Nakata's Blog: Multiple Explosions Hit Maiduguri, Death Toll Incr...

Nakata's Blog: Multiple Explosions Hit Maiduguri, Death Toll Incr...: Nine Persons killed while 13 persons were injured in the multiple explosions that rocked Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital on Sunday...

Multiple Explosions Hit Maiduguri, Death Toll Increases

Nine Persons killed while 13 persons were injured in the multiple explosions that rocked Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital on Sunday night.

The Borno State Commissioner of Police, Damien Chukwu confirmed this at a press briefing on Monday.

Giving details, the CP explained that a male suicide bomber gained entry into the premises of the University of Maiduguri, and detonated a bomb (PBIED) strapped to his body, near the Rapid Response Services Office building.

According to him, the suicide bomber died while three of the university’s security personnel on duty were injured.

One of the injured security personnel, a female (whose identity was given as Becky Edubi), later died while being attended to at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

The CP also noted that in another development at about 10:30 pm, four female suicide bombers infiltrated Zannari community in Gwange general area of Jere LGA.

Again, at about 4:00 am, another set of two female suicide bombers detonated PBIEDs within the University premises.

One of them was said to have been detonated close to the Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition Centre Complex, while the other was behind the Works Department complex.

EOD/SARS and patrol teams were mobilised to the scenes after which the dead and injured were evacuated to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

Death toll has however increase to Eleven as at the time of filing this report, eight in the university community and another three in Zanari community.

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Nigeria Suspended By...

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Nigeria Suspended By...: Nigeria’s most popular TV game show, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, has been suspended indefinitely. After 13 years of enriching Niger...

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Nigeria Suspended By MTN After 13years

Nigeria’s most popular TV game show, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, has been suspended indefinitely.

After 13 years of enriching Nigerian, Popular TV game show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire will be going off air indefinitely.

The suspension of the programme was announced on Sunday in a series of tweets on the show’s official Twitter page, @WWTBAM.

Though details behind the indefinite suspension are still unclear, reports said the game’s major sponsor, MTN Nigeria, had pulled out.

“Goodbyes are tough, aren’t they? @frankedoho ‘s final words as #WWTBAM begins a hiatus today is filled with so much emotions,” the tweet read.

“Unfortunately, tonight’s episode is our last- for now. #WWTBAM is going on a temporal break.”

In the last episode of the program, the host, Frank Edoho said more than 7billion naira has been spent by the organizer over the years.

Nakata's Blog: Nigeria Senate: You are Not a Minister For Lagos ...

Nakata's Blog:
Nigeria Senate: You are Not a Minister For Lagos ...: Nigeria Senate: You are Not a Minister For Lagos State Alone, Be Just. #Budget 2017: @TundeFashola Should Stop Spreading Half-Trut...

Senate Slams Fashola, He Responded, Asks For Prove

Nigeria Senate: You are Not a Minister For Lagos State Alone, Be Just.

#Budget 2017: @TundeFashola Should Stop Spreading Half-Truths, Says @NGRSenate

Fashola: The Senate Should Present Evidence of The PPP Scheme With Status of Private Funding

The Senate and the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing headed by HM Babatunde Raji Fashola seems to be at loggerhead over Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. 

Below is the statement issued by the Senate through the chairman, Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi then responses from Fashola led ministry follows.

Both parties aired their opinion via their respective twitter account.

 THE RESPONSE:

Fed Ministry of PWH Retweeted The Nigerian Senate

1. We call on @NGRSenate to present details of the PPP scheme with status of private sector fund deployment as regards Lag-Ibadan project

Fed Ministry of PWH Retweeted The Nigerian Senate

2. The Lag-Ibadan project is a top Priority for FMPWH and stopping funding midway in lieu of an imaginary PPP arrangement is a major concern

Fed Ministry of PWH Retweeted The Nigerian Senate

3. The PPP arrangement of Bi Courtney delayed the Lag-Ibadan project completion and amounted to nothing. Project is 100% FG funded.

