Hurricane Matthew:: ‘Monster’ Storm Hits Florida After It Killed 300 in Haiti

At least 300 people have been killed in Haiti as Hurricane Matthew slams into the capital of Port-au-Prince. Rescue workers in the island nation are struggling to access areas cut off from the storm.

The death toll has soared in the past day to more than 300 and thousands are displaced.

Some 50 people were reported killed in the town of Roche-a-Bateau alone.

The nearby city of Jeremie saw 80% of its buildings levelled. In Sud province 30,000 homes were destroyed.
Florida is facing the most dangerous storm in living memory as “monster” Hurricane Matthew barrels in from the Atlantic threatening coastal cities with surging tides, torrential rain and 130mph winds.

It is believed the storm will charge into the east coast at around 8am EST (1pm London) today.

An estimated 28m people will be affected by the storm, with thousands urged last night to evacuate the area.

Tension in Kaduna as Church, Muslims kick against Shi’ite new building

There was mild tension in Saminaka, headquarters of Lere local government area Kaduna State, as The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, and the Muslim community kicked against the location of a new building site belonging to the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, popularly known as Shiite.
The two faith groups, therefore, called on the state government to quickly act to avert another bloodshed in the state.

In a letter of complaint/security alert, dated 26th September, 2016, issued by RCCG provincial Pastor, Oludare Ojo and addressed to the chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Kaduna State chapter and security agencies, he said Shiite’s return to the area was a threat to the church and the community based on the proximity of the the sect’s building to the church.
RCCG letter reads: “This is to bring to your notice that the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, led by Al-Zakzaky are working on a building right in front of our Church, The Redeem Christian Church of God, Nassarawa, behind Post Office Saminaka.

“This project has been abandoned for over seven years. We believe this was due to the issue the Church raised against them in 2009.

“We are aware of an agreement reached between the Church and the group in 2009 (see attached), but due to the recent incidents in the country and the Shiites group modus operandi, we see their return as a big security threat to the Church and the community at large.

“We pray that the building project be discontinued since the Church building has been in existence years before their coming.
“We therefore call on you, the CAN chairman, to use your honourable office towards ensuring that the issue is urgently looked into to forestall unpalatable incidence that may occur in the future.”

Also, Muslim clerics in the area have equally alerted the Sardinia Saminaka and security agencies of threats by some members of their communities to forcefully pull down the sect’s building if urgent action was not taken.

It would be recalled that the army had a bloody encounter with Shiite members, which left many dead in Zaria last year.

The Shiite leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, is being held in detention over the bloody attacks, despite protests for his release by the sect members.

Meanwhile, Shiite’s spokesman, Ibrahim Musa, said: “When we were worshiping with other Muslims, they said they don’t want us, that is why we decided to build our centre.

“The building is just an Islamic Centre. We have an Islamic school there in Saminaka. Just that some people who are against us, like Izaila, those muslims who go to Saudi Arabia are the one against us.

“We have Certificate of Occupancy C of O. I cannot categorically say we have building plan from KASUPDA. We got an order today that the building should be stopped. I dont think any true Christian will be against us.”

Kwara United tell players they are free to leave

The management of Kwara United Football Club on Thursday informed its players that anyone that had the desired to leave the club was free to go.

The Chairman of the club, Oladimeji Thompson, said this in a statement issued in Ilorin.

He said that the team had closed all proceedings for the just concluded 2015/2016 season and would go on break till December 1.

The chairman also said that the club had started drafting its agenda for the next season.
The club finished third on the Nigeria National League Group A2 table behind group winners, Gombe United and second placed Dream International FC of Makurdi.

According to Thompson, the team is expected to resume with just 25 players.

He said that the number of players would be reduced to ensure adequate coordination, discipline, competitiveness and good welfare package.

He thanked the players, coaches and members of staff for their endurance and sacrifice throughout the season.
The chairman also thanked Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed for his support to the team and the opportunity given him to serve.

He commended the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, the Sports Council, State Football Association, referees, sports writers, supporters and other stakeholders for their support.

Thompson said the club would work hard to return to the elite division of Nigerian league next season.

He urged the players and technical crew to brace themselves for the challenges ahead.

JSS pupil arraigned for stealing N200, using charms

An 18-year-old secondary school pupil, Sadiq Adegbite, who allegedly stole N200 from a fellow pupil and used charm to harass other colleagues, was on Thursday brought before an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The accused, a pupil of Junior High School, Ogudu, Lagos, is facing a three counts of conspiracy, stealing and disorderly conduct.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Lucky Ihiehie, said the complainant, a 15-year-old student of the school, came to Ogudu Police Station to report the incident.

He said while the complainant was returning from school at Emmanuel Street, Ogudu, he was stopped by the accused and some of his friends now at large.

“They were harassing him and searching his pockets for money and they even beat him up.

“They dispossessed him of his N200 transport fare which was the only money he had in his pocket.

