by Silas Boahene | Jan 29, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Databank Group’s Kojo Addae Mensah Assumes Role on Black Stars Coach Search Committee
In a recent development, Kojo Addae Mensah, the Group CEO of Databank Group, has taken the place of legal practitioner and law lecturer Ace Ankomah (Esq.) on the five-member committee responsible for evaluating and recommending the next coach for the Black Stars to the Executive Council. This change was prompted by Ace Ankomah’s decision to withdraw from the process due to a conflict of interest involving an ongoing legal matter with the Ghana Football Association.
Kojo Addae Mensah will now join Vice President Mark Addo, Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah, Director of Coaching Education of the GFA, Ghana football legend Opoku Nti, and William Caesar Kartey, Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The committee is tasked with presenting their recommendation for the next Black Stars coach to the Executive Council for approval within the next three weeks.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 29, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Nana Yaw Amponsah, the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Asante Kotoko, has taken on a new role as the President of FC Petrocub HĂ®ncesti in Moldova’s top-flight league. This move is a result of a strategic partnership between the Moldovan club and an undisclosed company, offering not just financial benefits but also leveraging the expertise of the accomplished football administrator to lead the team.
Under the terms of this collaboration, Nana Yaw Amponsah has been officially appointed as the President of FC Petrocub, signaling a potential era of positive transformation for the club and marking a significant milestone in its history. The announcement of his appointment was made by FC Petrocub through its official social media channels.
The club shared, “FC Petrocub has entered into a partnership agreement with an international investment company. Pursuant to this agreement, Nana Yaw Amponsah assumes the role of president of the team.”
Nana Yaw Amponsah’s tenure with Asante Kotoko concluded last year, marking his departure from the club he joined in 2020. During his time with the Porcupine Warriors, he successfully secured one Ghana Premier League title for the team.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 28, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Mr. Dauda Fuseni, the First Vice President of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), has highlighted the significance of the upcoming special amateur bouts in Accra. According to him, the primary objective of these bouts is to identify and select talented boxers for the youth national team, preparing them for the 2024 Youth World Championship scheduled to take place in Croatia later this year.
In an exclusive conversation with Yours Truly, Mr. Fuseni explained that following the selection process, the most exceptional boxers will undergo training under the guidance of Coach Charles Quartey from the Charles Quartey Boxing Foundation. Coach Quartey is entrusted with coaching the youth national team, known as the Black Rockets, with the aim of nurturing and thoroughly preparing them for international competitions.
Mr. Fuseni shared the GBF’s broader plans, expressing the intent to organize regular bilateral tournaments abroad for the young boxers. He believes that such initiatives will contribute to building their confidence, providing essential exposure, and enabling them to perform effectively on larger platforms while representing the nation.
Taking the opportunity, Mr. Fuseni appealed to both individuals and companies, urging them to support and sponsor the national youth boxing team in their quest for success.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 28, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Jose Peseiro, Nigeria’s coach, has lauded Victor Osimhen’s outstanding performance in the 2-0 victory over Cameroon, emphasizing that the Napoli striker had a fantastic game despite his goal drought extending to three matches in the Africa Cup of Nations. While Ademola Lookman’s brace grabbed the headlines, Osimhen’s energetic runs, physicality, and exceptional work rate were instrumental in securing the win.
In the 36th minute, Osimhen played a crucial role in Lookman’s opener, overpowering Cameroon’s Christopher Wooh and providing the assist. Peseiro highlighted Osimhen’s contributions when questioned by a Cameroonian journalist about his goal-scoring absence, emphasizing the striker’s pressure on opponents, ball-winning abilities, and his role in creating opportunities for teammates.
“He didn’t score but had a fantastic game. It’s not easy to stop that guy,” said Peseiro. “He pressured, won the first ball, created the goal. Sometimes you need to give him the ball, and he’ll win the ball against two or three.”
Looking ahead, Nigeria is set to face the creative Angola side in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, February 2.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 28, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
In a commanding 2-0 triumph over Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last-16 clash, Victor Osimhen’s standout performance for the Super Eagles caught the attention of African football legends Sunday Oliseh and Asamoah Gyan. While Ademola Lookman secured the victory with a double, it was Osimhen’s pivotal role and extraordinary assist that stole the spotlight.
Despite Osimhen’s goal drought continuing, his overall contribution was lauded. Beyond the assist, Osimhen showcased a complete performance, excelling in holding up play, pressing the opponent’s center-backs, and actively contributing to his team’s defense during set-pieces.
Sunday Oliseh, a star of Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON-winning team, expressed his admiration for Osimhen’s multifaceted abilities, highlighting his offensive runs, defensive work, and leadership qualities. Oliseh took to Twitter to praise Osimhen’s passion and hunger for victory, declaring him the “Super Eagles main man” and suggesting he deserves consideration for the African Ballon D’or.
Ghana’s all-time highest goalscorer, Asamoah Gyan, echoed the sentiment of Oliseh, commending Osimhen’s passion on the pitch. The Napoli striker’s dynamic and impactful performance has not only advanced Nigeria to the AFCON quarter-finals but has also garnered admiration from football legends across the continent.
