The lingering speculations around the globe that the six time Balon d’Or winner has grown tired of the club is expected to be phased out completely when he return to training with his teammates for the first time under new manager Ronald Koeman but Saturday’s preparatory session had the attendance of several Barcelona players except Messi.

In his quest to leave this summer, the forward had raised his chance by boycotting Barcelona’s coronavirus test on Sunday which then exempt him from first pre-season training session since Monday.

Messi who disclosed that he grudgingly agreed to taking a U-turn in his decision to leave this term will now take the compulsory COVID-19 test after confirming his stay and he is expected to appear at the Joan Gamper training complex next week sequel to a negative result.

His volatile links to Manchester City, Paris Saint German and Juventus evaporated after Barcelona slammed a release clause of $700m on the player.

The Blaugranas captain told Goal that “I thought and was sure that I was free to leave, the president always said that at the end of the season I could decide if I stayed or not.

“Now they cling to the fact that I did not say it before June 10, when it turns out that on June 10 we were competing for La Liga in the middle of this awful coronavirus and this disease altered all the season.

“And this is the reason why I am going to continue in the club. Now I am going to continue in the club because the president told me that the only way to leave was to pay the €700 million clause, and that this is impossible.”

Although, Messi who has less than a year left in contract could dispute this on legal ground but he completely restrained himself from dragging his boyhood club which gave him everything to a court battle.

“There was another way and it was to go to trial,” he added.

“I would never go to court against Barca because it is the club that I love, which gave me everything since I arrived. It is the club of my life, I have made my life here.

“Barca gave me everything and I gave it everything. I know that it never crossed my mind to take Barca to court.”

Messi also explained how his family suffered when he opened up his decision to leave Spain. He said: “When I communicated my wish to leave to my wife and children, it was a brutal drama. The whole family began crying, my children did not want to leave Barcelona, nor did they want to change schools.”

Having toned down his purported move, Messi has reiterated his love for the club and also reinstated his unwavering commitment as he delve into the remaining months of his contract.

“I will continue at Barca and my attitude will not change no matter how much I have wanted to go. I will do my best.

“I always want to win, I’m competitive and I don’t like to lose anything. I always want the best for the club, for the dressing room and for myself.

“There is a new coach and new ideas. That’s good, but then we have to see how the team responds and whether or not it will allow us to compete at the top level. What I can say is that I’m staying and I’m going to give my best for Barcelona.”

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Mrs Buhari had embarked on weeks-long trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the solo journey to the region is said to be for the purpose of seeking medical treatment but she was faced with a plane crash scare on her journey back to Nigeria.

The mysterious scare surfaced while the plane (Nigerian Air Force Flight) she boarded was at cruising altitude. The big jet roared momentarily but the well composed pilot and his crew were brilliant and proficient in the struggled to restore its stability and successfully brought the First Lady to her destination.

After arriving safely she wrote on social media that: “I want to use this opportunity to thank all Nigerians for their prayers and well wishes while I was away for medical treatment . I am well now and fully recovered and had since returned back home, Nigeria.

“On our way back, the Nigerian Air Force Flight encountered a violent clear air turbulence which was navigated safely and professionally by the Captain and crew of the Flight.

“I want to commend and appreciate the courage and professionalism of the Captain and his crew, the wonderful gallant service men and women of the entire Nigerian Air force for their dedication to duty and the quality of maintenance of its Fleet.”

“She also emphasized on the need for private health institutions to harness the funds from federal government schemes in providing standard medical facilities in the country which will drastically reduce international travels for medical treatments.

She said that: “I recall hosting the private healthcare Providers earlier in the year and we had a very productive engagement where the issue of building the capacity of Nigeria health sector was the major focus, and funding was discovered to be the major challenge.

“I therefore call on the healthcare providers to take the advantage of the Federal Government’s initiative through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) guidelines for the operation of NGN100 Billion Credit Support for the Healthcare Sector as was released recently contained in a circular dated March 25, 2020 to the Commercial Banks.

“This will no doubt help in building and expanding the capacity of the Nigerian health sector and ultimately reduce medical trips and tourism outside the Country.

“Once again, I thank our front line workers, and all Nigerians for their steadfast as we navigate the challenges facing the entire world.”

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The news of her testing positive was reported on Saturday August 15, 2020 via social media with the symptoms reported to have been well contained while her health status is improving in isolation.

