Stylist/Designer Toyin Lawani is expecting a baby boy!

The Nigerian stylist/fashion designer who announced that she and her fiancé Trigakess are expecting their first child together,Toyin Lawani is currently in London for the delivery.

The bundle of joy is expected to arrive this December or early January 2014.

This will be the second child for the 31 year old, who is mother to a cute daughter and the first child for the 21 year old rap act.

Christmas Idolatory – Catholics reply Pastor Kumuyi

The Director of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Monsignor Gabriel Osu, reacting to Pastor Kumuyi’s proclamation that the celebration of Christmas is Idolatory, said:

“I don’t know what he means by saying the practice of celebrating Christmas is wrong. “Is he saying that Christ wasn’t born? That he didn’t come to die for us? Does he not celebrate his own birthday?  

“Do Kumuyi’s pastors not celebrate him? It is not everything I react to; some people just seek attention. If Kumuyi is a Christian, then he must believe in Christ.

“The celebration of Christmas didn’t just start today; it is too public an event for anyone to say that they don’t know what it is about. If Kumuyi is condemning the commercialisation of Christmas, I can understand that. Christ came to redeem us from our lost state; this was actualised through his coming, his birth; that is why we celebrate Christmas. It is the fulfilment of God’s promise.
“I saw him on the television a few days ago. He was in Akwa Ibom State and was the chief preacher during their Christmas celebration event. Kumuyi is just saying what he feels; he is not making any doctrinal statement.”

UNILORIN lecturers to teach from home by 2014

The Registrar of the University of Ilorin, Mr Emmanuel Obafemi, has said that the institution would, from January 2014, be fully digitalised.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Ilorin, Obafemi said that the development would make it possible for lecturers to be able to send assignments to their students via the Internet.
“As from Jan. 2014, University of Ilorin lecturers would be able to send assignments to their students through the Internet from the comfort of their homes,’’ adding that students would also be able to respond respond via the same channel.

Vin Diesel shares F&F 7 release date and last scene shot with Paul Walker

Vin diesel shared this photo above and said it was the last scene filmed with late Paul Walker.

"It was the last scene we filmed together. There was a unique sense of completion, of pride we shared... in the film we were now completing... the magic captured... and, in just how far we've come...," Vin Diesel wrote on his Facebook page

He then announced the release date for the seventh installment of the Fast and Furious franchise "Fast and Furious 7 will be released . . .April 10th 2015! P.s. He'd want you to know first" He wrote

Fast and Furious 7 was originally slated for a July 2014 release, but because of Paul's sudden death, production was put on indefinite hold. Universal Pictures confirmed that Paul will appear in the latest sequel, using footage shot before he died.

D'banj shares a pic with Glo chairman, Mike Adenuga

D'banj today joined several Nigerian entertainers as an ambassador for telecoms giant, Globacom. He shared these photos of himself with billionaire businessman and chairman of Glo, Mike Adenuga, on his instagram page.another pix below...

Checkout Nadia Buari's new look

Looks like she's added a little weight.Looks cute

Beverly Osu release her 2013 Christmas cards

Adaora Ukoh release her 2013 Christmas cards

Revealed-Why Dbanj's Koko Concert didn't hold this year

You know Dbanj organized his Koko concert last year which received a lot of back lash because of the distance people had to trek inorder to get to the venue. This year,the concert isn't going to hold.According to Dbanj, he cancelled it in honour of late Nelson Mandela (‘Hey Kokolets,the yearly Koko Concert has been cancelled because of the Madiba Legacy Concert happening tomorrow at the Ocean View event center!!‘,.)but Nigerian Tribune reports otherwise

Contrary to report on tweeter that Koko Concert for this year was cancelled by D’Banj in honour of the late Nelson Mandela, an artiste manager has described the story as a lie.
Rather, it is because the concert was not able to get sponsorship support as planned by the Kokomaster.

