BlackBox Nigeria

Robin Van Persie's stoppage time strike canceled out Didier Drogba's goal as both team settled for one point apiece.
Troubled Manchester United hosted in-form rival Chelsea at the theatre of dreams hoping to turn around their unimpressive start to the premier league.

The match started on a brighter note for Manchester united as they controlled the lion share of possession in the first half, however the second half didn't start that bright for them as the man for the big moment Ivory coast and Chelsea Legend Didier drogba scored with a superb header from a Cesc Fabrigas corner in the 54th minute and just a moment of madness from chelsea defender Ivanovic granted Angel Di Maria a late free kick that could not be controlled with by the Chelsea's defense after young goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had punch the initial header from Marouane Fellaini before Robin Van Persie fired in the stoppage time strike.
Chelsea still remain top of the Premier league table with 23 points from nine games while Manchester united find themselves in a distance 8th place with 13 point from their opening nine games.

-Azeez Mustapha

Sports journalist,pundits,commentators and football enthusiastic Nigerians have been campaigning for the independence of the Nigerian Football Federation for avoidance of persistent Fifa sanctions and for the body to be absolved from all sort of political influence from the government, we explore Fifa's banning legacy on Nigerian football from 1989 to 2014.

After the successful outing of Nigeria at the 1989 Fifa Youth Championship where they lost the trophy to Portugal in the finals by two goals, Nigeria faced Fifa axe after she was banned for two year from all age grade competitions as a direct result of the discrepancies in the ages of the players that represented the Country at the 1989 Fifa youth championship in saudi Arabia.

On 2nd july 2010, the country was once again on the World football governing radar, this time Fifa had threatened an international ban on Nigeria due to constant interference in the administration of Football in the country by government officials.
President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria had banned the national team for two years due to the lackluster performance of the super eagles at the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa as against the Fifa rule which states that"National Football associations must not be subjected to government control".
On 5th july 2010 after being banned for nine days President Goodluck Jonathan rescinded his decision to ban the national team and football activities resumed once again.

On 7th march 2013, the Nigerian Football body received a letter from the world Football governing body(Fifa) asking for clarification on reports that Lesbians have been banned from the game in the country. The chairperson of the Nigerian Women Football league and a member of the NFF's Executive committee Dilichukwu Onyedinma was reported to have said that "Lesbianism is now officially banned from Nigerian football,however that contrary to Fifa's anti-discrimination policies but it was a very tricky issue for Fifa because homosexuality is illegal under Nigerian law so it was averted.

On 9th july 2014, Fifa again banned Nigeria after a prior warning letter was written to the glass house on 4 july 2014. Trouble started when the sports minister of Nigeria Tammy Danagogo appointed Lawrence Katiken to run the NFF. The minister's move was unavoidable because the owner of Nembe city football club in the Nigeria top division Ebiakpo Rumson Baribote had initially gone to court to obtain "an interlocutory Injunction" which prevented the immediate past NFF president Aminu maigari, his Executive board and Congress of the NFF from managing the Affairs of the Football matters in the country.
The motion had been granted and the minister had to respect the court by appointing a civil servant to temporarily oversee affairs in the white house, however Fifa prohibits the use of law court for the resolution of football and all warring factions should at all time channel there grievances to the Court Of Arbitration for Sports.

On 26th August 2014, Nigeria and Fifa re-ignited their long history of banning threats when the Chairman of top Nigerian premier league side Giwa Fc, Chris Giwa claimed to have been elected as the President of Nigeria Football Federation and resumed at the white house but Fifa did not recognize him and instead gave a deadline of Monday 8th September 2014 to step aside or Nigeria face lengthy ban from the world Football governing body. However he failed to appear at the NFF Office on Monday 8th September 2014 and a case was taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sports on behalf of his committee as Football loving Nigerians breath a sigh of relieve one again.

On 23rd october 2014, just as enthusiastic Football loving Nigerians were still highly optimistic about the future of Football in the country now that they have a new Executive committee and thought the banning saga was gone for good, It appeared that Nigeria was testing the patience of Fifa once again as a Jos high Court again annulled the Football Federation election that ushered in Former Delta state FA chairman Amaju Pinnick as President and Former Lagos state FA chairman Seyi Akinwunmi as Vice president.

Religious follower of Nigeria football knew exactly what next to expect since the world football governing body had earlier threatened to clamp down on Nigeria if anything derails the outcome of the election in Warri, it was later alleged that two members of the Chris Giwa group had gone to court to stop the NFF congress from holding.

