by Silas Boahene | Jan 7, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Other Sports
With just a few days remaining until the highly anticipated 48th Nguvu SWAG Awards, Corporate Ghana is actively engaging with the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) to secure sponsorships for what promises to be a memorable event in 2023.
Guinness Ghana Limited, represented by their Malta Guinness brand, has officially come on board as the official beverage sponsor for the SWAG Awards. Mrs. Dinah Adu Asare, Marketing Manager for Malta Guinness, emphasized that sponsoring the SWAG Awards aligns with their corporate mandate.
SES HD Plus Ghana Limited, a leading digital satellite television provider known for its excellent high-definition TV services, is returning for a second year as a sponsor. Their significant investment in the digital and high-definition production of the 47th SWAG Awards in Accra played a pivotal role in their continued support.
Contributions from the National Lotteries Authorities (NLA), GOIL Plc, Twellium Industries (producers of Verna Water), Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Stanbic Bank, Estharcie Events, and other entities are enhancing the grandeur of the 48th Nguvu SWAG Awards, ensuring it becomes an unforgettable night.
Set to unfold at the Accra International Conference Center (AICC) on Friday, January 12, 2024, the event will pay tribute to outstanding athletes and sports administrators who excelled in 2023. The overarching theme for the night is “Leveraging on the benefits of the 13th African Games.”
As the longest-running sports event in Ghana since 1975, the Nguvu SWAG Awards will celebrate approximately 50 sportsmen, sportswomen, and corporate institutions for their contributions to the development and promotion of sports in the country.
In a novel move, this year’s SWAG Awards will also recognize and honor long-serving sports journalists in the country, adding an extra layer of appreciation for those dedicated to covering and promoting sports over the years.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 7, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International
In a highly anticipated announcement on Friday (Jan. 05), Anthony Joshua’s promoter revealed that former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou will make a return to the ring to go head-to-head with the former unified world heavyweight champion.
At 37, the Cameroonian powerhouse Ngannou has minimal professional boxing experience, having stepped into the ring only once before. On the other side, 34-year-old British fighter Joshua, a two-time world champion and 2012 Olympic gold medalist, recently secured his third consecutive victory by defeating Swede Otto Wallin on December 23rd.
Ngannou’s last foray into boxing in October saw him deliver a stunning knockdown on Tyson Fury, though he ultimately lost his inaugural boxing match on a split decision.
The stage is set for a monumental clash, with a press conference scheduled for January 15 to unveil the specifics of the Ngannou-Joshua bout. The highly anticipated showdown is slated to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, promising a thrilling spectacle for fight enthusiasts around the world.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 7, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Soccer
Despite the playful banter from Jurgen Klopp, there’s a tangible concern regarding Mohamed Salah’s potential absence from Liverpool matches. If Egypt replicates their performance from two years ago and reaches the AFCON final, Salah could miss up to eight crucial games for his club.
At 31, Salah continues to display remarkable goal-scoring prowess, concluding the first half of the season with a two-goal performance against Newcastle United. The perennial top scorer for Liverpool is maintaining an impressive record, averaging a goal or assist every 79 minutes in the top-flight this season. Klopp’s teasing might have a basis in reality, and Liverpool fans are left contemplating the impact of Salah’s potential absence on the team’s fortunes.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 6, 2024 | International, Soccer, World Cup
Mario Zagallo, a prominent figure in Brazilian football history, has passed away at the age of 92. The winger played a crucial role in Brazil’s World Cup victories in 1958 and 1962 and later managed the iconic 1970 team. Zagallo also achieved the unique feat of winning the World Cup both as a player and a manager, a distinction shared by only a few others. His legacy includes leading Brazil to the final in 1998 and being part of the coaching staff for their 1994 triumph. The football community mourns the loss of this legendary figure.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 6, 2024 | Africa, Basketball, International
The fourth season of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) is scheduled to commence in March at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa. Featuring the top 12 club teams from 12 African countries, the 2024 BAL season will see a record 48 games played across Pretoria, Cairo, Dakar, and Kigali over four months. For the first time, the league will hold games in South Africa and four different countries. The season will involve three conferences, each playing a 12-game group phase, leading to playoffs in Kigali. Additionally, a scouting Combine in Rabat, Morocco, featuring 30 players, will precede the season, marking the BAL’s commitment to improving the on-court product. Former NBA player Robert Pack will serve as the Combine Camp Director. The BAL continues its initiatives, including the “BAL4HER” identification camp for female players, coaching clinics, and engagement with partners like NIKE, Jordan Brand, and Wilson. Details about the 12 teams, conferences, and the game schedule will be announced in the coming months.
