Games

Dreams come true: 800m runner makes Nigerian Olympic team 12 years after writing the vision as a teenager

Edose Ibadin will head to the Paris 2024 Games as Nigeria’s first 800m runner to compete at the Olympics since Seoul 1988, a dream that took twelve years to achieve.

Nigerian 800m record holder Edose Ibadin is thrilled to make the Paris Olympic team twelve years after writing the vision down as a teenager.

Ibadin qualified for the Paris Olympics after running a blistering 1:44.65 on July 30, 2023, which was within the qualifying window to surpass the automatic standard of 1:44.70.

By making the team, the 31-year-old will become the second Nigerian to run in the event at the Olympics since Ado Maude at the Seoul 1988 Games.

Expressing his excitement on his X page, the experienced runner quoted his tweet in 2012, affirming he’ll be at the Olympics one day.

“When I tweeted this, I was 18(soon to be 19) and a freshman in college. 12 years later, I’m now 31 headed to my first Olympics later this month. Only had one scholarship offer, Never made an NCAA final, didn’t have a contract coming out of college. Always bet on yourself.”

He also took to his Facebook page to show gratitude to everyone who has helped him achieve his dream

“After not making the Tokyo Games, I was sad and at the same time reminded that weeping may last through the night but joy comes in the morning. To everyone who has invested in this journey, I just want to say thank you.

“To Every coach I’ve had to every person I’ve trained with, I thank you. From prayers, encouraging words, tough love, none of it was in vain.

‘I’ve learned a lot of on this journey and I am glad that Paris gets to be a part of it.” he wrote.

Team Ghana secures three semi-final slots at African Athletics Seniors Championships

Ghana’s sprinters Isaac Botsio and Edwin Gadayi have advanced to the semi-finals of the men’s 100m at the African Athletics Seniors Championships in Douala, after impressive performances in their heats on Friday.

Botsio secured his spot by finishing second in Heat 3 with a time of 10.41 seconds, trailing Nigeria’s Kayinsola Ajayi.

Gadayi also claimed a second-place finish in Heat 2, clocking 10.49 seconds behind Liberia’s Joseph Fahbulleh, who won the race in 10.45 seconds.

In Heat 4, Ghana’s Brock Appiah finished fifth with a time of 10.58 seconds, missing out on a semi-final berth.

On the women’s side, Deborah Acheampong delivered a strong performance in Heat 3, finishing second with a time of 11.92 seconds, just behind Gambia’s Gina Bass, who the double at African Games in Accra three months ago.

Acheampong will compete in the semi-finals on Saturday. Unfortunately, Hor Halutie finished fourth in Heat 7 with a time of 11.71 seconds and did not advance.

In the women’s 100m hurdles, Doris Mensah and Evonne Britton finished third in their respective heats. Mensah clocked 13.63 seconds in Heat 1, while Britton finished Heat 2 in 13.30 seconds.

In the women’s discus final, Rejoice Agbewodie ranked 12th out of 16 competitors, with a best throw of 48.38 meters.

2026 Athletics Championships: Ghana wins hosting rights

Ghana has been awarded the rights to host the 2026 Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Seniors Championships, triumphing over Botswana in a competitive bid.

The country’s athletics governing body, Ghana Athletics announced on Saturday via its social media handles that the West African nation will host the 2026 edition.

Breaking!
Ghana Athletics wins bid to host the 2026 African Athletics Championship in Accra.

The Confederation of African Athletics has confirmed in its Council Meeting in Douala, Cameroon.

Bid Team Mr. Majid Bawa (NSA), Fuseini Bawah and Charles Osei Asibey of Ghana Athletics pic.twitter.com/cuBgjv2nkY
— Ghana Athletics (@AthleticsGhana) June 22, 2024

Out of the 15 countries that voted for the next competition host, Ghana garnered 12 votes, while Botswana managed only three.

Ghana’s successful bid was led by a delegation including Deputy Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) Bawa Majeed, President of Ghana Athletics Bawah Fuseini, and Vice President in charge of administration Charles Osei Assibey.

Following the CAA General Assembly in Douala where it was announced that Botswana and Ghana are the countries being considered, the latter was encouraged to bid for the prestigious event, leveraging its world-class facilities showcased during the recent African Games 2023 and the CAA Region II Seniors Championships.

