by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 25, 2024 | Athletics, International, Other Sports
Glasgow will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, featuring a more compact selection of 10 sports. Events like track cycling, athletics, swimming, and boxing remain, while badminton and hockey are excluded. The Games will take place across four venues from July 23 to August 2, 2026, with the Scottish city stepping in after Australia’s Victoria withdrew due to costs. Approximately 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations are expected to participate, with para-sports integrated across six disciplines.
The event will have a reduced budget of £114 million, with £100 million funded by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and contributions from the UK government. Half a million tickets are set to be available, and existing venues, including the Emirates Arena and Scotstoun Stadium, will host events, with no new facilities being built.
Katie Sadleir, CGF’s chief executive, expressed confidence in the Games as a cultural and athletic celebration. However, some sports communities, particularly badminton and hockey, have voiced disappointment. The streamlined model may serve as a template for the Commonwealth Games’ future as the city, renowned for hosting major sporting events, prepares for the challenge.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 25, 2024 | Africa, Nigeria, Other Sports
The highly anticipated grand finale of the 2024 Nigerian Rugby League is set for Saturday, November 16, in Abuja. This showdown will see the Lagos Bulls and Kano Lions, the top teams from the South and North Conferences, go head-to-head for the league’s ultimate title.
In the Northern Conference, Kano Lions claimed the top position over competitors Zazzau Bulls, Zaria Bees, and Kano Gazelles. Meanwhile, Lagos Bulls emerged as leaders in the South-West Conference, outperforming teams like Eko Trinity, R2 Finesse, Lagos Rhinos, Lagos Haven, and De Kings.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 25, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Other Sports
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that Anthony Joshua’s next opponent will be either Daniel Dubois or Tyson Fury. Joshua, who is striving to reclaim a world title after his recent loss to Dubois at Wembley Stadium, may face Dubois again on February 22, 2025. This rematch date has been suggested by Dubois’ promoter, Frank Warren, though he has doubts about Joshua’s readiness due to potential fitness concerns.
Another possibility on the horizon is a long-awaited bout with Tyson Fury. Fury, currently preparing to fight Oleksandr Usyk in December, could be a major contender for Joshua in the summer of 2025, especially if he emerges victorious. Hearn emphasized that they are focused solely on a match with either Dubois or Fury, with no other fights or warm-ups planned.
Joshua’s comeback strategy is now contingent on timing, training, and whether the rematch with Dubois or the showdown with Fury offers the clearest path to the heavyweight title.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 25, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports
John Abaja Laryea, widely known as ‘The Expensive Boxer,’ is set to make his U.S. debut on November 1 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, where he will face Nicaragua’s Alexander Mejia. The undefeated Ghanaian boxer, boasting a record of 14 bouts with 13 wins and one draw, views this bout as more than just an international opportunity – it’s a stepping stone toward a world title.
“My goal is to be a world champion, and I’m approaching this fight as if it were a title match,” Laryea shared in an exclusive interview. “Winning here will inspire not only my team but also other boxers to strive for greatness. I’m ready to surprise everyone.”
Laryea, now 22, was trained by Carl Lokko at Bronx Gym and was turned pro at the young age of 18. He has since trained with renowned coach Don Charles, who also worked with IBF World Heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois. Laryea expressed gratitude to Lokko and his manager Sammy Anim Addo, who he credits with guiding his career.
“There’s no magic in boxing – the only magic is hard training,” Laryea explained. “At Bronx Gym, we train with dedication, which is why we have so many champions. We support each other and push each other to succeed.”
A two-time WBO Africa Featherweight champion, Laryea recently took down Namibia’s Nathanael Sebastianus, which solidified his reputation in Africa and has made it challenging to find opponents. He now sees the U.S. as a place where he can continue to learn and grow, competing with a wider range of challengers.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 24, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
The Black Sharks of Ghana secured fifth place at the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations in Hurghada, Egypt, with a thrilling 5-3 victory over Mozambique in the classification match. After finishing third in Group A, Ghana faced Mozambique, the third-placed team from Group B, in the battle for fifth and sixth positions.
Ghana took an early lead in the first period through Wise Nyamadi, followed by top scorer Alexander Adjei’s second-period goal to make it 2-0. Mozambique fought back, narrowing the gap before Richard Osai extended Ghana’s lead to 3-1 by the end of the second period.
The game intensified as Mozambique scored again in the final period, reducing the score to 4-3. However, Adjei completed his hat-trick, securing the win for Ghana. Adjei finished the tournament with an impressive 11 goals in four matches.
