Raissa's Blog - Best of Sports, Culture, and Entertainment

Nigeria dubbed the "giant of Africa", and formally known as the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a West African country bordered by Niger and the Republic of Chad to the North, the Republic of Benin to the West, the Republic of Cameroon to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Nigeria's 2014 population estimate stands at 175 million people, with a density of 189 persons/square kilometer. There are over 250 ethnics groups in Nigeria, with Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo being the most popular. English is the official language spoken in the country. The country's capital is Abuja, and the official currency is the Naira. Nigeria's president and vice-president are Muhammadu Buhari and Oluyemi Osinbajo respectively. 1. Nigeria is the second greatest consumer of Guinness products in the world. Nigeria is home to one of Guinness' five breweries in Africa. 2. Nigeria's film industry - Nollywood - is the second largest in terms of output, and the third ...

The highly speculated transfer of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid takes a dramatic twist as Chelsea have placed a £200million tag on Hazard. Real is willing to pay £150million for the Belgian ace but Chelsea want more than Neymar's world record £198million that Paris Saint-Germain paid Barcelona for the Brazilian forward. Following the turn of events, Real are reportedly ready to cool off their interest in Hazard. Hazard has two years left on his contract with Chelsea but hasn't renewed with the club despite Chelsea offering him a £300,000/week deal. The Blues boss Maurizio Sarri is ready to hand Hazard captaincy of the team to keep him happy. Hazard had hinted at the 2018 World Cup finals that he was ready to move to his dream club Real Madrid if he were made an offer.  Jose Mourinho has shown great interest in Chelsea's Willian while  Real Madrid pursue their hunt for Chelsea goalkeeper Courtois. New Chelsea boss Sarri is doing his best to retai...

Roma's legendary striker and director, Francesco Totti made comments on Barcelona's talisman for whom he has much admiration. These comments were made following the recent squabble between Roma and Barcelona over Malcom's somewhat illegal transfer from Bordeaux to Bernabeu. The Roma director was asked about Roma's chances of signing Messi as per reports that they could be preparing a bid for the Argentinian forward. There is a strong desire in Italy for Messi to join Roma. Were Messi to join Roma, with Ronaldo in Juventus, Serie A would enjoy a big boost in its ranking in world football. Totti was also asked if Roma should retire his iconic #10 shirt. His response was exactly what you'd expect from the legend and visionary that he is. He said no, because he wouldn't want to kill a kid's dream of wearing that number, which was his dream as a kid.  “I have always said no, they shouldn’t, but in the end it is a decision for the club to make. For t...

AS Roma are totally upset over the loss of Brazilian winger Malcom as his transfer to Roma was hijacked by FC Barcelona. AS Roma president James Pallotta said he would only accept the Spanish giants' apology if they give them their superstar, Lionel Messi. AS Roma had reached an agreement with French club Bordeaux for the transfer of Malcom and had announced the arrival of the player in Rome for the signing of the deal. They were left stunned as Bordeaux rather accepted Barcelona's offer. Malcom signed with the Catalans less than 48 hours after Bordeaux announced their agreement with Roma over Malcom's sale. Roma president Palotta had a lot to say on the subject in an interview with Sirus XM. "In terms of Barcelona, it looks like a pattern for them over the last few years of doing things that just should not be done at a club with the reputation that Barcelona intends to have," Pallotta said, as quoted by his club's website. "In fact, they apol...

photo credit: XXL Mag The nominees for the 2018 MTV VMAs are now known. The list of nominees was revealed by MTV via IGTV on Instagram. Cardi B is the most nominated artist - with ten nods - in top categories like Artist of the Year, Video of the Year and Song of the Year. She is followed by The Carters (Beyoncé and Jay-Z) with eight nods - for "APEST" from their  Everything is Love  joint album, while Childish Gambino and Drake have seven nods each. Bruno Mars comes next with six, then Ariana Grande and Camila Cabello with five. Voting is ongoing on www.vma.mtv.com . Fans can vote for eight of the award categories including Artist of the Year, Video of the Year, and Best New Artist. The VMAs are returning to New York City as the event will air live from Radio City Music Hall on Monday, August 20 at 9:00 p.m. ET.  See the full list of nominees below.  Video of the Year: Ariana Grande – “No Tears Left to Cry” Bruno Mars – “Finesse (Remix)” [ft. Cardi B...

photo credit: Soccerladuma  Antonio Cassano, former Inter Milan and A.C. Milan forward, and Italy international has voiced his opinion on the ongoing G.O.A.T. debate. In an interview by Italian sports website Football Italia , Cassano likens Messi to Roger Federer and Ronaldo to Rafael Nadal, in a bid to explain their uniqueness and difference. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are two of the greatest in tennis, just like Messi and Ronaldo who have dominated football over the past decade, splitting the last 10 Ballon d'Or awards equally. Cassano made his preference clear in his in-depth comparison and appreciation of both players.  photo credit: Mundo Deportivo "I love Messi not as a counter-point to Cristiano, but because in my view he's the best of all time and the emotions he gives me are unique. "If I have to rationalize it or convince you, I ask you to find me someone else who handles the ball and scores so consistently as Messi. "Cristiano lac...