FOOTBALL: Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy extends his contract till 2019 in a new deal

Jamie Vardy has signed a new three-and-a-half year contract with Leicester City, extending his stay at the King Power Stadium until 2019.


The England striker has been rewarded for his fine form this season with a new contract that extends his stay at the King Power Stadium by an extra year.

WEIRD NEWS: 11 year old boy kills 8 year old girl over puppies

An 11-year-old boy has been found guilty of murdering his eight-year-old neighbour after she refused to bring him her puppies.

McKayla Dyer died on 2 October, 2015, after she was shot in the chest outside her home in Tennessee.

WORLD NEWS: TAIWAN - UPDATE OF TAINAN EARTHQUAKE AS OVER 100 PERSONS ARE MISSING

At least 14 people have been killed and more than 100 are missing after a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan, causing a number of buildings to collapse.

Eleven of the dead - including a 10-day-old girl - were killed when a 17-storey apartment building came down in the city of Tainan.

WORLD NEWS: NORTH KOREA - North Korea Brings Rocket Launch Forward

North Korea is ready to launch what it has called an earth observation satellite as early as tomorrow.

It had announced it would launch a rocket carrying it sometime between 8 and 25 February, around the time of the birthday of late leader Kim Jong-Il, the father of Kim Jong-Un.

WORLD NEWS: TRAGIC - Deadly Manhattan Crane Collapses

An onlooker filmed the moment a giant construction crane collapsed in Manhattan, killing a Wall Street worker and injuring three other people.

The clip shows the massive structure crashing down an entire block in the Tribeca neighbourhood, about 10 blocks north of the World Trade Center.

FOOTBALL: Jose Mourinho rejected Real Madrid twice and has now rejected a role in China

The former Chelsea boss has snubbed his former club twice, along with an offer from China to help improve their grassroots system

Jose Mourinho has rejected two offers from Real Madrid, according to The UK Sun.

FOOTBALL: Eden Hazard says he would like to player under Zidane's tutelage

Eden Hazard admits he is flattered by the interest from Zinedine Zidane and says he would welcome the chance to play under the World Cup winner.


The Belgium international insists he is happy to stay at Chelsea but admits he is flattered by the praise from the Real Madrid boss.

In November, Zidane admitted that the Chelsea midfielder was his favourite player after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, while Real Madrid have been linked with a summer move.

WORLD NEWS: Edgar Mitchell, sixth man on the Moon, dies aged 85

US astronaut Edgar Mitchell, who was the sixth man to walk on the Moon, has died aged 85.

Captain Mitchell passed away at a hospice in West Palm Beach, Florida, one day before the 45th anniversary of his Moon landing, his family said.

As part of the Apollo 14 mission in 1971, he spent more than nine hours on the Moon conducting experiments.

WORLD NEWS: SOMALIA - Somali plane 'was holed by bomb' after Mogadishu take-off

A blast that punched a large hole in the fuselage of a passenger plane at Somalia's Mogadishu airport on Tuesday was caused by a bomb, officials say.

"It was a bomb that exploded in the Daallo Airlines flight. It was meant to kill all aboard," Transport Minister Ali Ahmed Jamac said.

WORLD NEWS: IRELAND - HUNT FOR DUBLIN BOXING MATCH GUNMEN UNDERWAY

A manhunt is under way for six people involved in a shooting at a boxing match weigh-in in Dublin.

Apparently armed with AK-47 rifles, three of the gang dressed in outfits similar to a police SWAT team burst into the Regency Hotel in Dublin, where up to 300 fans including children were forced to run and dive for cover.

WORLD SPORTS (PHOTOS): Kenyan marathon star wins Lagos City Marathon

The much awaited Lagos City Marathon has ended with over 20,000 athletes, including 150 local and international world-class runners who participated. Kenyan Marathoner- Abraham Kipton has won the inaugural edition of the race.

WORLD NEWS: LIBYA - CLASHES IN LYBIA RECORD OVER 30 DEATHS

Two days of clashes in southeastern Libya between a local armed faction and Sudanese fighters have left more than 30 people dead, a local mayor has said.

Football: Jose Mourinho looks set to replace Louis Van Gaal at Old Trafford.

Ousted Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho looks  set to be confirmed as Louis van Gaal's replacement at Old Trafford.

The former Chelsea boss having his heart set on the top job at Old Trafford has held positive talks with the club's hierarchy in the past few days with his agent representing him.

WORLD NEWS: SAD!!! WWF Superstar Axl Rotten Dies at 44

World Wrestling Entertainment star Axl Rotten - who thrilled fans in the 1990s with dramatic bouts featuring flaming furniture, barbed wire and broken glass - has died, aged 44.

