FOOTBALL: IRAQ ATTACK - FIFA PRESIDENT INFANTINO SADDENED

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has expressed his sadness following a terrorist attack on a football match in Iraq on Friday.

FOOTBALL: HOW SUAREZ RETURNED SINCE BITING CHIELLIN AT 2014 WORLD CUP IN BRAZIL

Luis Suarez scored a second-half equaliser for Uruguay in a 2-2 draw with Brazil, his first competitive international since he was banned for biting at the 2014 World Cup.

The Barcelona striker had not played competitively for Uruguay for 640 days before Friday's World Cup qualifier.

WORLD NEWS: North Korea Nukes US In Propaganda Video

North Korea has threatened to lay waste to Washington with a submarine-launched nuclear missile in a menacing propaganda video.

The four-minute film - titled Last Chance - runs through the history of US-Korea relations, including images of US prisoners of war on Korean soil.

WORLD NEWS: BRUSSELS ATTACKS - THIRD SUSPECT IDENTIFIED ACCORDING TO THE MEDIA

A third man caught on CCTV footage with two bombers who attacked Brussels airport on Tuesday was named as Faycal Cheffou in Belgian media on Saturday.

The federal prosecutor's office could not immediately be reached for comment.

WORLD ENTERTAINMENT NEWS: CUBA CHANGES - Rolling Stones Rock Cuba With Historic Concert

The Rolling Stones have performed in front of hundreds of thousands of jubilant Cubans, delivering a historic concert in a country that once considered the band's music subversive.

Coming two days after Barack Obama finished the first trip to Cuba by a US president in nearly 90 years, Friday night's free gig in Havana cemented the communist-run island's opening to the world.

WORLD NEWS: IRELAND - Security On High Alert For Easter Rising Centenary

Ireland is preparing to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising against British rule amid fears of an upsurge in dissident republican violence.

The Irish President has said he does not believe it is dangerous to commemorate the past and that it is "useless... to effect some kind of amnesia".

NEWS: NIGERIA - INEC SAYS RERUN POLL IN RIVERS WOULD NOT CONTINUE UNTIL SECURITY IS ASSURED

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared yesterday that there would be no fresh polls in Rivers State until there the security and safety of life and property can be guaranteed.

WORLD NEWS: YEMEN - SUICIDE BOMBINGS IN YEMEN KILL AT LEAST 26, IS CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY

Three suicide bombers struck security checkpoints in the southern Yemeni city of Aden on Friday, killing at least 26 people, residents and security sources said.

WORLD HEALTH RESEARCH ARTICLE: Medical trial aims to block development of type 1 diabetes

A trial has begun in London of an immunotherapy treatment aimed at halting the progression of type 1 diabetes.

Twenty-four volunteers are being recruited for the study in the Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's hospital.

In type 1 diabetes the immune system destroys the cells that make insulin, the hormone needed to control blood sugar levels. The hope is the treatment will re-train or reset the immune system.

WORLD HEALTH RESEARCH ARTICLE: Use of cancer scanner 'reduces risky operations'

Coloured scan shows hotspots

Using a scanner rather than a scalpel could spare hundreds of thousands of cancer patients from risky surgery, a study suggests. 

Head and neck tumours are treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but then need an operation to visually check whether the growth has gone.

A study on 564 patients, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed 80% of them could be spared surgery by scanning instead. And survival rates stayed the same.

FOOTBALL NEWS GIST: MESSI SAYS HE WOULD BE PROUD TO MEET US PRESIDENT OBAMA AND HIS FAMILY

Barcelona star Messi insists he would be proud to meet the family of US President Barack Obama should the opportunity arise.

WORLD NEWS: US - THE PENTAGON SAYS ISLAMIC STATE FINANCE MINISTER AND OTHERS HAVE BEEN LIKELY KILLED

Islamic State's top finance officer and other senior leaders were likely killed this week in a major offensive targeting the militant group's financial operation, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Friday.

NEWS: LAGOS NIGERIA - NO RESTRICTION ORDER FOR TOMORROW'S ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION

The Lagos State Government has lifted the order on restriction of movement during tomorrow's environmental sanitation exercise to mark the celebration of Easter.