Fed Ministry of PWH Retweeted The Nigerian Senate

4. We reiterate our opposition to the under-funding of critical priority projects. Our job isn't to build classrooms and boreholes. Thank you

My Thought, My Identity: BREAKING: Supreme Court Sacks Sen. Abubakar Danlad...

Nakata's Blog: BREAKING: Supreme Court Sacks Sen. Abubakar Danlad...: Abubakar Sani Danladi End of road! Supreme Court sacks Taraba Senator Abubakar Sani Danladi, orders him to return all salaries coll...

BREAKING: Supreme Court Sacks Sen. Abubakar Danlad...

Nakata's Blog: BREAKING: Supreme Court Sacks Sen. Abubakar Danlad...: Abubakar Sani Danladi End of road! Supreme Court sacks Taraba Senator Abubakar Sani Danladi, orders him to return all salaries coll...

BREAKING: Supreme Court Sacks Sen. Abubakar Danladi, Orders Him to Refund Allowances.

Abubakar Sani Danladi

End of road! Supreme Court sacks Taraba Senator Abubakar Sani
Danladi, orders him to return all salaries collected

The Supreme Court has, Friday, sacked the Senator representing Taraba North in the Senate,  Abubakar Danladi and asked him to return all salaries he had collected before his dismissal.

Danladi was ordered to refund all salaries and allowances he received within 90 days.

Mr. Danladi was sacked by the Supreme Court on the same day a member of the House of Representatives, Herman Hembe, representing Vandikwa/ Konshisha constituency of Benue State was also sacked by the apex court.

The court also declared Alhaji Shuaibu Isa Lau, as the senator to represent the constituency.

Both Danladi and Isa Lau are members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The Supreme Court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate issued to Danladi and issue a fresh certificate of return to Lau.

The order was contained in the judgement of the court on the appeal filed by Lau.

Lau had challenged the decision of the Court of Appeal that upturned his victory during the primary elections. He claimed that he was wrongfully substituted.

The apex court in the unanimous judgment  of a five-member panel held that the appellant had the right to participate just like any other candidate in the primary election.

The court added that if Lau felt that his right was infringed upon, he had the right to approach the court.

"From the totality of the appeal before this court, all the issues are resolved in favour of the appellant. His substitution at the primary election is null and void since the appellant scored the highest number of votes, the only option is to declare the appellant as the winner of primary election."

"This court hereby orders that the appellant be issued with the certificate of return and the respondent should immediately vacate the seat."

“He should return to the National Assembly, all salaries and allowances received as a as a senator within 90 days."

What is worthy to note is that the sacked senator had also profit from the judiciary which made him the deputy governor and later the acting governor of Taraba State in the administration of the former governor, Danbaba Suntai.

Nakata'sBlog: US: North Korea 'Murdered' Otto Warmbier

My Thought, My Identity: US: North Korea 'Murdered' Otto Warmbier: Chairman of Armed Services Committee, John McCain, says US should not tolerate 'murder of citizen by hostile power.' US Senator...

US: North Korea 'Murdered' Otto Warmbier

Chairman of Armed Services Committee, John McCain, says US should not tolerate 'murder of citizen by hostile power.'

US Senator John McCain says North Korea has murdered Otto Warmbier, an American student who died days after his release from detention there.

McCain, the Republican chairman of the Armed Services Committee, condemned the treatment of the 22-year-old University of Virginia student, who he said was "murdered by the Kim Jong-un regime".

"The United States of America cannot and should not tolerate the murder of its citizens by hostile powers," McCain said in a statement on Monday.

Warmbier was medically evacuated from Pyongyang to the US last week, after having suffered extensive brain damage that left him in a state of "unresponsive wakefulness". His parents said he died on Monday. 

His death comes amid high tension over dozens of North Korean missile launches and two nuclear bomb tests, and has spurred renewed calls for action against the isolated country.

