Sevilla has secured a loan deal for Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri for the remainder of the season.
Initially expected to represent Tunisia at the Africa Cup of Nations, Hannibal chose to withdraw from the tournament to focus on securing his future with his club.
Despite interest from several clubs, including Everton, the 20-year-old has decided to join Spanish top-flight club Sevilla. The deal includes an option to buy and is reportedly valued at £17.2 million.
Hannibal has featured in 10 matches for Manchester United this season, with his most recent appearance in the FA Cup third-round victory over Wigan on January 8. While he has only started one Premier League game and was not part of the squad in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham on Sunday,.
“Best of luck to Hannibal,” said Manchester United on the club’s website.
The exclusion of Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana became a focal point in the lead-up to Cameroon’s opening match against Guinea in the2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite Onana’s recent appearance for Manchester United in a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur, he arrived in Ivory Coast the following day for Cameroon’s tournament opener. To the surprise of fans, he was not included in the matchday squad for the game against Guinea, which led to discussions among supporters.
Following the underwhelming 1-1 draw against 10-man Guinea, a journalist approached Onana to gather his thoughts on the situation, and the former Ajax goalkeeper had much to share.
“I have a lot of things to say but I won’t say it here because we are in competition. The most important thing is sacred union. We are here to win #AFCON2023. I ask the supporters to support us in good times and bad […] I am one of the leaders, so I take my responsibilities and that is why I am here,” via Allez Les Lions.
“I don’t want people to criticise the youngest. Let people continue to criticise me; I’m used to it, I do what is good for my country. It’s like choosing between my father and my mother, but my country comes first; that’s why I’m here. We’re together.”
It’s uncertain whether Andre Onana will be chosen as the starting goalkeeper for Cameroon in their significant match against defending champions Senegal on Friday, January 19.
Despite having a one-man advantage throughout the entire second half against 10-man Guinea, Cameroon couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities, failing to secure a victory, according to CAF.
During Cameroon’s match at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Onana was observed in a deep conversation with El Hadji Diouf, a two-time African Footballer of the Year, as previously reported by Sports Brief. While the specific topic of their discussion remains unknown, the Senegalese legend was seen exchanging words with Onana.
Onana has encountered challenges since joining Manchester United, and his relationship with Cameroon football authorities is uncertain, notably after reversing his decision to retire following the 2022 World Cup incident. The recent interaction with Diouf adds an element of intrigue to Onana’s situation, leaving fans curious about the nature of their discussion.
Former Super Eagles captain John Obi-Mikel believes Lionel Messi was deserving of The Best FIFA Men’s Player award over Erling Haaland.
Messi secured the accolade, prevailing over Haaland, who achieved a treble with Manchester City and scored 30 goals across all competitions during the evaluation period.
Despite the Norwegian’s remarkable performance, Messi emerged as the winner, sparking discussions on social media.
Mikel, who faced Messi in the 2005 Under-20 World Cup final, asserts that the Argentine captain did more to warrant the award than Haaland did during the assessed period.
"I think Messi did more than Haaland to win it" 💬
Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel on Lionel Messi beating Erling Haaland to be named FIFA’s Best Men’s Player of the Year 🇦🇷👇 pic.twitter.com/EVj36s80VS
Lionel Messi has set a record by becoming the player with the most FIFA Best Award wins and the first Major League Soccer (MLS) player to receive the special award.
Despite journalists predominantly voting for Erling Haaland, Messi secured the Best FIFA Men’s Player award for 2023.
Haaland led the vote among national team coaches, but Messi emerged victorious in the vote conducted by national team captains. The Argentine claimed the prize after earning the highest five-point score in the captain’s votes, breaking the tie with Haaland.
Earlier, Roberto Martinez, Portugal’s head coach, gained attention for his choice in the FIFA Best Awards, where he overlooked Cristiano Ronaldo.
Sarina Wiegman, aged 54, has prolonged her tenure as the coach of the England women’s team, securing her position until the 2027 Women’s World Cup, according to an announcement by the Football Association on Tuesday.
Wiegman, who assumed the role in September 2021, guided the team to their inaugural major trophy at the 2022 European Championship and steered them to the final of the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand last year, where they claimed the runner-up spot to Spain.
The extension of Wiegman’s contract also entails her leadership during the defense of their Euros title in 2025.
“I am so happy to have the chance to lead England through to 2027 after an incredible two and a half years,” Wiegman said.
“Looking forward, we have unfinished business and I know we are capable of even more, although nothing will come easy. Our game is becoming so competitive at the top level.
