World Boxing announced Nigeria as the first member nation from Africa ©Getty Images

Tensions between Africa and the International Boxing Association (IBA) look like they are escalating as rival body World Boxing announced Nigeria as the first member nation from the continent.

Finland, Iceland, Jamaica, Norway, and the Czech Republic join the African nation as the newest members of World Boxing.

This brings the total to 22 members as the new body looks set to host its inaugural Congress in Frankfurt on November 24 and 25.

The African Boxing Confederation (AFBC) was supposed to elect a new President at its Extraordinary Congress to succeed Bertrand Mendouga this month in Durban but was postponed due to a row over the list of candidates.

While AFBC announced later that they will conduct the elections on November 18 in Africa, IBA wants its continental member to hold them in Dubai.

This has led to a tricky situation with IBA threatening not to cover the costs of the Congress if it is held in Africa.

IBA President Umar Kremlev has enjoyed great support from Africa so far, but Nigeria departing could be the beginning of a mass exodus.

However, the Asian Boxing Confederation recently said its will stick with the Russian-led body until World Boxing gets International Olympic Committee recognition.

"We are very pleased to welcome this latest cohort of National Federations and increase the global footprint of World Boxing which now has members on every continent that participates in international boxing," World Boxing secretary general Simon Toulson said.

 "It is clear from comments made at its recent Session that the IOC is supportive of boxing, as a sport, and wants it to remain part of the Olympic programme and that the only way to do this is for National Federations to get behind a new international federation that is committed to integrity, transparency and rigorous governance standards.

"World Boxing is the only organisation that can deliver this and the consistent growth in our membership along with the continued interest we are receiving from National Federations on all continents is a clear sign of the growing support for World Boxing and widespread desire for change that exists across the sport.

"We are continuing to process membership applications from around the globe and look forward to welcoming more countries to be part of World Boxing in advance of our inaugural Congress."

The future of boxing looks bleak with the expelled IBA stripped of its right to host the Olympic boxing tournament, leaving the sport fighting for its future at Los Angeles 2028.

The IBA has appealed its expulsion with the case set to be heard in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on November 16.

While IOC director general Christophe De Kepper had earlier said boxing will take place in Los Angeles, there are doubts due to a lack of a credible organisation to replace IBA.

IOC President Thomas Bach has warned that World Boxing "don’t have sufficient global representation" to replace IBA.

By Vimal Sankar 

He is a good manager – Jordan Ayew speaks highly of Black Stars coach, Chris Hughton

Ghana striker, Jordan Ayew, has spoken highly of Chris Hughton, describing him as a good manager.

The former Newcastle United and Brighton manager was named as Otto Addo’s successor on a 21-mont deal having worked as the technical advisor to the team.

Having enjoyed a good start without a defeat after five games, Hughton recorded back-to-back defeats in the October international friendly games.

Ghana recorded a 2-0 defeat against Mexico before suffering a 4-0 defeat against the USA.

The defeat leaves Hughton under massive pressure with some Ghanaian football fans calling for his head.

However, Jordan Ayew, speaking on Ghana’s chances of winning the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast next year said everything comes with time.

The Crystal Palace striker admitted that even though the team is in transition but there is a good manager in charge of the team.

 “Everything has its time,” Jordan told Palace website. “When I’m at Palace I focus 100 per cent on Palace, and when I’m with the Ghana national team, I focus 100 per cent on Ghana.

“There’s no problem about thinking what will be happening in three months.

"We’re a team in a building process. We know each other now and we have a good manager in place," he added.

Ghana have been housed in Group B alongside Egypt, Cape Verde and Mozambique.

The 2023 AFCON will kick off from January 13 to February 11.

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The International Olympic Committee has continued its deal with TelevisaUnivision ©TelevisaUnivision

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has awarded TelevisaUnivision the free-to-air and pay-per-view television broadcast rights in Mexico for Paris 2024.

At least 200 hours of coverage on the Canal 5 free-to-air platform are included as part of the deal, complemented by paid-for coverage on TUDN.

Coverage will also be screened on ViX, the company's streaming service.

The deal continues a longstanding agreement between TelevisaUnivision, described as the world's leading Spanish language media company, and the IOC.

"We are delighted to continue our long-term partnership with TelevisaUnivision, which ensures comprehensive coverage of the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024 for viewers in Mexico," said Anne-Sophie Voumard, the managing director of IOC television and marketing services.

