CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2017

President Muhammadu Buhari: government queries TI’s corruption rating

The Buhari Presidency has questioned  the criteria or facts used by Transparency International, the anti-corruption watchdog to rank the country 148th least corrupt in the world.

In a statement by spokesman, Garba Shehu, the  government questioned the method used by TI to arrive at what it called TI’s ” very misleading and unfair conclusions in its assessment of the Federal government’s efforts in this anti-corruption crusade”.

Government said while it welcomes constructive criticisms from the anti-corruption watchdog, the organisation has a responsibility to reflect the larger picture of the concrete and verifiable achievements of the Buhari administration since it came into office in May 2015.

“Political will is the first major component of fighting corruption in any country and President Buhari has made a huge difference by demonstrating not only the political will but also the extraordinary courage to go after high profile looters, including former military service chiefs and Judges.

“It was once unthinkable to touch or prosecute the ‘‘big men’’ for corruption in Nigeria but President Buhari has ended impunity for corruption.

“Today, the Buhari administration has made accountability the bedrock of governance and corruption is no longer fashionable because it attracts consequences.

“Blocking leakages for corruption through the rigid enforcement of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) had made life tougher for corrupt officials. He regretted that these efforts were not acknowledged by the Corruption Watchdog.

“Figures published by the EFCC, the anti-corruption agency, reveal that  N738.9 billion was recovered in just two years of the Buhari administration and this impressive and unprecedented record is worthy of mention and acknowledgement by anybody genuinely looking at the larger picture of the country’s progress in the war against corruption.

“During the 7th session of the Conference of State Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in Vienna, Austria, the Chairman of the Agency Ibrahim Magu noted that the figure represents $2.9 billion dollars.

“Besides these impressive recoveries of looted funds, the EFCC has recorded more than 140 successful prosecutions.

“The Federal government has also signed international agreements to recover the proceeds of corruption and to block the laundering of stolen assets abroad by public officials.

“Anybody who knows where Nigeria was coming from would not believe that corruption is worse under the Buhari administration.

“We wonder where they got their facts from. At a time, they are alleging increase in the incidence of corruption under this government, the whole of Africa is applauding by choosing President Buhari as the continental Champion to lead the fight against it.

“Nothing can be more eloquent than this.

“In the end, this whole episode may turn out to be just a political distraction, given the strong views some of TI’s patrons have expressed against the Buhari Administration.

“This notwithstanding, facts are facts, and those facts won’t cease to be facts even if you don’t care to pay attention to them,” the statement concluded.

NAN

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba were all smiles after their respective returns from injury for Man United.

Jose Mourinho says it was a joy to get Zlatan Ibrahimovic back on the pitch in Man United’s win over Newcastle.

MANCHESTER — Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed he hid the true extent of his injury, and added that if it was known there would be “shock” that he has managed to return to professional football.

Ibrahimovic made his comeback in Manchester United’s 4-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday after seven months on the sidelines.

After suffering a knee ligament injury in April, he had surgery in the United States in May. He was expected back in January at the earliest, only to beat that prediction by six weeks.

But after playing the final 13 minutes against Newcastle, the 36-year-old revealed his injury was more serious than anyone — bar a small group of friends, family and medical professionals — knew.

He said: “In my recovery, I have not rushed anything. I have been following protocol and my schedule day by day. The only secret has been working hard.

“Those close to me know what I have been doing — I was working five, six hours a day. When it happened I said giving up was not an option.

“I am very proud of the moment, and for everyone around me because I wouldn’t have done it alone.

“This was not one man’s work, it was everyone’s and thanks to them that I am back on the field and can play, because if people knew the real injury they would be in shock that I was even playing.

“It was more than the knee, but I will keep it personal — that’s why I choose not to talk of it.”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic made his season debut against Newcastle on Saturday.

Ibrahimovic has returned just at the right time, after Manchester City opened up an eight-point gap at the top of the Premier League table.

