World Cup: Meet soccer's 10 biggest stars

1.Christiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Considered the best soccer player in the world these days, Christiano Ronaldo is also the most marketable "footballer" in the game. The Portuguese soccer star tops the list of the 10 most recognizable players in the world, according to a new ranking by sports marketing firm Repucom. The list comes days before the FIFA World Cup kicks off June 12 in Brazil. An estimated 3.2 billion people are expected to watch the month-long tournament, making the World Cup a bonanza for global advertisers. These are the players with the highest potential to land lucrative contracts with corporate sponsors such as Nike and Adidas. With 82 million Facebook likes and 26 million Twitter followers, Ronaldo is "an endorser's dream," said Repucom CEO Paul Smith. Ronaldo, captain of Spain's Real Madrid, has a deal with Nike (NKE, Fortune 500) worth an estimated $9.5 million a year, along with sponsorships by Herbalife (HLF) and Yum! Brand's (YUM, Fortune 500) KFC.

2. Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Lionel Messi has scored more than 350 goals as a forward for FC Barcelona, making him the club's top scorer ever.

The 26 year-old Argentine soccer star, who earns roughly $27.5 million a year, is also the best paid player in the world.

On top of that, he has plenty of big endorsements. Messi has a deal with Adidas (ADDDF) worth an estimated $9 million per year. He also has contracts with Turkish Airlines, Pepsi (PEP, Fortune 500) and Dolce & Gabbana.

3. Gerard Piqué (Spain)

Gerard Piqué has won most of soccer's top championships as a player for Manchester United and FC Barcelona. But his brand has also benefited from his associations off the pitch.

Piqué has been in a relationship with the Columbian singer Shakira for the past few years, which means he "enjoys a heightened level of global public awareness," according to Repucom he says Piqué is seen as a "cheerful family man," which makes him seem trustworthy and helps boost his marketability. Piqué is one of several top players staring in Nike (NKE, Fortune 500)'s 'Risk Everything' campaign, in which fans are encouraged to post videos of themselves playing soccer on social media.

4.Frenando Torres (Spain)

Nicknamed El Niño, Fernando Torres already has one World Cup victory under his belt, not to mention two European championships.

Repucom says fans see him as an "aspirational role model" and an "influential spokesperson."

Torres, who has appeared in music videos and made cameos in Spanish films, has endorsement deals with Adidas (ADDDF) and Pepsi (PEP, Fortune 500). He plays professionally for Chelsea in the United Kingdom.

5.Wayne Rooney (England)

A top striker for Manchester United, Wayne Rooney has benefited from the British football club's international renown.Rooney has an endorsement deal with Nike (NKE, Fortune 500) worth an estimated at $4 million a year, along with sponsorships by HarperCollins and Samsung (SSNLF).

The 28 year-old footballer was on the cover the British version of Electronic Art's (EA) FIFA video game series, and has 8.5 million followers on Twitter.

6.Andrés Iniesta (Spain)

Since he scored the winning goal for Spain in the 2010 World Cup, Andrés Iniesta's marketability has exploded.

He is one of the most popular athletes in Spain, and 80% of those surveyed by Repucom said Iniesta impacts their purchasing decisions. That's good news for his sponsors, including Sony (SNE). In a recent TV commercial, Iniesta tried to pass himself off as a salesman at a phone shop in Barcelona.

7.Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior (Brazil)

Known simply as Neymar Jr, the 22 year-old Brazilian is one of soccer's rising stars.

Neymar, who plays for FC Barcelona, has multimillion dollar endorsement deals with Nike (NKE, Fortune 500) and Red Bull.

He has 11 million Twitter followers and 22 million Facebook fans. He will also benefit from his home country hosting the World Cup this year.

8. Iker Casillas (Spain)

The only goalkeeper on the list, Repucom says Iker Casillas would probably rank even higher if he played a different position. Casillas has been captain of both Real Madrid and the Spanish national soccer team. He has won every local and international championship in the game. Adidas (ADDDF) has a pair of soccer goalie gloves named after him.

9. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden)

Swedish soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the only player on the list who will not be going to Brazil.

The Swedish team did not make the cut, but Ibrahimovic, who also plays for the French team Paris Saint-Germain, has plenty of brand equity.

Nike (NKE, Fortune 500) is paying him an estimated $3 million per year to star in its "Dare to Zlatan" campaign. He also has a major deal with Volvo (VOLVY).

10. Thierry Henry (France) BACKNEXT

marketable footballers thierry henry

Last but not least, Frenchman Thierry Henry is the only player on the list to currently play for an American team.

Henry moved to New York in 2010 to play for the Red Bulls, where he is captain. Before that, the 36 year-old was a top goal scorer for Monaco, Arsenal and FC Barcelona.

His international profile helped win him a multi-year partnership with Puma worth an estimated $1 million per year.

