Who Are The Best African UFC Fighters ?

Francis Ngannou (Cameroon) Francis Ngannou (Nickname: Predator) is one of the strongest punchers in the history of UFC.

Israel Adesanya (Nigeria) ...

Kamaru Usman (Nigeria) ...

Abdul Razak Alhassan (Ghana) ...

Abu Azaitar (Morocco) ...

Dalcha Lungiambula (South Africa) ...

Don Madge (South Africa) ...

Igeu Kabesa (South Africa)

Nii Botwe Laryea II, the Dzaase Tse of Nungua has advised the current Black Stars players to be very humble and sacrifice a lot to be able to win the 2023 African Nations Cup.

He expressed his sadness any time the Black Stars fail since the 1982 victory in Libya and noted that something must be done about invitation and selection of players because not everyone has what it takes to play for the Black Stars at the high level.

The former football star said in their days players were very dedicated and loyal which are missing in the current players.

He said in their days a coach can select four players for a particular position and all the players are stars so the one with exceptional skills or most disciplined get the nod to play.

He also tasked Ghanaians at large to pray for the Black Stars for the winning spirit to return,

“We have players, talent are abundant in Ghana, but it has taken us many years to win the African Cup, we have to investigate and find solutions to our poor performance and lack of interest by the fans to support the team” he said

Nii Laryea who is also chief of Kotobabi in Accra noted that personally he loves to see a Ghanaian coach handle the Black Stars.

He also urged the people of Ghana and Africans to patronize made in Ghana or locally made products to support the economy.

The CEO of Kpoo Keke, one of the best locally manufactured popular drinks advised Ghanaians to support local businesses.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Gerald Kodjo Dah is an experienced Ghanaian Kickboxer who has made great progresses and headlines in the world of the sport.

He has taken the name of Ghana very far to Asia; Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia and UAE where the top international athletes perform and thrill.

He believes time is even past for the media in Ghana to support and promote combat sports.

He wants the sports media to support and help in the development and promotion of kickboxing.

He told Yours Truly it is time the Sports Writers regularly honour combat sports performers because there are many people in Ghana who can become champions and heroes like

He expressed that sports is entertainment and business, so Ghanaians must invest in sports more to help the youth, as there are so many opportunities.

He was recently engaged in a local bout on October 26 to 28 in Bintulu, Malaysia against Sibsan from Thailand which he lost on unanimous points decision, but he is leaving no stone untuned for another international bout coming on November 21 in Hong Kong against Rungtiwa Jantas also of Thailand.

Gerald Dah who comes from the Volta Region of Ghana is 175cm and stands at 76kg with a remarkable record of 30 fights, won 24, lost 6 and drawn 2. He steps, punches and kicks in K1 Kickboxing style and Muay Thai.

In 2013, he won the WKBC Championship in Hong Kong, in 2014, he won the WKF Kickboxing Championship in Austria, and later in 2022 he was the Super Muay Thai Champion in Malaysia.

He stars for Top Dog Muay Thai Gym in Malaysia and called on Ghanaians and Africans to support combat sports.

By Sammy Heywood Okine 

…As Fans Pay To Watch Ghana Professional League

There was decorum on Fight Night 16 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League which came off at the Bukom Boxing Arena last Saturday evening.

For the first time in many fight nights, there are free fresh air blowing, while patrons and guests watched the fine fights without fear as security was also tight, but very friendly.

The President of the Ghana Boxing Authority, Mr. Abraham Neequaye was busy going round to maintain order and sacking unoauthorised sellers in the Arena, while Alhaji Fadi Fattal of Imax Promotions also ensured that people sit at the right places indicated on their tickets.

Present at the venue were former IBF Welterweight champion, Joshua Clottey and former WBO Featherweight champion, Professor Azumah Nelson, the legend who publicized an upcoming event on December 27 dubbed the ‘Azumah Nelson Fight Night.’ It will feature crack local and international boxers and amazing juvenile boxers, Prince Larbie against Mohammed Ablor aka ‘Junior Zoom Zoom.’