Jose Mourinho’s injury problems have started to ease with Paul Pogba and Marcos Rojo also making their comebacks against Newcastle. And with key players back, Ibrahimovic says United can now focus on chasing down Pep Guardiola’s side.

He added: “I think we can chase City, why is it not a possibility? We are all here because we want to win and we need to because they are first.

“This week [the manager] been very happy because he has a full team for the first time this season and as a coach you want those opportunities and alternatives to make changes.

“He knows what he is doing even when the number of players are limited because he’s a winner and has been winning every season.

“We were early into it last year and won two trophies and we are stronger this season. We believe we can do it — that’s the aim. To win and get the trophies.”

Ibrahimovic was initially released at the conclusion of last season but signed a new one-year deal in August. He will be out of contract again in May but the Swedish striker says he is not ready to make a decision about his future, insisting his only focus is rediscovering the form that saw him score 28 goals last season.

He said: “At the moment I am just thankful I can run and push it and play football again.

“I don’t know what the future brings but what happens, happens. I am at the age where I can choose what I want to do.

“I don’t sign five or 10-year deals, I am just happy to be back playing and doing what I am good at.

“It’s fantastic to be playing. Jose said ‘do whatever you want, I trust in you and you know what you have to do,’ so I was not worried.

“The contract is all paperwork and I do the physical work.”

Rob is ESPN FC’s Manchester United correspondent. Follow him on Twitter @RobDawsonESPN.

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ESPN FC’s Mark Ogden analyses the finer points of Arsenal’s win over Spurs, Mesut Ozil’s show-stopping performance and more.

Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil and Shkodran Mustafi are thrilled with their derby victory over Tottenham.

First-half goals from Shkodran Mustafi and Alexis Sanchez led Arsenal over Tottenham in the North London derby.

Craig Burley breaks down how Mesut Ozil’s performance on both sides of the ball contributed to Arsenal’s North London derby triumph.

Arsene Wenger is proud of Arsenal’s performance in the North London Derby and hopes to build off the big win going forward.

LONDON — There is no easy way to analyse Arsenal. They are never good or bad, just dazzling or awful. Such have been the extremes of performance that Arsene Wenger’s players have produced in recent seasons, it is not difficult to pitch them as sublime or ridiculous, depending on the result.

Consistency is a word rarely used to describe Wenger’s team, but Saturday’s 2-0 victory against Tottenham in the North London derby highlighted the fact that Arsenal have now discovered some.

This was their 11th successive home Premier League victory — a record since moving to the Emirates in 2006 — and it enabled Arsenal to keep Spurs waiting even longer for their first win at the stadium since November 2010.

Mesut Ozil, arguably the most frustrating of Arsenal players, also highlighted his own consistency by creating yet another goal for the club with the free kick for Shkodran Mustafi’s headed opener.

Since his debut, in September 2013, no Premier League player has provided as many assists (4) as the Germany midfielder and he has amassed 21 more than any other Arsenal player in that time.

The problem with Arsenal is that any progress and consistency tends to come crashing to a halt at some inopportune moment in every season.

This term, the crisis came early, with the 4-0 hammering at Liverpool in August coming one week after a 1-0 defeat at Stoke. Back then, Arsenal were rudderless, spineless and hopeless, but Wenger has somehow managed to turn it around and the revival has gone largely unnoticed.

After defeating Tottenham, though, their resurgence will no longer be under-appreciated.

Ahead of their trip to Manchester City two weeks ago, the general consensus was that City away and Spurs at home would prove to be Arsenal’s reality checks, but they have actually provided signposts to a brighter future.

Arsenal lost 3-1 at City, but their performance was promising and full of fight and spirit. Those same qualities, plus some defensive resolve in the shape of Mustafi and Laurent Koscielny, were on show again against Tottenham and it was why Arsenal were able to over-run Spurs and win with some ease.

That lifeless display at Anfield now seems light years away and that afternoon on Merseyside may prove to be a turning point. For Wenger, at least, the new Arsenal — the one which defeated Spurs — is more in keeping with the team he expects to see.

