The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Puma have announced “POKOU” as the official match ball for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

The Official match ball, POKOU, was named after Ivorian legendary forward Laurent Pokou, who scored five goals in the 6-1 victory over Ethiopia at the 1970 AFCON, which remains a record.

Following the long-term agreement between CAF and Puma announced on the eve of the TotalEnergies AFCON, the ball’s official unveiling is yet another milestone in the countdown to the start of the tournament.

Erwan, a son of the late Pokou, presented the iconic and beautifully designed match ball to the audience during the Final Draw.

The official ball, POKOU, features the three main colours of the Cote d’Ivoire flag – white, orange and green, whilst incorporating the latest technology that will revolutionize the game on the continent and beyond.

“This is an emotional moment for my family. It is a great honour bestowed on my late father who gave his life to Ivorian football, to have the official match ball for a tournament taking place in no other place than Cote d’Ivoire named after him.

“The family appreciates the efforts by CAF and the Local Organising Committee (COCAN) to celebrate heroes and heroines to motivate and inspire future generations to follow in their exemplary steps,” Erwan said.

The tournament would be held from 13 January to 11 February 2024 in the cities of Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro and Yamoussoukro.

Nicknamed L’homme d’Asmara, Pokou is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of Ivorian football. It is in recognition of his contribution to football in the West African country, that one of the match venues for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 in San Pedro is christened Laurent Pokou Stadium.

He made his debut against Ghana in a friendly in 1967, going on to become top scorer in the 1968 and 1970 Africa Cup of Nations.

His 14 goals in the Africa Cup of Nations was for a long time a tournament record till 2008, when Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon eclipsed that feat.

Pokou who is a legend of Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas also had stints with French sides, Stade Rennes and Nancy.

He passed away on 13 November 2016 aged 69.

Source NewsGhana

Nigeria Boxing Federation has denied claims that it has joined World Boxing ©Getty Images

Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has denied claims that it has joined World Boxing, committing its "firm loyalty" to the International Boxing Association (IBA).

The West African nation was announced as the first member of World Boxing from the continent yesterday along with Finland, Iceland, Jamaica, Norway, and the Czech Republic.

However, NBF vice-president Azania Omo-Agege, in a statement circulated to African Boxing Confederation (AFBC) members seen by insidethegames, has denied the development.

"We reaffirm our firm loyalty to IBA the sole IOC recognised international body and we stand in solidarity with IBA family," Omo-Agege, who is also Acting President of AFBC, said.

Omo-Agege said the news of Nigeria joining World Boxing was circulated to "tarnish the image of AFBC and IBA" and "will be dealt with internally".

"I wish to make it unequivocally clear that the NBF dissociates itself from World Boxing," he continued.

"A significant decision of this magnitude can only be made by the Board and the Congress neither of which was convened.

"As the vice-president of NBF I affirm I'm not aware of any rigorous application to join World Boxing."

The IBA, expelled by the International Olympic Committee, recently had a spat with AFBC, after the continental body's Congress to elect a new President this month in Durban was postponed due to a row over the list of candidates.

NBF vice-president Azania Omo-Agege said the news of Nigeria joining World Boxing was circulated to

NBF vice-president Azania Omo-Agege said the news of Nigeria joining World Boxing was circulated to "tarnish the image of AFBC and IBA" and "will be dealt with internally" ©Azania Omo-Agege

The list included Cameroon’s Bertrand Mendouga, who was forced out in August as AFBC President, after accusations of embezzlement.

AFBC announced later that they will conduct the elections on November 18 in Africa.

However, IBA wants it to be held in Dubai and has said that they will not cover the costs of the Congress if it is held in Africa.

African members have constantly supported Russian IBA President Umar Kremlev during his regime.

The Asian Boxing Confederation also recently pledged their loyalty to Kremlev.

With IOC President Thomas Bach warning that World Boxing "don’t have sufficient global representation" to replace IBA, every member could be vital for the new body as the sport fights for its spot at Los Angeles 2028.

These are crunch times for IBA as well with an appeal against its expulsion set to be heard in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on November 16.