However, Justice Ambrose Allagoa of the Federal High Court in jos declared in his ruling that " I have set aside all the proceedings and decisions of the extraordinary meeting of the 20th September and the Elective congress of 30th September which were direct contradiction of the order of this court as granted on the 19th September 2014.

Although the leadership of the NFF who had earlier performed its first official action with the sacking of super eagles coach Stephen Keshi and his technical crew and also appointing Samson Siasia as the manager of the Olympic team, they also immediately appealed the ruling.

The drama continues to unfold as spectators and other Football loving Nigerians alike who have experienced the ban and unban game between Nigeria and Fifa need not be told that this saga is far from over.
»BBN

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Politics before now in Nigeria used to be one holistic race where a selected few in the society who have the backing of the so called "godfathers and cabals" supports in attaining that top position.

In the upcoming 2015 Election epoch, the reverse might be the case as we have seen several Nigerian entertainers who are set to contest the 2015 elections both in the presidential executive and legislative arms of government.

This upcoming election will be filled with "wonders" as most of these so actors and musicians might give the politicians a run for the special seats. Why?

BlackBox Nigeria have uncovered that most of these Nigerian celebrities have the funds readily available, they have the fans (some of them having over 5million fans on all their social network accounts combined), free access to the press as well as national and multi-national backing.

The number of Nigerian entertainers delving into the world of politics has increased in recent times. Some Nigerians must have been shocked when the likes of Kate Henshaw, Desmond Elliot, Julius Agwu and many others revealed their intention to run for various posts under the various Nigerian parties.

Below is a list of top Nigerian entertainers who have already declared their intention to contest in the 2015 general elections.

Kate Henshaw: Cross River State born award winning Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw made her intention to venture into politics in July, 2014. She will be contesting for the Federal House of Representatives for Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal Constituency under the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) come 2015.

Here is a piece from her manifesto:
"I have a strong interest and desire to serve my
People and especially show that there is a better
more humane way to do things when you are in a
position of leadership. Putting the people first and
being accountable to them as well as being
accessible".

According to her, special attention will be paid to quality education and ample health care for young mothers. She also stipulates that her desire to serve "is true and I know there is a lot of work to be done on my part and firm decisions made.
We must recognize and remember that change cannot come if we all sit back in the shadows complaining silently. I want to try. We need to play our part and come out of the shadows. Let all voices be heard because one person cannot do it alone. Our strength is in our diversity".

On fears that she may not be able to grace the silver screen again if she gets elected, the Efik princess maintained that she was only taking "a short break to serve a larger population of Nigerians". She assured that she will still create time to do some acting and would return to the turf after what she termed "service to my state and larger population of Nigeria".


Desmond Elliot: These thespian cum movie director/producer has revealed that he is going into politics to give back to society and to teach the youths how to live a meaningful life. Desmond is a seasoned practitioner in the Nigerian movie industry and he will be contesting for the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015 under the APC to represent Surulere constituency.  Many never knew his name was Olusola until his campaign flyers came out which sparked a lot of controversy. Elliot who is one of Nollywood's most sought after actors and directors, told members of the huge fan club he has built over time that he is in the race to "change the pathetic situation in his constituency, the current situation in my constituency is pathetic. I feel God has helped me thus far and I want to give back through politics that will be favourable to the youths".

Julius Agwu: One time king of comedy will be joining other politicians as they rub shoulders to contest for the River state gubernatorial seat. Julius 'the Genius' Agwu who has proven his mettle as an entertainer of repute with his stand up comic skills, acting prowess and singing talent so far is aspiring for the highest office amongst his counterparts with an ambition many has described as being too tall for the diminutive entertainer.
In recent times, Julius has not been seen on stage as he has revealed that he is getting set to replace Govenor Rotimi Amaechi at the Government house in Port Harcourt. Unlike all his other colleagues, Agwu is yet to unveil the party he would be contesting.

9ICE: Abolore Akande might not be a fan favourite again, he might not be churning out hits like he used to and his fortunes as an artiste might be on the dwindling side but the Oyo born musician isn't allowing this deter him from staging an appearance in the murky waters of Nigerian politics. 9ice is aspiring to represent the people of Ogbomosho at the Federal House of Representatives, a dream many has said might be a tough one. However 9ice is resolved and not even the House Majority leader, Hon. Mulikat Akande can deter the artiste from contesting.
9ice revealed recently why he went into politics..."over the years, they have told us we are the leaders of tomorrow and I have continue to hear that since I was 16,17. I would be 36 next January and I believe my tomorrow is now. It's high time we young people take over the helms of affairs in this country."

