Friday, 30 September 2016

This is a wholesome meal, from the Sony Music man, and definitely will be a shoo-in for one of the late-year hits of 2017.
Davido 'Skelewu' used as Original Soundtrack for Disney movie

There’s only as much as a creative soul can take from inactivity.Davido who signed over a lot of his music business to Sony Music Entertainment has had  a late start this year.
Where others have raced out with singles this year, he has been patient, working on his first project from the music giants. At home he has subsisted on past glory and effective guest verses on collaborations.
Gbagbe Oshi’ isn’t the first song from the “Son Of Mercy” EPthat we would have been bumping to. The original promotional and roll-out script had the collaboration with US singer Tinashe, ‘How long’ as the first of its kind. But as has been the case since he signed, the release was scrapped earlier in the month, with the singer embracing discontent and displeasure on social media.
Davido - "Son Of Mercy" EP
He has his chance now; The EP has been announced, and everyone can now pre-order the 5-track special. ‘Gbagbe Oshi’is the gift that comes with the pre-order, and it is such a delight.
Davido reprises his familiar role as the Shizzi’s partner in the studio, and the duo proceed to make magic. Thankfully, what his you first is a refreshing feel. We have missed Davido, and all of his energy and signature vocals. For all the fears that his creative control will be ripped from his hands, on this new song, we still have our own good old Davido.
The vocal delivery is tweaked a bit to fit in with the dancehall influence of the bit, but he occasionally resorts to the basics of his delivery, his artistic flows still intact, but with a certain patois edge. Where he finds happiness is on the layer of Afrobeat instrumentation that is ubiquitous on the production, with background horns firing intermittently.
Davido 's Skelewu OST Queen of Katwe
This is a wholesome meal, from the Sony Music man, and definitely will be a shoo-in for one of the late-year hits of 2017.
But was it worth the wait? Is this song strong enough to justify his absence for many months? That isn’t the point here. The “Son Of Mercy” EP is what the focus is on, and only then can this conversation be had objectively.
But in the meantime, You Need To Hear This because it is Davido, bck from the cold, and ending his content drought.

Monday, 26 September 2016

Antoine Griezmann feels the time has come to move on following Karim Benzema's France banishment.



 Antoine Griezmann insists he is not the "anti-Karim Benzema" and has called for the Real Madrid striker to given another chance with Les Bleus.

Benzema was not considered for selection at Euro 2016 due to his alleged role in a blackmail attempt surrounding international team-mate Mathieu Valbuena.
Atletico Madrid forward Griezmann has, conversely, been praised for his conduct on and off the pitch.
But Griezmann admits he too has made mistakes in the past, notably when he was banned from playing for the national team at any age level for 13 months after being involved in an incident with France's Under-21 side in November 2012, visiting a nightclub in between two important games.
And Griezmann told Parisien Magazine: "What does it mean to be the anti-Benzema? We all have our own personality.
"We should know when to forget. I have also been fortunate. What happened with France Under-21's changed me. I was only 18 or 19 at the time. I was just a kid who had arrived in the world of professional football and thought he could do anything he wanted.
"But I have learned from my mistakes. I have done everything to change, both on and off the pitch.
"It is the same with Patrice Evra. People made it out as if he was a bad influence when I joined the national team, but he is actually the guy who encourages us all.
"We should not listen to everything that is being said."
French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet recently stated the decision on whether to recall Benzema to the international fold rests solely with head coach Didier Deschamps.


Thursday, 22 September 2016

Wizkid's name "Starboy" is now the new album titled for US singer The Weeknd. Coincidence or jacking?


The Weeknd is going to have an album titled Starboy”. That alone smacks us all in the gut like some sucker punch. We didn’t see this coming. Even in the farthest corners of our collective imaginations (where vampires, drug-fuelled sex, and aliens reside), we couldn’t have conjured this.

