VIT-NAIJA

By Emmanuel Okogba   N’Golo Kante’s superb run in the Premier League this term has earned him a spot on the PFA Award list, an award given to players who were outstanding during the course of the season. He is joined by Chelsea team-mate and previous winner Eden Hazard.     Also on the list are Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexis Sanchez, Harry Kane and Romelu Lukaku on the shortlist. Among the shortlisted players, Harry Kane and Romelu Lukaku have also been nominated for the young player awards. Joining the duo on the list are Michael Keane, Leroy Sane and Sunderland goalie, Jordan, alongside 2016 winner Dele Alli. The winners, voted for by PFA members, will be announced on 23 April. Men’s PFA Players’ player of the year nominees Eden Hazard – Chelsea Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Manchester United Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur N’Golo Kante – Chelsea Romelu Lukaku – Everton Alexis Sanchez – Arsenal Men’s PFA young player of the year nominees Dele Alli – Tottenham Hotspur Harry K...

By Jordan Halford at the Vicente Calderon                                                               Antoine Griezmann scored for Atletico with a first-half penalty   Leicester's hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League were kept alive after a narrow 1-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon on Wednesday evening. Antoine Griezmann scored what proved the winner from the penalty spot (28) after he had been clumsily brought down by Marc Albrighton, although replays showed contact was outside the box. Chances remained at a premium thereafter, with the home side failing to capitalise on their possession and find a killer goal ahead of the second leg in the East Midlands next Tuesday, the Premier League champions still in with a chance of extending their dream run in Europe.   ...

By Rosina S Khan    Do you constantly fear what is about to come in your future? Do you fear the unknown? Do you procrastinate as a result of that? Fear not - this article is going to make you overcome your fear of the unknown. First of all, you don't have to worry as you venture into the unknown. You can take tiny steps every day towards your goals. They don't have to be big ones. Start small and slow. As you leave your comfort zone out into the unknown territory, tell yourself: I can figure it out as I get along. I don't have to know everything. Repeat this statement several times every day until you completely believe it. Life gets easier and you are more aware and alert. You overcome your fear of the unknown by overcoming the supreme fear of your life, which is fear of death. If you can overcome this fear, you will never be scared of anything. So how do you overcome your fear of death? By doing bold deeds and confronting upright whatever comes your way witho...

By Rosina S Khan   Almost every challenge holds an opportunity? Do you know how to look for it? Once you have mastered looking for them behind every overwhelming problem, you win the game of life every time. So how do you trace these opportunities? Read on to find out. Consider the following scenarios: 1) You find yourself buried in debts. A surprise email lands in your inbox about a money making scheme. You can easily discard it, considering it spam. But what if you take the risk and try the suggested scheme. Chances are you will make money and be able to repay all your debts and make even more money. 2) What if you went hiking on the mountains all by yourself and fell off somewhere in a plain? You regret about the accident since you are an expert at it. But what if you look at the upside? Someone noticed you fall off and lent you a helping hand. The person helped you to rise back on your feet. You start a lively conversation. You find both of you have a lot in common. S...

By Wayne Elsey    Don't Let Yesterday Use Too Much of Today - Indian Proverb    Although I'm someone who has a significant presence in life, I don't want you to think I've got it all figured it out. Recently, I was asked why I'm so tough on leaders. I responded that I've been there. I was the founder and CEO of a major nonprofit, which I grew to a large organization. Today, I'm the founder and chief executive officer of three social enterprises. Here's what I've learned in doing my work and in life: there's a natural disaster happening in someone's life every day. You may meet someone in your work day and they will smile and give you the energy that gives you the reason to think all is well with them--but that's far from the case. For better or worse, that's life. And, professionals know that the job must and will be done and they've got an important part to play. So, they put aside whatever they're suffering and get t...

By Oliver JR Cooper   When one comes across information that goes against what they believe, they can take the time to look over it. And if they were to meet someone who has a different outlook, they could also listen to what they have to say. What this can show is that they have an open mind, and this is then why they are able to listen to people who see life differently. Still, this is not to say that they will always agree with what they hear. A Waste of Time If one knew everything, there would be no reason for them to listen to what these kinds of people have to say. Ultimately, one would always be right, and this would mean that it wouldn't be necessary for them to listen to anyone. But if they did listen to someone, they would only need to listen to them if they knew as much as them. Yet as they both have the same information, it is not going to be possible for one to learn anything; they will simply validate each other's views. Shining the Light Through l...