US President Donald Trump, in a statement offering condolences to Warmbier's family, said the student's fate deepened his determination to prevent other such tragedies.

"It's [North Korea] a brutal regime, and we'll be able to handle it," he told reporters later.

Warmbier was arrested at the airport as he was leaving Pyongyang in January last year and sentenced to 15 years of hard labour at a show trial for stealing a political poster from a hotel.

The South Korean government meanwhile pledged to make every effort for the return of three other US citizens, and six South Koreans, who remain in custody in North Korea.

South Korean President Moon Jae In also urged the North to swiftly return the nine detainees, and said it was "deplorable that North Korea does not respect human rights", according to a presidential spokesman.

Young Pioneer Tours, the China-based travel agency that organised Warmbier’s trip to North Korea, said on Tuesday it would no longer take US citizens to the country.

The agency said his death shows that the risk Amercian tourists face in visiting North Korea "has become too high".

The North claimed Warmbier fell into a coma soon after he was sentenced last year, saying he had contracted botulism and been given a sleeping pill.

However, medical tests carried out last week in the US offered no conclusive evidence as to the cause of his neurological injuries, and no evidence of a prior botulism infection.

Warmbier's doctors said he had suffered extensive tissue loss in all regions of his brain, but showed no signs of physical trauma.

They said Warmbier's severe brain injury was most likely - given his young age - to have been caused by cardiopulmonary arrest cutting the blood supply to the brain.

US rights group Human Rights Watch said Warmbier's death highlights the North's position as "one of the worst rights abusing governments in the world."

His death "reflects a reality that the North Korean people know all too well: the Kim family leadership... will not hesitate to brutalise and kill to maintain their hold on power," it said in a statement.

Source: News Agency

NakataBlog: APPLY NOW For MTN NIGERIA Job Regardless of Your D...

My Thought, My Identity: APPLY NOW For MTN NIGERIA Job Regardless of Your D...: MTN NIGERIA MTN is the largest provider of mobile network access and ICT solutions in Nigeria, connecting whole communities with e...

MTN NIGERIA Job: APPLY NOW Regardless of Your Degree or Class. Application Closes 22/6/2017

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At the heart of our company’s operations are a diverse group of committed men and women, who enjoy a work experience and culture that is challenging, dynamic and rewarding, guided by our core values of Leadership, Innovation, Integrity, Relationship and a Can-Do attitude.

We were the first Nigerian company to be certified as an Investors In People (IiP) Gold company, which speaks to the depth and impact of our people management practices. It is also a reflection of our commitment to making MTN a Great Place to Work for our employees.

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APPLY HERE: Nigeria Immigration Service Recruitmen...

My Thought, My Identity: APPLY HERE: Nigeria Immigration Service Recruitmen...: Nigeria Immigration Service Open Recruitment Portal For Interested Candidates to Apply. Everyone can apply regardless of your course of ...

Police Man Who Shot Dead Black Man Acquitted of Al...

My Thought, My Identity: Police Man Who Shot Dead Black Man Acquitted of Al...: Late Philando Castile Castile had informed him he had a gun in the charge, which he was licensed to possess "I thought I was go...

Police Man Who Shot Dead Black Man Acquitted of All Charges

Late Philando Castile

Castile had informed him he had a gun in the charge, which he was licensed to possess

"I thought I was going to die"- Mr Yanez

Black Lives Matter Protesters block Minneapolis highway over the judgement

The Minnesota police officer who killed Philando Castile last year during a traffic stop has been acquitted of all charges he faced over the gruesome death that was broadcast live.

Jeronimo Yanez shot Mr Castile after the black motorist informed him that he had a gun in his car. Mr Castile was licenced to have the weapon, and had been told to inform officers of the firearm in those situations for his safety.

Mr Yanez was fired from his position on the police force following his acquittal.

Mr Castile's mother spoke to the media after the decision, expressing anger and sorrow with the verdict.