Henry was a mainstay on the French team for many years, becoming his country's highest all-time scorer. He announced his retirement from the national team in 2010, shortly after the last World Cup.

Tiwa Savage releases ultra-sexy official music video for Wanted

TIWA SAVAGE

You’ve all heard Tiwa Savage’s sensational track, Wanted, featured on the Once upon a Time album. Now the Mavin first lady is set to stun you further with a spanking new video released under 323 entertainments. The racy video directed by Moe Musa is guaranteed to put your imagination and senses into a tailspin.

The songstress who has adopted a ‘take no hostages’ approach to her music has continued to wow fans with various hit tracks and collaborations.

TIWA SAVAGE

Tiwa Savage has definitely outdone herself this time in what is perhaps her most audacious video yet. Her lyrics “There’s nothing you can do, that’s why I stay wanted” proclaim she’s the best in the game and her sensual moves and avant-garde outfits convince us.

MY LIFE AND CAREER AS A TOP FUJI ARTISTE-TAYE CURRENCY

Apesin Taye Adebisi( currency)

What spurred you into music?
So many interesting issues led me into my career, first is the interest I
have in music, secondly, is the passion and my destiny. I started as an instrument
carrier with one of my brother Commy Jackson who is a musician too and at age
20 I have to form my band with my twin brother who is also a major force behind
my career. Singing is a talent for me, there is no serious artiste that will
tell he learn it somewhere or go to music school to learn it, music is
spiritual.
What do you miss most about your twin brother?
Is his advice and passion for me, he thought me so many things especially
on dressing, how to packaged if we have shows and jumps, he sometimes go to the
market to choose for me and he curb a lot social vices from. So many do not
believe I do not smoke or drink alcohol, he let me realised that Fuji industry
may be full of people that are not learned and does not mean I should join the
bad wagon. Lastly my twin brotheris the brain behind how I changed my stage
name from Taye Paso to Taye currency
What is your secret in the music industry?
It is God because I move closer to God day by day, look I may be in the
fuji industry but life has thought me so many things on how to behave and do
good always. Secondly I try my possible best to redefine fuji in my
domain, I moved fuji from the stage of hooliganism to a modest stage, gone are
the days that intellectuals do not come to our party, I have play for
governors, Senators, corporate people, I have a lot of corporate shows every
year. I thank God because again my humility has paved way for me; I remained
the only successful fuji artiste who lives in his home town. To God be the
glory.
What led to your ban from Europe some years back?
You are right but to God be the glory after several screening and
verification, I have been vindicated. The ban was a mix up and the handiwork of
my detractors, I have a legal documents I go through due process I don’t
engaged in anti government or anti people’s policies. I have been given
multiple visa now by the grace of Allah. BY the time this publication will be
out I should have been in Queens land for the first phase of my European tour.
I should have gone but I have to wait little to do final mixing of my latest
album coming soon.
How do you manage your fans, especially the female ones?
I respect all my fans so much, they are my friends I relate with them as
such, I am a responsible man that believes in one man one woman, I never plan
to marry two wives and I do not wish it for anyone. I do not womanise. People
has to change their orientation towards some of us in fuji industry, I moved
with people of intellectuals, I have an entertainment outfit that packaged me
for shows and collaborations with top hip-hop artistes like Oritsefemi, Olamide
and so on.
You change your name sometimes to Apesin and later Apesin Oganla?
Apesin is the chieftaincy title given to me by his Majesty Alaafin of Oyo
through one of his wife and it happens when Pasuma changed from Otunba fuji to
Oganla, Pasuma is one of my model I knew him through a marketer and some
notable names in the entertainment industry. After several talks and
discussions I have no choice than to add Oganla to my new name- Apesin Oganla.
What is your relationship with K1 presently?
Cordial, K1 is my father while Pasuma remains my role model.
What makes you different from other fuji artiste?
I don’t engaged in drugs or abuse of it, I remain committed to my personal
life, remain corporate in my dressing, humble diligent and focused and I don’t
move with thugs.
Some people believed you are a card carrying member of a political party?
No! I don’t belong to any political party at all, I belong to everybody and
I am only doing my professional job as an artiste that has many followers, I am
not boasting an artiste that has same followers in this part of the country are
very few, so this will attract many things.
 What does education meant to you?
Education is the bedrock of human existence and if anyone wants to be
successful in life in his profession, there is need for such person to be
educated because this will enhance his performance in whatever he does.
Education to me is a long time and future legacy anyone can have.
What do you do aside singing?

