by Silas Boahene | Feb 7, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Mustapha Ussif, the Minister for Youth and Sports, assures that Ghana’s athletes gearing up for the 2023 Africa Games have been provided with optimal conditions to enhance their preparations for the upcoming competition.
Since January 19, Team Ghana has been in camp at the Cape Coast Stadium and the University of Cape Coast, undergoing rigorous training ahead of the 13th edition of the games.
During a visit to the team, Minister Ussif stated that every necessary provision has been made for the athletes, and there have been no complaints so far. He highlighted the open communication channels with the athletes, emphasizing that if they encounter any issues, they are encouraged to express them.
“With the athletes and Team Ghana, if they have problems, they will tell you. They will not be shy because the Minister is there because I am the only person who can find solutions to their problems,” Ussif affirmed.
The Minister attributed the athletes’ positive feedback to the four-star treatment they have received during their preparation. He noted that the current camp conditions differ significantly from their previous experiences, creating an atmosphere of excitement among the athletes.
The Africa Games are scheduled to commence in March, running through to March 23, with the University of Ghana and Borteyman hosting the majority of the games.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 7, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Other Sports, Uncategorized
Blessing Oborodudu, the silver medalist from the 2020 Olympics in Japan, has successfully earned a spot in the upcoming African Games set to take place in Accra, Ghana next month. In a decisive victory, Blessing quickly defeated her 68kg opponent, Tokere Appah of Bayelsa, employing a dominant pinfall technique.
The triumph continued with Ebi Biogos of Bayelsa and Hannah Reuben of the Nigerian Army securing victories in the 72kg and 76kg categories, respectively. In the male freestyle division, Soso Tamarau of Delta and Ashton Mutuwa of Plateau caused upsets in the 97kg and 125kg, with the emerging sensation, Ashton Mutuwa, defeating National champion Progress Benson of Rivers to qualify for both the African Games and the Olympic Qualifiers.
Harrison Isrsal of Bayelsa dashed the hopes of Jackson Oluwafemi of Ondo, a national champion in the 86kg category. Earlier in the 65kg, Stephen Simon of Bayelsa triumphed over former national champion Amas Daniel, while Braveman Pere secured qualification in the 74kg, contributing to the winning parade for the upcoming Games in Accra, Ghana.
Dr. Daniel Igali, the president of the Wrestling Federation, expressed his elation at the wrestlers’ dedication and determination during the National trials in Yenagoa. He commended the technical staff and officials for hosting a successful event but emphasized the need for improved preparation for the nation’s athletes heading to the African Games.
Dr. Igali specifically acknowledged the support and warm reception from the government of Bayelsa State for hosting the National Trials. In his concluding remarks, he stated, “Our performance would be determined by how we prepare because I don’t think our athletes are prepared well enough to start thinking of gold, so we need to start camping immediately.”
The African Games are scheduled to take place in Accra, Ghana, from 8th to 24th March 2024, while the first Olympic Qualifiers for the year are set to run from 12th to 20th March.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 7, 2024 | Africa, International, Other Sports, Uncategorized
Togo is celebrating its win in the Davis Cup tennis competition, beating Indonesia 3-2 in the World Group II play-offs, held in the Togolese capital, LomĂ©. The combination of Komlavi Loglo and Thomas Setodji secured the country’s ticket for another round of the competition’s Group II matches to take place in September 2024. The captain of Togo’s David Cup team, Loglo Komlavi, was very excited by their win. “It’s incredible. I don’t know what to say. It feels like a dream to me. Togo are solid. We’ve got a team that’s always together,” he said. It is a remarkable comeback after an absence of more than 20 years from the world tennis scene.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 7, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
As Nigeria and South Africa prepare to clash in the AFCON 2023 semi-final at Stade de la Paix, the Super Eagles aim to continue their impressive campaign, securing a record-extending 15th semi-final appearance. While Nigeria boasts a solid defense and the attacking prowess of players like Ademola Lookman, South Africa, guided by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, is determined to overcome their historical struggles against the Super Eagles.
Nigeria’s recent victory over Angola showcased defensive solidity but raised concerns about player fatigue, especially for Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen. Lookman has emerged as a standout performer, scoring his third goal at the finals. The Super Eagles, eyeing their first final since 2013, face the challenge of balancing defensive resilience and attacking flair.
South Africa, with notable wins against Morocco and Cape Verde, enters the semi-final with confidence. Williams’ penalty heroics in the quarter-final shootout highlighted their resilience. However, facing Nigeria, a team they have never beaten at AFCON, poses a significant test for Bafana Bafana.
Team Form:
- Nigeria (AFCON): DWWWW
- Nigeria (All Competitions): LDWWWW
- South Africa (AFCON): LWDWW
- South Africa (All Competitions): DLWDWW
Key Players:
- Nigeria: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon
- South Africa: Ronwen Williams, Percy Tau, Sphephelo Sithole
Team News: Osimhen is expected to lead Nigeria’s attack, supported by Lookman and Simon. Yellow card concerns for Simon, Ola Aina, and Calvin Bassey could impact their potential final participation. South Africa remains defensively solid, and coach Hugo Broos is likely to stick with the backline that has kept clean sheets in four consecutive games.
Predicted Lineups:
- Nigeria: Nwabali; Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey; Aina, Onyeka, Iwobi, Sanusi; Simon, Lookman; Osimhen
- South Africa: Williams; Mudau, Kekana, Mvala, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole; Morena, Zwane, Tau; Makgopa
As the two teams gear up for a crucial encounter, the semi-final promises a thrilling showdown between Nigeria’s attacking prowess and South Africa’s resilient defense.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 7, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
West Bromwich Albion defender Semi Ajayi sheds light on why Nigeria’s Super Eagles have proven to be a formidable force at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The three-time AFCON champions have showcased solid defense combined with efficient attacking, securing their place in the semifinals with notable victories over Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon, and Angola.
Ajayi, a key figure in Nigeria’s defensive line, attributes the team’s success to the diversity of attacking threats within the squad. With four clean sheets and six goals credited to Victor Osimhen, William Troost-Ekong, and Ademola Lookman, along with assists from Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon, the Super Eagles have displayed a well-rounded offensive strategy.
As Nigeria gears up to face South Africa in the semifinals, Ajayi emphasizes the team’s determination to clinch their fourth continental trophy. He highlights the strength of the Super Eagles, stating, “The beauty of this team is that we’ve got so many weapons. You can’t put all your attention on one person because we have so many people who are capable of creating and scoring.”
With Nigeria poised as heavy favorites against South Africa, Ajayi acknowledges the team’s focus on the ultimate goal. The defender asserts, “We came here to win, so full focus goes towards Wednesday now.”
As the Super Eagles aim to extend their impressive record against South Africa, having won all three previous AFCON encounters, Ajayi’s insights into the team’s multifaceted attacking prowess add to the anticipation of their upcoming semifinal clash.