Free-to-air and pay-per-view subscription coverage in Mexico is part of the deal ©TelevisaUnivision

Olek Loewenstein, the President of Sports Content at TelevisaUnivision, added: "Our valuable partnership with the IOC will allow us to offer Mexican audiences the most complete multiplatform coverage of what will be the most relevant sporting event worldwide next year.

"We are ready to deliver a unique experience to our viewers and users."

By Dan Palmer 

Kachins - A Tradition of Craftsmanship lands in Accra, Ghana

Kachins, an international brand in fashion with various shops in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Nigeria has landed in the center of the world, Accra Ghana and announced the exciting presence with an exclusive display at the Number One Hotel & Suites, near Danquah Circle off the Oxford Street, Osu RE.

Anil Ramchandani, director of Kachins told the media at the opening of the three day exhibition and experience on the finest Bespoke Tailoring, they especially chose Ghana as a consumer of high quality suits and casual wear; kaftan and agbadja which is the current fashion trend in the motherland.

He noted that Kachins products are durable, nice, stylish, sleek, fabulous and for leisure, office, conference and serious meetings and events.

According to Ramchandani, they are coming to create employment for skilled people in the fashion industry and their outfit will fit many executives and classic personalities.

Kachins - A Tradition of Craftsmanship operate mainly from Dubai with many employers in several sections of fashion production.

Among the products on display were materials, buttons, buckets, sandals, shoes, belts, ties, pins, cufflinks, suits, kaftans and books on fashion.

The exhibition, a premium fabric collection, Bespoke tailoring and customization and cocktail was set up by Influencer Hub and supported by the Number One Hotel.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

In a devastating blow to Ghana's national football team, defender Joseph Aidoo has been ruled out of the highly anticipated 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, following a severe injury sustained during a friendly match against Mexico.

Aidoo, a cog in Ghana's defensive lineup, is now set for an extensive seven-month rehabilitation period, further confirmed by his club, Celta Vigo.

The Ghanaian international swiftly returned to Spain for comprehensive medical evaluation, and Celta Vigo's official statement has cemented the grim prognosis, estimating his absence to extend between six to seven months.

Celta Vigo's official statement reads:

"The head of RC Celta's medical services, Juan José García Cota, operated this morning on center back Joseph Aidoo, who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in a match played with his national team last Saturday.

The intervention, which passed without complications and took place early in the morning at the Fremap Hospital in Vigo, consisted of the reconstruction of the tendon with reinforced suture and the application of growth factors.

The light blue defender will remain out for a minimum of 6-7 months. The club reiterates its message of encouragement and support for Aidoo, whom it wishes a full recovery,"

The Ghanaian national team, determined to make a mark in the upcoming tournament, has been drawn into Group B alongside formidable opponents Egypt, as well as Cape Verde and Mozambique.

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Mega Sports Manager, Mr, Sammy Anim Adoo has hailed the buoyancy and calmness of WBO Africa Featherweight Champion, John Abaja Laryea, and  announced that Team Laryea is not in a rush as they are young, fresh and made for the future.

After John Layea has beaten Gabriel Laryea at the Bukom Boxing Arena to defend his continental belt, Anim Addo who is CEO of Bronx Boxing Promotions said their target is to be in the top 10 of the WBO World rankings and from there they will call for the big bouts.

“We are taking everything step by step as the boxing is a game is not to be rushed, we have learnt a lot in boxing and we will hit hard we the opportunity comes” he told Yours Truly.

According to Anim Addo who was a former member of the Executive Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and takes care of some wonderful footballers at home and abroad as well as organizes the annual Baby Jet Youth Tournament, there is big hope and opportunities for his wards.

He labeled John Laryea, the ‘Expensive Boxer’ as someone who people would not expect to be a champion, but he is going to shock everyone in a few years to come.

“We want to remain unbeaten in 15 or 17 fights and then take on the world, we are training under a competent and distinguished coach Carl Lokko who has done it before at the world level, and we know he can lead us again.”

John Laryea has a record of 13 wins with no lose. He is a product of the Bronx Boxing Gym at James Town.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Members of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) heads to the polls on Saturday, October 21, 2023 to elect new leaders to stir the affairs of the Association for the next four years.

A total of 12 candidates will be contesting for nine vacant offices in the Association at the national level.

Positions available for grabs are President, Vice President, Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General, Treasurer, newly created Women’s Commissioner and three Executive Members.

