Claudio Ranieri Plans A Breather For Leicester Goals Ace Jamie Vardy

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri, pictured, is ready to rest Jamie Vardy soon

Claudio Ranieri is ready to rest Jamie Vardy and hopes Leicester's title rivals suffer a burn-out. The Foxes boss would be prepared to give their 15-goal top scorer a break after he has played through injury and illness this season.

Saudi Arabia Executes 47, Including Shi’ite Cleric

In this Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012 file photo, a Saudi anti-government protester carries a poster with the image of jailed Shiite cleric Sheik Nimr al-Nimr during the funeral of three Shiite Muslims allegedly killed by Saudi security forces in the eastern town of al-Awamiya, Saudi Arabia. (AP Photo)

Saudi Arabia announced on Saturday it had executed 47 prisoners convicted of terrorism charges, including al-Qaida detainees and a prominent Shiite cleric who rallied protests against the government.

Cheating Students Pose University Challenge

Figures from 129 UK universities showed 362 students were dismissed for cheating

Nearly 50,000 university students have been caught cheating in the last three years, according to new figures. Students from outside the EU were four times more likely to cheat in exams and coursework essays, freedom of information data obtained by the Times found.

2-IN-1 STORY: FG To Marketers: Violate Petrol Pump Price, Face Sanctions

The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) yesterday warned petrol marketers not to sell the Premium Motor Spirit above the new pump prices. The agency threatened to impose sanctions on errant marketers, which may include withdrawal of licenses and all the benefits of participation in Petroleum Support Fund Scheme.

FG Warns Neighbouring Countries To Stop Sending Deportees To Nigeria

Deportees from Gabon, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Benin Republic, Niger, Mali, Chad and Guinea dumped in Nigeria

The Federal Government has cautioned Gabon and other ECOWAS member states not to dump deportees from their countries in Nigeria. Interior Minister Abdulrahman Dambazzau, who gave the warning on Thursday in Calabar during the evacuation of 617 people including women and children deported from Gabon to Calabar, warned that the federal government would impound any vessel used in dumping deportees in Nigerian seaports.

Why We Are ‘Slow’ — Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has faulted criticism that his administration is slow. He said government is only trying to be cautious with a view to avoiding mistakes. “People say we are slow. We are trying to change structures put in place by our predecessors in office for 16 years,” Buhari  said in Abuja in response to a goodwill message delivered to him by a group, Women In Politics Forum (WIPF)

Rwanda's President Says He Will Seek A Third Term In 2017

Rwanda"s President Paul Kagame. Reuters/Tiksa Negeri

Rwandan President Paul Kagame announced on Friday his intention to seek a third term in 2017, confirming a decision that was widely expected following the approval of constitutional changes that could allow him to stay in office for years to come.

World Welcomes New Year Despite Terror Fears

Art work is projected on Arc de Triomphe for New Year's celebrations on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris on January 1, 2016 ©Florian David (AFP)

Millions of people around the world welcomed in the New Year on high security alert, with Munich stations evacuated over an imminent terror threat and fireworks canceled in Paris and Brussels, while a huge fire ripped through a Dubai hotel.

People watch fireworks during New Year celebrations at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro ©Yasuyoshi Chiba (AFP)

German police warned people to stay away from two of Munich's railway stations and avoid large gatherings after "indications that a terror attack" was being planned by Islamists in the southern German city.

Buhari To Nigerians: Better Days Are Coming

President Muhammadu Buhari

The President yesterday sent Nigerians a message of hope – the challenges facing the nation are temporary and will soon fizzle out. In his New Year message to the nation, President Muhammadu Buhari said that he was not unaware of Nigerians’ suffering.

He assured all that he will not fail to keep his promises.

Côte d'Ivoire President Frees Prisoners Held Over Post-Vote Violence

Côte d'Ivoire's President Alassane Ouattara talks during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan on November 3, 2015 ©Sia Kambou (AFP)

Côte d'Ivoire's President Alassane Ouattara announced Thursday in his New Year's address that he had reduced the sentences of 3,100 prisoners held over bloody post-election unrest. Around 3,000 people died in five months of violence in 2010-2011 in the west African nation following elections that saw Ouattara unseat then president Laurent Gbagbo.

2016 IS HERE - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

An Egyptian policeman riding a camel stands guard during celebrations in front of the pyramids on January 1, 2016 ©Khaled Desouki (AFP)

Fire Engulfs Dubai Hotel Near World's Tallest Building

Screengrab of Instagram shot

Fire engulfed a 63-storey skyscraper in downtown Dubai on Thursday night, but there appeared to be no injuries, a civil defence official said.

Chris Froome Caps Off "Amazing" 2015 With OBE

Team Sky's Chris Froome has received an OBE

Tour de France winner Chris Froome says receiving an OBE is the perfect way to cap off an "amazing" 2015. The 30-year-old Team Sky rider, who welcomed his first child a fortnight ago, won the yellow jersey for the second time in July and has been recognized in the New Year's Honours List.