NEWS GIST: NIGERIA - SEE HOW POWER GENERATION HAS DROPPED BADLY, LOCATE YOUR AREA

The Forefront has learnt that power generation from the national grid dropped to 2841 MW this week from over 4068 MW attained last week.

WORLD NEWS: FRANCE - POLICE INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY IN MINIBUS COLLISION WITH TRUCK THAT KILLED 12 (UPDATED)

Police are investigating the head-on collision that killed 12 Portuguese citizens returning home for Easter. The minibus swerved into oncoming traffic, police want to know why.

FOOTBALL: PFA Chairman Gordon Taylor says Adam Johnson is unlikely to play football again

Adam Johnson has "damaged the reputation of football" and his chances of playing again are "very remote", says Professional Footballers' Association chairman Gordon Taylor.

Ex-Sunderland player Johnson has been jailed for six years for grooming and sexual activity with a girl aged 15.

WORLD NEWS: PHILIPPINES - Philippines releases seized North Korean ship after U.N. lifts embargo

The Philippines has released a North Korean freighter it seized nearly a month ago under tough new U.N. sanctions, after no contraband was found onboard and the ship was cleared by the United Nations, officials said on Friday.

WORLD NEWS: BELGIUM - SIX ARRESTS MADE IN BRUSSELS

Six people have been arrested during anti-terror operations in Brussels, Belgium's interior minister has said.

In a statement, Belgian officials said the arrests were the result of an investigation into the bombings at an airport and on the metro system which killed 31 people and injured 316 more.

NEWS: NIGERIA - SARAKI'S CCT CHARGES TO STAND

Senate President Bukola Saraki has failed in his bid to quash the 13-count of false assets declaration, as the Code of Conduct Tribunal dismissed his application yesterday.

WORLD NEWS: FRANCE - MINIBUS COLLIDES WITH TRUCK LEAVING 12 DEAD

Twelve people have been killed after a minibus collided with a truck in France, officials have said.

A group of Portuguese people who had been visiting Switzerland were on board the minibus, La Montagne reported.

NEWS: NIGERIA - APC NEC MEETING; SARAKI, GBAJABIAMILA AND OTHERS ABSENT

Senate President, Bukola Saraki and some governors of APC controlled states, particularly from the southern part of the country as well as some national leaders of the party failed to attend the crucial meeting of the National Executive Council of the APC in Abuja.

WORLD HEALTH RESEARCH ARTICLE: Genetically Modified Maggots Could Help Healing of Wounds

Scientists have created genetically modified maggots that could help human wounds to heal better.

The creatures have been used for centuries because they eat dead flesh while leaving healthy flesh intact.

But they could help with the healing process even further after scientists were successful in making them secrete a human growth hormone while they eat.

WORLD NEWS: BUSINESS - Volkswagen Recalls 800,000 Vehicles Over Pedal Fears

Embattled car maker Volkswagen is recalling 800,000 vehicles worldwide over a possible foot pedal problem.

The recall covers 391,000 VW Touareg models dating from 2011 to 2016, and 409,000 Cayennes made by the group's Porsche brand.

Both are luxury SUV vehicles. New Touareg models sell for more than £40,000 in the UK. The Cayenne ranges from around £50,000 up to £120,000.

FOOTBALL NEWS: LATE JOHAN CRUYFF IN PHOTOS INCLUDING YOUTHFUL DAYS AS A PLAYER (HE DIED TODAY AGED 68)

Netherlands and Barcelona fc legend Johan Cruyff died earlier today after a battle with cancer diagnosed in October. He was aged 68. He won lots of laurels with Netherlands, Ajax and Barcelona fc including 9 Erediviisie, 5 Laliga. More photos after the jump including his youthful days.>>>>

PHOTO NEWS: NIGERIA - 5 TERRORISTS KILLED, 180 HOSTAGES AND THEIR CATTLE RESCUED BY NIGERIAN TROOPS

Combined team of Nigerian troops killed 5 Boko Haram terrorists and rescued 180 persons and their cattle held hostages by the terrorists at Giltimari and Baale.

NEWS: NIGERIA - ABOUT 14 WOMEN AND 2 GIRLS ABDUCTED BY SUSPECTED BOKO HARAM MILITANTS IN ADAMAWA STATE

About 14 women and 2 girls were abducted by gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents in Sabongari Madagali, in Madagali Local Government of Adamawa state, Thursday, locals and police sources have confirmed. 