By Michael S Haro, Ph.D   Do you ever stop and think what it might take to make you great again? Let's start with personality traits. Some say personality is inherited, but in reality these traits are developed individually through behavior exhibited over and again. It's funny how many of us can "see the speck in someone's eye, but fail to see the log in our own eye." What this is saying is before you criticize another person's behavior, understand how your actions might be stimulating this person's reactions. It is a value to be concerned, but don't react and berate what you observe. Develop the practice of offering others caring responses to behaviors appearing offensive. Don't judge, focus on what you see, and express concern. Adjustment is personal; it develops your abilities to offer help to others. A child's dream becomes a young man's passion. This passion creates career decisions through mid-life and into older age. The rocket...

By Wayne Elsey     Some of the greatest excuses in life come from our inability to forgive ourselves for past mistakes. That's a shame and an incredible waste of energy and time. And, we all know how limited and what a precious commodity time is in life. It typically begins with these words: if only. If only I had taken that job. If only I had money. If only I hadn't chosen this career and instead followed my passion. Here's my advice to you today. Forgive yourself. Move on. You're not getting yesterday back, so stop beating yourself about it. Think about today this way: with each new day, we have an opportunity to leave the excuses (and self-absorption, by the way) at the door. We can choose to look around and see what's happening in our neighborhoods, our communities or the world at large. We can also look within ourselves and make a choice to change things in our lives. If you know me, then you know that I always tell people to stop looking in t...

By Rosemarie Sumalinog Gonzales    Life to me is defined by uncertainty. That's one reason I favor a cautious approach. Fear comes from uncertainty. There are always two sides to any coin.This forms a crucial element of doubt and uncertainty. It was once said- You cannot be certain about uncertainty. To define it any other way, would be quite difficult. The only thing that's certain is uncertainty. Change creates new tensions and uncertainties in our lives. There are so many events over which we have no control. Can you let go of control? It demands a high level of spiritual fitness. You seek to find the highest level of your spiritual development. This is your enlightenment. As you grow and learn, new ascendancies offer greater rewards. All you can do is exhale. Breathe deeply. Relentlessly ride on through the cycles of your life. Look for the interconnectivity in all things. You are a part of the network. We are not programmed to embrace uncertainty and fear. It goes...

By Pitche Zeegwun    Like a lot of us, I did not have the best childhood. I had done an immense amount of inner healing before my daughter came along or so I thought. From the moment my daughter was in my arms to the present moment 22 years later I have had a lot of doorways opened for myself that I did not know existed. Our body has an amazing way of storing experiences in different ways that will wake up at the most unexpected moments. Children have ways to open us up inside that is only unique to them. So, instead of getting annoyed and taking out on my daughter with whatever was going on at the moment, I would excuse myself and take an inner viewing. OMG, so many situations I had forgotten about. What I have noticed through the years of observation is that a lot of parents do not realize that when our children push our 'buttons' that those 'buttons' are really our own unresolved inner issues. What we seem to not be aware of is that our own experiences become...

By Oliver JR Cooper    If one was asked if they would like to do something by a friend or a family member, for instance, they could give them their answer more or less straight away. But if this doesn't take place, it could mean that one will need to think about it first. How they behave is going to depend on a number of different factors. Naturally, there are going to be moments in their life when they can give someone an answer instantly, and moments when it will be necessary for them to take their time. Now or Never Along with this, there are likely to be times when they will have to make up their mind instantly. During these moments, it could relate something that is going to happen straight away. Therefore, if they can't make up their mind, they will miss out on an opportunity to do something. However, if one didn't have the ability to take a step back and to think about things when this isn't the case, it would also cause them problems. Two Options ...

By Levinus Nwabughiogu     ABUJA—Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has warned that Nigeria would be plunged into more trouble, if the present war against corruption fails.                                                                              Vice president Osinbajo      He noted that corruption was fiercely waging reprisal attacks in states, but assured the public that President Muhammadu Buhari was committed to sustaining the anti-corruption fight to ensure the system was cleaned up and government business done the right way. He also called for a re-orientation of Nigerians. Speaking during a courtesy visit to his office by Nigerian Association of Law Teachers at State House, Abuja, yesterday, Osinbajo noted that Defence contracts of $15 billion, for which ...