“I think we played with purpose, good concentration,” he said. “The desire always to be efficient and with great solidarity from the first to last minute and the quality of our concentration was very high.

“We never had a minute where you could feel we dropped our focus. Overall it was a very intense game. We had a few away games when our performances were good, but when you lose, people always go to definite conclusions without going further into analysis.

“We were not as bad as people said because we have 22 points today.”

Off the pitch, the mood has also changed at Arsenal. It was rancorous towards the end of last season and at the start of this one, with Wenger’s decision to sign a new two-year contract proving a hugely divisive one among the supporters.

But, perhaps because it was their local rivals in opposition, the cohesion and unity on the pitch was reflected off it too. For the first time in a long time, the Emirates felt like a stadium in which everyone was pulling together in the same direction.

Ozil had a great game against Spurs and was applauded off.

Ozil, so often a target for frustrated supporters because of his perceived lack of effort when things are not going well, was given a standing ovation when he substituted late in the game, which further emphasised the feel-good factor in the ground.

Wenger, however, was reluctant to read too much into the upbeat mood.

“I am here to produce a quality performance for people who come and pay their money and enjoy it and go home happy or unhappy,” he said. “That’s my job and I don’t think I deserve anything.

“I just try to produce what people expect. I have to live sometimes with opinions that are not right and opinions that are a bit exaggerated, but I can live with that without problem. I am 35 years in the job, so I know a little bit and can anticipate what happens.”

Wenger has seen it all at the Emirates, so he will know that each game and each week in the Premier League offers different tests and challenges. Yet after so many negatives at the club this year, there is a prospect of Arsenal quietly emerging as Manchester City’s closest challengers at the top of the table.

They travel to Burnley next Sunday before facing back-to-back home games against Huddersfield and Manchester United.

If their winning streak at the Emirates ends up being 13 in the league by the time they have encountered United on Dec. 2, perhaps we will have to start taking Arsenal seriously again. And if that proves to be the case, that would be an achievement in itself by Wenger and his players.

Mark Ogden is a senior football writer for ESPN FC. Follow him @MarkOgden_

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Manchester United thrashed Newcastle, with Paul Pogba in commanding form.

Manchester United thrashed Newcastle, with Paul Pogba in commanding form.

Manchester United thrashed Newcastle, with Paul Pogba in commanding form.

Manchester United thrashed Newcastle, with Paul Pogba in commanding form.

Manchester United fans could hardly believe what they were seeing when the team sheet was revealed ahead of Saturday’s 4-1 win over Newcastle. Not only had Paul Pogba returned to the starting lineup after over two months out, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo were named on the bench.

To add to the excitement, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku all started together for the first time.

Yet it was Newcastle who scored the opening goal. For all the expectation over United’s attack, it was their weak central defensive pairing that allowed the visitors to take the lead through Dwight Gayle.

Their advantage didn’t last long, though, with Martial putting away a good cross from Pogba. Chris Smalling put United in front before it was Pogba’s turn to score. Newcastle gave up at this point, yet Romelu Lukaku still rubbed salt in the wounds with a fourth.

Positives

To come back from a goal behind to win 4-1 shows impressive resilience. United looked like a totally different team to the one for much of the first half.

Pogba put in a brilliant display and this set the tone for the team as a whole. He’s the engine. It’s almost as if having your best player on the pitch has a considerable impact on how well you play. Who would have thought it?

Getting to see Ibrahimovic back in a United shirt was a great moment for the supporters who, not long ago, worried if he would ever play football again.

Negatives

United’s defence is still less than convincing, although it should probably be remembered the two starting central defenders aren’t at the top of the pecking order when everyone is available.

Manager rating out of 10

8 — Jose Mourinho finally played the forward line that the supporters have been calling out for. And it worked. It was hardly a tactical masterclass, with Newcastle offering very little in the second half, but this is the sort of football the fans want to see.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK David De Gea, 7 — Made a great stop from point blank range just before the half time whistle blew. Also showed fantastic athleticism to get a hand to a shot that was going in the top corner.