How sad. We reject it. We protest it. Heck, we even hate it. And here’s why.
Nigeria has our own Starboy. We have watched it grow from just a whisper to a household name. One that we have all come to love, appreciate and connect with. When Wizkid decided to alter his business arrangement with Banky W’s EME, there was little to stop him. He raved, ranted, gave juicy scoops to journalists, and flatly refused to be under the banner that discovered and groomed him to this point. He was right. Afterall, the brand Wizkid had become bigger than EME, and needed space to fly independently, free from the hassles and restrictive red tapes of an organized record label.
He was successful, achieved part-freedom, and struck a deal with the his bosses, which allowed him begin work on a new record label. That record label would be founded, announced and infused into all of Wizkid’s branding to gain popular recognition and acceptance. The name of the new label?
“STARBOY!!!”
How perfect was it. The name encapsulated and embodied everything about the young singer. This was Nigeria’s fresh prince of pop music, who had dominance over African music. He was shattering glass ceilings, breaking down doors, shutting down stadiums, and basking in the glow of intercontinental awards. He was our hero, our knight in music armor, defender of the Nigerian sounds, or Wizkid…our Starboy. The label has initially seen him signed Maleek Berry, and Legendury Beatz.
The name had become synonymous with the singer, and become a great part of his branding. The biggest artiste in Africa is called Starboy. He also has extended his business model, signing (or cosigned?) Efya, R2bees, and Mr Eazi as a unit to help project the brand.

This year he is projecting our music into the US, building brand Wizkid in globally, and that has slowly began to bear great fruits. Wizkid already signed a tremendous deal with Sony Music Entertainment, and plans are in place to amplify his content and brand, supported by an organized and global business structure.
No doubt he had plans to grow the name in that country, but all of that has been threatened, if not sabotaged by one act of thievery by The Weeknd.]
A huge amount of Nigerians are familiar with the drug and sex-fuelled singer who showed us the beauty behind his madness with songs such as ‘The Hill’‘Earned it’, and ‘Can’t feel my face’. His previous album ruled the world, and now he is back with a new one named: “STARBOY”.
With the amount of backing and fanbase that he currently has at his disposal, it won’t be hard for the title to stick to him forever. Throw that in with if the singles become hits and we have the name Starboy forever snatched from the hands of Wizkid.
What does Wizkid think about the new development?

Tuesday, 20 September 2016

The world’s most popular messaging application will not be available on the BlackBerry platform come 2017. What might be news however, especially to the Facebook owned company, is that many Nigerian BlackBerry faithful say they will choose the Canadian mobile brand over Whatsapp. Although BlackBerry might have lost face all over the world, it is still a dearly beloved brand in the world’s most populous black nation for a variety of reasons. The easy-to-use physical keyboard associated with many of the older blackberry models is one of them. Although Android and Apple devices have relegated the physical QWERTY to the middle ages, it is still a feature loved by many Nigerians. Another point to note is the price factor. As a result of the BlackBerry boom in Nigeria few years ago, the country’s major networks designed special services for subscribers who used the brand. The average customers internet needs can be met with a one-off payment of N1000 a month. This feature, unavailable on other platforms makes the use of data more expensive on other Smartphones. Caterer, Princess Nwadinobi is attracted to the blackberry brand for this very reason. “I don’t really like the fact that Whatsapp is leaving BlackBerry. With a cheap subscription fee, I can browse easily every month on my BlackBerry unlike other phone brands that will cost me more. I think I’ll still stick to my BlackBerry because I can talk and do business with my customers through the BlackBerry messenger and Facebook messenger. Although device lovers, Nigerians are feeling the crunch of a dwindling economy, with the dollar rising faster against the naira like a cup of Ijebu garri in cold water. For millions of blackberry users across the country, getting a new device simply to accommodate an app might not be top priority. Mr. Sanmi Mosiko for example, a student at Kogi state University is more interested using his finances to further his education. He told Glamtech: “I won’t get a new phone even when I can no longer use Whatsapp on my BlackBerry. I’d rather do without the app.” There are still a few who might leave BlackBerry for Whatsapp. School teacher, Miss Amarachi Williams told Glamtech that she would have to get herself a new phone that makes use of the app because whatsapp is important to her. Be that as it may, it is unlikely that you’ll find a BlackBerry shelf when you go to a dealer in brand new devices-at least not in the Lagos metropolis. But that doesn’t mean that BBs are no longer sold in Nigeria. Just like with almost everything ‘Tokunbo’, the second- hand mobile market here is a thriving one, and Blackberries are still a major part of that market. Nigerians are still using Blackberries every day and that’s unlikely to change overnight or even in the next three months when Whatsapp will say goodbye to Blackberry.
Daenerys is on her way back to Westeros, Jon Snow is king the North and Cersei is sitting on the Iron Throne, so what next?

