by Silas Boahene | Feb 14, 2024 | Africa, International, Soccer
In a remarkable ascent, Racheal Kundananji, who debuted for Zambia’s national team just six years ago, has now become the most expensive women’s football player globally. The 23-year-old has inked a deal with Bay FC in the American National Women’s Soccer League, fetching a staggering $860,000 and marking a historic moment in football.
Kundananji’s transfer surpasses the previous female record of £400,000, set in the 2022 deal between Keira Walsh and Barcelona. Hailing from Madrid CFF, she has made history as the first African player, regardless of gender, to break a world transfer record.
With a promising start in 2018, where she scored three goals for Zambia at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Kundananji’s trajectory has been meteoric. During her 18 months with Madrid, she netted an impressive 33 Liga F goals in 43 games.
Teaming up with Nigerian star Asisat Oshoala, a six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Kundananji is set to create a formidable duo at Bay FC, undoubtedly attracting envy from clubs worldwide.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
In the aftermath of Nigeria’s 1-2 loss to Ivory Coast in the Afcon final on Sunday, the captain of the Super Eagles football team has taken a stand against the online harassment directed at midfielder Alex Iwobi.
Following the defeat, some football fans turned to social media to troll the 27-year-old player, placing blame on him for the loss. Iwobi, who played for 79 minutes before being substituted by Alhassan Yusuf, faced such backlash online that he removed his Instagram photos on Monday.
Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa and other Nigerians have rallied to defend Iwobi, condemning the targeted attacks and emphasizing the unfairness of singling him out for the team’s loss.
In a statement posted on X, Musa urged fans to stop the online harassment directed at Iwobi, stating, “Losing a game is undoubtedly tough, but targeting a single player for the team’s shortcomings is unfair and unjust. We win as a team, and we lose as a team. Alex gave his all on the field, just like every member of our squad,” Musa emphasized.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
The jubilant celebrations for Ivory Coast’s football team continued on Tuesday, marking their victorious triumph in the Africa Cup of Nations. A reception at the Presidential Palace hosted by President Alassane Ouattara honored the players, coaches, and officials.
The triumphant Elephants, crowned African champions in 2023, were presented with medals and each member of the squad received a monetary reward from President Ouattara. The country’s National Order of Merit recognized team officials with the rank of Commander, while coaches and players were named Chevalier and officers, respectively.
President Ouattara expressed his gratitude and confidence in the team, acknowledging their bravery and resilience throughout the African Cup of Nations. Despite early doubts about their progression to the final, the team fought back to secure a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the final on Sunday.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 13, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Ghana’s esteemed multi-title holder and beloved champion, Alfred Lamptey, also known as Bukom Bomber / Showtime, is set to showcase his skills in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as he faces off against French Champion Jaouad Belmedi on March 2, 2024, at the Yass Link in Abu Dhabi.
Boasting an undefeated record of 13-0-0, Lamptey, a pride of Bukom, is currently training in South Africa under the guidance of his coach, Eben Adjei. Armed with the WBO / WBA Youth, West Africa, and Ghana National Super Featherweight titles, Lamptey is determined to add another victory to his impressive record, expressing his readiness for the upcoming battle.
Managed by Alex Ntiamoah Boakye’s Box Office and training at the Black Panthers Gym in James Town, Accra, Lamptey is internationally managed by Probella. His opponent, Jaouad Belmedi, has a record of 23 fights, with 19 wins, one loss, and three draws.
Promoted by Aam Sassiqi Sports, the Abu Dhabi showdown will feature Alfred Lamptey, the reigning Ghana and West Africa Super Featherweight Champion, aiming to prove his superiority over Jaouad Belmedi in a 10-round contest. The stakes are high, with the winner earning a shot at the world title.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 13, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Henry Malm, the formidable welterweight boxer from the Discipline Gym in Accra, has emerged as a shining star in the Black Bombers’ camp gearing up for the 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana.
Known by the moniker “Assassin Junior,” Malm, a tough and skilled pugilist, made the significant decision to switch to amateur boxing and represent Ghana after a successful stint in the professional ranks. With an impressive knockout rate of 85.71% and an undefeated record in seven bouts since 2021, the 24-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the Black Bombers.
Expressing gratitude, Malm acknowledged his advisors, fellow boxers, and coaches for guiding him in making the decision to represent Ghana and aim for a medal at the upcoming games. He also expressed readiness for the 2024 Olympic Games, should the opportunity arise, following a successful performance at the 2023 African Games.
Malm joins the ranks of Samuel Takyi and Mohammed Aryeetey, showcasing a growing trend of amateur boxers who have experienced the professional arena but returned to represent Ghana, driven by personal choices and aspirations to achieve international success at both the African and Olympic levels.