"Nigeria’s application to join World Boxing met all of the requirements for membership and has been approved by the Executive Board," World Boxing said, when approached by insidethegames about Omo-Agege's claims.

"The application was signed by all of the relevant senior officials within the Federation and was supported by a letter from the Nigerian National Olympic Committee which requested that World Boxing 'kindly accord the Federation due recognition' and confirmed that the Nigeria Boxing Federation is the only recognised body responsible for organising boxing in Nigeria.

"We look forward to working closely with the National Federation for Nigeria and all of our members to ensure boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic Movement and support the growth and development of the sport at all levels."

By Vimal Sankar 

Mr. Charles Osei Asibey, General Secretary of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has retained his position unopposed at last Saturday’s elections.

The former Happy FM Sports presenter affectionately known as “The Barrister” who is also President of Ghana Armwrestling and Vice President of Ghana Athletics thanked all members in good standing who contributed to the voting process.

He expressed that SWAG has become very big and represented in the various region.

According to Osei Asibey who is also the President of the Africa Armwrestling Federation and the Vice President of the World Armwrestling Federation it is time to focus on lifting Ghana Sports to another level and as the African Games becomes a test case, he hopes the nation will prepare well and win more medals to avoid criticism from the media.

He noted that it is time that journalists embrace digitalization and do everything simple and fast.

He commended the Electoral Committee of the SWAG comprising Mr. Mawuko Afadzinu, Mr. Mathias Tibu and Madam Gloria Commodore for their splendid work including the independent observer, Mr. Sammy Heywood Okine who monitored and ensured that the election was transparent free and fair.

Full winners of the 2023 SWAG Elections held on Saturday 21st October are as follows:

President – Kwabena Yeboah (Unopposed)

Vice-President – Evelyn Nsiah Asare

General Secretary – Charles Osei Asibey

Deputy General Secretary – Kenneth Odeng Adade

Treasurer – Owuraku Nsiah

Women’s Commissioner – Mavis Amanor

Executive Members – Franklyn Anane Gyimah , Tilda Elinam Acorlor and Ohene-Brenya Bampoe.

By Elizabeth A. Gyamfi

Mr. Mawuko Afadzinu, a Patron of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) who is also Chairman of the Electoral Committee selected to ensure a transparent, free and fair elections has commended the membership of the Association for contributing to another successful process to elect new officers to lead for the next four years.

The first Vice President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) hailed the third novelty virtual elections which was held on Saturday, October 21, 2023 with the collation center at the media center of the Accra Sports Stadium.

He thanked other members of the EC, namely Madam Gloria Commodore and Mr. Mathias Tibu for devoting their time and energies to ensure a smooth and peaceful program.

While four positions were unopposed and were picked by the President Kwabena Yeboah, General Secretary Charles Osei Asibey, Treasurer Owuraku Nsiah, and newly created Women's Commissioner Mavis Amanor, the other positions were keenly contested and the results were surprising.

Incumbent Vice President, Mr. Maurice Quansah, Editor of the Graphic Sports was beaten by Ms Evelyn Nsiah Asare.

Mr. Ken Odeng Adade won the Deputy General Secretary post as Augustine Ohene Brenya, Tilda Acorlor and Franklin Gyimah were given the nod as Executive Members. Nana Kyei Manu, a Freelance football analyst missed out in the hot contest.

A total of 266 out of 907 members all over the country participated in the Elections.

While the winners jubilate and thanked the voters, the losers accepted defeat and promised to support the newly elected to build a stronger and better Association.

Ms Rosalind Amoh, former Treasurer of SWAG congratulated the elected officers and said hard luck to those who missed out.

"We are all winners as whatever has happened is in the interest of SWAG. My advice though: Those celebrating should be measured in that going forward with a united front is going to be crucial as actions & inactions, posts as well as utterances will push some people away or keep them active. I hope the latter is the case.

Mr. Kwabena Yeboah, President of SWAG advised the honourable members to unite and work too as the elections are over.