Game of Thrones Poster

In a red carpet interview at the 2016 Emmys, Emilia Clarke andSophie Turner, Daenerys Targaryen and Sansa Stark on show, spoke about what viewers can expect when the show returns in 2017.
"It’s ridiculous,” Clarke said. “They topped it. Last season’s battle was ridiculous…There’s another battle that’s epic," the 29-year-old added.
“I was actually speechless,” Turner told E!, describing her feelings while reading the script. “This season is unbelievable and I think fans are going to be really satisfied. It’s crazy," she added.
Earlier, 19-year-old Maisie Williams, who plays Arya Stark on show, took to Twitter to describe the seventh season"nothing will prepare fans for the  seventh season of the show," she said.
HBO ended its sixth season with Daenerys finally coming back to Westeros; Jon Snow as king of the North and Cersei sitting on the Iron Throne.
Maisie Williams, Emilia Clarke and Lena Heady were nominated for 2016 Emmy Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. They lost to Maggie Smith ("Downtown Abbey).
The show won the best drama series for the second year in a row at the 2016 Emmys. It beat "The Americans," "Better Call Saul," "Downton Abbey," "Homeland," "House of Cards," and "Mr. Robot" to win the award.
The HBO series which was up for 24 awards, won a total of 12, bringing its Emmy wins to a total of  38, therefore emerging as the show with the highest number of Emmy wins.
Cast of "Game of Thrones" at 2016 Emmys

The 'Godwin' singer talks about how tough it's been trying to balance school with working on his debut album.
Korede Bello

Korede Bello is in his final years at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism where he is studying Mass Communication at the HND level, after successfully passing through the OND level at same school.
Korede Bello performing at the Mayday Afrobeats concert in London

The Mavin singer describes the situation with his final year exams and project as being hectic.
"It's been freaking hectic for me 'cos I've been working on my album, It's like I'm working on my school album," he joked in an interview with The NETng.
Speaking further on his final year project, the singer says it will be entertainment focused and will have something to do with artists and their fans.
Korede recently released a single titled 'Do like that' and featured in Dr Sid's 'Flawless'.



It looks like it is going to be a happily ever for Drake and Rihanna
Drake and Rihanna

"They've been talking about marriage for a while, and Rihanna has been gushing about becoming 'Mrs. Graham."

Rihanna even wants to become a mom as soon as possible. Yeah, you read that right. Bad girl Riri wants a baby of her own soon, if reports are to be believed.

Finding it hard to imagine what Rihanna would look with a baby bump?
Well, it might become a reality pretty soon because according to the source, Rihanna desires to be a mother ever since she got really close to her niece.
"Rihanna really has the mommy urge, and Drake is completely on board with the idea, they've talked about how cute their kids would be. They know they'll be forever linked if they have a child, and they are ok with that."
Drake, Rihanna
The two are rumored to be planning to marry in Rihanna's hometown, Barbados.
“They want to fly guests in via private jet,’ and are ‘looking into holding the ceremony at the Sandy Lane Hotel, which is the most exclusive place on the island,” the source claims.
It looks like everything is going pretty well for the music couple except the tiny little issue of Drake’s dad, Dennis Graham, who  is believed to be not-so-freaked about the whole thing, as he keeps insisting that Rihanna and his son are just friends, nothing else.
No one is quite certain of anything yet; but we wait [im] patiently for events to unfold.


Monday, 19 September 2016

According to the 'Classic man', he wants a business woman and one who also knows how to cook one of his most favourite dishes, Jollof Rice.

Jidenna

Seems like the way to Jidenna's heart now is by cooking Jollof rice as his latest interview reveals.