“I relish that opportunity and can’t wait to start the EURO qualifiers, followed by the World Cup.”
“We are thrilled Sarina has agreed to extend her time with us as we head into another significant period of international football,” FA CEO Mark Bullingham said.
“She has achieved so much through her outstanding work as a coach and leader, and there is more to come.
“The aim with our England teams is to be a consistent competitive force in major tournaments, and Sarina has helped us achieve that – building on what had been several years of positive progress.“
Lionel Scaloni is set to continue as Argentina’s coach until at least the conclusion of this summer’s Copa America, where the team aims to defend its title, as reported by local media on Monday.
The decision follows a meeting between Argentina FA (AFA) President Claudio Tapia and Scaloni to discuss the upcoming friendlies in China before the continental tournament in the United States, scheduled from June 20 to July 14.
Reuters has sought comments from the AFA.
“Lionel Scaloni will remain in the Argentina national team and will coach through to the Copa America,” Gaston Edul, a sports journalist for TyCSports in Argentina, said in a social media post. “Surely, in the next few days, an official voice will confirm it.”
Scaloni had cast doubt over his future in the post in November, when Argentina beat Brazil in South American World Cup qualifiers, saying: “It’s complicated to keep going and it’s complicated to keep winning.”
The 45-year-old took over as coach in 2018 and led Argentina tothe Copa America title in 2021 – their first major trophy since the 1986 World Cup—and their third world title in Qatar the following year.
Manchester City is maintaining their valuation of Kalvin Phillips, despite the player’s concerns that he might be priced out of a January transfer, as per sources reported by ESPN’s Rob Dawson.
Phillips, aiming for an exit from the Etihad due to limited opportunities under Pep Guardiola, faces challenges in securing a move as City demands a loan fee of approximately £7m with an obligation to make the transfer permanent in the summer.
Negotiations with Juventus have reportedly stalled over these demands, and Newcastle United has postponed making an official approach.
Crystal Palace, Everton, and West Ham United are also reportedly interested, according to Sky Sports.
City stands firm on their valuation, asserting that it is fair given Phillips’ status as an established England international, despite his struggle for game time under Guardiola.
The club is open to keeping Phillips in the squad until the summer and is reportedly relaxed about the situation.
Despite uncertainties surrounding his future, Phillips remains dedicated, continuing to work hard in training and maintaining popularity within the first-team group.
Manchester United will have to pay €80 million to secure the services of Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo, according to reports from Sky Sport Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg.
Araújo, who has made 20 appearances for Barcelona this season, has attracted interest from various clubs, including Bayern Munich.
Barcelona has communicated to both United and Bayern that they expect €80 million for the center-back in the current transfer window.
Despite the financial challenges at Barcelona, Araújo is reportedly reluctant to leave Camp Nou in January, adding complexity to any potential deal.
United, led by manager Erik ten Hag, is actively seeking defensive reinforcements due to uncertainties surrounding Raphaël Varane’s future and Lisandro Martínez’s injury concerns during the season’s first half.
Rui Vitoria, Head Coach of Egypt, has sent strong warning to the Black Stars ahead of their next game against Ghana in the second group game of the 2023Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Thursday, January 18 at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
The seven-time African champions narrowly escaped defeat after a spirited Mozambique side almost edged them but were unlucky to have Mohamed Salah convert from the spot to snatch a late draw.
Egypt’s Head Coach, Rui Vitoria, has issued a stern warning to the Black Stars in anticipation of their upcoming match against Ghana in the second group game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The clash is scheduled for Thursday, January 18, at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
The seven-time African champions narrowly avoided defeat in their previous game, facing a spirited Mozambique side that came close to securing a victory. However, luck was on Egypt’s side, as Mohamed Salah converted from the spot to secure a late draw.
“Mozambique has a solid team; I said it before meeting them and that’s what happened today.
“They gave us a lot of tactical problems with this low pack. This team has excellent elements in midfield. They found gaps in us and they took advantage of it,” Vitoria said.
“It’s going to be a different story. We would have to reduce the spaces and be more concentrated because, against an experienced team like Ghana, the slightest mistake is paid dearly,” he added.
On their defensive errors, Vitoria said they would need to urgently work on them as they would be punished severely against teams like Ghana if they were not prepared.
Coach Vitoria says their opponents gave them a lot of tactical problems and they were up against a team that had a good midfield.
JoyNews has found that the home of the deceased Supreme Court Justice Marful-Sau is still vacant.The Ministry of Works and Housing has issued a statement denying accusations of collaboration with former Chief Justice Anim Yeboah to sell the lands.