Meet America's first openly gay Imam

The land of freedom, America, now boast of an openly gay Imam. And the Muslim community is not happy about it. Imam Daayiee Abdulah, the only openly gay Imam in America & possibly the world, was born and raised a Baptist Christian faithful in Detroit but converted to Islam while studying in China. Upon his conversion, he noticed the spiritual gap lesbians, gays & transsexuals in the Islamic faith had and decided to become an Imam so as to provide an ideal Islamic support for them, he says.

"Being an openly gay imam and having been identified as such, I do get a lot of feedback and also kickback, but that's OK,” he said. “I think that when people are unfamiliar with things, they tend to have an emotional knee-jerk reaction to it. Sometimes necessity is the mother of invention. And because of the necessity in our community, that's why I came into this particular role."

Photos:British Airways Jet crashes into building in South Africa

A Boeing 747 jet belonging to British Airways, yesterday Sunday Dec. 22nd crashed its right wing into an airport building inside the OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa.

African Muzik magazine presents AFRIMMA

The December edition of African Muzik Magazine is out now featuring superstar twins Peter & Paul Okoye of Psquare. The duo get personal like never before on their sensational career that has  redefined African music on the glossy pages of this month's issue. Additional mag features include  two of the most gifted African indigenous rappers lyrical Olamide and Phyno as well as Bracket, Sierra Leonean sensation Abizzy, Kenyan sultry Queen Victoria Kimani, Moe Musa, South African legend Hugh Masekela and more. Get Your copy today by logging on to - Africanmuzikmag.com



Save The Date! African Muzik Magazine presents AFRIMMMA Awards, July 26th, 2014 at the world renowned Eisemann Center in Richardson, TX! Stay tuned for exciting updates and announcements and log on to www.afrimma.com today...

Photos:D'banj once again becomes a Glo ambassador

I say once again because he used to be a Glo ambassador - from 2008 to 2009. The telecoms giant has signed him again. He was unveiled today at Glo office at Mike Adenuga's Towers in VI. There's also a Glo line/Nokia Asha phone autographed by D'banj which has 50 of his mega hit songs pre-loaded in the phone. More photos from the signing below...

Tolu 'Toolz' Oniru & Mai Atafo cover December issue of Y! Magazine

Tolu ‘Toolz’ Oniru & Ohimai Atafo of MAI end the year with a bang on the cover of Y! Magazine’s latest editing ­ The Annual Style Issue. The magazine hits the stands and shops today.

Ace music video director Moe Musa loses dad too

Too sad. First Sesan, now Moe Musa. The prolific music video director lost his dad yesterday Dec. 22nd in a horrific fire accident in his home in Lagos. Heard the gas exploded in the kitchen. May his soul rest in peace, Amen.

Ciara pregnant? See photo

Over the weekend this photo of the newly engaged pop star was posted online. She looks absolutely, positively pregnant...even her face is all swollen up. Big congrats to her if she's pregnant.

Sound Sultan shows off his family

  checkout Sound sultan Beautiful family, who lived in my estate.

Nigerian Doctors end 5-day strike

The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has called off its 5-day warning strike which began on the 15th of December and asked all doctors to resume this morning Monday December 23rd.

The President of the Association, Osahon Enabulele, while speaking on the call off said;

"NMA wishes to inform the general public that doctors in the public health sector will resume services from December 23. This is in line with our earlier promise to give prime consideration to the Yuletide season in the prosecution of our warning strike. Also, to give another opportunity for the Federal Government to concretely resolve all the demands of NMA for which it first issued a 21-day ultimatum on September 2"

Mr Enabulele however said that a full blown strike would be embarked upon by the association from January 6th 2014 if their demands are not met by the Federal Government.

Ebube Nwagbo shares make-up free pic

Not bad!

Apple reaches iPhone deal with China Mobile

Selling more iPhones in world's biggest cellphone market, partnering with world's biggest carrier is long-awaited Apple coup.