“A senior student came to the complainant’s rescue and the accused brought out some charms from his pocket to scare them before the police came,” he said.

Ihiehie told the court that the accused’s friends ran away on sighting the police.

The offences contravened Sections 166 (d), 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Adegbite, however, pleaded not guilty.

His counsel, Olusegun Aghahowa, pleaded with the court to grant him bail on liberal terms considering his age.

In her ruling, the Magistrate, Mrs O. Sule-Amzat, admitted the accused to a bail of N10, 000 with two sureties, one of who must be a blood relative of the accused with an evidence of gainful employment.

The case was adjourned to November 1 for trial.

PSG's Angel Di Maria says he'll quit if Argentina lose one more final

Paris Saint-Germain's Angel Di Maria has said that if Argentina lose another final at a major tournament he will call it quits from international duty.

The 28-year-old admits he thought about retiring along with Lionel Messi earlier this summer and also considered "going to see a psychologist" after a third consecutive final defeat in as many years.

La Albiceleste lost the 2014 FIFA World Cup final to Germany before being beaten by Chile in both the 2015 and centennial 2016 edition of the Copa America.

Di Maria said he found each defeat hard to take and struggled with the same emotional battle that Messi did before his family talked him out of it. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid man said he also considered therapy.

"I did not think Lio [Messi] was coming back ever again," Di Maria told TyC Sports. "These are the things that go through your head in moments like that, I think.

"Losing one final, that happens, but when it happens three times in a row, that is something else entirely. I thought about making the same decision, but my wife and my father were the first in stopping me. It was impossible for me to say, 'I am leaving.'

"I wanted to go see a psychologist, but in the end I didn't go because I knew it was something I had to figure out in my own head," he said.

Di Maria, however, confirmed that another major loss for Argentina will see him end his international career.

El Fideo is still upset by the memory of heartache in Brazil, Chile and most recently, the United States this summer.

"If I lose another final, though, that is it. This has happened three times now, but I am optimistic for our chances now. The memories are still tough to swallow, but now I have them less frequently.

"I changed out the No. 11 shirt because that was the one I won the Olympics with [in 2008]. Now, this could be my final World Cup and I would like to have this last chance to put that number on my back."

Di Maria has endured a less than ideal start to the season with PSG and has come in for justifiedcriticism from the French media for his lacklustre performances so far.

He is in Lima on Wednesday with Edgardo Bauza's men in 2018 World Cup qualifying training for matches against Peru and Paraguay this international break. He said he is confident in this edition of the Argentina squad even in the absence of Messi due to injury.

Argentina have won all three games Messi has played but have only one victory in the five games he has missed. They are currently third in the table, a point behind leaders Uruguay.

"We have no other option but to continue fighting and do the best job possible to reach another final," he said about the Oct. 6 and 11 matches. "It isn't easy to get to a final and then winning the title is also difficult. But we are the first to really want it and it is complicated to have to bang your head against the wall three times."

Santi Cazorla 'happy' at Arsenal, keen to sign contract extension

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla says he will happily sign a new contract with the club, if he's offered one.

Cazorla's current contract expires next summer but the Spaniard remains an integral part of Arsene Wenger's team and said he is keen to extend his stay in north London.

"I am happy here. I am trusted by the manager and my teammates," Cazorla told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser.

"I am feeling important here, and if they'll offer me a new contract, I'll sign it because I am very happy with this great club."

Cazorla has netted twice so far this season, both from the penalty spot, and has helped Arsenal go on a five-game winning streak in the Premier League.

He is one of several Arsenal stars who are looking to negotiate new contracts this season, including Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez, Jack Wilshere, Per Mertesacker and Hector Bellerin.

Bastian Schweinsteiger welcome in Major League Soccer - Don Garber

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber has told kicker that Bastian Schweinsteiger would be welcomed "with open arms" if the Manchester United midfielder seeks to prolong his career in the United States.

Schweinsteiger, 32, has yet to make an appearance for United under Jose Mourinho and was written off as an asset in the club's accounts last month.

The former Bayern Munich star has said United will be his last club in Europe and has been tipped for a move to MLS for some time.

"Of course we follow Bastian's situation," Garber told kicker during a recent trip to Germany. "He's an old acquaintance in the United States, for example through the 2014 World Cup, when he played against the U.S. team. He also played against the MLS All-Stars with Bayern in 2014.

"We would welcome Bastian with open arms. He would be a leader for our many young players."

FC Dallas are reportedly keen on signing the former Germany captain.

They currently have two designated players -- midfielders Mauro Diaz and Carlos Gruezo -- and club president Dan Hunt recently told SPOX that Dallas are open to making Schweinsteiger the third despite their desire to sign a top striker.

"He's a terrific player," Hunt said I have admired him and the success his team had. It's no coincidence -- he's a winner."

On a potential deal, Hunt added: "At the moment we only have space for one designated player and we wanted to fill this with a striker. Maybe it will change. We will see."