Contrarily, the government has clarified that it is executing a redevelopment initiative for valuable government lands, adhering to a policy established in 1992.
Redevelopment of state lands: JoyNews checks show residence of late Supreme Court Justice Marful -Sau remains inhabitable. #JoyNewspic.twitter.com/P6w8RFYION
JoyNews correspondent Blessed Sogah conducted a visit to the redeveloped property, which, once finished, is intended to function as a residential facility for ministers of state, judicial service employees, and other government officials.
An assembly member at Roman Ridge, Adam Yussif, walked the news team through the buildings, explaining that “this particular property here is like an acre of land that used to house about one property, one tenant, and that tenant was a prison officer.”
“And then now, as you can see, we have about six units of property here, which can house about three directors from the same unit or from a different government unit, and which is laudable because the land size of this area over the years was like an acre but (we had) a single house, a very small, tiny house in the building. Now, if it’s redeveloped, I mean, you can take more people, unlike other places,” he said.
As per a statement from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the ongoing transformations at the official residence of the late Justice Marful-Sau are integral to the Government Redevelopment Programme (GRP).
“The GRP, which dates as far back as 1992, has since its inception, been widely implemented by successive governments within the Greater Accra Region, specifically in Kanda, Cantonments, West Ridge and Roman Ridge.
On May 14, 2018, the Cabinet approved a revised scheme regarding the GRP to include other neighbourhoods such as Osu Ringway, Airport Residential Area and Labone,” the statement noted.
Achieve higher and optimum densities in prime areas and ensure efficient utilisation of existing infrastructure.
Contribute to the positive impact of the growth of our major cities by mitigating the rapid horizontal sprawl.
Achieve a significant increase in the total stock of both government and private residential properties countrywide.
Improve the urban context and neighbourhood characteristics of the old residential properties in our major cities.
Two executives from the General Transport Petroleum Chemical Workers Union (GTPCWU) have been placed on interdiction in connection to the controversial deal between the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and Torentco.
The decision, taken by the TOR Board of Directors, is effective immediately.
Anthony Joojo Koomson, the Chairman of the Petroleum Union Senior Staff Association, confirmed the interdiction during an appearance on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, on Monday.
Mr. Koomson revealed that the interdiction was a result of their disclosure of crucial information about the TOR-Torentco deal during a press conference.
The Board argued that they breached the non-disclosure agreement they undertook not to disclose the details of the draft TOR/Torentco Lease and O&M agreements, citing Article 43(4) (vii) of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between TOR and GTPCWU.
But Mr Koomson contends that the board acted in bad faith because his action was in accordance with the Whistleblower Act.
“We alerted management about the shortfalls in the deal and they told us they can’t respond to the issues because the board is solely in charge. We wrote to the board and till date, they haven’t responded to us so we just had to do the needful by making the issue public,” he stated.
Mr. Koomson cautioned that the Board should not assume that the interdiction will silence him under any circumstances.
“This is the biggest mistake by the Board because it will not end her. The mandate of the board is not to micro-manage management. It is management who is to take disciplinary action but this clearly shows the incompetence of the board and the fact that they do not understand their job,” he lashed out.
Finally, Andre Onana, the keeper for Manchester United, has arrived in Cameroon for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 27-year-old goalkeeper delayed his participation in the Ivory Coast tournament due to his club commitments.
Discussions were conducted between his English club and the national team to ensure his availability for the draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, which concluded with a 2-2 score.
While fans left Old Trafford after the game, Onana embarked on a 4,800-mile journey from Manchester to the Ivory Coast on a private jet.
Onana had retired from international duty last year following disagreements with Cameroon coach Rigobert Song, leading to his exclusion from the 2022 World Cup squad.
However, he later reversed his decision, expressing his willingness to represent his country in the future.
Onana’s belated arrival means he won’t start in Cameroon’s first AFCON group game, leaving uncertainty about his participation in their second match.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is not only a star linebacker for the Cleveland Browns but also a proud ambassador of Ghanaian culture and fashion. The 24-year-old NFL player, who was born in the US to Ghanaian parents, has been making waves with his stunning outfits inspired by his African heritage.
During the NFL playoffs, Owusu-Koramoah showed up to the games wearing traditional Ghanaian attire, such as kente, smock, and pantaloon, paired with moari boots and a walking stick. He also accessorised his looks with beads, bracelets, and hats, adding some flair and personality to his outfits.
Owusu-Koramoah’s fashion choices have been praised by his fans, teammates, and coaches, who admire his confidence and creativity. He has also been featured in several media outlets, such as ESPN, CBS Sports, and The Guardian, for his eye-catching style and his impressive performance on the field.