Mohammed Amin Lamptey the ring announcer came in the ring in a fashionable suit and shorts to the admiration of all while the officials judged fairly in the seven earlier bouts which ended by knock outs, except the last bout which went to the full distance and was tensed but beautiful to watch.

Nigerian boxer based in Ghana, Yusif Adusa Adeniji  who trains at the CQBF won his eleventh bout and ninth knock out to remain undefeated.

Feather weight Stanley Nyantekyi aka the Ashanti Warrior defeated Billy Quaye in round one and declared his readiness to win a world title.

Debutant Emmanuel Sackey of Palm Springs was given some boxing lessons by Black Panthers’ Emmanuel Noi Mensah before deciding to quit in round two.

Welterweight Daniel Amomba of Sea View won over Atta Abdalla of Fit Square by a knockout in round one.

Super middleweight Daniel Kotey of Seconds Out was knocked out by Ghana Prisons undefeated Musah Lawson in round two.

Super fly weight Habib Lartey of Bridge Gym came to entertain the crowd and was seen off in round three by former Black Bombers skipper Sulemanu Tetteh of Wisdom Gym.

Super welterweight Godson Amuzu (CQBF) knocked Ebenezer Devos (Panix) in round one.

The last bout, a Feather weight contest over 6 rounds saw Bismark Saah (Ghana Armed Forces) outpointing Moses Adjei Selvi (Akotoku) by a unanimous decision, as all judges scored 59:54.

The night of boxing and entertainment ended with a dance competition with representatives from the stands, and the winner was rewarded.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Which Country wins the Next Africa Championship Belt?

Break Dancing has been accepted into the Olympic Sport and will be competed at the Paris 2024 Games. In their efforts to promote the sport and entertainment, the Afro Break Academy is hosting the 2023 finals at Terra Alta at Abelempke in Accra on November 18.

According to Bboy Lyrics aka Nana Tufour Okai, all is set for the competition after Togo has found their representative on November 11 as all other countries have declared their champions. He welcomes volunteers to support  the international event.

16 African countries will be represented in the finals of the Afrobreak Championship 2023. It is going to be a battle not to be missed and an event to remember.

Ghana will be represented by Bboy Blesso and Bgirl Tris Naomi who just returned from the international show in France.

Activities to herald the events starts from November 15, 2023, withy the climax on November 18, 2023 and Abelemkpe.

On November 15th, 2023 there will be a Conference and Workshop at the Nima Community Centre.

On 17^th November, 2023 there will be a Community Cypher Battle at Labadi.

Saturday November 18^th is the main day for the main African Battle at Terra Alta, Abelemkpe in Accra. Tickets are already out. For enquiries one can contact 0242948455 / 02448482397.

The Afrobreak Championship which has two belts for the Bboy and Bgirl has attracted a few organisations and companies like the French Embassy in Ghana, KGL Foundation, Ghana Olympic Committee, National Sports Authority, Acces Culture, the Breaking Federation of Ghana, Attitude, AFD and others.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Executive Board of the Ghana Taekwondo Federation donated an amount of GH¢12, 500 plus a Dobok (uniform) each to 8 National athletes who will be participating in the African Taekwondo Union Championships in Abidjan (Ivory Coast).

The Team Ghana is led by Head Coach Augustus Agbozo, with three females and five males.

They are Addo Benson -58Kg, Lawrence Twasam -63Kg, Amed Sama -74Kg, Bernard Sarfo -87Kg, Mohammed Abdul Razak +87Kg, Kezia Gbedze -46Kg, Henrietta Armah -49Kg and Marianne Max- Voy -67Kg

The championships forms part of preparations towards the upcoming 13^th African Games next year as the athletes aim at gaining points for better seeding..

The Executive Board wished the Team well,and urged them to win medals.

Mr. Fred Lartey Otu is the President of Ghana Taekwndo. He is also Second Vice President of the Ghana Olympic Committee.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Top Ghanaian Karateka, Edmund Amoako has emerged winner at the Open Coloris Togo, Edition 23 tournament in Lome, Togo.

It was organized by the WADU- RYU Coloris Karate Club in Lome. Ghana was represented by a fantastic team comprising young and experienced karatekas.

