this summer. Arsenal are nearing a £26.3m deal for Sampdoria midfielder Lucas Torreira. West Ham are close to finalising the £35m transfer of Lazio wide man Felipe Anderson. LIVERPOOL ECHO Liverpool are “intensely scouting” Werder Bremen ‘keeper Jiri Pavlenka, according to reports in Germany. Crystal Palace reportedly want to sign out-of-favour Liverpool striker Danny Ings. Roma are sticking by their £70m valuation of ‘keeper Alisson, who has been attracting the interest of Liverpool of late. New Everton boss Marco Silva wants to...

Cristiano Ronaldo goal for Portugal against Morocco saw him surpass Ferenc Puskas as international football’s record European goalscorer. Cristiano Ronaldo headed home in just the fourth minute of the Group B encounter in Moscow to surpass former Hungary and Spain striker Ferenc Puskas and move his tally to 85 on his 152nd appearance for his country. Ronaldo equalled Puskas’ record of 84 – scored in just 89 matches – with a thrilling hat-trick in Friday’s absorbing 3-3 draw with pool rivals Spain. The Portuguese international is now second on the all-time international list, but still has some way to go to catch Ali Daei, who scored 109 times in 149 outings for Iran. Ronaldo’s strike also moved him back ahead in the race for the World Cup Golden Boot, after Denis Cheryshev pulled level on three goals with his effort during Russia’s 3-1 win over Egypt on Tuesday.