"There has always been a systemic problem in the state of Minnesota, and me thinking, common sense that we would get justice. But nevertheless the system continues to fail black people", she said. "I am so disappointed in the state of Minnesota".

Mr Yanez and his family, meanwhile, quietly slipped out of the courthouse and into a van before leaving without taking question. Jurors similarly declined to comment on the verdict.

Mr Castile's death last year was a flash point in the debate over police treatment of black Americans in the country, after a string of videos showing police shooting unarmed black men had shocked the country and captured headlines. Like those shootings and deaths, Mr Castile's was caught on tape and sparked widespread protest. Unlike many of them, his was posted live on Facebook by his girlfriend, who was in the passenger seat of the car.

The Minnesota jury acquitted Mr Yanez of one count of second-degree manslaughter, and two counts of intentional discharge of a firearm that endangers safety. He faced the latter charges because Mr Castile's girlfriend and her four-year-old child were in the vehicle with him.

That jury heard two different narratives during the two weeks long trial. Their decision followed 27 hours of deliberation.

Prosecutors painted Mr Yanez as a nervous officer who lost control. He pulled the trigger too quickly after learning about the firearm, and that he was partially driven to do so because he suspected Mr Castile of a crime.

Mr Yanez testified that he feared for his life when Mr Castile grabbed for his firearm, even though he was told not to.

"I thought I was going to die", Mr Yanez testified on the fifth day of testimony in his trial. I had no other choice. I was forced to engage Mr Castile. He was not complying with my directions".

The video capturing Mr Castile's death is gruesome. In it, he can be seen gasping for air and slumped over to the right of his seat. Mr Yanez is seen with his gun drawn and pointed at him through the window. Writhing in apparent pain, Mr Castile's white shirt is stained deep red with blood from the five rounds he was hit with.

That video sparked protests around the country, and renewed charges that racial bias persists in America's police force. The vast majority of police officers who have killed unarmed or innocent black men have not been prosecuted for those actions, or have been acquitted.

Full Gist of How Kidnap Kingpin, Evans, Was Arres...

My Thought, My Identity: Full Gist of How Kidnap Kingpin, Evans, Was Arres...:   Evans arrested through sister, friend’s statements – Police source …suspect used N4.6m phones to frustrate arrest The poli...

Full Gist of How Kidnap Kingpin, Evans, Was Arrested

•  
• Evans arrested through sister, friend’s statements – Police source

• …suspect used N4.6m phones to frustrate arrest

The police have said that useful statements made by a younger sister of the notorious kidnap kingpin, Chukwudi Onuamadike aka Evans, led to his arrest.

The sister was said to have been arrested after her number was identified as one of the contacts in Evans’ special SIM card.

Evans’ childhood friend and four girlfriends were also picked up by the police and they all gave relevant information.

This is just as operatives disclosed that Evans used three phones – two of which reportedly cost N2.4m and N2.6m respectively – with anti-tracking features to frustrate his arrest.

Our correspondent learnt that he contacted families of his victims through the phones to demand ransoms, bearing in mind that the families could report to the police for tracking.

Reliable police sources also disclosed that the billionaire kidnapper had 126 registered SIM cards.

Evans, who also deals in drugs, was arrested on Saturday in one of his two mansions on Magodo Estate, Lagos, after seven years of high-profile abductions across the country, during which he collected millions of dollars in ransoms.

He was paraded the following day amid jubilation at the Lagos Sate Police Command headquarters in Ikeja.

He was said to have bought three houses in Accra, Ghana and wristwatches worth thousands of dollars from the proceeds of the crimes. The suspect, who dropped out of school at Junior Secondary School 2, had confessed to have once collected $1m ransom.

Six of his gang members are Nwosu Chukwuma, aka Sudo, 42; Suoyo Paul aka Nwana, 42; Felix Chinemerem, 36; Chukwuemeka Bosah, 28; Uchechukwu Amadi and Ogechi Amadi. Uchechukwu and Ogechi are husband and wife.

