by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 29, 2024 | Athletics, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Giving back to one’s community is a noble endeavor, but certain challenges beyond an individual’s control can hinder such good intentions. This is the unfortunate reality faced by Elorm Amenakpor, a Ghanaian athletics coach based in the United States.
In his efforts to support the development of young athletes in Ghana, Coach Elorm ordered medals worth $300 from China for the Ghana Junior Olympics. However, upon the shipment’s arrival in Ghana, he was required to pay clearance fees exceeding twice the cost of the items. While he understands the importance of customs taxes, he expressed frustration over charges that far outweigh the value of the goods, calling it an unnecessary burden.
Speaking to the media, Coach Elorm lamented how these situations discourage well-meaning individuals from giving back to their homeland. He urged authorities and port officials to reevaluate their policies regarding the clearance of sports equipment, emphasizing that high costs deter altruistic efforts to contribute to the nation’s growth, particularly in sports development.
In closing, Coach Elorm highlighted how such barriers can dissuade people from making impactful contributions to their home communities, despite their best intentions.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 29, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Ghanaian para-sports delegate Michael Obeng received an honorary award at the 2024 Korean Paralympic Camp (KPC) held in Incheon, South Korea.
Obeng joined 60 participants, including athletes, coaches, and officials from various nations, for an enriching eight-day program. The camp featured special lectures, cultural tours, sports training in swimming, badminton, and Taekwondo, and ceremonies showcasing the legacy of past camps.
All participants, including Obeng and his team, were awarded medals and certificates of participation. In his closing remarks, Obeng thanked the camp organizers and Samson Deen, President of the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana, for the opportunity to attend.
“We have learned so much and look forward to sharing this knowledge back home in Ghana,” Obeng stated.
The camp, which ran from November 5–13, 2024, emphasized skill development and international collaboration in para-sports.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 28, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
Top fencing nations, including the United States, Hong Kong, Egypt, and others, will converge in Lagos for the 2024 Men’s Junior Epee Fencing World Cup, set to take place on December 14-15.
The prestigious event, hosted by Charterhouse Lagos, marks a historic milestone as Nigeria becomes the first Sub-Saharan African country to host a fencing World Cup.
Countries such as Ghana, Senegal, Greece, Angola, Togo, Benin Republic, and Nigeria will join the two-day championship. Adeyinka Samuel, President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, described the selection of Nigeria as a testament to its growing global recognition in the sport.
“We are thrilled to host this significant event and grateful to Charterhouse Lagos for their support. This is a groundbreaking moment for Nigeria and Africa, reflecting our progress since hosting the African Championships in 2018 and 2020,” Samuel stated.
The event is expected to offer Nigerian fencers, including teenagers Shemilore Fashola and Wisdom Okanlawon, a platform to compete against top global athletes while earning valuable points for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifiers.
Charterhouse Lagos Director of Education, John Todd, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing the institution’s dedication to fostering youth participation in fencing.
With nine Nigerian fencers participating in individual and team events, the tournament promises to elevate the profile of fencing in the region.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 28, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has ordered a thrilling showdown between Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole (21-1-0, 16KOs) and Nigerian powerhouse Efe Ajagba (20-1-0, 14KOs) to determine the mandatory challenger for its heavyweight title.
This decision follows the withdrawal of Agit Kabayel and Zhilei Zhang, leaving Bakole and Ajagba as the top contenders. Ranked No. 4 in the IBF standings, Bakole is riding high after a dominant victory over Jared Anderson in August. Known for his aggressive style, Bakole declared, “I am a machine. No one wants to fight me.”
Ajagba, ranked No. 7, quickly accepted the challenge, signaling his intent with a confident “Let’s go.” Nicknamed “The Silent Roller,” Ajagba is regarded as one of the most promising rising stars in heavyweight boxing, with his precise punching and resilience earning him a WBC Silver title earlier this year.
The winner of this high-stakes bout will secure a mandatory title shot against current IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois. With Dubois expected to make an optional title defense in February and a potential unification bout with the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury on the horizon, this eliminator adds even more excitement to the already red-hot heavyweight division
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 28, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports
Former African featherweight champions Taiwo “Esepo” Agbaje and Rilwan “Real Show Boy” Lawal will clash for the vacant IBO African Featherweight Title on December 26 at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. This highly anticipated bout is expected to be a thrilling showdown between two of Nigeria’s finest boxing talents.
Agbaje, the undefeated former West African and WBF Intercontinental Featherweight Champion, boasts an unblemished 16-0 record, including 11 knockouts. The 27-year-old Lagos native, renowned for his relentless high-volume punching style, views this fight as another step toward his ultimate goal of becoming a world champion.
“Hard work and self-discipline have kept me unbeaten, and I’m not stopping now,” Agbaje declared.
His opponent, Rilwan Lawal, brings a wealth of experience and an impressive 19-1 record with 13 knockouts. Known for his aggressive and technically precise fighting style, the 30-year-old Lagos-based boxer has already proven his dominance this year with a decisive unanimous decision win over Ojo Arabambi at the Freedom Park fight night.
With the IBO African Featherweight Title at stake, both fighters see this bout as an opportunity to secure their legacies and open doors to global recognition. Boxing fans across the continent eagerly await what promises to be an explosive contest, headlining a night packed with intense action and fierce rivalries.
The Balmoral Convention Centre, renowned for hosting elite sporting events, will serve as the backdrop for this monumental clash, highlighting Nigerian boxing’s growing presence on the international stage.