  FC Bayern encounter Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday, and there is good news as Manuel Neuer resumed training on Monday. The goalkeeper returned to the training ground after undergoing a minor foot operation at the end of March. Neuer is likely to feature in goal against the Spanish record champions.       Ancelotti had to make do without Mats Hummels, who sustained an injury during training on Sunday, and Robert Lewandowski, who worked individually in the performance centre after sustaining a bruised shoulder in the match against Dortmund. Javi Martínez and David Alaba worked on their fitness in the sand. The rest of the squad worked with the ball under Ancelotti’s auspices to be ready for Wednesday’s clash, completing several rondo drills and taking shots on goal in bright sunshine. “We’re well-prepared,” Thomas Müller told FC Bayern.tv Live after the session. “I took part in the squad programme as usual, which is a ...

By Oliver JR Cooper   If one was to look back on the people they have spent time with throughout their life, they may find that some of these people have had a positive effect on them. This could be due to what they did for them, but it might not be this black and white. Simply being in their presence may have been enough, and this could show that these people were inspiring to be around. Perhaps these people were full of energy, and they might have achieved a certain level of success. Inspired Through spending time around these people, it may have given one the desire to work towards their own goals. In fact, they might believe that they wouldn't be where they are today if it wasn't for these people. What this shows is how much of an impact other people can have, and how important it is to spend time around the right people. If one was to think about the people they have spent time with who did not inspire them, this will be something that is only too clear. A Dr...

By Simeon Gholam Juventus' Paulo Dybala (top centre) celebrates with Miralem Pjanic, Mario Mandzukic and Alex Sandro Paulo Dybala's double inspired Juventus to a 3-0 win over Barcelona in the first leg of their quarter-final on Tuesday night, leaving the Catalan giants needing another miracle comeback in the Champions League. Luis Enrique's side made history by overturning a 4-0 deficit to knock PSG out 6-1 in the last round of the competition, but they will have to perform a similar feat at the Nou Camp next Wednesday after a dismal night in Turin. Dybala got the ball rolling with an impressive first-half brace, and Giorgio Chiellini added a third with a header after the break for Juventus in the first meeting between the sides since Barcelona's win in the 2015 Champions League final. Juventus started on top and it took just seven minutes for Dybala to find the opener, receiving a pass in the box from Juan Cuadrado before turning and curling a fine ef...

BY ROTIMI AGBANA   Multi-award winning comedian, Ayo Makun, aka ‘AY’ is back with his annual comedy concert AY Live, scheduled to hold on Easter Sunday at the convention centre of the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.                                                                                                                        Ayo Makun    This year’s edition which is themed ‘Generations of laughter’ promises to take fun lovers to the height of laughter and entertainment with rib-cracking comedy reeled out by AY, I Go Dye, Okey Bakassi, Gordons, Akpororo, Kenny Blaq, Osama, Helen Paul, Woli Arole, Thenjiwe from South Africa, and a host...

     That first coffee in the morning is more than just a treat - it's become a deeply ingrained ritual and many of us can't imagine how we'd start the day without it. From soy lattes to long blacks, coffee expenditure in the average Australian household has increased from sixty cents per week in the mid-seventies to $5.77 per week between 2009-10. While the price of coffee has increased during this time there's no doubting that Australian's love affair with coffee is more than just a fling. We've listed seven reasons below that will help you keep your coffee dream alive - and they'll be easy to remember, because coffee's good like that. COFFEE IS FULL OF ANTIOXIDANTS Coffee is the largest source of antioxidants in the Western diet surpassing fresh fruit and vegetables. You'd need to eat large amounts of berries to gain the number of antioxidants consumed from a couple of cups of coffee. Antioxidants are kind little molecules. They donat...

  It doesn't have to be difficult to get barista style coffee in your own home. The humble french press has been around for decades and is still one of the best ways to easily brew coffee at home. They're readily available and very affordable - you probably already have one in your kitchen cupboards. It's very easy to make a bad cup of coffee with a french press, however, follow these simple steps and you'll be able to get the perfect brew every time: Let's get started shall we? You Will Need French press Kettle Your coffee of choice (ground coarsely) Step 1 Before we begin, make sure your french press is thoroughly cleaned. Remove any remnants of old coffee grinds and make sure the filter is completely free of debris. Anything left in the filter can seriously taint the taste of your brew. Also ensure the filter is in good physical condition to ensure it won't allow any unwanted coffee grinds into your cup. Step 2 Add your ground coffee to your ...