"Per the results released by our EC, new faces have emerged on the Executive sheet. I personally do not think there are winners and losers here. We are in this together. SWAG has never, and will never be about the Executives. We are in this together. Our hardworking forbears graciously handed an enviable legacy to us.

That bequethal ensures continued hard work and commitment only to the bigger picture. SWAG as a family. We swim or sink together" he expressed.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana winger, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was on the scoresheet for Leicester City in their 3-1 away win against Swansea City in the English Championship on Saturday.

Swansea threatened to upset the Championship leaders as they took a first-half lead thanks to Matt Grimes' measured volley.

But Leicester deservedly levelled when Jannik Vestergaard bundled home his first goal for the club.

Swansea almost retook the lead before the break when Liam Cullen's thumping drive rattled the crossbar.

But Leicester's blend of athleticism and quality continued to cause problems after the break and teenager Abdul Fatawu found time and space to sweep in his first Foxes goal.

Swansea threatened to find an equaliser with Jamal Lowe going close, but their comeback hopes ended when substitute Kelechi Iheancacho broke clear and touched the ball home.

The win against Swansea City mean Leicester City have become the first side in the history of the English second tier to win their first six away league games of a season.

Issahaku who joined the Foxes on loan from Sporting Lisbon will be hoping to keep his fine performance intact when Leicester City host Sunderland on Tuesday at the King Power Stadium.

The former Dreams FC and Steadfast FC winger has made a total of 8 appearances for Leicester City in the ongoing Championship season.

footballghana

Beautiful Beneath will organize a display on 27th October, 2023 at their East Legon branch.

The mini exhibition will feature sport fits and undergarments, and the good news is that they are running a whooping 20% discount on all of our products as part of our preparations for ABF 23.

Stop by after work with your friends to shop, sip and enjoy the show.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Madam Evelyn Nsiah Asare, a former Board Member of Kumasi Asante Kotoko and CEO of Hasaacas Ladies FC beat incumbent Maurice Quansah, Editor of Graphic Sports to be elected as the new Vice President of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG).

Members of the expanded Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) which included the regional bodies went to the polls on Saturday, October 21, 2023 to elect the first female as Vice President to stir the affairs of the Association for the next four years.

She got 128 votes representing 48.12% against 65 (24.44 %) by the former veep.

President and ace broadcaster, Kwabena Yeboah was elected unopposed for a third term same as Secretary General, Charles Osei Asibey, also a veteran broadcaster who members think he deserves another term to continue his dynamic works for the group.

The Treasurer position was filled by Owuraku Nsiah, a Sports Broadcaster with Sikka FM in the Ashanti Region who also went unopposed as well as newly created portfolio, Women’s Commission going to Mavis Amanor known in media circles as ‘Fire Lady’, a journalist with the Multimedia Group Limited.

The keenly contested positions were Vice President, Deputy Secretary General and three Executive Committee Members.

The Deputy Secretary General slot went to acting Administrator of SWAG, Kenneth Odeng Adade who beat former Secretary of the Western Regional Chapter of SWAG, Joseph Mensah Oti-Asrifi 148 (55.64%) to 43 (16.17%).

The three available slots for Executive Committee Members were picked by Tilda Acorlor 161 *60.53%), Augustine Kwabena Ohene Bampoe-Brenya 147 (55.26%), and Franklin Anane Gyimah 144 (54.14%).

Nana Kyei Manu got 121 (45.49%) but failed to join the Executive after his massive campaign.

266 delegates in good standing out of 907 casted their votes in the exciting polls to determine the organisational components of SWAG for the next four years

Elections Committee chairman Mawuko Afadzinu who is a Patron of SWAG praised the novelty digital electoral process monitored by Mr. Mathias Tibu, Madam Gloria Commodore, President of WISA and Yours Truly, neutral observer.

The virtual election which attracted a lot of conversation started at 0600hrs, closing at 1600hrs and declaration done immediately by a zoom meeting after collation.

For the first time SWAG has three female executive members.