As COVID-19 continues to spread at an alarming rate across the country with the death toll from the virus reaching 974 deaths already according to the latest report by Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC).

Among the 48,770 confirmed cases recorded since its advent are government officials and celebrities. In an attempt to contain the spread of the virus, authorities have sternly warned that self isolation should be imposed in the event that the virus connects with an individual.

Omotola disclosed in a post on Instagram that: “Hello All, I know Mist if you Have been Wondering where I’ve been. Well, i Contracted Covid. I have been ill, in Isolation and Now getting better. More on this details of this soon.”

She joins the trend of stars who have publicly acknowledged testing positive to the virus following Peter Okoye aka Mr. P announcement in June. Albeit, both cases are mild symptoms and they appear to be in relatively good health.

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Waje had her daughter, Emerald Iruobe in March of 1999 when she was just 18 years old after a brief relationship during her final year in high school at the time.

She was immediately banned from her church choir after she was discovered to have conceived. However, she resorted to keeping the pregnancy and having a child at that early age certainly didn’t slow the successful singer in achieving her musical dream and career.

The one time Headies Awards Best Vocals, Waje in an Instagram live chat narrated: “I got into a relationship in SS3 and the relationship went from ‘puppy love’ to sexual. At that time, I felt I loved him and that [sex] was the only way I could express my love. At that time, I saw a fine boy who liked me, though we quarreled on several occasions. I didn’t understand the responsibility that came with making decisions like that.

“I got pregnant and I remembered one afternoon, I was in the bathroom when someone came to my house and told me my pastor wanted to see me. I knew that day, there were two things that would happen either I died or I died. Everything in me got drained.

“Anyway, I went to see the pastor. He was in a conference room with other pastors and he said to me, ‘If you lie, you will die, because you are standing in front of God, Holy Spirit and me.’ He asked me, ‘Are you pregnant?’ and I said, ‘Yes’. He was so disappointed. He told me he wanted to see me in church every Wednesday and Sunday but I would no longer sing in the choir.”

“I wrote the WASSCE [West African Senior School Certificate Examination] while pregnant and nobody knew; not even my mother. I told her about my pregnancy after five months. After one morning devotion, I told her I had something to tell her. I told her I was pregnant and wasn’t planning on aborting it.

“At that point, she already knew who was responsible because he used to come to our house. After telling her, she told me to go back to bed. However, I knew something in her broke because she didn’t go back to sleep.”

Despite the setbacks she encountered, Waje went on to bag a degree in social work from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She broke into the Nigerian music scene when she collaborated with P-Square on the hit track ‘Do Me’ in 2008 and has won several  awards.

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Genevieve was unveiled the latest global ambassador, joining an elite roster that already includes Priyanka Chopra, David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike, Sarah Gadon, Nadine Labaki, Jason Reitman, Lulu Wang and others.

Announcing the scope of the event, Senior Director of Industry and Theatrical, TIFF, Geoff Macnaughton said: “In a time of disruption, professionals from around the world still look for occasions to come together, share innovative ideas, buy and sell content, and find creative ways to collectively forge ahead towards a safer, healthier, and inclusive future.

“This year, delegates can expect to find community, connection, inspiration, and talent. The foundation that will serve as the way forward.”

In spite of the festival scheduled to be held digitally, it has been revealed that various initiatives and routines will be introduced to facilitate a better and interesting engagement.

British actor Oyelewo was designated as guest speaker the for TIFF Rising Stars program and American film director Derek Cianfrance will lead a Dialogues session in the meeting which will hold from September, 10 to September 19, 2020.

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For a time, their ruthless run seemed to be nearing a halt when they were drawn against five times champions of the competition but they threw caution to the wind and invariably outclassed Barcelona 8-2 on Friday.

Ivan Perisic, Serge Gnabri, Joshua Kimmich and Robert Lewandowski single goals with Thomas Mueller and Philippe Coutinho braces helped Bayern rag Barcelona to a 10-goal thriller, termed as the most devastating and humiliating defeat in 74 years history of the club.

Barcelona had hope of bringing the Champions League back to Camp Nou since winning it last in 2015. They’ve already had enough of the shocking exits faced in previous years: falling 3-0 Juventus in 2017, bottling a 4-1 lead against Roma in 2018 and also the 3-0 lead against Liverpool in 2019 with Arturo Vidal being the frontier to air his team’s confidence and preparedness a night before the game.

