by Silas Boahene | May 2, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Europe, International
In a recent development, a third member of the Refugee Olympic Team has been suspended following a positive doping test, adding to the challenges just days before the official announcement of athletes for the Paris 2024 Games by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Anjelina Nadai Lohalith, who hails from South Sudan and sought refuge in Kenya amid conflict, has been provisionally suspended after allegedly testing positive for a banned heart medication, trimetazidine, as confirmed by the athletics integrity unit. Details regarding the timeline for disciplinary proceedings have not been disclosed.
Lohalith, aged 31, has been a remarkable figure in the Olympic arena, participating in the 1,500m event for the Refugee team in both the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021 Games. Her journey, marked by resilience and determination, has been supported by a scholarship from the IOC aimed at facilitating her preparation for these global events.
The IOC, in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), had scheduled a media event to finalize the selection of the refugee team for the upcoming Paris Olympics, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11.
Lohalith’s suspension underscores the challenges faced by refugee athletes striving to compete at the highest level, with two previous cases involving doping allegations within the Refugee Olympic Team. Earlier instances involved Moroccan athlete Fouad Idbafdil and another South Sudanese runner, Dominic Lokolong Atiol, both facing provisional suspensions for doping violations.
This incident also resonates with recent doping controversies in international sports, such as the case of Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva and Chinese swimmers during the Tokyo Olympics. These incidents highlight the ongoing efforts to uphold the integrity of sports and combat doping practices, amidst evolving challenges and controversies.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 30, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Ghana, International
A resident of Techiman in Ghana’s Bono East Region has embarked on a remarkable journey, aiming to break the Guinness World Record for the longest walking marathon.
Seidu Rafiwu initiated this ambitious endeavor, walking from Techiman to Accra over four days, covering an impressive distance of 383 kilometers. His goal is to surpass the 48-year-old record held by Jesse Casteneda from the United States.
Rafiwu completed his marathon at Ghana’s Independence Square on Tuesday, just before noon, expressing confidence that his feat meets the rigorous criteria set by the Guinness World Records.
When asked about the possibility of falling short of breaking the record, Rafiwu remained resolute, stating to JoySports, “Marsha Allah, nothing is going to happen that way. If it does, it is God’s will.” He further asserted, “Yes, I will still try [If not successful]. As a man, you do not give up.”
Nushirat Abubakar, Rafiu’s spokesperson, disclosed that his original aspiration was to become a professional footballer. However, after facing setbacks in that pursuit, he transitioned to marathon walking.
Abubakar explained, “The ambition he had was sports, to become a professional footballer. But along the way, he realized that achieving that dream was difficult.” She continued, “He then considered other options, such as becoming a military personnel. Despite persistent attempts, he was unsuccessful. Finally, he embarked on this walk-a-thon.”
by Silas Boahene | Apr 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Asante Kotoko head coach, Charles Kwablan Akonnor, has refuted speculations regarding a potential comeback to the club to replace Prosper Narteh Ogum as head coach.
Ogum has faced criticism due to the team’s underwhelming performance this season, currently sitting in 11th place after 28 games, with just 37 points accumulated.
Earlier this month, reports surfaced suggesting that Akonnor might return to Kumasi to take over from the former WAFA coach, given the team’s disappointing form.
However, Ogum has received a vote of confidence, with Akonnor dismissing the rumors.
Expressing his frustration, Akonnor stated, “I was surprised when I saw it because I never made any such statement. I never expressed interest in coaching the team. Later, I contacted the person who gave the interview, and he also denied it, clarifying that it was the bloggers who twisted the story for attention.”
Following the backing from Manhyia, the Porcupine Warriors have managed one win and one draw in their last two Ghana Premier League matches.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 30, 2024 | Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigeria’s former international, Finidi George, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, stepping into the role vacated by Jose Peseiro.
Following Peseiro’s departure after Nigeria’s loss to Ivory Coast in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, the 53-year-old George assumed interim charge. He recently led the team in two friendly matches, securing a victory against Ghana but facing a setback with a loss to Mali.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) formally confirmed George’s appointment, endorsing the recommendation from its technical and development committee. George, who also manages Enyimba, the club he led to the Nigerian title last year, is expected to continue in that role until the season’s end.
A former Ajax and Real Betis winger, George brings significant experience to the position, having served as Peseiro’s assistant for 20 months. His international career saw him netting six goals in 62 appearances for Nigeria, including during the memorable Nations Cup victory in 1994 and the team’s debut in the FIFA World Cup that same year.
George faces immediate pressure to deliver results, with Nigeria’s upcoming qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup looming in June. The Super Eagles, after drawing their initial Group C matches, consider the upcoming fixtures against South Africa and Benin as must-win encounters.
The appointment of George, chosen over notable contenders like Emmanuel Amuneke and Domenec Torrent, underscores the high stakes of one of African football’s most prestigious roles. However, the length of his contract remains undisclosed by the NFF.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 30, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International
South Africans and boxing enthusiasts mourn the loss of Dingaan Thobela, the renowned boxing figure known as “The Rose of Soweto,” who passed away at the age of 57.
Thobela, whose roots traced back to Soweto, Johannesburg, breathed his last in his apartment after a prolonged battle with an undisclosed illness. His family discovered him when attempts to reach him by phone went unanswered.
Throughout his illustrious career spanning from 1990 to 2006, Thobela secured three world titles across two weight classes. With an impressive record of 40 victories out of 56 fights, including 26 knockouts, he etched an indelible legacy in the sport.
The news of Thobela’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes, with many fondly recalling his lightning speed, finesse, and formidable prowess within the ring. Advocate Ike Thamsanqa Khumalo fondly reminisced about the unforgettable moments Thobela provided fans, characterizing some as downright comical.