Five AK-47 rifles, one AK-49 rifle, two English pistols, 59 AK-47 magazine with ammunition, 1,272 pieces of live ammunition of AK-47 (9mm) and five number plates were reportedly recovered from the suspects.

A police officer revealed on Thursday that apart from the weapons, three phones – a Thuraya, and two different diamond encrusted Vertu phones – containing anti-tracking features were recovered from the 36-year-old native of the Nnewi North Local Government Area, Anambra State.

The officer said, “He has 11 phones. Two of them are special diamond encrusted Vertu phones, which are very difficult to track. He also has a Thuraya, which is a satellite phone. It can be used anywhere, including in the bush, on the sea, and desert, where there are no GSM service. In Nigeria, we don’t have the capability to track Thuraya.

“He said he bought the Vertu diamond encrusted phones for N4.6m. He used the three phones for his nefarious activities. We succeeded in tracking him through the other phones he has.”

A detective stated that a number of SIM cards used by Evans complicated the challenges posed by the sophisticated phones, adding that he bought the SIM cards registered from miscreants in Computer Village, Ikeja.

He said, “We studied and analysed 126 SIM cards before we caught him. We have about two-page analysis of each of the numbers. He used 125 of those numbers to call his gang members only and used one to call his mother, wife and sister. He said he bought all the SIM cards already registered in Computer Village for N1,500 each.

“We picked his sister, his childhood friend with whom he attended primary school, and four of his girlfriends. They gave us the information that led to his arrest. Evans confirmed that they didn’t know he was into kidnapping. Because of that, we granted them bail, while investigations continue.”

Another source confided that aside from a camp in New Igando, where Evans kept his victims, operatives had uncovered two other camps, which would soon be visited.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, said the suspect would soon be arraigned in court.

Mixed Reaction Trails Saraki's CCT Victory

My Thought, My Identity: Mixed Reactions Trails Saraki's CCT Victory: How Nigerians reacted to Saraki’s CCT Victory Abubakar Bukola Saraki-Senate President, Nigeria Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the Sen...

Mixed Reaction Trails Saraki's CCT Victory

How Nigerians reacted to Saraki’s CCT Victory

Abubakar Bukola Saraki-Senate President, Nigeria

Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the Senate President of the most populous black nation on earth, is finally discharged and acquitted of all 18-count charge of alleged false declaration of assetlevied against him by the Federal Government despite the latter insistence that she has serious case against Saraki barely a day before the judgement by the CCT. These are the reactions to the outcome by concerned Nigerians:

“At the end of the day, it is democracy that has been strengthened. I hope all the parties concerned will now sheath their swords and concentrate on the task of nation-building.”

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar

Former Vice-President

"CCT: Saraki has no case to answer.

Prosecuting Counsel, Rotimi Jacob was not in court when the case was decided. (Preplanned)

Now, my take is that this is not an issue of Saraki being very powerful but a case of a corrupt non-working nation, Nigeria.

I said it from inception that Saraki would be acquitted like "others" except if this is not Nigeria.

What led to the case in the first place? Corruption!
Who and who masterminded it? Corrupt Elites.
Who is being charged? A member of the corrupt Elites.
#EmancipationIsTheSolution"

Nurudeen Olaitan Nakata

nurudeenolaitan.blogspot.com

 

“I predicted the victory because I know that everything about this government is fraud. Look at all the noise they made when they started Senator Saraki’s case, it was as if he will be sent to jail the following week. But when it was time for them to prove their allegations, they could not because it was all political.

Gov. Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State

“I hope the Federal Government will not contemplate any form of appeal. If they do, they will be shooting themselves in the foot because the appellate court won’t decide anything contrary to what the trial court just delivered.”

Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje

APC Chieftain

"Behold! Saint Saraki has arrived.

I must confess. This beats me. I actually knew he was going to be cleared though. But not of 'all' charges and allegations, not even one. may be I would have to wait for the clearer details."

