by Silas Boahene | Feb 9, 2024 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
The Nigeria Weightlifting team concluded the Egypt 2024 African Senior Weightlifting Championship on a high note, securing a total of 11 medals, including six gold and five silver. Joy Ogbonne Eze’s outstanding performance in the 71kg women’s category was a highlight, as she claimed all three gold medals in snatch, clean and jerk, and total lift.
Eze’s triple gold achievement has elevated her to the top 12 in the Olympic qualification ranking for her weight class. Notably, other athletes like Rafiat Lawal, Adijat Olarinoye, and Umoafia Edidiong are also inching closer to securing Olympic Games tickets based on their remarkable performances in Ismaila, Egypt. The top 10 in their respective weight classes will qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris.
Rafiat Lawal secured three gold medals in the 59kg category, while Adijat Olarinoye earned three silver medals in the same weight class. Umoafia Edidiong contributed two silver medals in the Men’s 73kg category. Joy Ogbonne Eze’s triumphant performance marked a significant improvement from the previous year’s championship in Tunisia.
Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, the President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, commended the athletes for their exceptional efforts and acknowledged the boost to their Olympic qualification prospects. He expressed optimism about their upcoming participation in the African Games, aiming for a record-setting performance in Ghana.
The Nigerian Weightlifting contingent, consisting of four athletes and four officials, is set to return to Nigeria, with plans to begin preparations for the African Games promptly. Dr. Abdul emphasized the need for the athletes to showcase their full potential at the African Games before heading to Thailand for the final Olympic Games qualifier, the IWF World Cup, taking place from March 31st to April 11th.
The announcement of the final list of athletes qualified for the 2024 Paris Games will be made through the IWF World Rankings after the conclusion of the last Olympic qualifier in Thailand.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 9, 2024 | Africa, Basketball, International, Nigeria, USA
In preparation for the Paris Olympics qualifying games set to take place in Antwerp, Belgium, Rena Wakama, the Coach of Nigeria’s Women Senior team, has unveiled a roster of 15 players. The team, known as D’Tigress, will be vying for a spot against formidable nations like the USA, Senegal, and Belgium in the Olympic qualification games scheduled from February 8 to 11.
The squad includes key players such as Amukamara Onyeka, Sarah Chika Ogoke, Abiola Alimat Olatoyosi, Okoro Ifunnaya, and Taiwo Oluwatomi Yemisi. Other notable names on the list are Donanu Regina, Elizabeth Balogun, Okonkwo Amy Nnenna, Adeyeye Adebola, Enabosi Nicole Ehizele, Musa Murjanatu, Akarawe Nkem Uwa, Kunayi-Akpanah Pallas Daemi, Ebo Lauren, and Ejiofor Blessing.
Responding to concerns from fans about the late invitation of players to the training camp, Musa Adamu, the General Manager of the Nigeria basketball national teams, assured that the team would be well-prepared to compete fiercely for the Olympic ticket. He explained that while other teams might have released their rosters earlier, FIBA mandates clubs to release players only a week before the start of a tournament.
“The coach is in constant communication with her team, and the girls will be ready for any opposition when the games begin,” stated Adamu.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 9, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports, Soccer, USA
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President and Flagbearer of the NPP, has outlined a comprehensive vision for Ghana’s sports development, emphasizing the establishment of the Ghana School Sports Secretariat as a cornerstone of his strategy. Speaking about his broad sports development vision, Dr. Bawumia expressed his government’s commitment to creating the secretariat, an agency under the sports ministry, in collaboration with entities like the GES and sports federations.
In a bid to position Ghana as an emerging sports hub in Africa, Dr. Bawumia announced plans for school-level collaborations with international sports bodies such as the NBA and NFL. Drawing attention to past successful engagements, he highlighted the hosting of the first-ever NFL Flag Football in Africa and the subsequent participation of Ghanaian youths in a global NFL tournament.
Identifying inadequate funding as a major obstacle to Ghana’s sports development, Dr. Bawumia asserted a shift towards a modern and sustainable funding model under his government. He pledged a major focus on policies, tax adjustments, and incentives to attract increased private and public investment. The emphasis will be on creating incentives for corporate sponsorship to support national teams across various sports, alleviating financial pressure on the government and allowing redirected support to other sports disciplines.
In summary, Dr. Bawumia’s sports development vision encompasses the establishment of the Ghana School Sports Secretariat, collaborations with international sports bodies, and a shift towards a sustainable funding model to unlock the full potential of sports in Ghana.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 9, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports, Soccer
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has announced a groundbreaking shift in sports funding if he assumes office. Speaking on February 7, 2024, as part of his vision for Ghana, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the need for a new approach to unlock the full potential of sports in the country.
Identifying inadequate and unsustainable funding as a major impediment to Ghana’s sports development, Dr. Bawumia highlighted the importance of sports as a multi-million dollar industry and a vital catalyst for youth empowerment. He underscored the necessity of departing from the traditional funding model that has been in place since independence.
In his vision for sports development, Dr. Bawumia pledged to prioritize policies, tax adjustments, and other incentives to attract increased private and public investment. The focus will be on creating a sustainable funding model through corporate sponsorship to support national teams in various sports such as football, athletics, and boxing.
The proposed strategy aims to alleviate financial pressure on the government while facilitating redirected support to other sports disciplines. Dr. Bawumia also outlined plans to establish a School Sports Secretariat, an agency under the Ministry responsible for Sports, to drive grassroots sports development in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service and sports federations.
In summary, Dr. Bawumia’s proposed sports funding approach seeks to revolutionize the financing of sports development in Ghana, with an emphasis on sustainability, increased private and public investment, and targeted support for grassroots sports.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 7, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Soccer
The CAF Referees Committee, led by Ivorian DĂ©sirĂ© DouĂ© Noumandiez, has taken decisive action in the aftermath of the AFCON 2023 round of 16 match between CĂ´te d’Ivoire and Senegal. Gabonese referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho has been dismissed from the tournament due to controversial decisions made during the game.
In particular, Atcho’s decision to issue a yellow card to Sadio Mane for a foul that many believed warranted a red card has sparked significant controversy. Additionally, he declined to award a penalty to Senegal for a foul committed on Saar, further fueling dissatisfaction.
The CAF Referees Committee will review Atcho’s case at CAF’s headquarters, and his chances of officiating in any CAF tournament this year are deemed very slim.
In response to the contentious decisions made during the match, all VAR referees present that day have been suspended. The suspension serves as a measure to address concerns about the overall officiating quality during the game.
Moreover, Senegalese winger Krepin Diatta may also face disciplinary action after accusing CAF of corruption. His remarks have raised questions about the integrity of the tournament’s organization, prompting authorities to consider potential consequences for Diatta’s statements.
The actions taken by the CAF Referees Committee underscore the commitment to uphold fair play and the integrity of the competition, signaling the importance of maintaining high standards in refereeing decisions during major football tournaments.