Taye currency

So much brother,
I act! I am an actor, I also do farming and some other legal businesses
What is your advice for the young ones?
Everybody has its own potentials, so I advice all up and coming fuji
artistes firstly, to be focused, humble and be hardworking today’s servant
shall be a master tomorrow and they should all make education a priority. To
all youth, they should not wait for what the society will do for them rather
they should be creative and try their hands on artwork or anything that can be giving them their ends meet. Our leaders must take serious caution on our
youths too because a hungry man is an angry man.
How do you relax?
I sleep, go to gym center or do jugging here at Liberty stadium, hang out with my friends and of course check my kids at schools to know there level of performances.
Can you value the worth of your elegant twin duplex building?
All I know is that it has gulped millions of naira infact multimillion and I am still spending.

Engr. Seyi Makinde Giant Stride

Engr. Seyi Makinde Giant Stride

Engr. Seyi Makinde

Omi-Tuntun as he is fondly called is eaving no stone upturn in clinching the gubernatorial ticket under Peoples Democratic Party. Engr. Seyi Makinde is hardworking politician who is still under 50 years of age is currently the toast of the town especially among youth, he regularly ready to listen to any young minds that come his way and ready to assist if need be. He is also bridging the gap among the Waring factions in his party and that why is currently holding a post of an elder statesman in his party, PDP. He also donated an 18-seater bus to the state chapter of PDP recently. Another feat recorded by Engr. Seyi Makinde is the recent inauguration of his team numbering about 250 strong party members across 33 LGAs in Oyo State.
Engr. Oluseyi Makinde is expected t begin a tour to all the 33LGAs in Oyo state soon.

APC outcry on rigging , fear of losing elections- Senate Deputy Chief Whip

Sen. Hosea Agboola

Sen. Hosea Agboola, the Senate Deputy Chief Whip has described the outcry of the All Progressives’ Congress(APC) on election rigging as that of non-performers who knew they have lost the election.

Agboola said this at the roundtable organised by the League of Veteran Journalists, Oyo State Chapter on Thursday evening in Ibadan.

``Are the present government in the South-West performing? The people are wiser and have seen the difference. Their outcry is because they fear that they had already lost the election,’’ he said.

He said that what the nation was passing through was unavoidable but could be traced to political differences, hoping that it would soon be overcome.

Speaking on the call for the President’s resignation due to the insurgence, Agboola described it as uncalled for, saying the problem was in three out of the 36 states and not enough for the president to resign.

``The problem is affecting Borno, Yobe and part of Adamawa states and those involved were the Kanuri’s whom we have in Nigeria and Niger Republic.

``We just had a meeting with the president on the insecurity in Nigeria and we hope it would be resolved in two to three months.  The call for the president’s resignation is unjustified and uncalled for,’’ he said.

The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker representing Oyo North Senatorial District, who said he received less than a million naira as monthly salary in the senate admitted that there was corruption in the country.

He said that corruption can be reduced by constantly educating the masses on its effects on the nation’s development, saying the 7th Assembly had helped a lot in balancing the affairs of the nation.

Comparing the Ajimobi-led administration with that of the immediate past, Agboola told newsmen that whether Ajimobi has performed or not the majority of the Oyo State indigene wants him to go.’’

Also speaking on the PDP in Oyo State, he said that the party in the state was one with only an executive committee.

EKITI 2014: FAYOSE HAS NOT CHANGED — FAYEMI CAMPAIGN DG

The Kayode Fayemi Campaign has warned voters not to forget what it described as the legacies of violence and misrule it claimed were reflective of the Ayo Fayose era in the state between 2003 and 2006.

 Mr. Bimbo Daramola in a session with newsmen yesterday, also accused the Labour Party,LP, gubernatorial candidate in Ekiti State, Mr Opeyemi Bamidele of planning to team up with Fayose to reverse the good fortunes of the state.

The Director General of the Campaign Organisation,

He also urged the people of the state to reject all those who contributed to make Ekiti a theatre of political absurdities in the past. Briefing newsmen in Lagos, Daramola said that Bamidele was not in the race to win, but to stop the state governor, Dr Kayode Feyemi at all cost as a result of bruised personal ego.

His words: ‘’Those who gave Ekiti a bad name by exhibiting traits that are the very anti-thesis of the concept of Ile Eye. Those who showed glaring disregard for traditional authorities and those who turned a well respected state into a theatre of the absurd are back, asking the same people the traumatised in their time to vote them into office again. They claim they are now better human beings, forgetting that a leopard does not change its spots. A particular candidate, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele of the Labour Party has been telling anyone who cared to listen that he will turn Ekiti into an Eldorado, without saying clearly that his intention is not to win next month’s election.

He knows that he cant and he wont win, but to prevent Fayemi from winning at all cost because of nothing more than a bruised personal ego. It is important to alert the people of Ekiti that because the sole reason why Mr Bamidele is in the race is to stop Fayemi. He is ready to shut down his campaign any time from now and team up with the PDP candidate, Mr. Ayodele Fayose. This is really not a surprise to us, considering that the Labour Party, is nothing but a satellite party like the PDP.’’