The wrestler, real name Brian Knighton, was found dead on Thursday night in his car outside a McDonald's in Baltimore, Maryland, Pro Wrestling Sheet reported.

WORLD NEWS: TECHNOLOGY/TERRORISM - Twitter Suspends over 125,000 'Terrorism' Accounts

The Forefront has learnt that giant social media platform Twitter has suspended more than 125,000 accounts for threatening or promoting terrorist acts - most related to Islamic State.

The accounts have been shut down over the past eight months as social media firms respond to pressure from the US government for them to be more proactive.

NEWS: NIGERIA - ARMS DEAL; TOM IKIMI ARRESTED BY THE EFCC

Football: Chelsea's Eden Hazard says he sent Mourinho a sorry text after sack

Eden Hazard has admitted he sent a message of apology to Jose Mourinho after the coach's sacking by Chelsea in December.

The Chelsea winger has admitted he felt guilty for the Portuguese coach's dismissal and says he has no explanation for his team's dramatic loss of form this season

Hazard was named the PFA Player of the Year as Chelsea stormed to the Premier League title last season but his form in 2015-16 has fallen well short of those standards.

WORLD NEWS: HEALTH - WOW!!! ZIKA VIRUS LINKED TO NERVOUS DISORDER COLOMBIA SAYS

GAVIRIA - COLOMBIA HEALTH MINISTER

Colombia says three people have died after contracting the Zika virus and developing a rare nerve disorder.

Health Minister Alejandro Gaviria said there was a "causal connection" between Zika, the Guillain-Barre disorder and the three deaths.

Earlier, Brazilian scientists said they had detected for the first time active samples of Zika in urine and saliva.

WORLD NEWS: ENTERTAINMENT - Raphael Schumacher declared brain dead after stage stunt

You will recall The Forefront has been following this developing story but it is now confirmed that Raphael Schumacher, the Italian actor who was accidentally hanged during a live theatre performance, has been declared clinically dead.

Schumacher, 27, was re-enacting a hanging scene during an interactive performance in Pisa, when a spectator realised the stunt had gone wrong.

The actor, who had been in a coma since Saturday night, has subsequently been declared brain dead by doctors.

WORLD NEWS: TAIWAN - Earthquake hits buildings in Taiwan City of Tainan killing at least seven

An earthquake has toppled buildings in the south Taiwanese city of Tainan, killing at least seven people.

Rescue teams have been trying to reach people trapped in rubble since the magnitude 6.4 quake struck just before 04:00 (20:00 GMT Friday).

A baby was among at least four people killed when a high-rise block collapsed. More than 300 people have been injured.

PHOTO NEWS: NIGERIA - Wow! See Obasanjo prostrate twice for the new Ooni of Ife in absolute humility

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday prostrated for the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ojaja II, when he paid homage to him in his palace.

He described Oba Ogunwusi as his father and father of the Yoruba people, saying he was pleased that Ife people did not pick a wrong person to occupy the throne.

NEWS GIST: NIGERIA - Out of court settlement for Daar Communications and Tinubu as Dokpesi apologises

DAAR Communications, owned by Chief Raymond Dokpesi,yesterday tendered an unreserved apology to the national leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu over the controversial documentary ‘Lion of Bourdillon’ aired on African Independent Television (AIT) ahead of last year’s general elections.

The company also opted for an out of court settlement in a N150 billion libel suit filed by Tinubu against him at a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja.

NEWS: NIGERIA - President Buhari on 5 day vacation with effect from today - Presidency

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday began a five day vacation, the presidency has said.

This is contained in a statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.

WORLD NEWS: ENTERTAINMENT - BMX Star Dave Mirra Dies In Apparent Suicide In North Carolina

BMX legend Dave Mirra - who once held the record for the most X Games medals - has died in an apparent suicide.

The 41-year-old's body was found in a truck in Pinewood Road, Greenville, North Carolina, with what is thought to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Thursday night, police said.

WORLD NEWS: ENTERTAINMENT - Singer Madonna in Taiwan - China row over wearing flag

Madonna has become embroiled in a war of words over Taiwanese identity after draping herself in the island's flag during a concert in Taipei.

Taiwanese newspapers published photos of the Queen of Pop with the flag around her shoulders as she sang an encore.

The move was greeted enthusiastically by many on Taiwanese internet forums, who saw it as a boost to their quest to protect the island's sovereignty in the face of increased influence from Beijing.