He said it was a justifier for the qualification towards the Zone 2 West Africa Championship in Nigeria-Abuja this December,

Edmund Amoako won the African Open 2023 in July and he is looking forward for more competitions and experience.

He urged the sports media to promote combat sports like Karate do which Ghana has the potential of wining medals at international events.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Nima 2 School Clinch Back-to-Back Win at 2023 NFL Flag Accra Championship

Winning Team to Compete at the 2024 Pro Bowl Games in the United States

The Nima 2 School from Accra have been crowned the 2023 NFL Flag Accra Championship winners at the latest flag football tournament in Ghana – a back-to-back win for the team in their second year competing.

As part of the NFL Africa initiative that launched in Ghana in 2022, NFL Flag - the official flag football program of the National Football League - announced its 2023 tournament this month in partnership with the Ghana American Football Federation (GAFF).   

Flag football is the non-contact version of American football, played by boys and girls, and is one of the fastest-growing sports globally. Flag football is fun, exciting and accessible for all, with women and girls driving some of the fastest growth in the sport.

To continue to accelerate the development and growth of flag football globally, the NFL recently supported the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) with efforts for flag football’s official inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games program – confirmed on October 16.

“It’s incredible to be back in Ghana for this year’s NFL Flag Accra Championship,” said Afia Law, NFL Flag International. “This is a monumental time for flag football, and to continue seeing the excitement for the sport here and across the continent is fantastic. We’re thrilled to witness the growth of the sport not only in Africa, but beyond, around the world.”

Sixteen primary school teams, growing from last year’s 10 participating teams, made up of boys and girls under 12 years old traveled to compete at The Bwoodinn Sports Complex – playing the game of flag football, while also discovering the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork and friendship both on and off the field.

Offering further excitement at the flag football tournament in Accra, The Philadelphia Eagles’ mascot – SWOOP – was available for meet and greets with young athletes and their families. As part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program, The Eagles have exclusive marketing rights in Ghana. Through this initiative, the team sponsored a fan activation center during the NFL Flag Accra Championship and is committed to growing flag football and fandom in Ghana in years to come.

The Nima 2 School will travel to the 2024 Pro Bowl Games in the United States to represent Ghana at the NFL Flag International Division tournament. Teams from across the world representing different countries will compete to claim victory as the International Division champion.

ABOUT NFL FLAG

NFL Flag - the official flag football program of the National Football League – is active across 13 international markets outside of the United States. Flag football is fun, exciting, and accessible for all; with women and girls driving some of the fastest growth in the sport.

The game provides a structured opportunity for youth to play the non-contact version of American football while discovering the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and friendship both on and off the field. To find out more about NFL Flag, please visit here.

Source  Nii Armah Ashong -Katai

Imax Boxing Promotions, in partnership with the Ghana Boxing Authority, is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated Fight Night 16, scheduled for Saturday, November 4, 2023.

This thrilling event will take place at the renowned Bukom Boxing Arena, and we are all set to deliver an unforgettable night of boxing action.

According to Group Director, Alhaji Fadi Fattal, to ensure spectators do not miss this sensational event, they have introduced a range of ticket categories, making it accessible to all boxing enthusiasts:

*Popular Stand:* Tickets are priced at Ghs 20.

*Ring Side:* For a premium ringside experience, tickets are available for Ghs 50.

Tickets for sale will be exclusively available at the arena gates, starting at 7:00 PM on the event day.

Additionally, special tickets have been allocated for invited dignitaries, and guests will be provided with entry privileges for attending the fight night.

Furthermore, Imax is extending their support to each participating gym by offering 20 tickets for their boxers, technical teams, and officials.

This ensures that everyone involved in the fight night can be part of the action.

For added convenience, the promoters have designated three distinct entry points:

*Main Vehicles Entry:* Vehicles with passengers holding valid tickets will be directed to the car park entry, ensuring a smooth and organized arrival process.

*Invited Guests and Ring Side Ticket Holders:* These attendees will have a dedicated gate for swift and hassle-free entry.

