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Tag: Brazil

  • 53-year-old excretes 92 wraps of cocaine at Abuja airport

    53-year-old excretes 92 wraps of cocaine at Abuja airport

    A 53-year-old Brazilian returnee, Okolie Nwabueze, has been arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for allegedly importing 92 wraps of cocaine.

    This is even as Nwabueze, a father of two, ingested the drugs and eventually excreted them after days under observation in the Agency’s facility.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi on Sunday in Abuja.

    Babafemi said that the suspect who hailed from Mmaku village, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, was arrested on Sept. 2.

    The arrest was upon his arrival on Qatar Airline flight enroute Brazil-Doha-Abuja.

    The NDLEA spokesperson said that the suspect claimed to have left Nigeria to Mozambique in 2004 and finally relocated to Brazil in 2017.

    This, he added, was where he obtained a residence permit before deciding to import the illicit substance for a $4,000 fee.

    In the same vein, a 42-year old man, Aliyu Kwasare, was arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, (MAKIA), Kano.

    Babafemi said that the suspect was caught for attempting to export a consignment of new psychoactive substance, “Akuskura”, to Saudi Arabia.

    He said that the suspect, an indigene of Kware LGA Sokoto, who lived in Goron Dutse area of Kano, was arrested on Sept. 5.

    He said arrested during the outward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airline flight to Riyadh.

    In another development, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos, no fewer than 1.099 million tablets of Tramadol (225mg) have been seized.

    Babafemi said the drugs were intercepted through inter-agency collaboration between NDLEA and the Nigerian Customs.

    “The pharmaceutical opioids packed in 50 cartons weighing 2,058.90kg, were imported from Pakistan via Addis-Ababa on Ethiopian Airways.

    “The consignment was concealed among other non-controlled pharmaceuticals.

    “Also, a freight agent, Aliyu Abubakar, was on Friday arrested at the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) export shed of the airport.

    “The arrest was over an attempt to export a consignment of cannabis concealed inside bottles of Caro white body lotion, ” he said.

  • World `loneliest’ person dies in Brazil

    World `loneliest’ person dies in Brazil

    An indigenous man who lived in complete isolation in the Brazilian Amazon for over 25 years has died, the indigenous rights group Survival International announced late on Monday.

    According to Funai, Brazil’s agency for the country’s indigenous population, which was tasked with monitoring him, the man was found dead in a hammock.

    There were reportedly no signs of foul play.

    The indigenous man was known as “Índio Tanaru’’ or “Índio of the hole,’’ as he was known to dig deep holes in which he hid and caught animals.

    He was believed to be the last survivor of his tribe and the only inhabitant of Tanaru territory in the state of Rondônia.

    He was dubbed by some as the world’s loneliest person.

    Human rights activists believe that the other remaining members of his tribe were killed by cattle ranchers when they expanded into the region in the 1970s and 1980s.

    The region, near Brazil’s border with Bolivia, was often referred to as Brazil’s Wild West, as land conflicts were often settled violently.

    According to Fiona Watson of Survival International, the man “symbolised both the appalling violence and cruelty inflicted on indigenous peoples in the name of colonisation and economic benefit and their resistance,’’ statement said.

  • Ex-Chelsea star leaves Brazilian club after ‘death threats’

    Ex-Chelsea star leaves Brazilian club after ‘death threats’

    Former Chelsea star Willian has left Brazilian side Corinthians after claiming he and his family received death threats on social media.

    The 34-year-old has scored once in 45 games since rejoining Corinthians from Arsenal last summer.

    The Brazil international has already been linked with a return to the Premier League with Fulham.

    “Willian asked us for his [contract] termination,” said Corinthians president Duilio Monteiro Alves.

    “We are sad not to have him any more and also because it didn’t go the way we expected. But we have to keep those here that are happy.”

    Corinthians have lost five of their past nine games, and Willian played in the second leg on Wednesday as the Brazilian side were knocked out of the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals by domestic rivals Flamengo.