DF Antonio Valencia, 6 — Spent much of the game charging down the right wing. Did well when called upon defensively, which was fairly rare.

DF Victor Lindelof, 5 — Having played a risky pass back to De Gea minutes earlier, he left Gayle unmarked for the goal when slipping at the vital moment.

DF Chris Smalling, 6 — Didn’t do enough to stop the cross that came in for Newcastle’s goal. Made amends somewhat with a good header to put United 2-1 ahead.

DF Ashley Young, 7 — Delivered plenty of great crosses but none better than the one that set up Smalling’s goal.

MF Nemanja Matic, 7 — Very solid performance from the Serbian, who must love having Pogba back in the team.

MF Paul Pogba, 9 — The midfielder is such a huge presence for United. He was central to so much of their play, showing great passing ability, and assisted United’s equaliser. Presented with a simple tap in for United’s third. It was a fantastic performance from him, even if you don’t take in to consideration how long he has been out for.

FW Marcus Rashford, 7 — Created United’s first chance when getting behind Newcastle’s defence. Showed so much energy and attacking intent all game, before setting up Pogba for his goal.

FW Juan Mata, 7 — Won the ball for United in good positions on a couple of occasions to start off attacks. Played some great balls forward. Substituted, as always.

FW Anthony Martial, 8 — Had been fairly quiet leading up to his goal but was in the right place at the right time to head in United’s equaliser. Went on to attack Newcastle’s defence with startling pace and brilliantly skilful feet before being substituted.

FW Romelu Lukaku, 7 — Couldn’t keep his first attempt down after getting in to a good position. Great work in the lead up to United’s third and showed fantastic composure to score the fourth.

Paul Pogba had an outstanding match on his Manchester United return.

Substitutes

MF Marouane Fellaini, 6 — Replaced Pogba with 20 minutes to play. Almost scored in the last minute but not all of the ball crossed the line.

FW Zlatan Ibrahimovic, N/R — Came on for Martial and his every touch was cheered. Played a lovely ball to Young. His acrobatic effort on goal required a decent save.

MF Ander Herrera, N/R — Replaced Mata. Set up Fellaini for a good chance.

Scott is one of ESPN FC’s Manchester United bloggers. Follow him on Twitter: @R_o_M.

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Arsenal won the North London derby courtesy of goals from Shkodran Mustafi and Alexis Sanchez.

Arsenal won the North London derby courtesy of goals from Shkodran Mustafi and Alexis Sanchez.

Arsenal won the North London derby courtesy of goals from Shkodran Mustafi and Alexis Sanchez.

Arsenal won the North London derby courtesy of goals from Shkodran Mustafi and Alexis Sanchez.

First half goals from Shkodran Mustafi and Alexis Sanchez were enough to win Arsenal north London supremacy, and the Gunners were able to keep neighbours Tottrenham at arms length in Saturday’s 2-0 victory.

There was an element of fortune about both goals, with Mustafi marginally offside before heading home and Alexandre Lacazette in a similarly suspicious position before squaring for Sanchez.

However, Arsenal won’t care a jot. This was a huge win which will do wonders for both their confidence and their league position.

Positives

This was probably Arsenal’s best collective performance since the FA Cup final in May. They were dogged in defence and exciting in attack.

Tottenham were on a decent derby run, and Arsenal have managed to reclaim pride and points. With the Gunners out of the running to win the title, these fixtures are potentially the high points of their season. Arsenal needed to produce something special — and they delivered.

Negatives

There’s really very little negative so way about such a convincing win on derby day. Perhaps the only thing you could note is that some of the sheen might be taken off the result by Mike Dean’s incompetent officiating.

There will also be a tad of frustration that Arsenal have not managed to produce this kind of performance more regularly this season. They clearly have the capacity, so why does it take an occasion like this to motivate them?