*Popular Stand Ticket Holders:* Those with Ghs 20 tickets will benefit from two dedicated entry gates for easy access to the arena.

According to Alhaji Fattal, the security of all participants and spectators is of paramount importance to us.

Hence, we are proud to announce that security for the event will be tightly coordinated, with the involvement of the Ghana Police, Ghana Army, and GBA personnel.

Stringent security measures will be enforced from all corners of the arena.

We emphasize that strict adherence to security checks and searches is mandatory for everyone's safety during the event.

Offenders who do not comply with these measures will face legal consequences and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

Let's collectively make Fight Night 16 a thrilling experience, setting the stage for the grand finale, Fight Night 20, on Boxing Day, December 26, 2023.

Season 2 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League promises to be a memorable journey, and we look forward to sharing this exciting adventure with boxing fans.

Source Imax Boxing Promotions  

Kudus Mohammed Nominated For 2023 CAF Player of the Year (Men) Award

Ghana and Westham midfielder Kudus Mohammed has been nominated for the 2023 CAF awards. The continent’s football governing body revealed the list of nominees for the men’s categories for the CAF Awards 2023 as preparations for the Awards Gala scheduled for 11 December 2023 in Marrakech, Morocco, gather momentum.

A panel of CAF Technical Experts, African Football Legends and selected media representatives from a number of countries put together the preliminary list for the various categories with the performance of the nominees between November 2022 and September 2023 serving as the period under consideration.

Thirty (30) players made the cut for the top prize; CAF African Player of the Year, whilst 20 players have been nominated for the CAF Interclub Player of the Year. Coach of the Year, CAF National Team of the Year and Club of the Year have ten (10) nominees each just as CAF Young Player of the Year – for players under the age of 21.

For the first time, CAF has introduced the CAF African Goalkeeper of the Year Category (Men and Women) in the prestigious event that seeks to reward and celebrate exceptional Players, Officials and Administrators during the period under review.

It will be the first time that shot stoppers will be acknowledged for their performances, further expanding the network of winners for the annual event. 10 players have been nominated for the novel award.

The ultimate winner of each category will be decided after votes from a voting panel consisting of CAF Technical Committee, media professionals, Head Coaches & Captains of Member Associations and clubs involved in the group stages of the Interclub competitions.

The nominees for the Women’s categories will be announced in due course.

Senegal forward Sadio Mane was crowned CAF African Player of the Year whilst Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala was coronated CAF African Women’s Player of the Year for a record fifth time during the last Awards Gala in July 2022 in Rabat, Morocco.

Full List of Nominees (in alphabetic order by Member Association):

Player of the Year (Men)

1. Ramy Bensebaini (Algeria and Borussia Dortmund)
2. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria and Al Ahli)
3. Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso and Bayer Leverkusen)
4. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Cameroon and SSC Napoli)
5. Vincent Aboubacar (Cameroon and Besiktas)
6. Ibrahima Sangare (Cote d’Ivoire and Nottingham Forest)
7. Seko Fofana (Cote d’Ivoire and Al Nassr)
8. Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo and Olympique Marseille)
9. Fiston Mayele (DR Congo and Pyramids)
10. Mahmoud Abdel Moneim “Kahraba” (Egypt and Ahly)
11. Mohamed Abdelmonem (Egypt and Al Ahly)
12. Mohamed ElShenawy (Egypt and Al Ahly)
13. Mohamed Salah (Egypt and Liverpool)
14. Mohammed Kudus (Ghana and West Ham United)
15. Thomas Partey (Ghana and Arsenal)
16. Serhou Guirassy (Guinea and VfB Stuttgart)
17. Yves Bissouma (Mali and Tottenham Hotspur)
18. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain)
19. Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco and Olympique Marseille)
20. Hakim Ziyech (Morocco and Galatasaray)
21. Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco and Manchester United)
22. Yahya Jabrane (Morocco and Wydad Athletic Club)
23. Yassine Bounou (Morocco and Al Hilal)
24. Youssef En-Nesyri (Morocco and Sevilla)
25. Peter Shalulile (Namibia and Mamelodi Sundowns)
26. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria and SSC Napoli)
27. Sadio Mane (Senegal and Al Nassr)
28. Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal and Tottenham Hotspur)
29. Percy Tau (South Africa and Al Ahly)
30. Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane (Tunisia and Ferencvaros)