-Sulaimon Mojeed-Sanni

The Nigerian film industry better know has Nollywood has really come of age producing great stars, glamour and fortunes. In the last two decades, we have seen some extraordinary artist who tacitly disappear from limelight and leave their fans guessing what happened, BlackBox Nigeria, brings you some of those artist after wide consultations. For the older generation, it is a good remainder while for the younger generation and internet savvy generation, it is what you missed... Enjoy.


1. Regina Askia: Regina Askia-Williams was born Imaobong Regina Askia Usoro in Lagos, Nigeria in 1967. The ex-University of Lagos Beauty queen was first featured on Fortunes(1993) a Nigerian soap on NTA Network, were she played gold-digger Tokunbo Johnson. The role earned her critic reviews and floodgate for other movie roles. She starred in over 40 films between 1993 and 2007 when she was last seen in Slave Warrior: The Beginning.
The gorgeouslooking Actress relocated to the United State where she afterwards became a registered nurse. The last news heard from our former Nollywood Diva was that she volunteered as a Nurse in a US Ebola Center as a way to help eradicate the fast-spreading virus.

2. Onyeka Onwenu Fondly called the ' Elegant Stallion', the music cum screen diva, is an epitome of an evergreen artist. She has seen it all as a singer, songwriter, actress, journalist and politician.
Born on 31 January 1952, Onwenu because of her brilliant role plays has featured in numerous Nollywood films which include Conspiracy, Government House and Omalinze. She made a great comeback in 2013 with the blockbuster film adaptation of Chimamanda Adichie's Half of a Yellow Sun where she played the mother of Odenigbo, acted by Nigerian-British born actor Chiwetel Ejiofor. The highly educated actress with a Master's degree in Media Studies is presently the Director General of the National Council for Women Development (NCWD), an appointment she got from President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

3. Liz Benson She rose to prominence using Liz Benson as her stage name but now known as Liz Ameye, she started acting when she was five years old. Born in 1966, her journey to stardom also began after appearing in the popular television soap opera, Fortunes in 1993. She later featured on notable movies like Living In Bondage, Most Wanted, Inheritance, Glamour Girls, Diamond Ring, Eku Ida( produced by Tunji Bamishigbin) amongst others. A few years ago, Liz Benson Ameye took everyone by surprise when she declared that she was quitting acting, following her marriage to Bishop Great Ameye of the Freedom Assembly. Following the hiatus in her acting career, the new generation of Nollywood movie lovers can heave a sign of relief as their delectable actress would be back to the screen with her being featured in Stephanie Okereke's new movie which focuses on the plight of women afflicted with vesico vaginal fistula (VVF) in Nigeria.

4. Eucharia Anonubi Nollywood actress turned-Evangelist yes, you read that right.
Evangelist Eucharia was before now, a toast of Nollywood movie producers and she featured in countless movies until she fell in love with the alter and the Lord Jesus Christ. 
Though it is over a year she was last seen on screen, her Facebook page description still reads,"i am an actress , an evangelist and Model (both for Print and Run-way ) I do consulting for events and planning as well."
From our survey, many still wish to see the former Glamour Girl, grace their screen not as an evangelist but as an actress.

5. Shola Shobowale Do you still remember Toyin Tomato of the Super Story fame? Can you still recollect that home video "Ohun Oko Somi Da"? Did your ever imagine where this eclectic, dramatic, vibrant and captivating fair colored actress disappeared to?
Well, she relocated to the United Kingdom to live a new and quiet life in Britain. Despite having starred in numerous home videos and with an intimidating resume, the very popular thepian in 2011became a Support worker at Emuke, a UK based Nigerian cuisine restaurant owned by her sister and her husband, Tunji and Kikelomo Oyelana.

In this age of lack of lack of rich contents and character in the Yoruba movie industry, no one personifies old-school Nollywood glamour quite like indomitable Sola Sobowale and her fans would like to see her again.