RONALDO REAL,S PROBLEM -CAPELLO

Real Madrid's slump in form is down to Cristiano Ronaldo's ongoing fitness issues, according to former head coach Fabio Capello.

Zinedine Zidane's side have not won a game since equalling Barcelona's 16-game La Liga winning streak record with victory over Espanyol in September.

Instead, Real have been held to four frustrating draws against Villarreal, Las Palmas, Borussia Dortmund and Eibar - a feat last achieved in Capello's second managerial spell at the Bernabeu in 2006.

Ronaldo has been nursing the knee injury he sustained in the Euro 2016 final, restricting him to just six appearances for Los Blancos so far this season.

And Capello feels Real are crying out for their talisman to return to the first-team fold fully fit.

Speaking on Spanish radio station Onda Cero, the former England manager said: "The problem for Real Madrid now is Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Because he is not well physically and is their best player."

Ronaldo's three-goal return so far this season is evidence of battle for fitness - at the same stage last term he had hit the net on 10 occasions.

In light of his current form, Sky Sports'Spanish football expert Guillem Balague believes Ronaldo's diminishing influence could see his role at the Bernabeu alter under Zidane.

Against Las Palmas we saw something unique," he said, speaking in his column after that game. "It's the first time Ronaldo has been replaced at Real Madrid for tactical reasons. It's never happened before.

"Only Zidane could do that, because nobody else is brave enough to do so, but Ronaldo is not in good form.

"Ronaldo should only be upset at himself. He's peaked physically, and now I think Zidane is responding to that.

"Rotation is the name of the game for the top three teams in La Liga, it appears Ronaldo is going to be a part of that."

Real, who currently sit second in the Primera Division behind city rivals Atletico Madrid on goal difference, will be hoping Ronaldo can fire them back to winning ways at Real Betis on October 15.

Matteo Darmian's agent hints at move

Matteo Darmian's agent

has suggested the defender may look to leave Manchester United in January unless his situation changes.

The 26-year-old, who is currently away on international duty with Italy, has fallen out of favour at United and has made just one appearance this season.

He was in the matchday squad against Stoke on Sunday, but his agent, Fausto Pari, says he need to play more.

"He's playing little or nothing and it's a shame because he's an Italy international," he told Radio CRC. "If the situation doesn't change by January, we'll have to think of something. He risks also losing his place in the national team.

"We've got to see what United want to do. Italian clubs have tried [to sign him], but United closed the door immediately."

Signed from Torino last year, Darmian made 39 appearances in the 2015/16 season and is under contract until 2019.

Pari added: "We're only at the start of October so there is still time and we will see how the situation evolves.

"Napoli have [Ivan] Strinic in that position, though. I don't want to do [Napoli sporting director Cristiano] Giuntoli's work for him, though, and it will be up to them to decide whether they want to make a move for Darmian."

AJ CONFIDENT OVER KLITSCHKO

Anthony Joshua believes a world title fight between him and Wladimir Klitschko "will get people's hairs off their skin" and is confident it will happen.

Promoter Eddie Hearn said on Wednesday he is now 70 per cent sure he can set up a bout between the current IBF world heavyweight title holder and former champion Klitschko.

Joshua won the belt against Charles Martin in April then defended it successfully against Dominic Breazeale in June but admits a contest against the Ukrainian would be on a different level.

He told Sky Sports News HQ: "It would be amazing for boxing in general, for British boxing, for the people that have wanted to see a general step up in class.

"It's an interesting fight. It's definitely one people have got interested in just by mentioning it. It ticks all the boxes for me at this present time. I think there's a few fights the world of boxing wants.

"A heavyweight fight with a former champion and a current champion is a fight that definitely ticks that box that will get people's hairs off their skin.

"There's a lot of stuff going on behind the scenes. We're dealing with a legendary sportsman in Klitschko and a current champion so there's egos on the table.

"We've got to put that aside and hopefully we can definitely get this deal done. Eddie does a good job and he's a fantastic promoter.

"I've got to look at my team, my team are guiding me and they've got to be happy with everything as well.

"I'm confident Eddie's sending over the right messages and getting the right things in place for this fight to take place."

The parties are looking at a date of November 26, although Hearn has conceded it could be December before the two boxers get in the ring together.

Klitschko had been due to face Tyson Fury in a repeat of their fight last year but it has been cancelled after the Brit was declared 'medically unfit' to take part.

Joshua, 26, added: "I'm hoping for November because it has been mentioned. There's been people booking hotels and changing schedules around.

"If it means that we push it back another two weeks to December, it's no problem with me because the fight will come, the fight will go. As long as the fight happens, it will be one I'll be happy about.

"You have to do a lot of learning in the gym, of course, but when I fight someone like Klitschko, I have to make sure everything I've learned over the years comes into play.

"I have to use stuff I've learned on the night. I can't go in there thinking because I'm a heavyweight I can go out there and out-strengthen and out-power Klitschko. He's a tactician. "