Vidal boasted about Barcelona not being the usual or average teams in Germany which Bayern has always gotten the better of, saying: “They have a lot of confidence but they’re not playing against a Bundesliga team on Friday, they’re up against Barcelona, the best team in the world,” but he got the shocker of his life when things went ballistic at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica.

Bayern unlocked the tie after four minutes of play through Thomas Muller who then set a record as the player to score five goals in five appearances against Barcelona in the Champions League, a feet former AC Milan striker, Andriy Shevchenko only has attained.

Barcelona returned to square in the seventh minute when David Alaba put the ball into his own net and it was game on for the Catalans but Perisic, Gnabry and another goal from Mueller extended Bavarians lead to 4-1 before half time.

Luis Suarez installed hopes 12 minutes into the second half after slotting home Jordi Alba’s pass, shortly after had Kimmich rendered his goal worthless with a fifth for Bayern. Lewandowski registered the sixth goal before the on loan midfielder from Barcelona, Coutinho came on 15 minutes before full time and scored a brace to ascertain a humiliating scoreline of 8-2.

The loss and exit from the Champions League means for the first time since 2007/08 Barcelona have gone without winning a single laurel in a season. They have conceded eight goals in a game for the first time since losing 8-0 to Sevilla in the Copa del Rey Last 16 in 1946. It is also the first time they have conceded five goals in an European match for the first time since losing 5-4 to Levski Sofia in March 1976 in the UEFA Cup.

The semifinal clashes will now see RB Leipzig take on Paris Saint German on August 18 and August 19 fixture will compel Bayern Munich to battle the winner of Manchester City and Lyon quarterfinal match on Saturday.

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Nigerian music star, Damini Ebunoluwa Rex otherwise known as Burna Boy has unleashed a new album titled Twice As Tall on Thursday August 14, 2020.

Burna Boy, 29, recently announced that he is coming closer to the release of his new album which left fans everywhere buzzing in anticipation to hear his newest creations and the African Giant did not disappoint with a resonating 15 tracks album.

The superstar’s elusive fifth studio album is an outcome of enormous hard work expended over a long period of time largely amid the coronavirus pandemic crisis to foster its actualization.

The Twice As Tall album is executively garnered by American executive and record producer, Sean Combs popularly known as P Diddy alongside Burna Boy and his mother Bosede Ogulu. However, the production had inputs from record producers, Telz, Timbaland, Jae5, Mike Dean and others.

Among the 15 track list, Burna Boy personally masterminded 10 songs and featured top music stars in the other five: he partnered with Youssou N’Dour on the album’s first track and title, Level Up (Twice As Tall). Another song, Real Life also had British grime star, Stormzy on it. He featured: Sauti Sol on Time Flies, Chris Martin on Monsters You Made and Naughty By Nature on Naughty By Nature.

Speaking on Burma Boy’s trademark and the quality of his song, P Diddy said that: “He, as every artist, he wants his music to be heard by the world. He doesn’t care about crossing over. You know, he’s not trying to get hot. He’s not, like, ‘I want to be a big pop star’ he’s already a star. He wants his music to be heard, his message, his people.”

The star also revealed his motivation for his new album saying: “Twice As Tall is the album about a period of time in my life. It’s the album about the struggle for freedom. It’s the album about life in general, real life, good times, bad times, happy times, sad times, great times.”

Black Entertainment Television (BET) Award recently crowned Burna Boy the Best International Act in 2020 which became a come-back from winning the award in 2019 to set a record as the first artist to win the category in successive time since the inception in 2010.

Although, he shares a record as most winner of the award (two best int’l act awards) with Ayo Balogun aka WizKid who won it in 2012 and 2017, and David Adeleke popularly known as Davido who also received the award in 2014 and 2018 respectively.

His last album, African Giant released back in 2019 made an upsurge in Nigeria music scene as well as gaining international recognition after it was nominated for Grammy Awards Best World Album which he missed out to Angelique Kidjo but amid the reverential respect paid on the album by individuals, colleagues and important personality across the globe, majority of the commendation has seen the album tipped to bag Grammy Award next year.

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Fans of BBNaija and several internet users have taken aim at the star for publicly declaring her exemption as viewer of the Reality TV Show for this year’s edition.

