by Silas Boahene | Sep 5, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
According to recent reports, Ghanaian winger Ernest Nuamah faced intense pressure to sign a deal moving him from French club Olympique Lyon to English Premier League side Fulham. French football commentator Hugo Guillemet first revealed that Nuamah and his camp were against the move, a report now corroborated by France-based journalist Matt Spiro.
Spiro shared on his X (formerly Twitter) page that the 20-year-old Black Stars player was so emotionally affected by the pressure that he broke down in tears during his medicals. The beIN Sports presenter also disclosed that Nuamah briefly disappeared after the medical exams, and Lyon owner John Textor has since apologized to the player.
On the final day of the 2024 summer transfer window, August 30, a deal reportedly valued at ÂŁ15 million, including add-ons, had been reached between Lyon and Fulham for Nuamah’s transfer. However, Italian football insider Fabrizio Romano later reported that the deal collapsed due to unresolved “issues.”
Nuamah is currently sidelined by an injury, which has ruled him out of the Black Stars’ upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 5, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Other Sports
The Ghana National Armwrestling team, proudly known as the Golden Arms, paid a visit to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. This visit followed their triumphant gold medal win at the World Armwrestling Championship held in Moldova, marking a significant achievement for the team.
The primary purpose of the visit was to extend their gratitude to Minister Ussif and his ministry for their unwavering support. During the meeting, the team formally presented the gold medal secured by Grace Mintah. Accompanying the team were prominent members of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation, including President Charles Osei Asibey, Vice President Kofi Agyekum, General Secretary Jessy Agyapong, and a board member.
Key team members present included Golden Arms Captain Edward Asamoah, Godwin Sackey, Blessed Abeka Nunoo, Mabel Yeboah, and the standout performer, Grace Mintah, affectionately known as the “Golden Girl.” The delegation was also joined by the officiating team, which featured the only African referees at the World Championship: Hussein Akueteh Addy, Nii Otoo Larkyne, and Abigail Fremah.
Minister Ussif lauded the team for their exceptional accomplishments, highlighting their performance at the African Games where they amassed 41 medals, and their groundbreaking success at the World Armwrestling Championship. He stated:
“Congratulations to the Ghana Armwrestling team for your remarkable performance during the African Games. I had complete confidence in your ability to represent our nation on the world stage. I viewed this as an opportunity to showcase our athletes, providing them with invaluable exposure. I did not anticipate not only winning a medal but achieving gold. On behalf of the president, the entire ministry, and the gold medalist, I extend my heartfelt congratulations for bringing honor to our nation and elevating our flag proudly in Moldova.”
The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to supporting wrestling and other underfunded sports. He emphasized:
“As the government and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, we are dedicated to supporting less sponsored sports, including wrestling. We will continue to provide equitable support for all lesser-known sports, enabling you to showcase the talents bestowed upon you.”
He also encouraged all sports federations to make full use of the facilities and equipment acquired for the African Games, reinforcing the motto, “Let’s build tomorrow’s champions today.”
In response, Charles Osei Asibey, President of Ghana Armwrestling, appealed to the Minister for assistance in establishing a dedicated training center for the federation. He highlighted the need for a facility to identify and cultivate new talent, stating:
“Looking through our records, this gold medal at the World Championship is an unprecedented achievement for Ghana. We believe the ministry should help us celebrate not only wrestling but also our gold medalist. Furthermore, for the development of the sport, a training center is essential. This need extends beyond just Charles Osei Asibey or the board; we require a dedicated training facility.”
The meeting underscored the importance of continued support and infrastructure development to sustain and enhance Ghana’s presence in the international armwrestling arena.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 4, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Mohammed Kudus has joined the Black Stars camp in preparation for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger. Kudus, who plays for West Ham United, arrived on Monday evening and will participate in the team’s training session on Tuesday.
The Black Stars commenced their first training session at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, with initial participation from 10 players, including Thomas Partey, Tariq Lamptey, Joseph Wollacott, Ibrahim Osman, Jonas Adjetey, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Frederick Asare, Ebenezer Annan, and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku.
Kudus’s arrival is a significant boost as the team prepares for their upcoming matches. Ghana will face Angola on September 5 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, followed by an away game against Niger. Under the guidance of head coach Otto Addo, the Black Stars are determined to secure their place in the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco and are counting on fan support throughout the qualifiers.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 4, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Ghanaian Parliament is set to finance the training and upgrading of 275 Physical Education (PE) teachers to become CAF-licensed coaches. This initiative aims to enhance football development across the country as part of the celebrations marking 30 years of parliamentary democracy in Ghana.
The selected PE teachers will receive training from CAF-certified instructors, with the goal of equipping them to return to their constituencies and provide grassroots players with essential technical and tactical guidance.
In conjunction with the anniversary celebrations, Parliament organized a special cup match between Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak at the Accra Sports Stadium on July 17. Asante Kotoko emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, and they are scheduled to face DC United in the United States next month as part of their prize.
Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban S. K. Bagbin highlighted football’s crucial role in national development and its potential to promote democracy and economic growth. He emphasized the importance of leveraging football to drive the nation’s progress and foster democratic values.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 4, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Brazilian club SC Internacional has announced the signing of Ghanaian midfielder Benjamin Arhin. The transfer was finalized on the last day of the transfer window, with Arhin joining Internacional’s under-20 team on loan from Dansoman Wise XI FC.
Arhin, a promising talent from Senya Bereku in Ghana’s Central Region, began his football journey in Weija, Greater Accra. He joined Dansoman Wise XI FC in 2021, where his exceptional skills and dedication played a crucial role in the team’s promotion to the Second Division League in the 2022 season.
His impressive performances earned him the title of Best Player of the Season, highlighting his talent and commitment. Now, Arhin embarks on a new chapter with SC Internacional, aiming to make his mark in Brazilian football.