FOOTBALL NEWS: UNREMORSEFUL ADAM JOHNSON SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS IN PRISON FOR SEXUAL ABUSE

Footballer Adam Johnson has been sentenced to six years in prison for engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old fan.

The former England international showed no emotion as he was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court, and sat with his head bowed after the judge finished speaking.

NEWS: NIGERIA - URHOBO AND IJAW CLASH IN DELTA STATE, SCORES INJURED.

Report from a reliable source says at least three persons were fatally wounded and scores still missing after an early morning clash between the Urhobo people of Aladja and Ijaw of Ogbe-Ijoh communities in Udu and Warri Southwest local government areas of Delta state, on Thursday.

WORLD ENTERTAINMENT NEWS: Oh goodness me!!! Shakespeare's Skull 'Was Probably Stolen', Archaeologists Have Claimed

William Shakespeare's skull has probably been stolen, archaeologists have claimed.

An underground survey of the Bard's final resting place, using ground-penetrating radar, showed "an odd disturbance at the head end".

WORLD FOOTBALL NEWS: Barak Obama could not arrange for daughters to meet Lionel Messi in Argentina

Football fans all over the world dream of meeting Lionel Messi - but they may be disheartened to learn even arguably the most powerful man on the planet cannot pin down the Ballon d'Or winner.

Barack Obama, the president of the United States, revealed while speaking on a trip to Argentina that he had brought his daughters along to see the country and meet a couple of famous faces.

WORLD WEIRD NEWS: LOL AND SAD!!! Michigan Felon Sings Adele-Inspired 'Sorry' To Judge, But Bags Jail Term

A Michigan felon tried to sing his way out of trouble at his sentencing on a weapons charge, offering a musical apology inspired by singer Adele's Hello.

Brian Earl Taylor, 21, adapted the hit ballad to express his contrition to the judge at Washtenaw County Trial Court, reports the Ann Arbor News.

WORLD NEWS: IRELAND - €55,000 worth of heroin seized in Dublin

Three people have been arrested after €55,000 worth of heroin was seized in Dublin last night.

NEWS: NIGERIA - NASS PASSES #6.06TRN 2016 BUDGET AFTER SCRUTINY AND SLASHES

The National Assembly, yesterday, passed a N6.06 trillion 2016 budget into law, following a motion by the Chairman, Joint Committee on Appropriations, Senator Danjuma Goje, seconded by Senator Andy Uba, thus reducing the President’s proposal by N17 billion. While the President proposed a budget of N6.07 trillion, the National Assembly slashed it to N6.06trillion. The 2016 budget had been trailed by allegations of  padding which delayed its passage.

WORLD NEWS: US - ARGENTINA; OBAMA HAILS PRESIDENT MACRI'S REFORMS

US President Barack Obama on Wednesday championed Argentina's new center-right leader Mauricio Macri as an example for other countries in Latin America, praising the fast pace of reforms to strengthen the economy.

WORLD NEWS: BRUSSELS ATTACKS - Turkey says Brussels attacker was deported in 2015, Belgium ignored warning

One of the attackers in the Brussels suicide bombings was deported last year from Turkey, and Belgium subsequently ignored a warning that the man was a militant, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.

NEWS: NIGERIA - FG TO HOLD TOWN HALL MEETING TO DISCUSS HERDSMEN AND FARMERS' VIOLENT CLASHES

The Minister of Interior, Lt.-Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau, on Wednesday said the Federal Government would hold a town hall meeting between herdsmen and farmers to address the lingering crises between them.

NEWS: NIGERIA - DISCLOSURE!!! 28 STATES RECEIVED #373bn SALARY BAIL OUT IN 5 MONTHS

At least, 28 States of the federation have received different sums from a total of N373.56 billion as part of the bailout package from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Salary Bailout Intervention Facility. 

WORLD NEWS: TECH - Israeli firm Cellebrite helping FBI to open encrypted iPhone

Israel's Cellebrite, a provider of mobile forensic software, is helping the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation's attempt to unlock an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino, California shooters, the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported on Wednesday.

WORLD NEWS: BUSINESS - EUROPE RECOVER FROM BRUSSELS ATTACK DRIVEN LOSSES

European stock markets bounced back on Wednesday from the concerns over security that have dominated the past 24 hours, helped by a handful of more positive signals on the health of the world's major economies.