Manager rating out of 10

8 — Arsene Wenger needed a result and his team stepped up when required. Sometimes his ability to motivate his side is questioned, but that did not seem to be an issue here. He also got his team selection spot on, with Mustafi and Lacazette both justifying their inclusion after missing out at Manchester City.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Petr Cech, 7 — The veteran keeper was the epitome of calm through the game. In truth, he was only really tested late in the match when he pawed away a header from Eric Dier. This was a surprisingly comfortable afternoon for the former Chelsea man.

DF Laurent Koscielny, 8 — With Per Mertesacker left out, Koscielny wore the armband and delivered a captain’s display. He organised the back three and enabled them to keep a precious clean sheet.

DF Shkodran Mustafi, 9 — What a return to the starting XI for the German international. Picked ahead of club captain Mertesacker, he not only delivered the game’s opening goal with a brilliant header but also did a fantastic job keeping Harry Kane relatively quiet.

DF Nacho Monreal, 7 — The Spaniard recovered from errors against Everton and Manchester City with a typically solid display. The only time he put a foot wrong was when he was booked for a late challenge on Dele Alli — although the Arsenal fans didn’t mind that at all.

MF Hector Bellerin, 7 — Began his football education as a midfielder, and you could see that in his performance in the derby. While he is renowned for his electric pace, this was an intelligent display from the former Barcelona man. The intelligence and accuracy of his passing impressed more than his remarkable speed.

MF Granit Xhaka, 8 — If there was an area of the pitch where Arsenal would have been particularly worried, it was surely the middle of the park. However, an aggressive display from Xhaka ensured the Gunners were able to live with Spurs relatively comfortably. After a poor start to the season, this was a big step in the right direction.

MF Aaron Ramsey, 7 — His tendency to give the ball away in dangerous situations and occasionally abandon his position can lead to Ramsey being the subject of criticism from Arsenal fans. However, it’s impossible to question his work rate and desire. If he cold only improve his game-intelligence he’d be a truly top class midfielder.

MF Sead Kolasinac, 7 — With Kieran Trippier constantly threatening to charge down the right flank, Kolasinac needed to play more defensively than usual. However, he stuck to his task well, adding some invaluable physicality to the Gunners XI.

FW Mesut Ozil, 8 — Like the rest of his teammates, Ozil was clearly up for this one. You don’t get too much time on the ball in the derby, so we didn’t see too much of Ozil’s playmaking skill. However, he was defensively disciplined and showed an usual willingness to go shoulder-to-shoulder with his opponents in challenges. He also provided the assist for Mustafi’s opener with a well-weight dead ball.

FW Alexis Sanchez, 8 — For most of the first half, Sanchez appeared to be struggling to find a team-mate with even the most simple pass. Then, picked out by a cross from Alexandre Lacazette, he showed brilliant close control and predatory instincts to turn the ball high into the net and double Arsenal’s lead. That ability to produce something out of nothing is precisely why Arsenal kept him.

FW Alexandre Lacazette, 8 — A strong performance from the summer signing. His movement tested Spurs throughout the game, and it was his run and cross that led to the crucial second goal. The decision to withdraw him was greeted with boos from the Arsenal faithful-when will Wenger allow him to complete 90 minutes?

Substitutes:

MF Francis Coquelin, N/R — Came on for Lacazette (73) to shore up the midfield.

FW Alex Iwobi, N/R — Replaced Ozil (84) and had a decent chance to add a third.

James McNicholas is one of ESPN FC’s Arsenal bloggers. You can follow him on Twitter @gunnerblog.

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Man United conceded to Newcastle early, but responded with four unanswered goals for a comfortable rout at Old Trafford.

Man United conceded to Newcastle early, but responded with four unanswered goals for a comfortable rout at Old Trafford.

Craig Burley explains how Man United benefitted from Paul Pogba’s clever thinking and movement against Newcastle.

Rafa Benitez notes the difference in spending power between Newcastle and Man United while reflecting on his side’s defeat.