6. Hilda Dokubo She is an award winning actress who started acting in 1991. Born Hilda Dokubo Mrakpor she is known for Black Maria, End of the Wicked (1999) and Onye-Eze (2001). The graduate of Theatre Arts also has a masters degree in Theatre Education from University of Port-Harcourt and aims to return to school to do a PhD in International Relations. The Nollywood actress absconded from the glamour of the film industry to become a Commissioner in the Peter Odili governments in 2011. Her fans hopefully hope to see her back someday.


7. Camilla Ngberekpe: You must have been privileged to the rumor(don't know if it is true though) about a Nollywood actress delivered of witchcraft by Pastor TB Joshua (yes, same TB whose church's guest house collapsed recently). The story even went further that Camilla Mberekpe even brought forth her son to the synagogue church in order to be delivered from the evil spirits controlling him, a year after hers. Well, she has denied it all, she only went for deliverance because some evil spirits are making life difficult for her.

That aside, Camilla Mberekpe is very versatile actress who has been in Nollywood since the early days of the industry and she is often cast as a Mother or wicked step-mother. Her numerous roles in movies goes to show that she is definitely a force to reckon with in Nollywood and she has proven that. She has been missing on the screen for sometimes now. Where is she now?

8. Shan George: The beautiful single mother of two, is said to have changed names/husband as much times as she had changed roles in her numerous movies. The self acclaimed village born and brought up girl privileged to  be part of the movie industry is one woman with a lot of controversies about relationships in her life. But thing clouded all the controversies, her ability to flawlessly deliver are roles in any give film. The fair skinned diva went under ground some years back leaving her fans in wonderland.

9. Lilian Bach: The last time sexy half-caste Nollywood actress was seen doing something close to a movie was at Shan George's movie premiere in May 2012. Lilian Bash known for Women in Love (2006) and Women in Love 2 (2006), premiered her own movie in mid 2011 and has been off the scene in terms of making it to the headlines ever since.
Lilian who has been very scarce in the play-acting world was rumored to be back into acting in January of this year when she graced the premiere of Lisa Omorodion's First Cut movie at Eko Hotel and Suites. But to the fans of the light skin model full of expectations, her hiatus seems no way closer to the end.

10. Susan Patrick: For more that four years now, fans of Susan Patrick have patiently wait for the return of their Sakobi the snake girl? The gap toothed beauty disappeared out of limelight without warning.
It is believed in some quarters that the death of her husband, Captain Ojoi made Patrick throw spanner into her acting career.

Comment your observations or reservations below or send us a mail at blackboxnigeria360@gmail.com

Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone.

##5'9; light skinned; 36b,28,38; pretty face... Well, I can give Caroline Danjuma a run for her money.
Hi, I'm Anggy Margaret Attah. A 21 year old graduate of Niger Delta state university. Frankly, I cant believe I made it this far. My father always said I would get pregnant and drop out just like my mother. I really don't understand why he always have to pick on Mama. *sighs*

That so called illiterate helped him build his carpentry business oo. I can recall days that mama would tell me stories of how papa used to be a very caring man. How she sold all her late parent's properties to finance his business. She often tells me to never trust a man. To never ever be so vulnerable. when I become Older, I'll marry a rich Old man. Wait till he dies and take all his wealth. Lol! I'm just kidding.

Dear Diary, I'm so excited. Tomorrow, I'm going to Lagos! The land of milk and honey. Riches and plenty like uncle Annenne would say. The land where opportunities flow like Amazoro river. I am going for my youth service. Lagos corper!!!
I remember when I got my call up letter, Mama took it to church to share testimony that her daughter is going to lagos. MaMa!!! That woman won't stop amazing me! *yawns* Early to bed,early to raise.
*Closes Diary*

"Aggy! Aggy!! Wake up oo. Its time to go to Lagos" Mama screamed. I quickly jumped out of my bed and Ran into the bathroom. "Make we dey go Bayelsa park oo, the bus go begin dey go by 7", Mama said.
She just had to wake the neighbours. She just had to show off! Quickly, I got dressed,picked my bags and was ready to go. I got to the Pack around 6:45am and the Bus moved at exactly 7:15am.
The journey was Long and indeed tiring. I sat for several hours in the Bus until we got to Ore.
"Driver abeg I won piss",I said.
"Piss for where, Aunty abeg make we reach front", He replied.
" You wan make I piss for body so, abi which level be this na!", I exclaimed.
"Aunty, take it easy we are almost at Ore park",a masculine voice replied.

This time the voice was more subtle unlike that yeye driver.
I turned and said "Take wh...what E...ea...easy"!