The country is now expected to deliver another exemplary event in 2026.

In the ongoing championships, three Ghanaian athletes have advanced to the semi-finals of the 100m events. Isaac Botsio and Edwin Gadayi secured their places in the men’s 100m, both finishing second in their heats. Deborah Acheampong also advanced in the women’s 100m, finishing second in her heat.

WAFCON 2024 rescheduled to July 2025

The Confederation of African Football has set July 2025 as the date for the next Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The competition had initially been scheduled to be played this year in Morocco.

However, a decision at a CAF Council meeting earlier on Friday, June 21, moved the tournament to next year.

The 21-day continental event will commence on July 5, 2025, and end on July 26, 2025.

This comes after months of uncertainty following the completion of the qualifiers.

“I am also impressed by the enormous growth of Women’s Football in Africa and I am expecting the WAFCON Morocco 2024 to be immensely successful,” CAF president Patrice Motsepe said.

“We will continue to make significant progress in developing and ensuring that African Football is globally competitive and amongst the best in the World.

“CAF is grateful to King Mohamed VI of Morocco, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (“FRMF”), its President Fouzi Lekjaa, the Government, and the people of Morocco for hosting the CAF TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 and the CAF TotalEnergies WAFCON Morocco 2024.”

Ghana’s Black Queens had secured qualification for the competition after missing out since 2018.

Asante Kotoko striker Kalo Ouattara bids farewell after tough season

Asante Kotoko striker Kalo Ouattara has bid farewell to the club following his release, part of a massive clear-out that saw 18 players let go in less than 24 hours.

This significant overhaul is part of a comprehensive rebuild process aimed at revitalizing the team for the upcoming season.

The 22-year-old Ouattara, who joined Asante Kotoko at the start of the season from Berekum Chelsea, featured in 24 games and scored four goals, including one in the final game of the season.

Despite his efforts, the Porcupine Warriors finished the season in a disappointing sixth place with 49 points, 12 behind champions Samartex.

In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Ouattara expressed his gratitude to the club, his teammates, and the fans, with a special mention to the club’s video analysts.

Read the full note below:

“I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you as I prepare to move on from my time with Asante Kotoko.

I want to say a special thank you to the video Analysts of Asante Kotoko for their motivation every time and their dedication in making me a better player.

While my journey here has come to an end, the experiences and memories we’ve shared will forever hold a special place in my heart.

To my fellow players, it has been an honor to stand alongside each of you on the field.

And to our loyal supporters, your unwavering enthusiasm and encouragement have fueled our determination and made every match a memorable experience. Your presence at the games and your messages of support online have meant the world to me and the entire team.

As I embark on the next chapter of my journey, I will carry with me the lessons learned during my time at Kotoko.

Warm regards,

Kalo Ouattara”

Ouattara’s departure is part of the club’s strategic plan to rebuild and strengthen the squad for a more competitive performance in the next season.

Asante Kotoko had an unpleasant season, admits coach Prosper Ogum

Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Narteh Ogum admits the club had an unpleasant 2023-2024 season after they ended the campaign trophyless.

Kotoko struggled throughout the season, enduring a streak of seven matches without a win at one point. They ultimately finished in 6th place, accumulating 49 points with a record of 14 wins, 12 defeats, and seven draws.

Reflecting on their performance, Coach Ogum expressed his disappointment over the team’s inability to secure victories, particularly in their home matches.

“It was an unpleasant season. What we wanted to achieve, we couldn’t in terms of performance on the pitch. I think we fell below expectations,” Ogum stated on the club’s channel.

He pointed out that the outcome of several matches was a key reason for their failure to clinch the league title.

“Especially some of the games we lost and drew at home. Typically, Asante Kotoko shouldn’t have lost or drawn. If you look at these games, they are the ones that prevented us from winning the trophy,” he explained.

Ogum also highlighted the impact of their home game results on the fans’ morale.

“The joy of the fans is at Baba Yara because when you win, the fans become excited, and because we couldn’t win, it made everything unpleasant,” he added.

In response to the disappointing season, the club has taken drastic action by parting ways with 18 players, including goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad.