Nigerian-American singer Jidenna in an interview with ThisDay Style reveals he would like a Jollof rice cooking rice.
According to the 'Classic man', he wants a business woman and one who also knows how to cook one of his most favourite dishes, Jollof Rice.
"I don't think I could be with any woman who can't run a business and cook Jollof rice."
So, Ladies, if you know how to cook a hot plate of Jollof and can conduct business too (maybe open a Jollof rice restaurant) Jidenna is your man!
Meanwhile, fresh off his recent visit to Nigeria, where he had an album listening party, Jidenna, opened up concerning his career growth in a short video documentary titled 'Becoming'.
The clip mirrors the singer's discovery of himself which was highly influenced by places he lived in.
Some of his comments in the narrative suggests that his father's passing has been a key factor in his growth.
According to the singer, the proverb, "You are not your own man until your father dies", became the awakening that transitioned him from boyhood to manhood.
The singer's visit to Nigeria was nothing short of amazing.
He had a crowd pulling performance in Lagos and a stop in Enugu, where he developed a scholarship programme at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).
His wife Kris shared a very inspiring message of how they started from bottom to top.
Bovi and wife, Kris Asimonye

Comedian Bovi and wife, Kris Asimonye are celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary today, September 19, 2016.


His wife Kris shared a very inspiring message of how they started from the scratch. According to her, they lived in an uncompleted building and drove a Cherry QQ.

She wrote,
"7years together and I have never had a reason to regret accepting to be your wife. You chased me with every word, every conviction, every dream, but shi shi you did not have . Oh I remember your first car, a cherry QQ it was smaller than a picanto, and the uncompleted bunker where we started life together with our first baby  I look back now and smile giving God all the glory, I am so glad I was a part of your life at the time. All you had to give were your words, your love & your dreams, I saw a young wise man ( Ecc 4:13) with so much vision & potentials thank God  I never doubted you for a minute, even though most of them seemed unrealistic at the time. (Of cos now I can say the truth ).
You have never settled for less no matter the situation.....At the age of 20 I, prayed to God to give me a husband just like my Father #PeterAsimonye. A sweet caring man who cared not just for himself, but for people (that is you @officialbovi) Always wanting to be happy & making everyone you come across happy. Even though the world laughed at us well, the small world we lived in, we didn't care. We were happy and that's all that mattered to us, to me especially.
And from the day we both said "I DO" it's been blessings upon blessings!! I celebrate you today my sweet love, you have not just pulled your weight, you have pulled mine as well. As imperfect as we both are, you have been an awesome husband & father to our kids.... A selfless man. If I were to choose all over again, I would choose you just because you are YOU..... & YOU are irreplaceable."
The couple got married in 2010 and are expecting their third child very soon.

Ankara fabric is vibrant, luxe and it’s perfect in any style to make a statement especially in the trendy kimono...


Ankaras are back in style for the week in chic stylish kimono inspirations.

Ankara fabric is vibrant/rich in colour, luxe and it’s perfect in any style to make a statement when crafted to flatter the muse and even more comes in different types from different brands so anyone and everyone can afford them.
Ankara Kimono Style
For the weekend, the kimono that has become a wardrobe staple in different fabrics is a must have piece and in different styles that can be thrown on to complete any looks.
Ankara is done in modern and timeless styles to suit any occasion at any point in time and the prints stand out these days in the trendy designs making them one of the hottest fabrics of the season (they seem not to be going away anytime soon!)
The versatile and chic fabric is ever in style and can be crafted into beautiful styles to take on any trend as it comes in vibrant prints that's rich and intensely appealing. For the weekend, check out curated kimono styles for inspiration.

Meet the 20 finalists for Elite Model Look Nigeria 2016 set to hold on October 1st in Lagos Nigeria


Elite Model Look Nigeria (EMLN) is back for the 2016 edition  and has revealed the list of top 20 finalists set to compete on October 1st 2016


Easily the most prestigious international modelling competition in the world and currently in its 33rd consecutive year, EMLN  has produced winners who have all gone to walk for renowned fashion brands on major runways across the world.

20 finalists would compete for the competition where two winners (one male and one female) would emerge to represent Nigeria at the international competition exposing them to the world of international modelling.