She appeared in a video clip recorded in a car wearing a leopard skin print turtleneck sleeveless dress with a dark colored curl hair cascading down her shoulders while clamoring at the camera frontwards in an Instagram live session joined by over two thousand users.

Mercy says: “I’m too busy doing the things I love, I’m too busy enjoying myself, I’m too busy getting things done to stay at home like you and do whatever you want to do. You can’t force them [Current BBNaija Housemates], you can’t force whoever, you can’t force nobody on me, don’t try that nonsense with me, you can’t force me to sit at home and watch so quit trying.”

Though the former housemate has expressed her innocent opinion in a troubled disposition but unknowingly she set off a reaction that raised numerous trolls enough for her to be more worried.

Twitter user @Anonymous4015 said: “Absolutely, no one would have known mercy if she didn’t go to Bbnaija. She can’t act, can’t dance, can’t sing, can’t even speak English correctly. Who is she to say she is too busy for BBN. So we that voted her are jobless? Nonsense.”

Another user @Marys_lair said: “That video mercy eke did has to be the most unnecessary thing. You aren’t jobless like us to be watching tv but people voted for you in the same game, talkm bout I’m too busy getting sh*t done like say Donjazzy no get work smh.”

The comments seemed to have labeled the winner of the 2019 edition as being ungrateful and she soon after tweeted to calm the upset stating that her message was direct to people who have criticized her for refusing to identify with some current housemates for publicity purpose.

“I was talking to those who were tarnishing my image on Twitter because I decided to stay neutral. I love all housemate equally, and everyone knows I’m a thankful person your narrative will never change my personality.” Mercy wrote on Twitter.

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David Adeleke better known as Davido’s second studio album, A Good Time released in November 2019 reached one billion stream across digital platform worldwide, his record label has confirmed.

Radio Corporation of America (RCA) Records a subsidiary owned and controlled by Sony Music Entertainment where Davido is currently signed to presented the award in a shield which had his achievement engraved in text and the cover image of the winning album printed on it.

Davido who has severed ties with social media since June was aided by former US Soldier and crew member, Alwajud Kayode Umarudeen aka Tyconne in receiving the award but the 2018 Nigeria artist of the year was later seen trotting out the award at an airplane base as he is about jetting off his current location.

After making his debut in Nigeria’s music scene on the brink of this decade, Davido quickly rose to stardom with his ground breaking Dami Duro single he released in last the quarter of 2011 that won three major award the next year: Nigeria Entertainment Awards – Hottest Single of the Year, Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) – Best Video by a New Artiste and Channel O Music Video Awards – Most Gifted Newcomer Video of the Year.

He has since transcended to be one of the finest in the country leading the race in fostering business and partnership on intercontinental scene as Africa continue to grow her entertainment industry’s influence and portfolio across the world.

Davido cannot be sidelined with the footprint and stride he has left in helping Africa establish a recognition in the global music industry with respect to his collaboration with Grammy winners and top music stars that has helped Africa gain a representation on world leading news platforms and international media outfits.

The Nigeria music star ha successfully attracted several features from foreign artist including R. Kelly, Quavo, Busta Rhymes, Chris Brown, Akon, Meek Mill and a lot more. He has been heavily linked with many post production in recent time, the most anticipated being the remix of his ‘Fall’ song with American rapper Cardi B.

This is enough reason for Davido to have stayed out of social for several weeks and it is believed that he will announce his return in a grand style.

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The mother of the popular Nollywood actress confirmed the position via social media on Wednesday.

The Kingsley Esiso administration is adding a strong political appointee to PDP’s arm in Delta State as she tends to be a boost to promoting the Party in the state owing to her billionaire son in-law, Prince Ned Nwoko’s statue.

On ascent to the new position, Rita wrote on Instagram that: “With a grateful heart, I Enyi Hon Rita Daniels Chukwuji sincerely appreciate all those who found me worthy to be the state Asst Treasurer.

“I pray that God grants me and all executives the strength to take the party forward.

“My appreciation goes to his Excellency Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for his fatherly support, to my local government, the Executive Chairman of Aniocha South (Chief Hon.Isaac Ozor Awuzia), Rt.Hon.Joan Mrapkor, Chief A C OKOCHA, our party Chairman (Olorogun Barr.Kingsley Esiso), Vice Chairman Delta North PDP (Moses Iduh), Chief Goddey Obi Nzete (Secretary PDP), Chief Sunday Onoriode (State Organising Secretary) just to mention but a few.

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