Apple has reached a long-awaited deal to bring iPhone to China Mobile, world's biggest phone carrier.
The companies announced a multi-year deal, to begin selling the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c in China on Jan. 17. Pricing was not announced.
Apple shares will likely rise based on the deal and could help drive earnings per share through 2014, says Brian Marshall, an analyst with International Strategy & Investment Group. "The deal is long-anticipated but finally announced," he says. "We think it's a big deal."
That's because analysts have estimated that the Apple could sell perhaps an additional 20 million iPhones in China in 2014 once it's working with China Mobile. But Creative Strategies analyst Ben Bajarin said the deal, while "huge for Apple ... is underestimated by most analysts. It could very well ramp faster than any of us can imagine."
Apple has sold about 23 million iPhones in China over the past year. China Mobile, which is roughly twice the size of the other two carriers combined that already sell the iPhone, is building out the world's largest 4G network. "There's pretty big pent-up demand on China Mobile for the iPhone," Bajarin says.

Chuck Norris is even stronger than Jean-Claude Van Damme with his "great epic Christmas away!"

Chuck Norris  starts, too, in the fashion of large deviations epic !

In this new hilarious parody, Norris (or CGI version of the actor of 73 years) is even stronger than Jean-Claude Van Damme with his Volvo pub that defies gravity  by going even further.

In this video, created by animation company Digital Hungarian Delov entitled "Best Wishes Chuck (the great epic spread Christmas)", a close up of the face of Norris appears before the camera before dropping to show the actor of Walker, Texas Ranger  between two planes, one foot on each wing.

DUMPED O : Channing Tatum parody big gap Jean-Claude

YouTube

We then see Norris imitate "the most epic of large deviations", Van Damme was between two Volvo trucks at full speed.

Kemi Olunloyo plans to disrupt Pastor E.O Adeboye's yearly Ibadan crusade:calls him a Gay cultist

The very controversial  Kemi Olunloyo has been posting updates on her fan page regarding Senior pastor of Redeemed Church of God Pastor E.A Adeboye

Cultist and Gay Pastor PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE will be in Ibadan Monday. Since he is coming to leave my city with his CURSE, I hope his private plane crashes on take off at Alakia if curses rain that day. Post a comment and try disrespecting my views on my page and you will see the block button fast. Do you think Adeboye is an overstretched modern cultist who sells pure water, bread, schools with N635,000 a term tuition filled with cocaine addicted children and simply turned his congregation into religious bondage? The church is a business and not a place to fool and lie others.more below....

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade Engaged--Get the Details on Her Huge Ring!

 

Dwyane Wade popped the question to Gabrielle Union with some serious bling.
After the couple shared the news of their engagement on instagram on Saturday,click here to see the instagram message   (and the Being Mary Jane star showed off her diamond sparkler), we got the lowdown on the huge rock.
Jason Arasheben, CEO of Jason of Beverly Hills, told E! News the stunning ring is 8.5 carats, the stone is cushion cut and it's valued at nearly $1 million(!).
"Dwayne Wade was 100% involved in the process," Arasheben said. "I made three personal visits to Miami to present different options until they found the perfect one. Wade picked out the stone and they made the ring custom."
PHOTOS: Check out Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade Packing on the PDA continue....

Deeper Life Kumuyi says Christmas is idolatrous, warns members against celebrating

The General Overseer of The Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor W.F Kumuyi warned his church members during their annual National December Convention which held on Saturday Dec 21st, against celebrating Christmas, because according to him it is idolatrous and unscriptural.

Kumuyi said;

“We don’t celebrate Christmas. It actually came from idolatrous background. That is why you don’t hear us sing what they call Christmas carol, Never! We always say it is the December retreat. We are only gathering together because it is the holiday period and love the lord more, and rededicate ourselves more.