   There is not any reason you should keep putting it off. Maybe you have tried to get into shape before and failed. You may have issues with exercise you need to get over. You can't allow these feelings to control you. Let them go and begin enjoying a healthier you. These tips will help you learn to focus on that. Walking is an excellent way to improve the way your body looks. Maximize the benefit your calves receive by pushing off your heel to start and your toes to finish. You can also work your arms when walking by keeping your elbows bent and swinging them after each step. Counting calories is always a solid approach to getting fit. Paying attention to your calorie consumption helps you plan your workouts. If your calorie consumption is at your maintenance level without exercise, and you lose calories by exercising, you are going to be lean and fit very quickly. To help protect your knees, you need to work towards strong thighs. Located behind the kneecap, a torn ...

   Because I work in different fitness environments, I see different approaches to health and fitness. In one gym, the equipment and the personal trainers focus almost entirely on strength training. Cardio is secondary, and done while watching TV - with that level of intensity, and that level of discipline. Stretching is often skipped. In gyms with classes, cardio may become the focus. Strength training may become secondary, and flexibility may be limited to a few stretches at the end of the class. How's This For 'Old School' Thinking? I've always advocated full fitness programs that include C-V, strength, and flexibility work. This post will cover cardio programs. The benefits of cardiovascular work are familiar: • enhanced tidal volume, air to lungs • greater blood volume • greater stroke volume, blood ejected by the heart per beat • expanded capillary network • greater size and density of mitochondria • improved sensitivity of muscle to insulin • e...

 A superb Marcos Alonso free-kick in the second half put the seal on a second Chelsea win this week, with Eden Hazard also on target as the seven-point lead was maintained. An own-goal, the second by Bournemouth against Chelsea this season, opened the scoring in the first half and a typical Hazard breakaway put the Blues firmly in the driving seat after a slow start, but Bournemouth's attacking threat is well-known and having first hit the post, they halved the deficit shortly before half-time through Josh King. Antonio Conte’s side held its nerve however in a very open and enthralling second half with Alonso making the points safe midway through. There was plenty of talk of the pressure being on the Blues with Tottenham having won well in the lunchtime game but one of our four remaining away games was successfully negotiated. Five wins are now needed from seven matches left. The Blues were able to welcome back Victor Moses after two games out and the Nigerian pr...

    April – Two goals by Son Heung-min helped Tottenham Hotspur thrash Watford 4-0 to close the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea to four points in Saturday’s early game. After Dele Alli’s majestic curler broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute in the sunshine at White Hart Lane, an 11th consecutive home league win never looked in doubt. Eric Dier made it 2-0 six minutes later before Son added a third with a low shot just before halftime. After half-time it was pretty much the same story, with Watford only threatening in isolated moments through Nigeria’s attacking duo of Isaac Success and Stefano Chuka.

   Gospel singer, Rosemary Tony-Ayoko, is set to make her debut on the Nigerian music scene with her album titled, That I May Know Him. The 12-track album features some of Nigeria’s anointed gospel singers, Mairo Ese, Palmira and Donna Ogunnaike. It was produced by music production maestro, Rotimikeys (Rotimi Akinfenwa).                                                                 Rosemary Tony-Ayoko     The album which will be officially unveiled at a concert tagged Night of Worship on Sunday, April 9, at The Dome Glory Christian Ministries, Ijeshatedo, Surulere, Lagos, will feature music from gospel artistes; Pita, Mairo Ese, Donna Ogunnaike, Dominic Osim, Ice and Palmira, who are all friends of Rosemary. For the Benson Idahosa University graduate, gospel music isn’t something she stumbled upon....

    FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are on the final straight in their battle to become La Liga champion 2016/17. There are eight games to go and there’s little room for error. The Clasico on Apr. 23 at the Bernabeu could prove decisive.                                                                      Messi and Ronaldo    Madrid lead Barça by two points, although it’s worth remembering they have a game in hand against Celta Vigo at Balaidos, which does not yet have a date to be played. Zinedine Zidane’s side’s immediate challenge is a derby against Atletico Madrid today, which will be refereed by Hernandez Hernandez.     In the penultimate game of the season Madrid welcome Sevilla to the Bernabeu, while in the final game, depending on when they play Celta, they will visit ...