NEWS: NIGERIA - ARMS DEAL; DASUKI'S TRIAL STALLED AGAIN BY DSS

The refusal of the Department of the State Security Service (DSS) to produce former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki before an FCT High Court today, stalls the trial of the Ex-NSA. At the resumed hearing, Rotimi Jacob who is prosecuting for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) informed Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf that the defendant refused to come to court on the ground that his lawyers, Joseph Daudu and Ahmed Raji would not be in court. 

WORLD NEWS: US - BARAK OBAMA CONTINUES RECONCILIATION MISSION; ARRIVES ARGENTINA TO RESET RELATIONS AFTER YEARS OF TENSION

U.S. President Barack Obama arrived in Argentina on Wednesday to reset diplomatic relations and strengthen trade ties with a country that was part of South America's left-wing bloc until pro-business President Mauricio Macri took power in December.

NEWS GIST: NIGERIA - TWO ROBBERY SUSPECTS BURIED ALIVE IN ONDO STATE FOR ALLEGED #130, 000 THEFT

Two robbery suspects have been reportedly buried alive by two siblings at Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State for allegedly stealing N130,000.

NEWS: NIGERIA - FG SET TO PUMP #350bn INTO THE ECONOMY, CREATING JOBS AND REFLATING THE ECONOMY

Based on the outcome of the NEC retreat yesterday, Nigerians received assured hope on the economy as the Federal Government is pumping N350 billion into the economy.

The aim, according to Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun, is to reflate the economy and make more cash available in the system;

• pay contractors who will bring back workers who have been retrenched and revive capital projects.

FOOTBALL GIST: Zlatan Ibramovich ended my England career, Shawcross says

Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross has jokingly said his England career was ended by Sweden star Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Shawcross has not played for England since Ibrahimovic's memorable four-goal haul in a 4-2 win in November 2012.

The 28-year-old defender earned his one and only cap on that remarkable night in Stockholm and while he made just a 16-minute cameo off the bench, it seemingly shaped his international career.

WORLD NEWS: BELGIUM - BRUSSELS ATTACKS; MOTHER OF TWINS IS FIRST VICTIM IDENTIFIED

A Peruvian mother of three-year-old twins has been confirmed as one of those killed in the suspected double suicide bomb attack at a Brussels airport.

Adelma Tapia Ruiz, 37, died while checking in at Zaventem Airport, ahead of a planned trip to visit relatives in New York.

WORLD NEWS: BELGIUM - INTERNATIONAL MANHUNT FOR SUSPECT WHO FLED AIRPORT ATTACK IN BRUSSELS

An international manhunt is under way to find the third suspected bomber at an airport in Brussels who is believed to be still at large after his device failed to explode.

Police helicopters hovered over Belgium's capital late into the night, and raids were continuing across the city, to find the man who was seen running away from the terminal after dual explosions tore through crowds at check-in desks and left at least 14 people dead.

WORLD NEWS: US ELECTION 2016 - DONALD TRUMP AND HILLARY CLINTON TRIUMPH IN ARIZONA PRIMARIES

Donald Trump has won the Arizona primary, taking another step in his bid to secure the Republican presidential nomination.

On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton also claimed victory in the Copper State, putting even more distance on her rival Bernie Sanders.

Long lines were reported across the state, with some voters waiting nearly three hours to cast their ballot.

WORLD NEWS: US - AIR STRIKE BY US KILLS DOZENS OF YEMEN AL-QAEDA MILITANTS

A US air strike has killed dozens of fighters from al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in a mountainous region of Yemen, the Pentagon says.

Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said the target was an al-Qaeda training camp that was being used by more than 70 fighters.

Tuesday's air strike was the most recent US attack on AQAP in Yemen.

WORLD NEWS: US - HOUSE SPEAKER RYAN CRITICISES OBAMA'S TRIP TO CUBA

U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan on Tuesday condemned President Barack Obama's visit to Cuba, saying the trip legitimizes the "tyrannical dictatorship" of Cuban President Raul Castro.

NEWS: NIGERIA - MARCH 25TH AND 28TH DECLARED PUBLIC HOLIDAYS BY FG

The Minister of Interior, Retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, made the declaration in a statement issued by the acting Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido on Tuesday in Abuja.