Ola-lawal Muzzammil Oladayo

muzzamilwrites.com

“The case was diversionary and unhelpful, now he has been vindicated. I hope the Federal Government has learnt her lessons”

Sen. Bala Ibn Na’Allah

“Everybody goes to court to make a case. If you make your case, you win; if you don’t, you lose. In this case the Federal Government failed to make its case and it has lost.

Sen. Sola Adeyeye

“…the prosecution (Federal Government) did not have anything incriminating against Saraki in the first instance, but had only sought to harass him with politically motivated charges.”

Mr. Frank Tietie

Executive Director of the Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights,

“The victory of the Senate President is a vindication of his incorruptibility.

Gov. Fatai Ahmed of Kwara State

"It never surprised me a bit. For every political oriented cases will surely lay to rest politically. Despite that I do forget things easily, one thing I really took to heart in GNS is this ever catchy line that read thus; "Predetermine outcome of event is otherwise known as CONSPIRACY". When you have a better grasp of conspiracy theory and the character of Saraki himself; you simply realize the case was dead on arrival"

Lawal Suleiman Olayiwola 

"The CCT's decision is an indication that God has vindicated Saraki"

Comrade Timi Frank

Deputy Publicity Secretary, APC  

“The Tribunal’s victory did not come to me as a surprise. The CCT trial was hatched in the coven of evil politics and was, therefore, bound to fall like a pack of cards.

Sen. Ike Ekweremadu

Deputy Senate President

“Sen. Saraki governed Kwara for 8years. The people of Kwara insisted that he didn’t steal a single kobo of their money but some forces were bent on painting him black, thereby crying more than the bereaved. I am happy that they failed because at the end, even the judiciary has confirmed our stand!”

Sulyman Buhari

Kwara APC Publicity Secretary

"The reactions to this Saraki case aptly demonstrate that many people are not trained to think for themselves."

Onye Nkuzi

@cchukudebelu

DEMOCRACY, DICTATORSHIP AND OUR UNDOING

My Thought, My Identity: DEMOCRACY, DICTATORSHIP AND OUR UNDOING: By: Bamiteko Anthony Dare This day marks 18 years where by government that is said to be by the people is restored back to our great ...

Saraki's Statement After CCB Judgement

My Thought, My Identity: Saraki's Statement After CCB Judgement: Statement By Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki on The CCT Decision Today, June 14, 2017, the Code of Conduct Tribunal sitting in Abuja discha...

Saraki's Statement After CCB Judgement

Statement By Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki on The CCT Decision

Today, June 14, 2017, the Code of Conduct Tribunal sitting in Abuja discharged and acquitted me on a case of false declaration of assets, which started in September 2015.


You would recall that at the beginning of the trial, I maintained that I will clear my name. The conclusion of this trial has vindicated my position. With the outcome of this case, our faith is renewed in our courts and our hope is restored that the judiciary in our country could indeed provide sanctuary for all those who seek justice.


I thank the Almighty Allah, the ultimate Judge and the repository of all powers. He alone has brought about this victory. I am immensely grateful to all my colleagues in the National Assembly for their abiding support. All through my trial, they demonstrated their strong conviction about the choice we all decided to make two years ago. I thank members of my family for their unflinching support. I thank all friends and supporters back home in Kwara State and across the length and breadth of our country for their prayers and their sacrifices. My gratitude also goes to all members of my legal team for their tireless efforts to ensure the cause of justice is served.


After undergoing the crucible of a tortuous trial, my vindication today calls for celebration.  It is my belief however that if there should be any celebration at all, it should be a celebration of the hopes that this judgment gives us as citizens that despite all the challenges that we face as a country, we are well on our way to building a country where the innocent needs not be afraid. I therefore urge all my supporters to refrain from any unbridled triumphalism. The challenges that our country faces today are enormous and do not allow for wanton celebration. Instead, we should all reflect on the significance of this moment and what it meant for our democracy.