However, incumbent President and ace broadcaster, Kwabena Yeboah, goes unopposed for a third term as he is touted by members as ‘President for Life’. His leadership skills and qualities are much respected by members, hence no opposition to his seat.

Also, the sitting Secretary General, Charles Osei Asibey, also a veteran broadcaster, goes unopposed. Charles’ contribution to the development of the Associated has been unmatched and members believes he deserves another term to continue his good works for the group.

Prolific writer and editor at the Daily Graphic, Madam Rosalind Amoh took a bow as the longest serving Treasurer of the Association leaving the seat vacant.  In her absence, the mantle fell on Owuraku Nsiah, a Sports Broadcaster with Sikka FM in the Ashanti Region. He goes unopposed.

With the constitutional review from the Association, a new portfolio, Women’s Commission was created, and its first occupant is Mavis Amanor known in media circles as ‘Fire Lady’, a journalist with the Multimedia Group Limited.

Furtherance to the above, the positions that are being keenly contested are Vice President, Deputy Secretary General and the Executive Committee Members.

For the position of Vice President, incumbent Maurice Quansah of Graphic Sports, faces a stiff opposition from Madam Evelyn Nsiah Asare, former Board Member of Kumasi Asante Kotoko.

The most talked about category is the Deputy Secretary General slot where incumbent Thomas Boakye Agyeman has also taken a bow after serving three terms. The hot is being fought for by acting Administrator of SWAG, Kenneth Odeng Adade and former Secretary of the Western Regional Chapter of SWAG, Joseph Mensah Oti-Asrifi.

Again, four persons will be contesting for three available slots as Executive Committee Members. Current member, Augustine Kwabena Ohene Bampoe-Brenya faces Kyei Manu, Tilda Acorlor and Franklin Anane. Sitting member, Barimah Boadaa Otuo- Acheampong has also taken a bow from his seat.

According to the Elections Committee chaired by Patron, Mawuko Afadzinu, the election will be held virtually with the polls opened at 0600hrs and closed at 1600hrs and declaration done by a zoom meeting after counting.

Over 300 delegates in good standing out of 907 are expected to cast their vote in the October 21 polls to determine the organisational components for the next four years. 

Source SWAG

Six riders have established their readiness and subsequent inclusion into the National Team,the Golden Pedals and are set to represent the country at this year's iconic Africa event, "Tour Du Faso" commencing from the 26th October to 5th November,2023.

Ebenezer Frank Tetteh Quaye of All-stars, Foster Doevi of Gladiators Cycling Club, Emmanuel Sesi of Royal Cycling Club, Emmanuel Sharmah- of Young Stars,  Solomon Tagoe of Gutten and Michael Naaba of Team FCG will be seeking to navigate the arid West African enclave in full force.

The contingent would roll off with six riders and 3 officials as requested by the Burkina organizers.

The 34th Edition of this Tour is paramount for every participating country since it is ranking event. Again, it is a huge preparatory grounds for adequate fitness and power ahead of the upcoming Africa Games next year in Ghana.

It encompasses 10 stages with an excruciating overall distance of 1207.8 kilometres to battle over seven regions in Burkina Faso.The first stage which begins from Ouaga to Po will be a heated 144km road clearance.

The second stage would be from Nioryida to Ziniare in 107.2km.

Stage three will be a circuit - Ouaga to Ouaga with a distance of 144km.

The fourth stage will be the usual heated, gruelling Road Race from Ouaga to Koupela in 136.8km.

Tenkodougo to Zorgho will sweep off the fifth stage with a short threshold power ride of 75.4km and quickly to be followed the next day , stage six with a 107.6km assignment from Ouaga to Koudougou.

The riders would depart Koudougou to the flat Road hot asphalt driveway of Boromo in 156km.

Stage 8 will be a beautiful criterium inside the favourite arena of Bobodioulasso covering a distance of 120km.

The penultimate stage gets into one of the hottest terrains from Bobodioulasso to Pa in 126.7 km.

The final stage will be a final hurdle Road finish from Sapone into the capital Ouaga in 112.1km.

11 countries have already confirmed their participation in the prestigious event including Mali, Cote D'Ivoire, Algeria, Belgium and South Africa.

France, Germany, Egypt and Senegal will be absent this time round.

Ghana has had multiple  appearances at this UCI sanctioned event with the likes of late Samuel Anim, Aminu Osman Mohammed, Anthony Boakye, Abdul Razak Abdul Mumin, Abdul Razak Umar, Godwin Dzeha, and Gabriel Tettey all experiencing the "heat" in the Tour.