    “Whenever Corinthians lost and I didn’t play well, my family received threats and insults on social media – my wife, my children, and recently they also started attacking my father, my sister,” Willian told the Globo Esporte website.

  • Messi has nothing to prove to anyone – Neymar

    Messi has nothing to prove to anyone – Neymar

    Brazilian forward Neymar insists club teammate Lionel Messi has nothing to prove to his critics in his second season as a Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player.

    Messi had an underwhelming first campaign with PSG following his move from FC Barcelona, scoring 11 goals in 34 games.

    This was down on the 38 scored with Barca the previous year.

    The Argentina captain assisted 14 goals, though, 10 of which came after the turn of the year.

    Only Barca’s Ousmane Dembele (11) has managed more across Europe’s top five leagues in 2022.

    The 35-year-old impressed in his first competitive outing of the 2022/2023 campaign on Sunday as he opened the scoring in PSG’s 4-0 Trophee des Champions win over Nantes.

    However, when asked if that display is a sign of a new Messi at PSG, Neymar leapt to the defence of his colleague.

    “I don’t think so. I think people talk too much,” he said. “They don’t know what’s going on every day, what’s going on inside.

    “Leo, it’s Leo. It’s still Leo, it doesn’t change. No, he continues to make the difference. He adapts.

    “It is obvious that we hope that everything goes well for the three of us, for me, for Leo, for Kylian [Mbappe]. If the three of us are well, I’m sure it’s good for the team.”

    Neymar scored twice after Messi had opened the scoring in Tel Aviv and Sergio Ramos was also on target as PSG won their first silverware under Christophe Galtier.

    The Parisians have now won 11 Trophee des Champion crowns, including nine of the past 10 editions of the competition.

    Neymar, who also created a game-high three goalscoring chances, is pleased to have started the new campaign — his sixth with PSG — in style.

    “I’m satisfied. We had a very good match with the team,” he said. “It’s very important to start winning and it’s a match that ends in a trophy. Whatever happens, you have to win.”

  • I don’t want to be a superstar at Arsenal – Gabriel Jesus

    I don’t want to be a superstar at Arsenal – Gabriel Jesus

    Arsenal’s new signing Gabriel Jesus has insisted that he does not want to be a “superstar” at the club.

    The Brazilian, signed from Manchester City this summer, scored two goals on debut in a friendly win over Nurnberg.

    He said: “I don’t want to be the superstar, you know?

    “I just want to play football, go out on the pitch and help my teammates, like a family we have to do it together.

    “I’m not here to be ‘the man’. I’m here to help, to learn with these guys as well, and to win together.”

  • Brazilian star Richarlison completes Tottenham medical

    Brazilian star Richarlison completes Tottenham medical

    Brazilian and Everton forward Richarlison has completed a medical at Tottenham Hotspur.

    Sky Sports has stated that the 25-year-old underwent the medical in Brazil on Thursday.

    A member of Spurs’ staff was present for the medical checks.

    Spurs and Everton have agreed upon a transfer worth £60m.

    The North London club will pay an initial £50m with a further £10m in add-ons.

  • World Cup 2022: Who are the 10 favourites for this year’s tournament ?

    The first-ever winter World Cup in Qatar has hit the headlines for some extremely negative reasons since the country won its bid back in 2018.

    While the tournament continues to cause controversy among many people, football fans will at least look forward to a festival of football coming up in November.
    From a footballing perspective, there are some fascinating questions to answer: will France retain their crown? Will Messi retire on a high? Will England finally win a trophy?

    Here are the ten favourites that will probably provide all the answers.

    Brazil

    The pre-tournament favourites are still smarting from their Copa America final defeat to bitter rivals Argentina last year, where a Leo Messi-inspired Albiceleste edged the game with a 1-0 win.

    The Brazilians always tend to bounce back, though. The five-time winners have a history of surprising people, and after 20 years without a Jules Rimet trophy win, the likes of Neymar and Everton will be out to prove their critics wrong.

