ORIGINAL AFRICANS

Manchester United are outbidding their rivals in the race to sign Ajax utility man Daley Blind, reports Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo. The Dutchman has been perennially linked with a move to Old Trafford since Louis van Gaal was hired. A series of terrific performances at the World Cup only strengthened those reports and now it appears Manchester United are emerging as favourites. World Cup inflation Ajax are ready to cash in on the 24-year-old this summer, hoping to take advantage of a dramatic increase in value following the player's efforts in Brazil. They want €22 million and so far Manchester United are the only club showing a willingness to pay it.

Santi Cazorla remains unsettled with life at Arsenal as Atletico Madrid consider a bid to sign him this summer, reports The Daily Mail. Initial reports regarding Cazorla's unhappiness emerged early last month before Arsenal had made any significant moves in the transfer market. Cazorla was still at the World Cup with Spain and Atletico Madrid's apparent interest seemed tentative. However, a month later and reports of a potential transfer to the Vicente Calderon simply will not go away. There was significant developments on Wednesday of this week when widespread reports claimed Diego Simeone was eyeing a double swopp for Nacho Monreal and Cazorla.

ABUJA (AP) — Nigerian forces say they are increasing security nationwide ahead Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim celebration marking the end of Ramadan. Emmanuel Okeh, a spokesman for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, said Nigeria is deploying 50,000 troops and counterterrorism units, including special forces, a nuclear, biological chemical and radioactive squad and "sniffer dogs." He said troops will patrol gathering spots, highways and other "strategic places."

When  Lil Wayne  stopped by ESPN’s  First Take  a few weeks ago to opine on the futures of LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, it appears that he wasn’t just dipping his toes into sports. He’s making a career out of it. The rapper is following in Jay Z’s footsteps and starting his own sports agency, according to TMZ. His first client? Real Madrid player and hair trendsetter Cristiano Ronaldo. As far as first clients go, the pairing makes sense, considering the two have been friends for awhile.

Na real ghen ghen go hapun for EPL dis seasin as sabi strika Didier Drogba don carri enuf swagga enta England join Chelsea. De koko be say Drogba don sign one year deal for Stamford Bridge and amebo pipu dey tok say afta dat one dem go make am coach for dat side. Drogba bin helep Chelsea win de Uefa Champions League for 2012 wen dem beat Batern Munich for de final bifor hin waka lif dem go tap ball small for China. De guyman come lif dat side enta Turkey play for Galatasaray dis seasin wey pass come even tap beta ball for Champions League for de 2013/2014 seasin.

  Social media has changed the way fans interact with celebs and also altered the way celebs engage their fans. Donjazzy announced the Mohits break up on twitter; he didn’t have to organize a press conference to do that. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are the new platforms celebs use to build their brands, engage with fans, and communicate their new offerings .In the home front, Nigerian celebs are not left behind .In no particular order here are the top Nigerian entertainers who have a cult following on various social media platforms.

A bit harsh, or you approve? In a bid to tackle the increasing spate of cult activities in the state, the Imo state Governor, Rochas Okorocha yesterday, July 25th gave a shoot-at-sight order for cultists to security operatives attached to Ohaji Egbema LGA where 6 people were killed during a clash between two rival cult groups known as Day-Gbam and Day-Well. Lol. See name of cults. The governor gave the directive when he paid a visit to the troubled local government area, plagued with cult activities , where residents are said to be living in constant fear.

Drogba just announced on his instagram page that he's back at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho revealed recently that he wanted Drogba back, and he's made it happen

Boom! This one na real Anaconda. Nicki Minaj this afternoon unveiled the artwork for her new single titled 'Anaconda' and in it she's wearing nothing but a pink sports bra, a g-string and a blue & pink Jordan VIs. The song is slated to drop on Monday July 28th. See the full pic after the cut...

When you work as hard as Kim Kardashian , it's easy to see why she's so keen to show it off. The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star has spent the last week in Mexico, sunning herself on a girls holiday.

Here are the official pics from OAP and media entrepreneu r Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi's 30th birthday which held on Friday July 18th. Gbemi, who's warming up to debut her eponymous TV show hosted a lavish dinner party at Otres Restaurant, in Lagos, with guests including Tiwa Savage, Banky W, Chris Ubosi, Omawumi, Olisa Adibua, Toolz, Steve Babaeko, Chris Ihidero, Tosyn Bucknor, Noble Igwe and many others. See more photos after the cut...