NEWS: NIGERIA - Senator Bukola Saraki reacts to Supreme Court ruling on his CCT trial

Senate President Bukola Saraki has expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday, which dismissed his appeal to stop his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), over alleged false assets declaration, while the Governor of Kwara State.

NEWS: nigeria - Supreme court rules Saraki must continue with asset declaration trial

The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by the senate president, Bukola Saraki, against his trial for alleged corruption.

Mr. Saraki is facing a 13-count charge of alleged asset declaration fraud.

Football: Dani alves says Barcelona fc would be crazy to let Neymar leave

Barcelona full back Dani Alves has urged Barcelona to tie Neymar down to a new deal, insisting they would be "crazy" not to reward the 24-year-old with a contract extension.

The Brazilian forward's current deal expires in 2018, with Goal exclusively reporting on January 29 that the club are on the verge of a sponsorship agreement with Qatar Airways that will allow them to negotiate improved terms with the former Santos star.

WORLD NEWS: Aleppo onslaught - Thousands flee after Russia onslaught

A few months ago Bashar al Assad had his back against the Mediterranean. A rebel coalition was driving his forces into an ever tighter enclave. His very survival was in doubt.

Then the Kremlin stepped in – throwing the weight of a resurgent superpower behind his cause to devastating effect.

This week, Russia launched wave upon wave of bombing sorties against opposition forces, some of them backed by the West, around Aleppo and Homs.

WORLD NEWS: Gunmen in Dublin kill one with AK-47 rifle in a boxing match

One man has been killed and two others injured after gunmen apparently carrying AK-47 rifles opened fire at a boxing match weigh-in in Dublin.

Unconfirmed witness reports say the three attackers were dressed in police-style uniforms when they burst in at around 2.30pm.

One of the boxers, who had just stepped off the scales in his underwear, along with three officials, ran for their lives when the gunmen opened fire in the function room.

News: Nigeria - Army nab 20 pipeline vandals

The Defence Head Quarters (DHQ), yesterday warned that the military and security agencies will no longer fold its arms and allow any person or group of persons threaten or embark on acts of sabotage against the Nigerian state.

Football: Manchester City - He returns at last! Kompany back in training

Manchester City received a boost on Thursday as they were able to welcome club captain Vincent Kompany back to first-team training.

Football: Nigeria - Three steps up for the Super Eagles

Super Eagles of Nigeria have gained three spots on the latest FIFA ranking released yesterday to finish 63rd in the world and 12th in Africa.

The Sunday Oliseh’s men crashed out of the ongoing African Nations Championship in Rwanda in the group stage but still managed to improve their standing on the global raking.

NEWS: NIGERIA - OVER 23,000 GHOST WORKERS IN FG PAYROLL EXPOSED BY BVN

Over 23,000 names are to be deleted from the Federal Government’s payroll.A team probing multiple salary payments recommended 23,306 civil servants and some banks for thorough investigations.

The government has started deleting the indicted civil servants from its payroll, it was learnt.

It was also learnt that some of those affected have tendered their resignation letters to pre-empt dismissal from service and prosecution.

NEWS: NIGERIA - CCT ASSET DECLARATION: SARAKI KNOWS FATE TODAY

Senate President Bukola Saraki appealed the October 30, 2015, judgment of the Court of Apeal, Abuja, which dismissed his appeal challenging the jurisdiction of the CCT to try him for alleged false declaration of assets.

Saraki was arraigned before the CCT on September 22, last year on a 13-count after initial resistance, prompting the tribunal to issue a bench warrant for his arrest.

NEWS: NIGERIA - President Buhari under pressure from the highly placed to stop antigraft war, Osinbajo says

President Muhammadu Buhari is under pressure from some highly-placed Nigerians to slow down his anti-graft war, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said yesterday.

But the government will not pull the brakes because fighting corruption is what Nigerians want, the Vice President said.

Prof. Osinbajo spoke during a meeting with a delegation from the Moslem Congress of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

WORLD NEWS: TECHNOLOGY - Facebook Posts Automatic Friends Day Videos to mark anniversary

Facebook users aon thursday got personalised highlights reel at the top of their news feeds to celebrate the social network's 12th birthday.

The Friends Day feature uses an algorithm to "stitch together special moments" of friends and family.

Football: Ranieri on title hopes for Leicester: I'd like to say 'Yes we can!', but I am not Obama!

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri is tempted to get carried away by his side's surprise Premier League title tilt but maintains their underdog status is intact.

Tuesday's 2-0 win over Liverpool, courtesy of Jamie Vardy's brace, puts Leicester three points clear at the summit ahead of trips to traditional heavyweights Manchester City and Arsenal in the next fortnight.