Fade & Sesan Ogunro's dad shot dead by armed robbers last night

Beat FM OAP Fade Ogunro and her prolific music video director brother Sesan Ogunro lost their dad in the early hours of this morning Monday Dec. 23rd. Mr Sesan Ogunro Snr, who was an advertising guru, was returning from his church Christmas Carol with members of his family, including his children and grand children when they were attacked by armed robbers last night around 10pm in front of their church at the back of Marwa Garden in Alausa Ikeja.

Mr Ogunro was shot point blank by the robbers. He was rushed to the hospital where he died around 12.45am early this morning. He was in his sixties. Too sad. May his soul rest in peace...amen.

Pope urges Italy to find houses for all families

Photo: In this picture provided by the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano, Pope Francis is framed by a Christmas tree as he visits a ward at the Bambino Gesu’ pediatric hospital, in Rome, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013. Francis spent three hours visiting patients and their families and is the fifth pontiff to visit the hospital, which is controlled by the Vatican’s secretary of state.
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VATICAN CITY  — Pope Francis urged anti-austerity protesters who attended his weekly Angelus blessing to use dialogue and not violence to press their demands.
Addressing a group of protesters among the pilgrims gathered Sunday in St. Peter’s Square, the pope appealed for “a constructive contribution, rejecting the temptation for conflict and violence and following always the path of dialogue.”

The pope read aloud one of their banners: “The poor cannot wait.” He urged everyone from charities to Italian authorities “to do everything possible so that every family can have a house” this holiday season.

Protests aimed at impressing upon Italian leaders the pain inflicted on ordinary people by the country’s economic crisis have been under way across the country for two weeks. Some of them have erupted into violence.

Sweet Sensation and 5Alive host children for Christmas

Sweet Sensation Confectionery has continued to demonstrate why it is regarded as the most Customer-friendly QSR brand in Nigeria.

The Brand in partnership with 5alive, the premium juice brand from the stable of Nigeria Bottling Company Plc makers of the Coca-cola brand, have organized a children’s Christmas Santa party for children of its loyal customers across 4 Sweet Sensation outlets in Lagos and Ogun states. The Outlets are Opebi, Surulere, Festac and Ibara in Abeokuta respectively on Monday 23rd of December 2013. Continue...

I lost my virginity to a rapist – Foluke Daramola-Salako

Actress Foluke Daramola-Salako has never been one to shy away from controversy. In fact it would be more than apt to say that her personality is just as big as she is. Despite facing criticism for her marriage and many other things, the star has remained open and she recently revealed more about herself in an interview including her shocking introduction to sex.
Excerpts below:
It was once reported that you wanted to start a talk show called ‘Fulfilling Desires’, but what is really holding you back?

Yes, you are right. That was before I went back to school for my Master’s degree. Personally, I have two passions in life: I am passionate about humanity and I will do anything to acquire knowledge. When I got admission into the University of Lagos, Akoka, I couldn’t combine it with the talk show, so I had to go for my Master’s degree. But I’m still coming back to it.

When I got admission into the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, I had the option of sticking to entertainment and continuing with acting or going to school. But I told myself that showbiz will always be there, so I went to school.

I came out and continued with my acting career. When the opportunity came for me to do my Master’s degree, it was at the time I wanted to do my talk show, so I weighed the two and went for my Masters. I have finished my programme and I’m walking on my talk show now. I’m a perfectionist, so I don’t believe I should rush anything.

Rebels hold key oil capital in South Sudan

Photo: AP – In this photo released by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), wounded civilians from Bor, the capital of Jonglei state and said to be the scene of fierce clashes between government troops and rebels, are assisted after being transported by U.N. helicopter to Juba, South Sudan, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. South Sudan’s central government lost control of the capital of a key oil-producing state on Sunday, the military said, as renegade forces loyal to a former deputy president seized more territory in fighting that has raised fears of full-blown civil war in the world’s newest country.
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KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — South Sudan’s central government lost control of the capital of a key oil-producing state on Sunday, the military said, as renegade forces loyal to a former deputy president seized more territory in fighting that has raised fears of full-blown civil war in the world’s newest country.
Bentiu, the capital of oil-rich Unity state, is now controlled by a military commander loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar, said Col. Philip Aguer, the South Sudanese military spokesman. “Bentiu is in the hands of a commander who has declared support for Machar,” he said. “Bentiu is not in our hands.”

