by Silas Boahene | Aug 30, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Renowned boxing trainer Fatai Issifu, popularly known as “Pakistan” in boxing circles, has commended the ongoing Ghana Professional Boxing League at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra for providing local boxers with a platform to build their fight records. However, he emphasized that while the league is a positive development, it should be seen as a stepping stone toward greater goals.
In an interview with Graphic Sports, Issifu expressed concern that Ghana may struggle to produce world champions due to the lack of international recognition and ratings for local boxers. He highlighted the Ghana Boxing Authority’s (GBA) absence from international boxing conventions and the failure to capitalize on the country’s rich boxing history as key issues.
“Previously, our boxers had opportunities to compete for Commonwealth titles and eliminators because of the leadership we had. But now, they struggle to get any fight of international repute because we don’t attend meetings and conventions of the international boxing bodies to make an impact,” Issifu explained.
He also noted that many Ghanaian boxers are currently fighting for survival rather than pursuing titles, which he believes is detrimental to the future of the sport in the country. While the boxing league supports the livelihood of boxers and helps them build records, Issifu stressed the importance of securing international bouts and facing strong opponents to move closer to world titles.
Issifu urged the GBA to proactively establish relationships with international boxing organizations, which would enable Ghanaian boxers to secure high-profile fights and improve their global rankings. “If we want our boxers to win world titles or fight for world titles, then we must broaden our horizons, support them to fight the best outside the country, and help them achieve significant victories,” he stated.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 30, 2024 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigeria has named former Stuttgart manager Bruno Labbadia as the new head coach of the men’s national football team, ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The 58-year-old German coach was selected after talks with other candidates, including Swede Janne Andersson and Frenchman Herve Renard, fell through.
While a contract has yet to be signed, Labbadia’s first match in charge is set for September 7, when Nigeria will face Rwanda in a Nations Cup qualifier in Uyo, followed by a return fixture in Rwanda three days later.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) considered several candidates, including Gustavo Poyet, Aitor Karanka, and Fabio Cannavaro, before settling on Labbadia, who holds a UEFA Pro License and has previously managed clubs such as Hertha Berlin, Wolfsburg, Hamburg, and Bayer Leverkusen.
Labbadia is the sixth German to coach the Super Eagles, following in the footsteps of Karl-Heinz Marotzke, Gottlieb Goller, Manfred Honer, Berti Vogts, and Gernot Rohr. However, he faces significant challenges, including managing high expectations, addressing issues with player allowances, and navigating difficult World Cup and Nations Cup qualification campaigns.
The NFF has approved Labbadia’s appointment with immediate effect, as confirmed by NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 30, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah is on the verge of completing a transfer to Crystal Palace, with the South London club close to securing a ÂŁ25 million deal, plus an additional ÂŁ5 million in potential add-ons, for the 25-year-old striker.
With no expected hurdles in personal terms, Nketiah is preparing to join Palace for the ongoing 2024/25 season. Crystal Palace, having pursued the striker throughout the summer, engaged in talks with Arsenal earlier in the transfer window.
Nketiah, who has been linked with a move away from the Emirates this summer, was initially expected to join Marseille, but negotiations fell through when the French club failed to meet Arsenal’s valuation. A subsequent potential transfer to Nottingham Forest also collapsed despite an agreement between the two clubs.
Struggling to secure first-team opportunities at Arsenal, Nketiah has not made a competitive appearance this season, although he signed a new contract with the club in June 2022, extending his stay until 2027. Even with Gabriel Jesus injured, Nketiah’s playing time has remained limited.
At Selhurst Park, Palace is looking to reinforce their attack following Jordan Ayew’s move to Leicester City. Manager Oliver Glasner is keen to add depth alongside Jean-Philippe Mateta and Odsonne Edouard before the transfer window closes on Friday. Mateta, who enjoyed a strong 2023/24 season with 19 goals in 39 appearances, might be joined by Nketiah, with reports suggesting that Palace could fund the purchase by selling Edouard, who is reportedly of interest to his former club Celtic.
As the transfer deadline nears, Palace is also intensifying their pursuit of Wolfsburg’s Maxence Lacroix and maintaining interest in Wolves’ Rayan Ait Nouri, as Glasner seeks to bolster his squad following a challenging start to the 2024/25 campaign.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Other Sports, Soccer
In a landmark event, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, officially inaugurated the ultra-modern Macoy Sports Stadium in Nadowli. The stadium, realized through Speaker Bagbin’s initiative with support from Ghana Gas and Wembley Sports Construction, highlights his dedication to community development and the advancement of sports.
Speaking at the event, Speaker Bagbin remarked, “This remarkable facility is a gift not just to Nadowli but to the entire nation. It exemplifies what can be accomplished through collective effort and a shared vision.”
Equipped with world-class amenities and a significant seating capacity, the stadium is set to transform sports development in the region, providing a hub for local athletes, hosting competitive matches, and accommodating community events.
The commissioning ceremony was highlighted by an exciting football match between the “Bagbin 11” team and a group of former Black Stars players, led by the iconic Stephen Appiah. In a spirited contest, the “Bagbin 11” team triumphed with an impressive 7-2 victory, thrilling the large crowd with a display of skill, sportsmanship, and nostalgia.
Earlier in the day, Speaker Bagbin also broke ground for the construction of a multi-purpose stadium at the SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies in Wa, further showcasing his vision for promoting development and social cohesion through sports. The completion of the Macoy Sports Stadium marks a significant milestone in his ongoing efforts to empower the youth and foster community unity.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 28, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports, Soccer
Kwame Owusu Danso, the convener for the Forum for Accountable Governance, has expressed strong confidence that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) will thoroughly investigate the expenditures related to the 2023 African Games and bring accountability to Ghanaians.
Speaking to the media after submitting a petition to the OSP on Tuesday, August 27, Owusu Danso emphasized his belief in the OSP’s ability to address controversies surrounding the 13th African Games. He praised the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, for his commitment and patriotism, noting the OSP’s track record in investigating corruption within the current administration.
“I’m very confident in the Office of the Special Prosecutor. The OSP has demonstrated competence and commitment, and I trust they will fulfill their obligation to the Ghanaian people by investigating this matter and ensuring accountability,” Owusu Danso stated.