    France

    The 2018 world champions had a tough time at Euro 2021, crashing out of the last 16 to Switzerland on penalties.

    While the squad is blessed with world-class talent, there are persistent rumours of ego clashes within the dressing room as some of football’s biggest names vie for supremacy.

    Didier Deschamps has managed to bring them all together before, of course, which is why experts make France favourites. But there’s always that element of doubt about team morale that dogs Les Bleus at a major tournament.

    England

    England’s failures are legendary. Despite having a team packed full of stars who earn monthly salaries the size of lottery jackpots, the English have consistently fallen short on the big stage.

    Yet confidence is high after their best showing in years at Euro 2020. Their appearance in the final, following a 2018 World Cup semi-final, has given them big game experience, which they’ll be hoping to use via star men Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling.

    Can they do it? It’s unlikely, but stranger things have happened.

    Argentina

    We mentioned Argentina’s stunning Copa America win, and their recent Finalissima win over Italy (where the Latin American champions play their European counterparts) will have boosted their confidence further.

    It helps that they have arguably the best player ever in their ranks. Messi’s influence may be waning as he hits his mid-30s, but he still has the ability to turn a game on his head at any point. Just ask Estonia, which conceded five goals to the great Messi in a friendly game early in June.

    Spain

    Spain’s golden period may be over, but they still have some dangerous players in their ranks.

    Barcelona’s young trio of Gavi, Pedri, and Fati have got the pundits’ tongues wagging, but the likes of Carvajal and Busquets have been there and done that. Old heads will be crucial in a tricky group where they clash with Germany, another big player.

    Time will tell if Luis Enrique can bring back the glory days to the Iberian Peninsula.

    Belgium

    ‘Always the bridesmaid, never the bride’ is an apt expression to describe Belgium and their galaxy of talent.

    Frequently ranked as world number one, they are another team which continues to underachieve, despite having the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku in their ranks.

    Roberto Martinez has been criticised for poor tactics in past tournaments, so the pressure’s on him to finally deliver glory to Belgium’s golden generation.

    Portugal

    Will this be Ronaldo’s last-ever World Cup? Not if he has anything to do with it. The 37-year-old has the physique of a man at least a decade younger, and this will help him in a physically demanding Qatari climate.

    Another team with a tricky group, Portugal will need all of their talisman’s experience to get past Uruguay, Ghana, and South Korea, but they’ll also have the talents of Joao Felix and Diogo Jota to count on as they look to win their first World Cup.

    Denmark

    Christian Eriksen’s horrific collapse at last year’s Euros seems like a bad dream now, and the midfielder has exceeded everyone’s expectations by coming back to help Brentford stave off relegation.

    It’s likely he’ll travel to Qatar, too, where his talents could help Denmark continue their brilliant run of form that has taken them to a Euro semi-final, their best showing since their famous 1992 tournament win.

    Germany

    Germany may not be at their best right now but write them off at your peril. New coach Hansi Flick is taking time to bed in new ideas, but a comprehensive defeat of Italy recently suggests that things are coming together.

    People will look at stars like Thomas Müller to provide the spark, but it may instead come from the likes of Jamal Musiala who is already making a name for himself in the Bayern Munich side at the tender age of 19.

    Netherlands

    Netherlands represents the tournament’s dark horse, with their up-and-down form but capacity to spring a shock, as their 4-1 Nations League win over neighbours Belgium proved.

    Marshalled by the colossal Virgil Van Dijk at the back and with the talent of Frenkie De Jong in midfield, the Dutch will fancy their chances in one of the less demanding groups. Win that, and a winnable knockout game against the Group B runners-up (likely to be Wales or USA) awaits them. After that, anything is possible.

  • Returnee from Brazil arrested with cocaine in private parts

    Returnee from Brazil arrested with cocaine in private parts

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a Brazilian returnee with pellets of cocaine concealed in his private parts.

    This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by NDLEA’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi.