Below are the full list of winners;

President

– Kwabena Yeboah

Vice President

– Evelyn Nsiah Asare

General Secretary

– Charles Osei Asibey

Deputy General Secretary

– Kenneth Odeng Adade

Treasurer

– Owuraku Nsiah

Women’s Commissioner

– Mavis Amanor

Executive Members

– Tilda Eliman Acolor

– Augustine Kwabena Ohene Bampoe Brenya

– Franklyn Anane Gyimah

By Sammy Heywood Okine

BRONX BOXING CLUB

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone : 0277485364        

The Ghana Boxing Authority,

Accra.

RE: DISCLAIMER

The attention of our management board has been drawn to sundry media reportage and public intercourse concerning videos circulating across the media space.

Reportage around these videos suggest that the Bronx Boxing Gym organised people to invoke curses on the Ghana Boxing Authority and its leadership: news which is not only skewed and misinformed but also overtly contradictory of the principles and ethos by which The Bronx family is founded and guided.

The facts remain thus :

• The Bronx Boxing Gym put up a presser on the aftermath of the Jerry Lartey- Emmanuel Quartey bout on the Ghana Professional Boxing League Fight Night 14 to address the reversal of the official verdict announced; which reversal, per our findings was done without recourse and adherence to proper procedure .
• The individuals involved in the act as circulated are aggrieved members of the community within which the gym is situated: We do not deny ties with them but neither did we approve of their actions. Infact, they were actually resisted but without success and afterwards reprimanded.
• Unequivocally, the Bronx Boxing Gym never engaged people to invoke curses. The said people forcibly entered and perpetrated the act amid strong resistance and disapproval from our end.
• We wish to condemn this act and implore affected parties and entities to disregard it and find solace in our disapproval of same.

Head Trainer Lawrence Carl Lokko of the Bronx Boxing Gym is also a board member of the Ghana Boxing Authority and would not resort to such behaviour, putting into disrepute the very body to which he belongs.

Our quest to aid tranquil progress in Ghana boxing is unwavering and unflinching.

Yours,

Lawrence Carl Lokko

Head Trainer,

Bronx Boxing Gym

Cc : Imax Boxing Promotions

Credit: Bronx Boxing Club

The head coach of the Ghana women’s senior national team, Coach Nora Hauptle is gearing up for the 2024 Olympic Games qualification clash against Benin.

The gaffer has today named her squad for the crucial clash as she pushes to get her side into the third round of the African qualifiers.

The squad named by the coach sees her making a few changes to bring in some players who missed the last call-up.

IK Nokorpping’s Azumah Bugre returns to the squad after sitting out in the last call-up due to injury.

In addition, AS FAR defender, Blessing Shine Agbomadzi gets to join the squad after a brilliant season with her side.

Meanwhile, Mary Amponsah, Stella Nyamekye, Kerrie McCarthy, and Adama Alhassan remain the only home-based players in the squad.

The Black Queens of Ghana will travel to Cotonou to take on Benin in the first-leg encounter on October 27.

The second leg of the tie is scheduled to be played at the Accra Sports Stadium on October 31.

Footballghana

Former Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah has officially inked a three-year deal with the Sudanese Football Association

The 64-year-old signed his contract in Saudi Arabia where the Sudanese Football Association currently operate due to the instability in the country.

Appiah signed a three-year deal with the task of reviving football in the Northeast African country.

He will be assisted by former Techiman Eleven Wonders and Dreams FC coach, Ignatius Osei Fosu, while ex-Black Stars goalkeeper, Fatau Dauda, will serve as the goalkeeper’s trainer.

Appiah’s first task will be to prepare the Sudanese team for their upcoming international assignments against Togo and DR Congo in the World Cup qualifiers.

Despite his new role with Sudan, Appiah will also oversee activities at Asante Kotoko, where he serves as technical director and the chairman of the Interim Management Committee (IMC).

Kwesi Appiah is expected to earn $50,000 as a monthly salary as the head coach of the Sudan national team.

Additionally, he recently won a seat on the Ghana Football Association’s Executive Committee following his success at the Elective Congress last week.

Appiah’s last major coaching job was as Ghana national team coach, where he had a second stint between 2017 and 2020.

Kwesi Appiah is famously remembered for leading Ghana to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

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