With the January window on the horizon, there’s plenty brewing in the transfer market. All the latest deals and potential deals can be found here.

Mourinho eyes fresh Chelsea raid

Jose Mourinho managed to lure Nemanja Matic to Manchester United from former club Chelsea, and the Express believes he will go back again in a bid to bring Willian to Old Trafford.

The Brazilian has fallen down the pecking order since Antonio Conte’s arrival at Stamford Bridge, stuck behind Pedro when the Italian deploys a 3-4-3 and even less likely to play in the 3-5-2.

And the Blues are thought to be plotting a move for Paris Saint-Germain star Lucas Moura, which could force Willian out.

Selecao boss Tite is yet to completely decide on Philippe Coutinho as a starter, which could leave the door open to Willian, who is currently the first reserve, to jump ahead of the Liverpool star for Russia 2018.

A lack of first-team football with the champions might force him to consider a move in January in order to remain in contention for a starting role at the World Cup.

Will Willian be the latest player to make the switch from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford?

City join chase for Goretzka

Manchester City have joined the race to sign Schalke star Leon Goretzka, with the Mirror detailing how Pep Guardiola is impressed by his versatility.

The Blues are just the latest in a long list of clubs ready to sign the 22-year-old, with others including Bayern Munich, Juventus, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea.

Guardiola could utilise Goretzka as a defensive midfielder in his system, which had enabled City to top the Premier League.

The Bundesliga giants are likely to sell in January, rather than lose Goretzka in the summer for nothing when his contract expires.

Liverpool had been rumoured to be in the driving seat, and they see Goretzka as the ideal replacement for their own contract rebel Emre Can, who could be Juventus bound.

PSG face £30m fee for Mourinho

Jose Mourinho could cost PSG £30 million if they push ahead with plans to replace Unai Emery, should he fail to navigate the French side to at least the semifinals of the Champions League, reports the Mirror.

Manchester United are yet to agree on a new contract with the Portuguese, who has just 18 months remaining.

Though the Red Devils have an option to extend that deal by another year, meaning Les Parisiens will be faced with paying up two years’ compensation.

Liverpool and Spurs contend for Blades star

Liverpool will rival Tottenham for Sheffield United star David Brooks, with the Mirror claiming the Blades will demand £20m.

The 20-year-old has impressed this term, as Chris Wilder’s side have emerged as a shock contender to achieve promotion from the Championship.

And an impressive man of the match display on his Wales debut against Panama has further increased his stock, attracting Premier League interest.

Tap-ins

– Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are looking to sign Bernard from Shakhtar Donetsk, with UOL Esporte reporting that the Brazilian could move in January.

The Ukrainian side are eager to recoup some money on the 25-year-old, four years after signing him for €25m from Atletico Mineiro.

A cut-price deal for €13m looks probable, with the Premier League trio likely to all be willing to pay the asking price.

– Cristiano Ronaldo might opt against a move to MLS, after speculation he could leave Real Madrid, as Don Balon reports that Barcelona rival Lionel Messi is far more likely to sample the American league.

– Man City are looking into a shock move for Crystal Palace left-back Patrick van Aanholt, reports the Sun.

The Dutch full-back will bring cover for the injured Benjamin Mendy and Fabian Delph, who has experienced injuries himself after having adapted to the position in recent months.

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It was gathered that the incident happened in the morning when there was nobody around the area.

According to a source, some of the items destroyed by the fire included food items, barbing equipment, tailoring materials, among others.

The source said, “The fire incident started around 2am in the market and spread to the locked up shops in the market.

“We believe it was caused by power surge somewhere in the market, because there was no one around when it started.”

The source added that the fire would not have wrecked much havoc if the men of the Ondo State Fire Service had come on time after a distress call was put across to them.

Another source narrated that some of the affected traders had just stocked their shops in preparation for the Christmas period.

To this end, the affected traders have appealed to the state government and the National Emergency Management Agency to come to their aid.

PUNCH

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