Owusu-Koramoah, who won the Butkus Award and was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous All-American as a senior at Notre Dame, was drafted by the Browns in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He quickly became a key player for the Browns, recording 247 tackles, 5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 14 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions in his rookie season.
But Owusu-Koramoah is not just a talented athlete; he is also a passionate advocate for his Ghanaian roots. He has said that he wears Ghanaian clothing to honour his parents, who taught him to be proud of his culture and to respect his elders. He has also said that he wants to inspire other young people of African descent to embrace their identity and pursue their dreams.
Owusu-Koramoah is not the only Ghanaian player in the NFL, as there are others like Ezekiel Ansah, Nana Asare, and Eric Ofori Antwi, who have also represented the West African country in the league. However, Owusu-Koramoah is arguably the most visible and vocal one, as he has used his platform to showcase Ghanaian fashion and culture to the world.
Here are some of the photos of Owusu-Koramoah’s amazing outfits during the NFL playoffs:
Owusu-Koramoah wearing a kente cloth and a hat before the game against the Houston Texans on January 13, 2024The kente cloth is a world-famous handwoven fabric made by the Akans in Ghana, with distinct patterns and colours that have different meanings.
Owusu-Koramoah is wearing a smock and a pantaloon with moari boots and a walking stick before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on January 14, 2024. The smock is a garment that resembles a shirt, made from the fabric called “Gonja cloth,” which is woven from cotton and dyed by hand. The pantaloon is a loose-fitting trouser that is often worn with the smock.
The moari boots are leather boots with rubber soles that are popular in Ghana. The walking stick is a symbol of authority and respect in Ghanaian culture.
Owusu-Koramoah wearing a kente cloth and a hat before the game against the Detroit Lions on January 21, 2024. This time, he chose a different pattern and colour of kente, showing his versatility and creativity.
Owusu-Koramoah wearing a smock and a pantaloon with moari boots and a walking stick before the game against the Buffalo Bills on January 28, 2024. He repeated his outfit from the previous week, but with a different smock and pantaloon, demonstrating his loyalty and consistency.
Ghanaian NFL star Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, representing the Cleveland Browns, makes a stylish statement in traditional Ghanaian attire during the NFL playoffs. 🇬🇭🏉 pic.twitter.com/uwyLAZnwKv
The alleged breaches, which could result in fines and points deductions, were communicated to both clubs on Monday. An independent commission will now be tasked with determining the appropriate sanctions for each club.
Nottingham Forest becomes the third club in the top flight to be charged with contravening the financial rules, allowing a maximum loss of £105 million over three years or £35 million per season.
Considering their two-season stint in the Championship during this period, their permitted loss was capped at £61 million.
Meanwhile, Everton is confronted with another breach, adding to their woes after already receiving a 10-point deduction in November, a penalty related to the 2021/22 season.
“The Premier League does not have guidelines that prevent a club from being sanctioned for alleged breaches in financial periods that have already been subject to punishment, unlike other governing bodies, including the EFL,” an Everton statement read.
“As a result, and because of the Premier League’s new commitment to deal with such matters “in-season,” the club is in a position where it has had no option but to submit a PSR calculation that remains subject to change pending the outcome of the appeal.
“The club must now defend another Premier League complaint, which includes the very same financial periods for which it has already been sanctioned, before that appeal has even been heard. The club takes the view that this results from a clear deficiency in the Premier League’s rules.
“Everton can assure its fans that it will continue to defend its position during the ongoing appeal and, should it be required to do so, at any future commission, and that the impact on supporters will be reflected as part of that process.”
Forest themselves stated that they acknowledge the Premier League’s statement and they are hoping for a “speedy and fair resolution.”.
“Nottingham Forest acknowledges the statement from the Premier League confirming that the club has today been charged with a breach of the league’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
“The club intends to continue to cooperate fully with the Premier League on this matter and are confident of a speedy and fair resolution.”
Saudi Arabia coach Roberto Mancini voiced criticism on Monday towards players who departed the national camp ahead of the Asian Cup, suggesting concerns over potential limited playing time.
Mancini emphasised that he values players who are committed to fighting for the national team’s shirt.
Goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi, midfielder Salman Al-Faraj, and full-back Sultan Al-Ghannam were omitted by Mancini from the squad for the continental tournament in Qatar, despite being part of the initial list of players called up.
“They were on the list. Salman told me he doesn’t want to play in the friendly games. I asked Sultan if he was happy to play and he told me he wasn’t happy,” Mancini told reporters ahead of their group opener against Oman on Tuesday.