The National casting for the EMLN 2016 competition held in Lagos on 30th July where well over 1000 girls and boys were in attendance, 60 contestants made pre selection and subsequently contestants' images were sent to Paris for the final selection, making the final cut.
During the National final, the 20 selected contestants will be welcomed to the elite boot camp for a unique experience, supervised by a professional team. The models will be accommodated in the boot camp for 7 days, makeovers, photo shoots, fitting and rehearsals have been scheduled to introduce the contestants to the world of modelling. 
The final selection of the contestants will be based on physical criteria natural beauty, photogenic, body, elegance and personality, character, motivation, attitude.
Aquafina Premium Drinking Water remains the headline partners of Elite Model Look Nigeria.
Meet the 20 finalists for the 2016 edition of Elite Model Look Nigeria:
BOYS
  1. OYINLOYE DAVID
  2. OBENNEBO DAVIDSON
  3. KOREDE AYENI
  4. ILO CEEJAY
  5. SODIQ IBRAHIM
  6. ATEWOLOGUN OLOLADE
  7. EGWUONWU CHIDERA
  8. ONYEJEKWE COLLINS
  9. NNOCHIRIONYE PROMISE
  10. SALAMI ANJOLA IMRAN
GIRLS
  1. DEMURIN BLESSING
  2. NDAH GIFT
  3. IRONKWE AMARACHI
  4. FAWAZ ZAHRA
  5. DUYILE TITILAYO
  6. OMOH MOMOH
  7. AKELE RUTH
  8. EGWUONWU OMA
  9. DURU JESSICA
  10. EMECHEBE OBIANUJU
-EMLN 2016 winners will represent Nigeria alongside 80 others from different countries and will stand a chance of winning $150,000 USD at Elite Model Look International world finals
-Stand a chance to win a modeling contract with elite model management worldwide,
-Two years modeling contract with Beth Model Management Africa
EMLN 2014 winners Mayowa Nicholas and Victor Ndigwe have walked major runways for top luxury brands including Fendi, Versace, Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana and many more and have appeared alongside top models for luxury campaigns.

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane was without his main forward stars against Espanyol but watched James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema step up.


Zinedine Zidane praised goalscorers James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema after a 2-0 triumph at Espanyol extended Real Madrid's phenomenal winning run in LaLiga.
Madrid made it four wins from four in the current campaign to lead Barcelona by three points with victory at the Estadi Cornella-El Prat and 16 consecutive LaLiga wins in total – matching the mark established by their bitter rivals in 2010-11.
Zidane was unable to call on Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, who sat out the match through illness and a hip injury respectively, but James stepped up on his first start of the season with a superb solo effort in first-half stoppage time.
Benzema led the line tirelessly and had just rewards for his efforts when Lucas Vazquez's cross allowed him to open his account for the season 19 minutes from time.
"They are talented players and can make a difference," Zidane told reporters after the match.
"They did, James and Karim, but the important thing is what they did for ​​the group.
"I'm especially happy for [James]. The first goal was his, so I'm very happy with his performance - not only for the goal but also for the work he has done playing behind behind Karim as a number 10. I saw him play well. "
Zidane wished to play down equalling a record set by Barcelona during their trophy laden years under Pep Guardiola and challenged his players to retain the winning habit.
"Yes, I like it, even if [the record] is an anecdote because in the end it is the work all the guys are doing.
"They are doing phenomenally but it is important to keep adding. LaLiga is very long."
Holding midfielder Casemiro departed during the first half with an apparent calf problem and Zidane is unsure whether the Brazilian will be available for the midweek clash with Villarreal.
"These things happen sometimes," he added. "He has a strong blow and we play again in two days. We will assess how he is tomorrow."
Borno has been at the heart of Nigeria’s fight against insecurity due to the activities of terrorist sect, Boko Haram in the state.

Gov Kashim Shettima

Borno State GovernorKashim Shettima has said that the state capital, Maiduguri is now more secure than Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Borno has been at the heart of Nigeria’s fight against insecurity due to the activities of terrorist sect, Boko Haram in the state.
Shettima made the comment on Sunday, September 18, 2016, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
“Maiduguri is more secured than even Lagos or Abuja. There are 2 million people living in Maiduguri; we celebrated Sallah without any incident,” he said.
“By the grace of God, we are poised for a great change. Believe me, in the next couple of months, you will see changes in the fortunes of the people of the state,” he added.

'Why I stopped using bulletproof cars' - Borno Governor

He said the bullet proof cars were only kept for the use of visitors who might be afraid to use ordinary cars.

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State said he abandoned the use of bullet proof cars as an act of sympathy with the suffering masses who have no means of self protection from terrorists.