On a personal note, I harbour no grudge against anyone, regardless of the role they might have played in the persecution that I had endured in the last two years. I believe that If my trial had in anyway given hope to the common man that no matter the forces arraigned against him, he can still get justice in our courts, then my tribulation had not been in vain.


Once again, I thank my colleagues in the 8th Senate for standing firm. Regardless of the distraction of my trial, we have achieved more as legislators than the previous Senates. Now that this distraction is over, we can even achieve so much more. We must now proceed from here with greater vigour to deliver on the expectations of Nigerians and show that this 8th Senate can indeed play a central role in improving the quality of lives of our people.


Lastly, I thank all the gentlemen of the press for your abiding interest in this case, which I believe had contributed in no small measure in ensuring that truth and reason ultimately prevailed.


Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON

President of the Senate

STATS AND LINE UP of Juventus VS Real Madrid Champions League Final, Cardiff 2017

Juventus have "been building all season" for Real Madrid, who are bidding to become the first team to retain the UEFA Champions League and are "used to pressure" according to Zinédine Zidane.

    Juventus and Real Madrid meet in Cardiff final at 20:45CET on Saturday
    Madrid aiming to become first team to retain UEFA Champions League
    Madrid looking to win third title in four years
    Juventus aiming for third European title, first since 1996
    Bianconeri have lost their last four UEFA Champions League finals

Possible line-ups
Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanić; Dani Alves, Dybala, Mandžukić; Higuaín.
Out: Sturaro (thigh), Pjaca (knee)

Doubt: Rugani (leg)

Real Madrid: Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Modrić, Casemiro, Kroos, Isco; Benzema, Ronaldo.
Out: none

Doubt: none

Massimiliano Allegri, Juventus coach
How we're going to tackle tomorrow's game is with total tranquility and serenity. We've worked all year for this. It won't be easy because Real Madrid are the defending champions, but we know what we've built over the season and we'll try to give that little bit more than Real Madrid.

We have worked for a whole year. All the trophies, and all the victories we've had this year, have been a sort of training for tomorrow. We have to win. It's one game; you need to analyse the game and see when to attack, when to defend and, if we're able to do that, we have a chance. But we need to feel relaxed and confident that we're able to win the trophy.

•     Can Juve become ninth team to complete treble?
•     Buffon aiming to surpass Maldini as oldest winner.

In 2015 we got to the final and deserved to, but at the same time perhaps we were not really strongly motived – maybe we didn't feel confident enough after struggling for a few years in the Champions League. We didn't get to the final by chance, but we didn't expect to win. This year is different. Last year we had a good season in the Champions League and lost to Bayern in the last minute. We've been growing gradually. Now it's completely different.

Zinédine Zidane, Real Madrid coach
We've done a lot of work all season, to win the Liga and to get to this final. What's most important is that we're all prepared, and we are. In football, you have to give it your all. I've lost many matches, so I know it's possible to lose. It's the same for Juventus. We're going to try to play our game; we know we're going to play against a great team. What everyone who likes football wants to see is to see a great final.

We know all about pressure at Real Madrid. We're always favourites, but in reality in a final there are no favourites. We're not favourites, nor are Juventus. It's 50-50. But we're in the final again, and everything is possible. I expect an open game on both sides. I've lived and been at Juventus, in Italy there's the famous catenaccio, but Juve don't just have that. I expect an open game.

•     Top scorers: Ronaldo closing on Messi
•     Madrid one goal off competition milestone

Cristiano is a good person, because he's worried; he worries about the others. What's really important is what he does professionally. He always wants more. Even if it's a training session, he wants to win there as well. What this gives the team is that he always wants to win. He has something inside; he's a born leader, especially on the pitch.


We're not going to change anything at all. We're going to talk about the game, but that's all. Nothing changes; nothing should change. We're going to do things the way we always have done, and we're going to see.



Credit-uefa.com