    Babafemi stated that the suspect was arrested at the arrival hall of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos.

    He stated that the suspect was nabbed on June 20 upon arrival on an Ethiopian Airline flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil via Addis Ababa.

    He added that the suspect had swallowed 50 wraps of cocaine before departing Brazil and excreted 48 pellets in Addis Ababa where he handed them over to another person.

    According to Babafemi, the suspect was unable to excrete the remaining two wraps at the hotel room in Addis Ababa before boarding his flight.

    “He later excreted them in the aircraft restroom during the flight from Ethiopia to Lagos,’’ Babafemi stated.

    Meanwhile, two drug kingpins behind the smuggling of two drug consignments from Canada concealed in vehicles containers through the Tin Can Port in Apapa, Lagos have been arrested by NDLEA’s operatives.

    Babafemi stated that one of them was arrested at his house in Idi Araba area of Lagos on June 22.

    The suspect was arrested for importing a 40ft container carrying 33 parcels of “Colorado’’ weighing16.5kg.

    Babafemi added that the second suspect, popularly called Otunba, was arrested on Thursday for his role in the smuggling of 290 parcels of “Colorado’’ weighing 145kg from Montreal, Canada.

    The drugs were concealed in four vehicles shipped into Nigeria in a 40ft container.

    “He had been on the run since March and had in the course of investigation attempted to bribe NDLEA officers with N10million to influence the case,’’ Babafemi stated.

  • Neymar penalty kick earns narrow win for Brazil against Japan

    Neymar penalty kick earns narrow win for Brazil against Japan

    Brazil earned a 1-0 win in a friendly match against Japan in Tokyo on Monday, thanks to a penalty kick from Neymar.

    Brazil dominated for large periods in the pouring rain at the New Japan National Stadium and squandered several goalscoring chances.

    Neymar’s penalty kick finally broke the deadlock in the 77th minute.

    The victory means the Selecao have won five consecutive games, and have not lost since July when they were beaten by Argentina in the Copa America final.

    Both teams came into the came on the back of big wins last time out Thursday, with Japan thumping Paraguay 4-1, while Brazil went one better in beating South Korea 5-1.

    Brazil almost took the lead inside two minutes as a neat play between Vinicius Junior and Neymar ended with the latter backheeling to Lucas Paqueta.

    He hit the post after shooting across Shuichi Gonda in the Japan goal.

    Japan had a brief period in the first half where they caused some problems for Tite’s side, with Takumi Minamino getting some joy between the lines.

    But Brazil soon established their dominance as they created more chances.

    Casemiro should have put the visitors ahead in the 26th minute but could only guide a header from a Raphinha free-kick over the crossbar.

    Thereafter, Neymar had a shot parried away by Gonda and Raphinha bent a direct free-kick just wide of the left-hand post.

    Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus were introduced just after the hour and the Arsenal forward almost made an immediate impact.

    But he could only guide his shot wide of the far post after the ball was cushioned down for him by Casemiro.

    The hosts’ only real chance of note came in the 72nd minute, when Junya Ito fired over with a volley at the far post.

    Brazil were awarded a penalty kick shortly after, when substitute Richarlison was fouled by Wataru Endo.

    Neymar then sent Gonda the wrong way from the spot for them to win the game.

  • Ex-Chelsea defender undergoes heart bypass surgery

    Former defender, Alex has revealed that he has undergone heart bypass surgery to clear four blocked arteries.

    The 39-year-old footballer retired in 2016 after a long and successful career playing for Chelsea, PSV Eindhoven, Paris Saint-Germain, and AC Milan.

    Alex’s former club, Santos shared a video of the former defender at a hospital in an undisclosed location as he recovers.

    ‘I came here to deny reports saying I had a heart attack. I found a (health) problem a few days ago, doctors decided to give me a bypass surgery. I had four blocked arteries,’ Alex said.

    I just left the intensive care unit, I will stay at the hospital for another six days.’ he added