The armed rebels were said to be in control days earlier of some of South Sudan’s oil fields, which have historically been a target for rebel movements, endangering the country’s economic lifeblood. South Sudan gets nearly 99 percent of its government budget from oil revenues, and the country reportedly earned $1.3 billion in oil sales in just five months this year, according to the London-based watchdog group Global Witness.

Although the country’s capital, Juba, is mostly peaceful a week after a dispute among members of the presidential guard triggered violent clashes between military factions, fighting continues as the central government tries to assert authority in the states of Unity and Jonglei.
Bor, the capital of Jonglei, is said to be the scene of some of the fiercest clashes between government troops and rebels. Michael Makuei Lueth, South Sudan’s information minister, said Machar was believed to be hiding somewhere in Unity state.
“He is a rebel, he’s a renegade and we are looking for him. He’s moving in the bushes of South Sudan,” Lueth said of Machar. The U.N. Mission in South Sudan said in a statement Sunday that all non-critical staff members in Juba are being evacuated to Uganda. The mission said the move was “a precautionary measure to reduce pressures on its limited resources” as it continues to provide assistance and shelter to more than 20,000 civilians gathered inside its compounds in Juba, the mission said in a statement.
Hilde Johnson, the U.N. secretary-general’s envoy in South Sudan, said the evacuation doesn’t mean the U.N. is “abandoning” South Sudan. “We are here to stay, and will carry on in our collective resolve to work with and for the people of South Sudan,” she said. “To anyone who wants to threaten us, attack us or put obstacles in our way, our message remains loud and clear: we will not be intimidated.”
Hundreds have been killed in the fighting and world leaders are concerned about civil war in a country with a history of ethnic violence and divided military loyalties. The U.S. and other countries have been evacuating their citizens from South Sudan. The U.S. has evacuated about 680 Americans and other foreign nationals so far, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.
On Saturday, gunfire hit three U.S. military aircraft trying to evacuate American citizens in Bor, wounding four U.S. service members in the same region gunfire downed a U.N. helicopter on Friday. It remains unclear how many U.S. citizens are still stranded in Bor and other rural towns.
Earlier this week, the top military general in Bor defected with his troops, starting a rebellion that appears to be spreading to other parts of the country. Aguer said Bor is still under the control of pro-Machar forces, disputing reports the rebels had fled as government troops advanced on Bor.
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, said on Monday that an attempted military coup had triggered the violence, and the blame was placed on Machar, an ethnic Nuer. But officials have since said a fight between Dinka and Nuer members of the presidential guard triggered the fighting that later spread across the East African country.

MAUTECH: all students to submit their printed jamb Admission letter

Mautech formerly known as Federal university of technology yola(FUTY)

Their is a circular in Mautech now that require all students to submit their printed jamb Admission letter  before 14th January 2014, so you are required to go and re check if your jamb admission letter is online! And for those who where offer admission vie pre-degree should pay the sum of 4500 naira with the university revenue account and collect a receipt from the bursary unit and collect a receipt and submit it to the admission office!!

source- prince Khalid(student)

MAUTECH RELEASES PRE-DEGREE ADMISSION LIST

Mautech formerly no as federal university of technology yola (futy) as release the admission list  of pre-degree students   on Saturday . To check your admission list go to the school official website click here 

Photos: Nigeria is so much fun – Angela Simmons

 American reality TV star, fashion designer and daughter of hip hop legend Rev Run, Angela Simmons arrived Nigeria.
And so far, she says she’s been enjoying her stay.
Here are pictures she shared on Instagram. See More photos and instagram tweet below:

PHOTOS: Mariah Carey leaving Lagos in a Private Jet

Mariah came, she delivered and now she’s gone. She’s actually in Angola right now for another show.