These changes reflect a significant overhaul as Kotoko aim to improve their performance in the upcoming season.

Ghanaian youngster Mathew Anim Cudjoe leaves Dundee United

Ghana youth international Mathew Anim Cudjoe has left Scottish side, Dundee United, after both parties failed to reach an agreement over a renewal.

The attacking midfielder’s contract with the club expired at the end of the season and there were ongoing talks over a possible renewal.

However, after extended negotiations between the player’s entourage and the club, Dundee United have agreed to part ways with the exciting winger.

The Tangerines confirmed the departure of Anim Cudjoe on the club’s website on Tuesday, June 18.

“We can confirm Mathew Cudjoe has decided to call time on his Tannadice career. The club made an offer which reflected our vision for Mathew in both financial and footballing terms however the Ghanaian has decided to pursue his career elsewhere,” the statement read.

During his time at the club, the Ghanaian scored five goals in 46 games for the club featuring in the Premiership and the Championship.

Anim Cudjoe signed for the club in November 2021.

Black Stars left-back Ebenezer Annan joins Serbian champions Red Star Belgrade

Serbian champions, Red Star Belgrade, has announced the signing of Ghanaian international Ebenezer Annan.

The left-back joins the club in a permanent deal from Serie A side Bologna, penning a three-year deal. The contract also has an option for him to extend for another year.

The defender spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Novi Pazar in the Serbian Superliga where his performances impressed many clubs including Red Star Belgrade.

“Red Star continues with activities when it comes to the summer transfer window and we are very pleased to announce that Ebenezer Annan has signed a three plus one-year contract with our club,” wrote the club announcing Amman’s arrival ahead of the new season.

Annan, through his impressive displays at Novi Pazar, was called up into the national team in March for the friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda.

He also returned to the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mali and Central African Republic.

Ghana’s biggest asset is the talent of its children – Right to Dream Founder Tom Vernon

Founder of the Right to Dream football academy, Tom Vernon, has hailed the talent of Ghanaian children as the country’s biggest asset.

The Englishman, who has been operating the famous academy in Ghana for over 20 years, believes this is not just limited to football but across all fields.

Vernon made this disclosure in an all-access interview with Joy Sports at the academy’s campus in Akosombo, Old Akrade while talking about the criteria for admitting kids.

“It’s really tough. The first thing I’ll say is that the kids who don’t get in, let’s say we take the top 20. The kids from number 21 down to, let’s say, number 100 would get into any academy in Europe, any academy in Europe.

“You can take the guy number 100; we don’t have space for him here. If he lives in Madrid, he’ll be in the Real Madrid Academy, that’s my view.

“So it shows how much is still to be done to serve the talent and the youth of Ghana.

“Like we need much more of what we’re doing. I always say Right to Dream; we’re doing our part, but we need much more expansion of talent development.

“My view is, Ghana’s biggest asset is the talent of its children. Not in football but broadly.”

The Right to Dream Academy has produced some of the biggest football stars for Ghana’s national teams over the last two decades including Mohammed Kudus, Majeed Waris, David Accam, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Ibrahim Osman, who has just signed for Brighton.

Not just that. Ivy League graduates are among the products coming out of the Old Akrade-based academy.

Watch part one of Tom Vernon’s interview with Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo here:

Bawumia sends congratulatory message to Hasaacas Ladies after Women’s Premier League win

The Vice President and 2024 flagbearer of the NPP, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has congratulated newly-crowned Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League champions, Hasaacas Ladies, following their success at the end of the 2023/24 season.

Bawumia’s message comes after the Hasmal Ladies defeated Ampem Darkoa Ladies to reclaim the Womens’ Premier League title for the first time since the 2020/21 campaign.

Veronica Baa Kuma and Mukarama Abdulai scored the goals for Hasaacas Ladies in the final on June 8.

Following their success, they have received a congratulatory message from Bawumia who is hoping the club will go all the way to replicate their success from the 2020/21 season when they reached the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Hasaacas Ladies will play in the WAFU B Champions League qualifiers to be staged in Abidjan in August 2024.Yussif Basigi’s side will be hoping to win the competition which will also serve as their ticket to the main CAF Women’s Champions League competition.