Shettima stated this on Sunday, September 18, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri.
He said that the action was also aimed at showing that the terrorists have no supernatural powers.
“We have to dare the terrorists; I have bullet proof cars,  but I do not use them; I want to be exposed to the elements as the ordinary people do,” Shettima said.
He said the bullet proof cars were only kept for the use of visitors who might be afraid to use ordinary cars.
“We have so many bullet proof cars but we only use them for our guests.
“Sometimes I drive myself round the town to see things for myself,” Shettima said.
The governor also attributed his numerous achievement in office to dedication and hard work.
“There is no magic in our achievements, except that where there is will, there is the way; like I always say,  there is no politics better than the contentment of the people.
"You are there not because you are the best among the people of the state;  I am the governor not because of my political sagacity, intellectual prowess, parental back ground  or physical strength, ” he said.
Shettima added: ” This is because even within my cabinet, there are many people who supersede me in all these attributes.
“Power to me is a very humble experience;  it is about what you can do to a great number of people within the time allotted to you to pilot the affairs of the state.”
He said that with the gradual return of peace in the state, government would unfold a developmental agenda in a few months time.
“By the grace of God,  we are poised for a great change.
“Believe me, in the next couple of months,  you will see changes in the fortunes of the people of the state,” Stettima said.
He said that the recent successes recorded by the military against the Boko Haram terrorists, had made the state capital a safe haven for all Nigerians
“Maiduguri is more secured than even Lagos or Abuja.
“There are 2 million people living in Maiduguri;  we celebrated Sallah without any incident,” Shettima said.
He said that the government would take advantage of the Boko Haram crisis to ensure better welfare for the people.
“This crisis has accorded us the opportunity to merge small settlements and provide better infrastructure to uplift the living standard of the people.
“This is more especially for those living in remote communities,” Shettima said.

Friday, 16 September 2016

Mark Hughes and Stoke City have questioned the reasoning behind the Welshman's FA charge of improper conduct.


Mark Hughes and Stoke City have questioned the reasoning behind the manager's Football Association (FA) charge of improper conduct.
Hughes was dismissed from his technical area during last Saturday's 4-0 thrashing at home to Tottenham for disputing the decisions of referee Anthony Taylor.
The FA subsequently charged the former Manchester United and Barcelona striker and, while Hughes has ruled out challenging the ruling, he and the club believe there is a lack of consistency in the way this apparent misdemeanour is dealt with.
A club statement on Friday read: "Stoke City has concerns in relation to a number of elements surrounding both the decision to dismiss Mark from the technical area and the events that followed that led to the subsequent charge being brought. 
"Based on other Premier League matches played on that weekend, the club is concerned in particular that there has been a potentially inconsistent approach in the enforcement by match officials in instances of managers leaving their technical areas, together with an incorrect application of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited's own guidance note on the use of electronic equipment in the technical area in respect of a manager communicating with technical area staff from the directors' seating area after Mark was dismissed from the technical area. 
"The club will be raising these issues with the Football Association and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited separately."
Speaking at his press conference ahead of Sunday's trip to Crystal Palace, Hughes added: "It rubbed a little bit of salt into the wounds but you have heard the club's response, and that mirrors my feelings.
"The incident itself was maybe interpreted differently than I thought it should have been, but it is what it is. The charge relates to my behaviour around the technical area, and it seems to be interpreted differently from one game to the next. It needs to be more consistently followed.
"If that happens then we don't have a problem with it, but at the moment that isn't the case.
"I was sent off for leaving the technical area but my charge is because I didn't leave immediately. That was because I was after clarity of where I was meant to go. I asked the fourth official, who was meant to know, but he didn't give me the answer I was after.
"There is no point appealing because if you appeal and lose, which more often than not you do, then it costs you more money, and I would prefer to give that to my grandchildren."
Stoke head to Selhurst Park propping up the Premier League table, having taken just one point from their opening four games.
"We haven't yet been able to produce a really strong 90-minute performance, but that will come," said Hughes.
"Obviously it is early season form and we have a number of players who maybe aren't at the level that we know we are capable of.
"At the level we play at we need at least eight or nine who are playing at the top of their game. That will change, very quickly I would suggest."
Hughes' task will not be helped by the continued absence of playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri due to a calf problem.
"Xherdan still isn't available. He is progressing, but slowly," said Hughes.
"We have got to the root of the problem and we are building him up to hopefully get back training with the group next week.
"Mame Diouf missed the game last week but he is back now and is likely to be in contention. Glen Johnson has had two or three days training this week too, and he is in my thoughts, which is good news for us."