WORLD NEWS: US ELECTION 2016 - Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders in first showdown

Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are holding their first one-on-one debate, as they vie to be the Democratic presidential pick.

The TV debate in New Hampshire is their first since the Democratic race was whittled down to two this week.

They clashed sharply over Wall Street and foreign policy.

NEWS: NIGERIA - BVN registration deadline extended for Nigerians in diaspora

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has once again extended the registration and linkage of BVN of Nigerian bank customers in diaspora.

Last year the CBN extended the exercise to 31 January 2016 but in a circular issued last night by the apex bank, it noted that it had observed through a survey the low percentage of registration of Nigerian Banks’ customers in diaspora which may be attributed to lack of accessibility to registration Centres and unavailability of registration Centres in some cities with large Nigerian populations.

NEWS GIST: NIGERIA - SAD!!! 42 year old man commits suicide in Akure, Ondo

A 42-year-old man identified as Ayo Boye was Thursday found hanged on a tree behind a block industry at Adofure area of Akure, Ondo State capital.

According to the owner of the block industry, who identified himself as Olanrewaju, his workers called him on phone to inform him about the incident, stressing that on getting to his office, he also saw the lifeless body of a man hanged on a tree.

WORLD NEWS: E7bn pledged by World Leaders for Syria refugees

World leaders have pledged more than £7bn to tackle the Syrian refugee crisis - the largest amount ever raised for a humanitarian crisis in one day.

Some £4.1bn was promised for this year at a conference in London - and a further £3.4bn will be handed over by 2020, David Cameron announced.

WORLD NEWS: MENTAL HEALTH - 'Suicide prevention app' on trial

An NHS mental health trust is working with US researchers to develop an app that may stop people from killing themselves.

Liverpool-based Merseycare and Stanford University have been in talks on how the technology could work.

The aim is to have the prototype ready by June with the first patients being monitored in January.

WORLD NEWS: HEALTH - Zika virus pregnancy case confirmed in Spain, the first in Europe

Spain has confirmed that a pregnant woman has been diagnosed with the Zika virus - the first such case in Europe.

The health ministry said the woman had recently returned from Colombia, where it is believed she was infected.

Football: WOW!!! Manchester United made E144m audacious Neymar bid

Manchester United made a €190 million (£144m) offer for Barcelona star Neymar during the summer window, according to the player's father.
The Red Devils were ready to pay a world-record fee by activating the Brazil international's release clause but club and player held firm and Neymar Senior expects the forward to stay put for the foreseeable future as well.

NEWS: NIGERIA - ARMS DEAL PROBE; Metuh gave me #25m but... - Abba Dabo

Abba Dabo, former special adviser on political matters to former Vice President Namadi Sambo, has narrated how Olisa Metuh, spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), gave him N25m to fight criticisms in the traditional and in the social media against former President Goodluck Jonathan. Dabo, however, explained that he returned the money to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) when he realised it was part of funds for arms purchase allegedly diverted for other purposes by Sambo Dasuki, former national security adviser (NSA).

NEWS: NIGERIA - MASSOB to Buhari: Our freedom is non-negotiable

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has vowed to make Nigeria ungovernable if its demand to conduct a referendum in the South East was not heeded by the Federal Government.

MASSOB through its Director of Information,Samuel Edeson in a statement to newsmen in Enugu  said; "we shall use everything at our disposal to fight Nigeria Government especially through civil disobedience."

WORLD NEWS: ENTERTAINMENT - Italian actor who featured in a hanging scene on set in a deteriorating state of health

The condition of the Italian actor left in a coma after a hanging scene went wrong during a live theatrical production is deteriorating, it has been reported.

Raphael Schumacher, 27, was appearing in a production of Mirages at the Teatro Lux in Pisa when an audience member realised he was in trouble.

WORLD NEWS: HEALTH - Brazil declare war on Zika Virus and deadly aedes mosquitoes

 Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has declared war on mosquitoes responsible for spreading the Zika virus in a recorded TV message to the nation.

She said a national mobilisation day would be held on Saturday, during which thousands of soldiers and state employees would work to eradicate the insects in homes and offices.

Football: Canizeres blasts Gary Neville after Valencia's 7-0 spanking by Barca; resign and apologise he says

Former Valencia goalkeeper Santiago Canizares has called on Gary Neville to resign and apologise following his side’s 7-0 thrashing by Barcelona at Camp Nou.

A Lionel Messi hat-trick and four goals from Luis Suarez all but confirmed Barca’s place in the Copa del Rey final, with Valencia finishing the game with 10-men after captain Shkodran Mustafi saw red.