Wow! There he was, the Yellow paw paw Man that I always talked about. I was almost breathless. I dint know what to say. So I said "Thank you uncle".

The bus got to the park 3minutes later and I quickly rushed out of the bus for the nearest convenience. "Aunty na twenty naira ooo", the little boy said as he stared at me.
"Ok,ok, make I enter abeg".
Whew!!! That sigh of relief on my way out of the public rest room was totally priceless. I made my way back to the bus.
"Aunty na wa for you oo, na pikin you go born for there?", one of the passengers said with a huge smile on his face.
"Hi beautiful, I'm Uche Nduka". My prince charming finally decided to talk to me. "I'm Aggy", I said. We all entered the bus and made our way to Lagos. In the Bus, Uche told me about his business... I mean, his 'Oga's electronics business. Apparently, Uche is an uneducated sales boy! What a waste! I thought. Well, we exchanged numbers and atleast he kept me company for the rest of the Journey. Around 2:49, we finally got to the park. Ojota park, Lagos.

To my surprise, Money was not flowing like a river as uncle told us. People were not dressed like royalty. Whatever happened to the people who welcome you with Drums n dancers at the park? Uncle!!! Well, I was not going to let the disappointment destroy my Joy! Tommorrow, I am going to NYSC camp, Lagos.
Yaaaay!!!
*Goodnight diary*

Post your comments below or send your observations and reservations to blackboxnigeria360@gmail.com

Nollywood super star Mercy Aigbe Gentry is at it again. Following the successful production of her star studded movie, Life After Marriage which gulped a whooping 8million naira, the Edo state born actress is set to open a state of the art boutique in Lagos.

BlackBoxNigeria exclusively gathered that the actress is putting final touches to the establishment of the venture and would be launching in December this year.

Named Diva's World, the fashion house is designed to cater for stylish and trendy females and we'll as kids wears.

It was further discovered that the actress also intends opening alongside the boutique an art school which would help nurture young creative and talented youths in achieving their desired dreams

Confirming this development to BBN, Mercy's manager disclosed that this shouldn't be surprising to people because Mrs. Gentry has continually proven that she was an authority in fashion.
"It's a lovely arrangement. We all know mercy Aigbe Gentry is a fashion icon and so it's a great idea having her own fashion outfit because apart from having a boutique, we are also going to be styling people with our unique and professional touch. So for me. I saw it coming because our QueenM speaks fashion"

Diva's World is located somewhere in Omole Phase 2.

Nigeria's Parliamentary appears for another verbosity and decorative verbal verisimilitude with the declaration of Nigeria's celebrated verbal contortionist, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon who has declared his interest to contest for a sit at the upper legislative chambers of the national assembly.

Patrick Obahiagbon (Igodomigodo) who is currently the chief of staff to the Edo state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has however been endorsed by various groups in the state. On Saturday, the State Students Association and leadership of the Initiative for Youth Awareness on Migration, Development and Reintegration, (IYAMIDR) put their weight behind Obahiagbon who was a member of the House Of Representatives between 2003 and 2007.

Earlier on, Hon. Obahiagbon was also adopted by the Edo South youth wing of the All Progressive Congress making his ambition received more morale.

Please do share you thoughts and comments below or write to blackboxnigeria360@gmail.com

The use of motorcycles as commercial means of transport in Nigeria, popularly known as 'Okada' or 'Achaba' may soon be banned throughout the country.

The proposal for the ban was made by the National Council on Transport after its annual conference in Enugu State and endorsed by the Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar.

A statement from the Federal Ministry of Transport on Saturday evening stated that the ban of commercial motorcycle was one of the measures proposed towards adequate provision of safety and secure transportation in Nigeria.

It said the recommendation was contained in a statement of the week long meeting which had in attendance all the state commissioners of transport, permanent secretaries, directors and officials in the federal and state ministries of transport across the country.

The council advised all states in the federation to henceforth discourage the use of commercial motorcycles as a means of public transportation.

"All states and the Federal Capital Territory have therefore been advised to establish a public transport system that ensure strict regulation of the operation of public passenger transportation system through a well-articulated management system for enhanced safety, security, effective and efficient service delivery," the statement said.

It added, "The states are to also develop master plans for the development of intelligent transport system to facilitate the development and management of their transport operations in line with emerging trends and global best practices."

The statement noted that the council also agreed that all commercial vehicles should be properly registered in each state while their enumeration should be carried out periodically to enhance safety and security.

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