Hiddink On Possible Drogba Return To Stamford Bridge; Dismisses Talk Of Cesc Fabregas Leaving In Transfer Window

Didier Drogba carrying the Championship League trophy he won with Chelsea

Discussions have been held between Chelsea and Major League Soccer club Montreal Impact over Didier Drogba returning to Stamford Bridge. This was revealed by Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink who believes the Ivorian would be best suited to a hands-on coaching role.

APC’s Mama Taraba Loses At Appeal Court

Darius Ishaku, Taraba State Governor

The Court of Appeal In Abuja has cancelled the purported victory handed Aisha Alhassan, by an election tribunal, as the governor of Taraba State. Mrs. Alhassan, the candidate of the All Peoples Congress, was declared winner on November 7.

In doing so, the Taraba State Governorship Election Tribunal nullified the election of Darius Ishaku of the Peoples Democratic Party.

World Welcomes 2016 With Lavish New Year Fireworks (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)

New Year’s Eve celebrations have kicked off with lavish fireworks displays as people around the world usher in 2016. However, some cities remain on high alert in the wake of terror threats.  

Cities around the world have started welcoming in 2016 with fireworks displays and huge parties, in countries such as Japan, Australia, China and New Zealand. In Sydney, top right, a spectacular display was centred around the world famous Harbour Bridge, which was lit up with colour, as revellers brought in the new year. In Hong Kong, bottom right, a flash of colour was sent across Victoria Harbour as the clock struck midnight and 2016 was ushered in. While in Taiwan, the country's largest skyscraper, Tapei 101, saw fireworks cascade down the side to welcome in the New Year. (Image source: mailonline.com)

India Hits One Billion Mobile Phone Subscribers

Mobile phone subscriptions have boomed in India in recent years as aggressive cost-cutting by telecoms providers has driven down prices, leading to some of the cheapest tariffs in the world ©Manjunath Kiran (AFP)

India notched up its billionth mobile phone subscriber in October, the country's telecoms regulator said, underscoring the importance of its fast-growing mobile market, the world's second-largest after China. Mobile phone subscriptions have boomed in India in recent years as aggressive cost-cutting by telecoms providers has driven down prices, leading to some of the cheapest tariffs in the world.

Stage And Screen Stars Honored In UK Along With Ebola Fighters

Actress Imelda Staunton, made a Commander of the British Empire, for her stellar stage work (Image source: belfasttelegraph.co.uk)

UK Queen Elizabeth II's New Year honors list makes knights and dames out of some of Britain's best loved stage and screen stars even as it recognizes the sacrifices of doctors who treated Ebola victims and the everyday heroism of those who spent time helping others.

Congo To Hold Early Presidential Elections On March 20

The new constitution removed barriers on Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso extending his rule by dropping a 70-year age limit and a ban on presidents serving more than two terms ©Alain Jocard (AFP)

The Republic of Congo will hold early presidential elections in March, authorities said, after a new constitution removed barriers to President Denis Sassou Nguesso extending his rule. Elections for a head of state were due to be held in July after the controversial new charter, which removed a 70-year age limit and ban on presidents serving more than two terms, was approved by a public vote.

Governor Ambode Frees Artisan Locked In Boot By Airforce Cadets

• Air Force cadets – Abdullahi Fahad(left) and Peter Solomon – after they were apprehended by the convoy of Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, for locking an artisan, Dahiru Lawal, in a boot at Mile 12, Lagos ... on Wednesday. Photo: Lagos State Government House

The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday arrested two Nigerian Air Force cadets in the Mile 12 area of the state. The cadets were nabbed while dehumanizing an artisan, Dahiru Lawal, for allegedly breaking the windscreen of a Chrysler Stratus car with number plate, KRD 267 DV.

Mali Extends State Of Emergency Until March 31

Malian Prime Minister Modibo Keita (2nd R) stands next to Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita (3rd R) during the funerals of five victims of a shooting rampage at the luxury Radisson hotel in Mali's capital on November 20

Mali has extended by three months a nationwide state of emergency initially imposed following a deadly jihadist attack on a hotel in the capital in November, officials said.

2-IN-1 STORY: Issues Buhari Spoke On During Maiden Presidential Chat; Why We Can’t Release Dasuki, Kanu — Buhari

On Wednesday, December 30 President Muhammadu Buhari gave his first ever Presidential Media Chat. Four journalists, led by Kayode Akintemi of Channels Television, interviewed the president.

We’ll Suspend Our Members Convicted Of Corruption — PDP

Dr. Cairo Ojugboh (C) speaking

The Peoples Democratic Party has said it did not ask any of its members who were indicted of corruption to steal while serving in different positions. It therefore urged any of its members who might be undergoing trial for corruption to be ready to face suspension if they were found guilty by the courts.