“Players don’t decide if they play or not; I decide. Nawaf told me he’d come but the day after, in Riyadh, he said he didn’t want to come. We tried to speak with him and put him on the list.
“Three days ago, he went to our goalkeeper coach and said, ‘I don’t want to stay here if I don’t get to play’. I only want players who fight for their country.”
Mancini, who has had a storied career as a manager with trophies in club football as well as a European Championship with Italy in 2021, said he had never seen players opting out of the national team before.
“I don’t understand when a young player refuses to come because he doesn’t know if he will play or not. The national team is not a club; it’s your country. You represent all the people in your country,” Mancini added.
“You should be happy if you’re a part of this group. This is a very strange situation and it’s the first time I’ve experienced this… But we’ve found other players to play.”
The Saudi team for the Asian Cup is not as experienced as the squad that shocked Argentina in theWorld Cup group stage in 2022, while even Oman have players with more international caps.
“We had these two weeks to work with the players. We know all players from Oman play regularly in the league and they’re probably stronger,” Mancini said.
“But we’re happy with the players we have, they want to fight for their country.
“Oman have good strikers and midfielders; they’re very dangerous in attack. For this reason, tomorrow will be a difficult game.”
Senegal kicked off theirAfrica Cup of Nations title defence with a commanding 3-0 triumph over 10-man Gambia in Group C, bringing an end to a series of surprising results at the tournament in the Ivory Coast.
In the opening Group C encounter at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Pape Gueye scored early for Senegal, and Lamine Camara’s brace solidified their victory. Gueye netted in the fourth minute, setting the tone for Senegal’s dominance.
The 20-year-old Camara, Young African Player of the Year in 2023, showcased his talent with a superb finish seven minutes into the second half and a sublime second goal into the top corner four minutes from time.
Gambia faced adversity as Ebou Adams received a red card for a needless stamp on Camara in stoppage time at the end of the first half. The numerical disadvantage left Gambia vulnerable in the second period.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3wxW1tnWDA
Senegal’s initial lead was established when Gueye capitalised on a poor clearance by Gambia captain Omar Colley, with Sadio Mane providing the assist.
Adams’ reckless foul on Camara led to his red card after a VAR check, resulting in a two-match ban for the Cardiff City defender.
Senegal doubled their lead with simplicity, as Ismaila Sarr received a defense-splitting pass from captain Kalidou Koulibaly, setting up Camara for his second goal. The third goal came from Iliman Ndiaye’s skillful play, creating an opportunity for Camara to complete his brace.
Despite Gambia’s surprising quarter-final run two years ago, they struggled to mount a significant offensive threat in this match. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy thwarted an early shot from Musa Barrow to secure the victory.
Despite substantial spending since the Todd Boehly-led Clearlake consortium took charge, the Blues continue to grapple with issues up front, lacking a proven number nine and causing challenges for manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Christopher Nkunku has struggled to secure a consistent spot on the team, facing setbacks from a knee injury in the preseason, followed by a hip injury after less than 200 minutes on his return.
While Nicolas Jackson has found the net seven times in the Premier League this season, his notable misses have sparked discussions among fans.
According to Premier League stats, the Senegalese forward has missed 12 significant scoring opportunities.
The only other available forward for Pochettino is Armando Broja, who is gradually returning to full form after recovering from cruciate ligament tears suffered last season.
The potential loan moves for Benzema or Firmino highlight Chelsea’s ongoing efforts to address their striking challenges.
Benzema or Firmino to Chelsea?
According to a report in the Telegraph, Chelsea is contemplating short-term options in the form of either Karim Benzema or Roberto Firmino. Both players, currently competing in the Saudi Pro League, are reportedly seeking exits just a few months into their Middle East ventures.
Karim Benzema’s absence from training with Al-Ittihad, under unspecified circumstances, has created an opportunity for potential suitors to lure him back to Europe. Meanwhile, Roberto Firmino, despite his move to Al-Ahli, has only managed to score three goals.
Considered as short-term solutions, the potential signings of Benzema or Firmino could serve as interim measures before the club explores significant investments in the upcoming summer.
Victor Osimhen from Napoli and Ivan Toney from Brentford reportedly remain high on Chelsea’s priority list.
Stars who have struggled in Saudi Arabia Sports Brief has previously reported on Jordan Henderson wanting to move back to the Premier League only six months after ditching Liverpool to join Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq.
The former Reds captain headlines a list of former European-based stars who have struggled in the Saudi Pro League.