In 2010, Ghana tasted the heated west African competition that saw Henry Tetteh Djangmah,Aminu Osman, Nuru Pardie Alhassan,William Nartey and Philip Randolf representing the Nation.

In 2011, Ghana again represented with a close shave squad of Aminu Osman, Joseph Kudakpor, Samuel Anim, Emmanuel Obour and Henry Tetteh Djangmah.

In recent times, precisely in 2019, Derbywheel yellow jersey holder at the just ended National Tour Du Faso Solomon Tagoe featured at the Tour Du Faso in the Youth category with some impressive cycling display.

The Golden Pedals squad comprising Ebenezer Frank Tetteh Quaye, Foster Doevi, Emmanuel Sesi, Emmanuel Shammah, Michael Naaba are all new "candidates" into the hottest race in west Africa and would surely get "baptized" in the 10-day exercise.

Burkina Faso have had an astonishing record in this competition winning the maijeux jeune 15 times.

It would be recalled in 1988, Burkinabe sprinter Madi  Kadore won the Tour Du Faso, Maxime Ouedrago in 89, Aime Zongo in 1990.

Burkina again won the maijeux jeune in 1991, 1993,1994 and 1995 with Saidou Raoumba,  Maurice Sawadogo, Karinm Yameogo and Ernest Sorgho respectively.

Ernest Sorgho won again in 1997 with "Sefa Peugeot 's" Abdul Wahab Sawadogo winning the maijeux jeune in 2004.

In 2011, Hamidou Zidweiba won the Tour and an impressive win by Burkina Faso 's talisman Rasmane Ouedrago in 2012.

Harouna Ilboudou added his name to the list by winning the Tour Du Faso in 2016 with Wendkoni Songho closing the chapter of laurels in 2018.

The Golden Pedals would be departing the country on the 23rd of October, get a rest day and bounce into action on the 26th.

Over 80 riders would be in action for the ultimate Leaders Jersey as the host Nation, Burkina Faso would be seeking to draw in the lost confidence towards their performance over the years.

Quality commentary and updates on the Tour will be live on the Ghana Cycling Federation Facebook portal.

By Dennis Kweku Moore / PRO GCF

Head coach of Ghana Chris Hughton give instructions during a training session ahead of the friendly martch against Mexico at Bank of America Stadium on October 13, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)

Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton has made his disappointment clear to his players after the hapless performance against the United States in Wednesday’s 4-0 international friendly defeat.

According to sports journalist, Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo, the former Brighton and Hove Albion gave the players a “dress down” in the dressing room with the president of the Ghana Football Association present to witness it.

“I’ve never waited this long for an away team post-match press conference. Hughton has yet to show up here. Apparently, he’s in the dressing room with Kurt Okraku giving the players a dress down,” Fentuo, who’s covering the game, wrote on Twitter, before adding, “He should finish and come for his own at the presser!”

In Wednesday’s game, the USA took the in the 10th minute through Giovanni Reyna who pounced on a poor clearance before Christian Pulisic added the second from the spot following a Gideon Mensah penalty.

Florian Balogun was then gifted the third for the USA following another series of poor defending in the 22nd minute.

Ghana went down by four in the 39th minute through a well-worked indirect free kick that was converted by Reyna for his brace.

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The Black Stars at the Geodis Stadium, Nashville suffered a 4-0 defeat against the US Men's national team in the final game in the international friendly games for October on Wednesday dawn.

In a post-match conference, the 64-year-old apologized for the outcome of the game.

“I apologize for the performance and the results," the former Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur coach said.

USA broke the deadlock after just 10 minutes into the game through Dortmund midfielder Giovanni Reyna before captain Christian Pulisic doubled the advantage for the host from the spot nine minutes later.

The Yanks continued their demolishing exercise as Monaco attacker Folarin Balogun hit the back of the net to extend USA’s lead in the 22nd minute.

Just before half-time, Reyna added the United States' fourth from an indirect freekick in the box to seal victory for the host.

In the first game against Mexico at the Bank of America Stadium, Ghana suffered a 2-0.

After the two games, the Black Stars conceded six goals and could not score in any of the games.

The Black Stars will now focus on their World Cup qualifiers against in November. Ghana will begin its qualifiers against Madagascar on November 13 and Comoros on November 21 before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast next year.

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