UPDATE: Tribal King In South Africa Faces Jail Time As Justice Minister Reject Petition

In this Dec. 14, 2013 photo AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo attends the state funeral of former South African President Nelson Mandela in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. (AP Photo/Siphiwe Sibeko, Pool)

A tribal king in South Africa faces lengthy jail time after being convicted of arson, kidnapping and other crimes in a case that highlighted tension between sovereignty of the state and traditional authority structures. Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, king of South Africa's Thembu people, appeared to have few legal options after the justice minister on Tuesday rejected a petition to reopen the case.

BPL: Arsenal FC Will Be Busy In Transfer Window, Says Wenger

The Gunners are joint leaders and share same points with season’s surprise package Leicester at the top of the league table

Arsenal FC manager Arsene Wenger says he will be busy in the January transfer window as he seeks reinforcements to keep the Gunners on top of the Premier League. The Frenchman would not be drawn on names, however, despite British media reports that Basel's Egyptian international midfielder Mohamed Elneny was set to become his first signing of 2016.

"You know more than I do. Unfortunately we cannot announce anything at the moment about this player because nothing has been concluded," Wenger told a news conference ahead of Saturday's home game against struggling Newcastle United.

Burkina Faso Swears In The Country’s Third Civilian President Ever

Burkina Faso President Roch Kabore (C) arrives at his swearing in ceremony in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, December 29, 2015. Photo/Reuters

Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, a former banker and one-time prime minister, was sworn in as Burkina Faso’s new president on Tuesday (Dec. 29), the first time that the country has had an electoral transfer of power in almost three decades. Kaboré won over 53% of the vote in an election held last month, defeating former finance minister Zephirin Diabre.

The event caps a tumultuous year for Burkina Faso.

Biafra’s Kanu ‘To’ Buhari: I’m ‘Unreservedly’ Sorry

Nnamdi Kanu

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has tendered “an unreserved apology” to President Muhammadu Buhari for labelling him “evil and a paedophile and a terrorist” in his broadcasts on Biafra Radio.

Kanu, who is standing trial at a federal high court in Abuja on a six count charge of treason, importation of illegal good and possession of fire arms, also revealed his intention to send a private letter of apology to the president.

US Woman Keeps Murder Victim On Couch As “Shrine From God”

© Maricopa County Sheriff's Officer

Police in Phoenix, Arizona responded to two 911 calls that there was a dead woman covered in a towel lying on suspect Anitra Braxton’s couch. Upon arrival at the murder scene Braxton told officers the unidentified body was a “shrine from God” and, that it was in fact her own body. Later, Braxton said the woman was shot in the eye because she didn’t believe in God.

N. Korea Says Top Official On S. Korea Dies In Car Accident

In this Oct. 4, 2014 photo, Kim Yang Gon, centre, a secretary of North Korea’s ruling Workers' Party, arrives at the Incheon International Airport in Incheon, South Korea. (Kim Do-hoon/Yonhap via AP) KOREA OUT

North Korea's top official in charge of relations with South Korea has died in a traffic accident, the country's state media announced Wednesday, potentially dimming the prospect for ties between the rival countries. He was 73.

Fed Govt Insists MTN Must Pay ₦780b Fine Tomorrow

Despite a suit in court, the Federal Government yesterday insisted that mobile giant MTN must pay the ₦780billion fine imposed on it by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) latest tomorrow. The government has also engaged a five-man team of Senior Advocates to defend the sanction in court.

CAR Votes To Heal Nation Torn By Sectarian Bloodshed

The vote follows a referendum on constitutional change that was backed by 93 percent of voters, reflecting the popular desire for a return to normal life ©Issouf Sanogo (AFP)

The Central African Republic holds key presidential and parliamentary elections on Wednesday under tight security, hoping to finally usher in stability after nearly 50 years of coups, bloodshed and unrest. The vote follows a referendum on constitutional change that was backed by 93 percent of voters, reflecting the popular desire for a return to normal life.

Italian City Launches Cannabis Ice Cream In Honour Of Bob Marley

Gelato © Shutterstock

A small Italian town has decided to pay tribute to reggae legend Bob Marley by selling cannabis-flavored ice cream. The producers claim that the “high” ice cream “tastes good and it does good.”

The exotic yummy will be issued by the ice cream shop in the small town of Alassio in northern Italy. And the producers hope their customers will try 'Bob Marley' ice cream before the New Year.

EBOLA OUTBREAK: WHO Declares Guinea Free Of Ebola

Baby Noubia, Guinea's last Ebola patient, was released from hospital in November AFP/Getty

Guinea has been declared free of Ebola by the World Health Organization (WHO), two years after the epidemic began there. Guineans are expected to celebrate the landmark with concerts and fireworks.