Socialite Vera Sidika’s recent boob job has affirmed that indeed her body is her business as she had claimed in a past interview. After lightening her skin Vera felt that her ‘twins’ were not big enough and decided to have them enlarged. How much did it cost? Heads Up asked her on WhatsApp. She refused to respond and instead sent us a blushing smiley face.

Foremost urban youth lifestyle magazine,  Tush Magazine  is out with its 8th issue and usual it features two cover page personalities. Themed  ‘The Future is now’;  it has  Dammy Krane  who has been crowned the king of  new skool fuji  and  Di’ja , Mavin records’ new recruit. This issue features and meets popular video director  Sesan Ogunro , Nigeria’s popular female disc jockey  Dj Frizzie , Cynthia Morgan ,  Saeon ,  Sna-z  and Choc city’s first lady  Pryse. While  Dammy Krane  sheds more light on his album due for release, 21st August 2014 titled “ Enterkraner” , Di’ja also shares with us stories on how she got recruited into  Mavin records  and her experiences working with label mates so far. Also featured on the magazine are interesting stories, reviews and articles focusing on technology, relationships, sports,...

With this deal, the 20-year-old singer joins the ranks of supermodels Kate Moss and Lara Stone who have modelled for brand earlier Image Credit: EPA Canadian singer Justin Bieber had last week posted a photograph of his tattooed body in a Calvin Klein underwear Justin Bieber has been roped in by Calvin Klein to promote its underwear range and the singer has already shot a campaign for the brand. With this deal, the 20-year-old joins the ranks of supermodels Kate Moss and Lara Stone who have modelled for CK earlier. Although it’s not known how much Bieber charged for the campaign, Moss’s first CK contract was worth a reported $1.2 million (Dh4.40 million) — later rising to $4 million, dailymail.co.uk reports. “Justin has shot for Calvin Klein, we hope the results will be released later this year,” said a source from the brand.

Naya Rivera married actor Ryan Dorsey on July 19 in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Did anyone see that one coming? According to People , the two tied the knot, exchanging Neil Lane rings, in front of a small group of family. The couple met four years ago in Los Angeles and after being longtime friends, sparked a romance after the “Glee” star, 27, and rapper Big Sean broke off their engagement .

Actress Beverly Naya is steaming hot in a black bikini and silver chain body accessory on the cover of the July issue of Exquisite magazine. Hot! Hot! Hot!!!

Award winning writer Chimamanda Adichie photographed by one of Nigeria’s best photographers Lakin Ogunbanwo for Riposte Magazine. See more photos after the cut...

Juju legend King Sunny Ade over the weekend gave one of his daughters out in marriage in a very private ceremony that held in his home in Ondo state. See pics from the wedding after the cut...

Speaking with Encomium magazine on why he flaunts his wealth on social media, Davido said; "I don't call it flaunting of wealth. It is my car, my money and it is even my page. You don't have to follow me on instagram. You don't have to follow me on social media. It would have being different if I was advertising all this on a billboard. I am not doing that" he said. Gbam! I agree!! :-)

Self-styled hip hop singer, Burna Boy has parted ways with the record label, Aristokrat Records that brought him to limelight. According to a source, the ‘Yawa Dey Oh’ crooner is no longer with AR as revealed by his new video, ‘Don Gorgon’ which does not have AR imprint.

The ‘Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria’ MBGN, 2014, Miss Iheoma Nnadi has stated that she had always known she would win the MBGN title. The 19-year-old model who has since put her academics on hold due to her new role disclosed this in an interview with Encomium Weekly.

Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, a.k.a Skales has signed a new recording deal with Baseline Music.   The rapper was unveiled by the label today Tuesday, July 22.   Skales who was with Banky W's EME but parted ways with the label after expiration of his contract in February 2014,will be joining female Pop singer Saeon in Baseline.

Newly declassified documents reveal the 1959 plans - labelled Project Horizon - which included research into the effects of detonating a nuclear weapon there The Americans once planned a secret military base on the moon - to fire nuclear missiles at their enemies. Newly declassified documents reveal plans to build the weapons platform back in 1959 at the height of the Cold War. Project Horizon was a scheme to build a Moon-to-Earth surveillance system used to “facilitate communications with and observation of the Earth”. The 100-page document was released to mark the 45th anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s historic moonwalk.

Suspected armed robbers yesterday took control of the Kaduna-Abuja expressway and unleashed terror on motorists and passengers. Two people were killed in the process. One of the vehicles attacked by the robbers was an official car marked I- CARE Women and Children Initiative, belonging to a non-governmental organisation owned by the wife of the vice president, Hajiya Amina Sambo. The incident was said to have occurred in Doka village, Kaduna State, about 4pm. The robbers were further said to have dispossessed passengers of their belongings. The robbery led to multiple accidents, as vehicles plying the highway crashed into one another in a bid to escape.