Goalkeeper of the Year (Men)

1. Mohamed ElShenawy (Egypt and Al Ahly)
2. Yassine Bounou (Morocco & Al Hilal)
3. Andre Onana (Cameroon and Manchester United)
4. Ronwen Williams (South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns)
5. Edouard Mendy (Senegal and Al Ahli)
6. Oussama Benbot (Algeria and USM Alger)
7. Youssef El Motie (Morocco and Wydad Athletic Club)
8. Djigui Diarra (Mali and Young Africans)
9. Pape Mamadou Sy (Senegal and Generation Foot)
10. Landing Badji (Senegal and AS Pikine)

Interclub Player of the Year (Men)

1. Aymen Mahious (Algeria and USM Alger/Yverdon-Sport)
2. Oussama Benbot (Algeria and USM Alger)
3. Zineddine Belaid (Algeria and USM Alger)
4. Fiston Mayele (DR Congo and Young Africans/Pyramids)
5. Makabi Lilepo (DR Congo and Al Hilal/Valenciennes)
6. Hussein El Shahat (Egypt and Al Ahly)
7. Mahmoud Abdel Moneim “Kahraba” (Egypt and Ahly)
8. Mohamed Abdelmonem (Egypt and Al Ahly)
9. Mohamed ElShenawy (Egypt and Al Ahly)
10. Mostafa Fathi (Egypt and Pyramids)
11. Djigui Diarra (Mali and Young Africans)
12. Yahia Attiyat Allah (Morocco and Wydad Club Athletic)
13. Yahya Jabrane (Morocco and Wydad Athletic Club)
14. Youssef El Motie (Morocco and Wydad Athletic Club)
15. Peter Shalulile (Namibia and Mamelodi Sundowns)
16. Percy Tau (South Africa and Al Ahly)
17. Ranga Chivaviro (South Africa and Marumo Gallants/Kaizer Chiefs)
18. Ronwen Williams (South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns)
19. Ali Maaloul (Tunisia and Al Ahly)
20. Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane (Tunisia and Esperance Sportive de Tunis /Ferencvaros)

Young Player of the Year (Men)

1. Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso and Bournemouth)
2. Souleymane Alio (Burkina Faso and New Stars)
3. Ernest Nuamah (Ghana & Olympique Lyonnais)
4. Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Morocco and Betis)
5. Bilal El Khannous (Morocco and Genk)
6. Gift Orban (Nigeria and KAA Gent)
7. Lamine Camara (Senegal and Generation Foot/Metz)
8. Pape Amadou Diallo (Senegal and Generation Foot/Metz)
9. Pape Demba Diop (Senegal and Zulte Waregem)
10. Amara Diouf (Senegal and Generation Foot)

Coach of the Year (Men)

1. Abdelhak Benchikha (USM Alger)
2. Marcel Koller (Al Ahly)
3. Juan Micha Obiang (Equatorial Guinea)
4. Tom Saintfiet (The Gambia)
5. Baciro Cande (Guinea Bissau)
6. Amir Abdou (Mauritania)
7. Walid Regragui (Morocco)
8. Chiquinho Conde (Mozambique)
9. Aliou Cisse (Senegal)
10. Pape Thiaw (Senegal – CHAN)

National Team of the Year (Men)

1. Cape Verde
2. The Gambia
3. Guinea Bissau
4. Equatorial Guinea
5. Mauritania
6. Morocco
7. Mozambique
8. Namibia
9. Senegal
10. Tanzania

Club of the Year (Men)

1. CR Belouizdad (Algeria)
2. USM Alger (Algeria)
3. ASEC Mimosas (Cote d’Ivoire)
4. Al Ahly (Egypt)
5. Raja Club Athletic (Morocco)
6. Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco)
7. Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
8. Marumo Gallants (South Africa)
9. Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia)
10. Young Africans (Tanzania)

CAF Communications