Here are pictures of her leaving Nigeria early morning
another photo below...

Justine Sacco apologizes for offensive AIDS tweet after being fired

Justine Sacco, the PR Exec at InterActiveCorp, who tweeted "Going to Africa, hope I don't get AIDS' has issued a statement, apologizing for making the racist Tweet. She issued the statement today to South African paper, The Star, a day after she was fired by IAC. The apology below...

"Going to Africa, hope I don't get aids. I'm white" PR exec Tweets

Justine Sacco, the communications director for InterActiveCorp, better known as IAC based in New York, tweeted what you see above from an airport in London on her way to board a flight to an African country. How a cringe-worthy statement like this is 'Just kidding' is beyond me.

Unfortunately for Ms Sacco she couldn't take the tweet down for hours because she was on a long flight to Africa...by the time she landed several hours later, not only was there an outcry on Twitter, her job was also on the line. The company she works for quickly responded by releasing a statement

“This is an outrageous, offensive comment that does not reflect the views and values of IAC. Unfortunately, the employee in question is unreachable on an international flight, but this is a very serious matter and we are taking appropriate action.” the company said in a statement.

Boko Haram militants kidnaps wives, children of soldiers

BORNO – NIGERIA: More reports have emerged asides from the wreckage that was caused by the Boko Haram insurgency’s attack on a barracks that occured a few days ago.
The information provided states that the terrorists snatched wives and children of soldiers during their three-hour siege on the barracks, located in the border town with Cameroon.
The Nigerian Eye reports:

The number of their hostages has not been given by the military authorities, but agency report said the embarrassed military has surrounded the village of Abbaram, near Bama, where they thought the Boko Haram fighters are holding their captives. Boko Haram fighters stormed the barracks in the town of Bama early on Friday, spraying it with bullets before torching the compound.

Several Bama residents told AFP the insurgents also abducted the soldiers’ wives and children during the attack. Military spokesman Mohammed Dole, did not comment on the report. Defence spokesman Chris Olukolade could not be reached for comment.

Diego Costa nets 2, Atletico beats Levante 3-2

Photo: AP – Atletico’s Diego Godin, left, celebrates his goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Atletico de Madrid and Levante at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013.
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BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Diego Costa scored his Spanish league-leading 18th and 19th goals to help Atletico Madrid come back to beat a feisty Levante 3-2 on Saturday and provisionally move to the top of the table.
Atletico leads Barcelona by three points before its game at Getafe on Sunday, when the defending champion will be without the injured Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, Victor Valdes and suspended striker Neymar.

Diego Costa moved two goals ahead of Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo in their scoring duel. The Brazilian-born striker whom Spain plans on taking to the World Cup has scored in all 11 of Atletico’s wins he has participated in at Vicente Calderon Stadium this season.

Atletico coach Diego Simeone applauded his team’s ability to come from behind for a second time this week, after a 2-1 win over Sant Andreu in the Copa del Rey. “Football is a game of mistakes. We are not exempt from making them,” Simeone said. “Today we made some but I take away the turnaround we had four days ago … we pulled out victories in both matches because this team never settles for less.”
Levante stunned the hosts by scoring less than a minute into the match when Andreas Ivanschitz finished off a team buildup. Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was called into action to repel David Barral’s hard strike in the 10th, after which he railed at his defense.
His teammates promptly responded by pushing Levante into its area, and the equalizer came on the half-hour when defender Diego Godin rose up to powerfully head Juanfran Torres’ short cross past goalie Keylor Navas.