  Award-winning Ghanaian music group, 4×4 has released the video for their latest track, ‘Baby Dance’ featuring the recently crowned BET Award Best African act, Davido. The group members Fresh Prince, Captain Planet and Coded collaborated with the Davido in the hit banger that already has people dancing across Africa and the globe.

Yesterday Saturday, July 19 was Tuface's album launch and everyone you can imagine was there to grace the occasion. So while Tuface and Annie stepped on the red carpet, love was practically pouring out of their eyes. Annie couldn't help looking into her man's eyes...just like when a child who looks expectantly and dependently into the eyes of his parents.

HKN presents you ‘Sade’ by Davido. ‘Sade’ is a love song sang by OBO, Davido sometimes in 2012. Download & ENJOY!

Produced by Spellz, Onye is the 2nd track off Waje’s eponymously titled album W.A.J.E. Tiwa Savage is featured in this hilarious video which has Omawumi appear in a cameo. Model and actor Bryan Okwara also stars as love interest. Video would be out Soon.

BET Awards 2014 “Best International Act” winner, Davido, could not contain his excitement on Wednesday as BET hosted him and Ice Prince to a light-hearted catch-up with the media. ADVERTISEMENT The event was held at Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa’s office, Ikoyi, Lagos. Davido said he was hanging out with the other nominees before the awards in Los Angeles when he was announced winner.

Nollywood actres s (and about to become Senator) Kate Henshaw has officially declared her intention to run for public office under the axis of the PDP ……I guess this might also officially mean goodbye to Nollywood? The beautiful ‘Senator’ says as regards her ambition… ”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.

Serena Williams is another super celebrity that never gets afraid of flaunting her sexy bods, here is the recent butty pics she shared while boat cruising.. see pic below:

Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid are rated the world’s most valuable sports team by Forbes magazine. The European champions estimated worth is quoted at $43.44bn (704.25bn Naira), according to Forbes . Football clubs occupied the first three slots, with Barcelona rated second at $3.2bn, and Manchester United third, with a value of $2.81bn.

Arsenal Legend Thierry Henry believes that his former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi is a player of natural talent, that excludes every other players. Henry, played a couple of years at Barcelona alongside the Argentine star Messi before joining New York Red Bulls in 2010, stressed that he rates Ronaldo but just does not think that the Portugal international or anyone else in the world – can match Messi in terms of talent.

Hey, before it begins to read like there is a rift between the Naija Ninja, Sound Sultan and the Star Boy, Wizkid , what Sound Sultan told Wizkid on his birthday was actually to appreciate the music sensation. In a birthday wish to him, Sound Sultan writes: “I always remember the first day you called me on the phone . I was like, ‘you ain’t a girl?

Letter to Peter Okoye Am really suprised at your recent behaviour oh!.. Everything has gone really sore, how can you not attend your brothers traditional marriage because he didn’t attend yours.. That’s childish and looking at it from the other angle how do you want him to feel knowing that you went ahead to marry a yoruba girl.. An igbo guy? Anambra, Nnewi for that matter.. forgetting too soon your route and were you are coming from… A peaceful, loving, sweet, brillant family just turned bad because of a lady called wife.. First you had a quarrel with your Twin and now your senior bro.. Please read in between the lines, sit down and ask urself questions.

2face Idibia's Ascension album release party held yesterday July 19th at Escape Lounge in Lagos. Jermaine Jackson, Peter Okoye, Tiwa and Teebillz, Fade Ogunro, Gbenga Adeyinka and others attended the shindig. See more photos after the cut...

  “If you do me I do you, God no go vex”- PSquare sang in their hit single, “Do Me”. Certainly, Peter Okoye, the other half of pop duo, PSquare, paid his elder brother, Jude Okoye, back in his own coin by missing Jude’s wedding which took place in Anambra on Thursday. Jude ‘engees’ Okoye missed Peter’s traditional wedding to Lola Omotayo in 2013 and then posted a picture of himself in a Lagos studio. In turn, Peter, Thursday, posted pictures of himself with a friend in front of a hotel and later with another group of friends inside their Omole, Lagos- SquareVilla- home on Instagram. After some of his followers criticised him for being childish and saying he should have attended the wedding, he immediately went on a series of tweet explanation, saying the only family he knows is the one he built.