The Red Devils are actively seeking reinforcements for their attack in the January transfer window, given the challenges faced by their forwards in scoring throughout the season.
Amidst this, Karim Benzema’s future at Al-Ittihad appears uncertain just months after his departure from Real Madrid, raising speculation about a potential move in January.
The Manchester Evening News indicates that Old Trafford is being considered as a plausible destination for the French striker.
Louis Saha, a United legend, has recently identified Benzema as a viable target for the Red Devils in their ongoing pursuit of a prolific striker.
The situation adds an interesting dimension to United’s quest for offensive firepower in the current transfer window.
Ronaldo ‘warns’ Benzema about ten Hag
United may encounter a hurdle in their pursuit of Karim Benzema following reports of Cristiano Ronaldo cautioning his former Real Madrid teammate about working with Erik ten Hag, as per SPORTbible.
Ronaldo’s past association with ten Hag during their time at Old Trafford was marked by a strained relationship, ultimately leading to the forward’s departure in January 2023.
The discord between the two stemmed from disagreements on various matters, with Ronaldo openly stating that he had no respect for the Dutch coach due to his perceived lack of respect for him.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Benzema’s name has surfaced in connection with a potential move to Old Trafford. In 2009, the former French international was previously linked with transfer speculation, with Manchester United reportedly expressing interest in securing his services.
Benzema,the Ballon d’Or winner, has showcased his goal-scoring prowess with 15 goals in 24 appearances for Al Ittihad. The dynamic surrounding his potential move to Manchester United adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing transfer discussions.
Senegal forward Sadio Mane has officially tied the knot with his long-time partner, Aisha Tamba, in a stunning ceremony held in the capital city of Dakar.
The news of Mane’s wedding caught many football fans off guard, as his personal life has been notably private.
The Teranga Lions forward had previously spoken about marriage around two years ago, providing insight into the qualities he values in a life partner.
This surprise announcement marks a significant milestone in Mane’s personal life, offering fans a rare glimpse into the footballer’s private world.
Get to know how Mrs Mane
Tamba, born in Casamance, a town bordering Bambali—her husband’s village—is reportedly 18 years old, according to the Senegalese news outlet Sene News. She is the daughter of an architect and shares the native Mandingo language with her husband, the Al-Nassr star Sadio Mane.
Mane is said to have first noticed Tamba when she was just 16 years old but refrained from approaching her formally, respecting her status as a minor at the time. Instead, he reportedly conveyed his intentions to his uncle, a family friend, setting the stage for their eventual union.
Throughout Tamba’s education, Mane is reported to have been a supportive presence. Mrs. Mane is described as a Quran scholar, having dedicated much of her youth to studying at a private institute in Mbao. Currently, she is in her final year of school.
As previously covered in Sports Brief, Sadio Mane exchanged vows with his partner, Aisha Tamba, in a formal wedding ceremony held in Dakar on January 7, 2024. The romantic affair was graced by the presence of friends, family, former players, and members of Senegal’s national team.
Despite the celebratory occasion, Mane’s January has been filled with various engagements, including the inauguration of a stadium in his hometown. Additionally, he has swiftly returned to training with the Teranga Lions for the ongoing AFCON, highlighting the Senegalese forward’s busy start to the new year.
Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng, popularly known as Asabee, has challenged the brother of the late former president, Samuel Atta Mills, to present the autopsy report of the late president,John Fiifi Atta Mills, if he claims he has it.
“So this is not the right time to make claims that you have the report; if you indeed have it, bring it!”Asabee challenged during a media engagement.
The challenge comes after the maternal family of the late former president, on January 13, 2024, under the leadership of Nana Enyimfua III, the Kyedomhemaa of Ekumfi Asaman, paid a courtesy call on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and requested the autopsy report of their ‘very own’ Atta Mills.
However, making reference to claims by the former president’s brother, Samuel Mills, who mentioned in 2022 following calls for the cause of death of the president to be made public that, as a family, they knew what killed their brother and no one could compel the family to make public what killed the late president,.
In light of this, Asabee, during an interview on Heloofm on January 15, 2024, chided the late president’s brother for holding on to the report while elders and other members of the family have no idea what killed the late president.
On his part, that is inappropriate on the part of the late president’s brother.
He said, “as demanded by the Akan customs, those who toe on the matrilineal side inherit from there.
“Even if you lose your mother or any elder in thefamily as a child, you don’t really have a say in it but the family does. So it is the family that has come to make a demand on the autopsy report of their own; the children are expected to hide behind the elders.
