TEAM NEWS: Mascherano & Song to pair up in defence for Barcelona

Javier Mascherano and Alexander Song will form an experimental centre-back partnership for Barcelona, as the Catalan giants look to continue their excellent start to the Liga season at home to Granada.

The 2011-12 Primera Division runners-up are without both Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique for Saturday’s clash, meaning Tito Vilanova has been forced to improvise in defence. Argentina international Mascherano, already accustomed to playing in the deeper role,…

GEJ Sacks NSA Azazi And Defence Minister Bello Haliru

President Goodluck Jonathan has fired both his National Security Adviser and the Defence minister, Rueben Abati, his spokesperson has said.

Mr Abati who did not give further details of the changes said on Friday evening that Andrew Oweiye Azazi has been "dropped and replaced by Sambo Dasuki" a retired colonel.

Bello Haliru, the defence minister was also dropped, Mr. Abati said.

More: http://channelkoos.com/index.php/news/1838-president-jonathan-fires-nsa-azazi-defence-minister-bello-haliru

Jagielka ready to take his chance to impress in England defence

Everton defender Phil Jagielka is hoping to receive a chance to impress in an England shirt during Euro 2012 and has labelled the Three Lions’ opening fixture against France as their biggest game of the group stage.Jagielka was initially included only on Roy Hodgson’s standby list but was called up to replace the…

ACN Governors’ Defence Of Aregbesola Reckless, Irresponsible — PDP

The South West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described as irresponsible and hypocritical, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governors’ defence of Osun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola’s alleged use of religious zealots as bodyguards.

The party also challenged…

Forget the PlayStation jibes – David Luiz is no longer a liability in the Chelsea defence

COMMENTBy Wayne Veysey at Stamford Bridge

With their shoulder-length hair and anti-establishment personas, David Luiz and Benfica manager Jorge Jesus could be guitarists in a rock band.

A generation apart, they are, however, a millennium apart in attitude and approach to football. One is seasoned and knowledgeable. The other is carefree and gifted with a…

Napoli boss Mazzarri impressed by Juventus’ defence

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri was left impressed with Juventus in Sunday’s 3-0 defeat against Antonio Conte’s men.The Partenopei were on the back foot for most of the match and were ultimately punished by goals from Leonardo Bonucci, Arturo Vidal and Fabio Quagliarella, all in the second half.

“You can lose to Juventus in…

2. Boko Haram menace must end, says defence chief

From Our reporter Sunday, February 12, 2012

Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin, the Chief of Defence Staff, has said the menace of the Boko Haram sect must be brought to an end. Petinrin made the remark in Abuja on Friday night at a reception for retiring officers at the Defence…