The disease killed more than 2,500 people in the country and a further 9,000 in Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Puerto Rico Policeman Takes 3 Colleagues Hostage Before Shooting Them

From left: Suspected shooter Guarionex Candelario Rivera, Luz M. Soto Segarra, Rosario Hernandez de Hoyos and Frank Roman Rodriguez. (Puerto Rico Police)

An officer with the Puerto Rico Police took two high-ranking officers and a policewoman hostage at police headquarters in the city of Ponce on Monday morning, before shooting and killing them. Prior to the shooting, the officers had engaged in a dispute. The suspect, identified by police officials as Guarionex Candelario, held three hostages – a female lieutenant, a male commander, and a female officer – in the lieutenant’s office following an argument, police spokeswoman Mayra Ayala told the Associated Press.

Scores Killed In Suicide Attacks On Park, Mosque

Boko Haram fighters © AFP

*Troops kill seven bombers, *‘Residents must be security conscious’

No fewer than 52 people have died and 124 injured in multiple explosions in beleaguered Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, hospital officials said yesterday. The insurgent group Boko Haram is believed to be behind the attacks. The morgues at the Umaru Shehu Specialist Hospital and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) were flooded with bodies.

Angola FA Sacks Soccer Coach After Post-Holiday No Show

Romeu Filemon

The Angolan Football Federation (FAF) has sacked national team coach Romeu Filemon, the organization said on Monday, after he allegedly failed to turn up for work following the Christmas holiday. Filemon, however, said he was present at the team hotel in Luanda and that he would hold a news conference later in the week to clarify the reasons behind his dismissal on Sunday.

FOR THE RECORD: Benin PM Lionel Zinsou Escapes From Helicopter Crash

Lionel Zinsou was appointed prime minister in June Getty Images

Benin's Prime Minister walked away unscathed after the helicopter in which he was travelling crashed in the country's northwest, his daughter said. It is unclear why the helicopter carrying Lionel Zinsou crash-landed in a stadium.

"My father is fine. There were no victims in the helicopter accident in Djougou," Marie-Cecile Zinsou tweeted.

Boko Haram Attacks Maiduguri, Many Killed

© Akintunde Akinleye / Reuters

Boko Haram Islamic extremists struck the northeast Nigerian city of Maiduguri for the first time in months Monday with rocket-propelled grenades and multiple suicide bombers, witnesses said. At least 30 people were killed and the death toll could go higher. Nigerian troops "intercepted and destroyed" 10 suicide bombers and repelled the attackers, according to PR Nigeria, an agency that disseminates government news.

Ketu Boxing Day Tragedy: How Trigger-Happy Policeman Murdered My Children — Mother

Mrs. Beatrice Oyesunle, the 75-year-old mother of the deceased twin brothers; The hotel where the policeman first confronted the victims (Image source: Vanguard.com)

* Narrates last conversation with deceased children

* We’ll investigate deceased killer cop — CP

Mrs Beatrice Oyesunle, the 75-year-old mother of the twin brothers who were shot to death by a drunk Mobile Police Sergeant, weekend, alongside their friend, in Ketu area of Lagos, yesterday said the death of her only surviving children had crumbled her world. This is just as one of the children, Taiwo Oyesunle, was discovered to be a Naval personnel attached to the Nigerian Navy Ship Wey, Satelite.

Inferno At Doctor’s Quarters: Governor Wike Sympathizes With Victims

Rivers State governor, Chief Nyesom Wike

Rivers State governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has sympathized with doctors and management of Braithwaite Memorial Hospital, Port Harcourt over the fire that gutted the doctor’s quarters of the hospital, yesterday.

The fire which started from the top floor of the two-storey quarters at 3p.m. completely razed that floor.

World's Busiest Airport Welcomes 100 Millionth Passenger

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport - The Atrium | by Eloketh

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport said it hit a major milestone Sunday. The airport that calls itself the world's busiest announced on its social media sites said it served its 100 millionth passenger this year. That makes it the first single airport to serve that number of passengers in one calendar year.

Former UK Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls Takes Over As Chairman Of Norwich

Former shadow chancellor of the exchequer Ed Balls is the new Norwich chairman

Former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls has been named as the new chairman of Norwich. The 48-year-old, a lifelong Canaries fan, will take up the non-executive role with immediate effect, the Barclays Premier League club have announced. Majority shareholders Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones said Balls would bring considerable economic knowledge and experience to the position.

A statement read: "We're absolutely delighted to confirm that Ed Balls is the new chairman of Norwich City.

New Polymer Made Of Sugar Molecules Purify Water ‘In Seconds,’ Study Says

© Lee Jae Won

US scientists have developed a new polymer that has a unique capacity to remove pollutant substances from water “in seconds.” The discovery could revolutionize the water-purification industry, make the process cheaper, and involve minimum energy.