If you have it, why haven’t the family members seen the report? And when we mention it, as a small boy in the family, you tell the elders to keep quiet? Are you the one to tell the elders of the family to keep quiet? he fumed.
For the sake of records, the minister stated that the autopsy report needs to be made public, as Ghanaians need to know what took the life of the late president.
“It is a public record, and not just for the family but for the whole country, so that we know what exactly happened,” he added.
John Atta Mills died on July 24, 2012, at the age of 68. The President of Ghana at the time was reported to have died at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra after suffering from throat cancer.
However, the official cause of death was never disclosed to the public, and there were speculations and allegations that he might have been poisoned or assassinated.
Some people also questioned why the autopsy report was not made available to the family or the public and demanded transparency and accountability from the government.
Egypt’s coach, Rui Vitoria, attributed his team’s unexpected 2-2 draw against Mozambique in their opening Group B game of theAfrica Cup of Nations in Abidjan on Sunday to a momentary lapse in concentration.
Mohamed Salah came to their rescue with a late penalty, sparing Egypt from their first-ever defeat to Mozambique.
The turn of events saw Mostafa Mohamed scoring in the second minute for Egypt, only for Mozambique to respond with two rapid goals in the second half.
Salah’s successful conversion of the spot-kick occurred seven minutes into stoppage time, salvaging a draw for the Egyptian team.
“We lost concentration for three minutes, but we are still in the race to qualify; nothing is lost,” Vitoria told beIN Sports. Although Nantes striker Mohamed opened the scoring with a fine shot on the turn, Egypt never really clicked into gear. Apart from a Mahmoud Trézéguet effort that hit the outside of the post, Mozambique were barely troubled at the back in the first half.
Salah, predominantly positioned as a deep-lying forward rather than a right winger, encountered a subdued performance. Meanwhile, Mozambique exhibited liveliness in their offensive play, consistently overpowering Egypt’s weak midfield and exploiting vulnerabilities in their defensive flanks.
Mohamed, who made his Nations Cup scoring debut after featuring in the previous edition in Cameroon, attributed Egypt’s fatigue to the high humidity levels in the Ivorian capital.
“The weather in Africa is different; the humidity is high and the concentration drops,” he said. “The best thing is that we learn early, so we know our mistakes before the crucial rounds, like the quarter-finals or the round of 16.”
Egypt is set to face their primary rivals, Ghana, on Thursday in their upcoming match, followed by the conclusion of their group stage campaign against Cape Verde on January 22nd.
“Each match has a different situation; the teams may not be at their best on a given day, but we have to prepare well for the match against Ghana,” Portuguese boss Vitoria added.
Jordan Henderson is reportedly facing obstacles in his attempt to leave Al-Ettifaq during the winter transfer window, despite confirmation of talks with Ajax.
The former Liverpool captain, who joined Steven Gerrard in the Middle East after a £12 million ($15 million) move in the summer of 2023, is seeking an exit from Saudi Arabia mere months after taking on this new challenge.
Allegedly, Henderson’s family has encountered difficulties adjusting to life outside of Europe, prompting his desire to explore other options.
However, as per the Daily Mail, Al-Ettifaq remains steadfast in their decision not to accede to these demands before the January transfer window concludes.
Ajax have confirmed that they would be keen on taking Henderson, with the Eredivisie club’s interim boss John van’t Schip telling reporters: “I can confirm the club and Henderson are talking. He has to deal with his club now.” Serie A giants Juventus have also been credited with interest.
Al-Ettifaq shows hesitation in approving a loan move for Henderson due to the necessity of continuing to cover a portion of his substantial contract. The prospect of terminating the deal is entirely ruled out.
Given these circumstances, it appears that the England international might be compelled to remain with the team until, at the very least, the summer.
Ghana’s disappointing start in the AFCON yesterday appears to have ‘broken’ several Ghanaians, with many venting their displeasure and anger on social media.
Cape Verde secured a win against the Black Stars in injury time, ending the Black Stars’ 2-1 loss to Cape Verde.
Whereas some netizens, including Ghanaian dancehall artiste Shatta Wale, jabbed the players to change the name Black Stars to Black Soil, others, such as outspoken journalists Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo, fumed at Black Stars coach Chris Hughton for what he describes as “poor selection, substitutions and overall poor game management.”.
He said, “This is on Chris Hughton! Poor selection, poor substitutions and overall poor game management. He settled for a draw, a long way from full time, instead of looking for a win. We’ve fallen off so badly!” Fentuo said.
This is on Chris Hughton!
Poor selection, poor substitutions and overall poor game management.
He settled for a draw a long way from full time, instead of looking for a win.