Man City recovers to win 4-2 at Fulham in EPL

Photo: AP – Manchester City’s Yaya Toure, right, scores from a free kick during the English Premier League soccer match between Fulham and Manchester City at Craven Cottage stadium in London, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013.
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LONDON (AP) — Manchester City substitutes Jesus Navas and James Milner recovered a 4-2 victory at Fulham on Saturday after the visitors threw away a two-goal lead in a rain-lashed English Premier League encounter.
Yaya Toure put City in front with his fourth goal from a free kick this season and captain Vincent Kompany fired in City’s second just before halftime. But five minutes after the break City conceded possession near the Fulham penalty area, and Kieran Richardson completed a rapid counterattack to begin the hosts’ fightback.

In wild, windy conditions on the banks of the River Thames, Fulham was gifted an equalizer in the 69th. Kompany inexplicably sliced the ball past his own goalkeeper Joe Hart, who was recalled after being dropped in league games since October.

But Navas restored City’s lead in the 78th when he slotted through goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg’s legs. And City ripped through the Fulham defense again five minutes later as Milner scored to condemn Fulham to an eighth loss in nine league games.
While Fulham is next from bottom, City rose provisionally into second place, a point behind Liverpool. “It was a really difficult match because the pitch wasn’t good and it was very windy,” City manager Manuel Pellegrini said.
City can be overtaken by either Arsenal or Chelsea, who play on Monday, but the team’s status as the league’s most formidable attack was reinforced here against the most porous defense. While City has a leading-leading 55 goals, Fulham has conceded a high of 32.
But away from the Etihad Stadium, City has averaged only a point a game this season, and the intensity from the hosts was greater from the outset. The City defense was easily beaten after 13 minutes, as Adel Taarabt forced Hart into making a fine diving save — one of several that convinced Pellegrini to retain the goalkeeper for Thursday’s match against Liverpool.

Suarez’s double sends Liverpool top of EPL

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Luis Suarez marked his new Liverpool contract with two goals on Saturday to send his team provisionally top of the Premier League with a 3-1 victory over Cardiff.
The Uruguay striker’s first-half double took his tally to a Premier League season-leading 19 goals despite missing the first five games while banned for biting. On the eve of the match, Suarez signed a new Liverpool deal through 2018.

Between Suarez’s strikes, Raheem Sterling also scored for Liverpool, and Jordon Mutch scored Cardiff’s only goal in the second half. Liverpool moved a point ahead of Arsenal, which plays Chelsea on Monday.

The loss will likely further weaken coach Malky Mackay’s grip on the Cardiff job amid a power struggle with owner Vincent Tan, who was at Anfield. Mackay said after the game that he would not resign despite being told told by Tan earlier in the week to leave or be fired.
Fuelled by Suarez’s goals, Liverpool has now overtaken long-time leaders Arsenal, which faces fellow top-four side Chelsea on Monday. With the season almost halfway through Liverpool must now be classed as credible rivals to Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea. Brendan Rodgers’ side must face both City and Chelsea in their next two matches but with Suarez in this form the Reds can go into the games with confidence.

EU opens state aid probe into Spanish football

Photo: AP – Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, right, duels for the ball with Osasuna’s Jordan Loties during their Spanish League soccer match, at El Sadar stadium, in Pamplona northern Spain on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013.
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BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union on Wednesday opened legal proceedings into whether Real Madrid, Barcelona and five other Spanish clubs get an unfair edge from illegal state aid.
EU Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said that clubs should use sound financial management rather than live “at the expense of the taxpayer.” Almunia’s office must make sure businesses across the 28-country EU face a level playing field. The probe is intended to see if teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid have been relying on illegal aid to face other Spanish clubs and European teams like Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Beyond the top two teams, the probe centers on Valencia, Hercules, Elche, Athletic Bilbao and Osasuna. The Spanish government, which knew the probe was coming, has already said there was nothing illegal about the aid the clubs received. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said the government would “give battle until the end to defend Spanish clubs.”

La Liga is one of the toughest professional leagues in the world and any EU decision could have a deep impact on its future. The probe may take several months and any decision could then be challenged at the EU’s highest court in Luxembourg.