Riyad Mahrez is crowned BBC African Footballer of The Year

Algerian soccer star, Riyad Mahrez has been crowned BBC Footballer Of The Year. The player who played a huge role in Leicester City's fairytale title winning campaign last season beat off competition from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Andre Ayew, Sadio Mane and Yaya Toure to scoop the award.

Winger Mahrez, 25, told BBC Sport: "It means a lot, it's something big for African players so I am very happy, I am very proud.


"It's always good to receive awards and for African players it's a huge honour. To all the fans, thank you very much."

He added: "Also I want to thank the Algeria fans and dedicate this to them as well and for my family.
"I just have to carry on and keep going with my football and see what I can do."

The award caps an exceptional year for Mahrez, who had already won the English Premier League Title and was voted Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year, the first African player to win the award. He also finished 7th on the Balon d'or list and is the only African on FIFA's 23-man list for Player Of The Year.

Mahrez now joins a list of greats, including Abedi Pele, George Weah, Jay-Jay Okocha and Didier Drogba, to have won the BBC African Footballer of the year award.

PLEASE DO NOT LOSE HOPE IN MY ADMINISTRATION” – BUHARI BEGS NIGERIANS

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians not to lose faith in his administration.

In his 2016 Eid-El-Maulud message, the president said


“the reality of the temporary challenges should not undermine our hope, reverse our collective will to succeed, or divide us..”
Read Mr. Buhari’s full message:



Again the calendar of life has brought us into another period of celebration, and deep reflection. Celebration, because we are marking the birth of Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him), and deep reflection, because it is another opportunity of pausing, taking a deep breath and reflecting on the current realities before us.

First of all, I wish all Muslims a happy and memorable celebration of the birth of the great Prophet, through whose teachings, particularly on peaceful living, tolerance, sobriety, generosity, sacrifice and honesty, and wisdom, the nation has gained immensely in building a harmonious and prosperous society. The universal truths of the Prophet’s values remain unchanged.

Against all odds, we have used these pillars of strength in securing a just and fair society, and our efforts are beginning to yield dividends in curbing terrorism, militancy, corruption and other crimes that devalue our humanity.

As we use the memorable occasion of this celebration to reflect on our current challenges, I urge you not to lose faith in the ability of this administration to make a difference in the lives of our people.

The reality of the temporary challenges should not undermine our hope, reverse our collective will to succeed, or divide us; rather it should remind us of why we need to stay together, fight together and succeed together. We all share a vision of a better Nigeria, and we will all share in the responsibility of building the country of our dreams.

As we look forward to 2017 with hope and huge expectations, let me assure you that with collective dedication and hard work, we will overcome the mountain of economic difficulties, and return our country to the path of prosperity.

The 2017 Budget proposals which I will lay before the National Assembly on Wednesday, will contain measures that we are confident will get the nation out of its economic woods.

As we celebrate and reflect, I wish all Nigerians a peaceful Eid-el-Maulud.
MUHAMMADU BUHARI
PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

Photos: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala awarded highest national honors by Presidents of Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire

President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d'Ivoire and President Johnson-Sirleaf, recently bestowed their National Honors on Former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for her works on development supporting the two countries and Africa. Congrats to her. See more photos

Photos: Onyeka Onwenu, Toke Makinwa, Waje, Awilo Logumba, Debola Williams, others at King Sunny Ade's 70th birthday party

Celebrities came out in style  to honor legendary music star, King Sunny Ade, on the occasion of his 70th birthday. The event happened at Federal Palace Hotel Lagos. More photos

Some people are still doubting that Cristiano Ronaldo will win the Ballon D'or tonight? (Tweets)

France football will be hosting the Ballon D'or award tonight and the overwhelming favorite for the award is Cristiano Ronaldo after he helped his club to Champions league glory and led Portugal to win Euro 2016, but some Twitter users for one reason or the other still believe Messi will win the award and decided to post tweets suggesting Ronaldo won't win the award...


Messi meanwhile only won La Liga last season and failed to lead his country to Copa America glory.

The winner of the award is the player who receives the most votes from the 173 journalists allowed to participate in the award. Do you think Messi can win this award?

More tweets below...

Juliet Ibrahim flawless in new photos

Juliet slayed all the way as she attended the Lagos fashion award 2016 last night. She was styled by Swanky's signatures styling. More photos

DOWNLOAD MUSIC:Benna Riki – Oge Adiro (No Time)

Benna Riki – Oge Adiro (No Time)


Tobenna JohnPaul Ikeh (born February 27, 1999), better known as Benna Riki, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter, born and raised in Enugu, Nigeria. He first garnered recognition doing local gigs and competitions in the eastern parts of Nigeria. He later rose to prominence as a singer, releasing several independent singles before signing to Unseen Records in 2015. He has worked with several artistes in Enugu, Owerri, and PH. Many has dubbed Benna Riki as Enugu’s favourite kid and the new Tekno.

Benna Riki, is Unseen Records’ lead artiste, and we are pleased to bring you his first single, titled Oge Adiro (No Time), produced by Lil Stound, and mix and mastered by Extraordinaire (George Nathaniel). The song saw Benna Riki delivering new rhymes, catchy hooks and verses as he tells the story of his music journey and priding his hometown 042 (Enugu).
Facebook: @bennariki
Instagram:@bennariki
Twitter: @bennariki

DOWNLOAD AUDIO