However, the journalist expressed optimism over Ghana’s win in its clash with Egypt on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
During an interview earlier today, January 15, 2024, he mentioned that “Ghana shall not lose to Egypt and if the Black Stars indeed win against Egypt, he should be called “Abiba” and also be coerced to sing Rex Omar’s popular song “Abiba.”
Fentuo is one of the many celebrities who have expressed their discontent and agitation over the Black Stars ‘heart-breaking’ start in the AFCON.
In a video commentary, Shatta Wale argued that the team’s name, ‘Black Stars,’ should be substituted with ‘Black Soil,’ indicating his belief that the squad may not achieve significant success, contrary to their past performances in the tournament.
“How can a star be black? Name the team Black Soil so they can at least produce something because black soils are the best.”
Coach Jose Peseiro reassured that Nigeria’s lacklustre beginning in theAfrica Cup of Nations finals, marked by a 1-1 draw against minnows Equatorial Guinea in their initial Group A encounter, should not be a cause for worry.
“I’m talking about the result but not the capacity of our performance,” he said as his team failed to overcome a country whose population of 1.6 million is dwarfed by Nigeria’s 214 million people.
The modest central African nation proved to be a surprise contender in the previous tournament two years ago, and once again, they exceeded expectations. They took an unexpected lead when Iban Salvador scored in the 36th minute, against the flow of the game.
However, their advantage was short-lived, lasting only two minutes before Victor Osimhen, the Napoli forward, equalised with a header for Nigeria.
“We played a good game; we created many chances and clear opportunities, especially in the second half, and I think we deserved to win,” Peseiro told a press conference.
“If we keep up this dominance, we will do well. Of course I’m not happy we drew but if the other side deserved their point, then I’d be concerned.”
The draw was the third in competitive internationals for the Super Eagles after two disappointing results in their opening two World Cup qualifiers in November. They were held at home by Lesotho and then drew away against Zimbabwe.
“Obviously we need to improve finishing but it is not as if the players meant to miss their chances,” the Nigeria coach added.
He also said the hot and humid conditions had taken a toll and the pressure from disgruntled home fans did not help. “It is not easy to wear the Super Eagles shirt,” Peseiro said.
Next up for Nigeria is potential crunch game against hosts Ivory Coast on Thursday, where there would be a hostile atmosphere to deal with.
“But I think my players prefer to play in front of 60,000 rather than the 8,000 we had today.”
In 19 previousCup of Nations finals appearances, Nigeria have only twice failed to advance past the first round but could face early elimination if they lose to the Ivorians.
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has voiced his frustration over the persistent speculation surrounding Kylian Mbappe’s future, categorising the unwelcome rumours as “lies.”
As the World Cup-winning forward’s contract approaches its expiration, questions surface regarding his commitment to Parc des Princes in the long term.
Despite enduring prolonged interest from Real Madrid, who are reportedly intensifying efforts to secure his signature in 2024, PSG remains undeterred.
The club is fully cognizant of the ongoing gossip but remains steadfast in their determination to extend Mbappe’s contract, choosing to disregard the links to Real Madrid.
PSG is resolute in directing its focus towards the on-field contributions of Mbappe, their all-time leading goalscorer, and is reluctant to engage in discussions about transfer speculation.
Enrique, with his seasoned experience, understands that transfer sagas are inevitable and will always emerge in the world of football.
But he has told Amazon Prime Video Sport France when asked if PSG are becoming a “little tired and angry” at the endless Mbappe stories: “Do you know how many years I have been in the elite of world European football?
Well, five in Madrid and eight in Barcelona as a player. As a coach, I played six at Barcelona, at Roma, and at Celta Vigo. I played for Sporting Gijon. I was born in a locker room in which around it there are always comments from one person, from another, a rumour, a lie, and a lie is made. I’m so used to that, I don’t care.”
Liverpool is also reportedly expressinginterest in Mbappe, and as of now, no final decision has been made regarding his future. There is still a possibility that the prolific 25-year-old forward may choose to stay in the familiar surroundings of his homeland beyond the summer of 2024.
Following Barcelona’s resounding 4-1 defeat to arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana final, questions have emerged regarding the future of Barcelona’s manager, Xavi. The loss has triggered concerns in Catalonia, with reports suggesting doubts about Xavi’s tenure at the club.
Joan Fontes of Bar Cantales has asserted that Barcelona’s leadership, including President Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco, are losing faith in the former midfield superstar.
The report further indicates that Deco is beginning to question the wisdom of signing Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan, who captained the treble-winning team.
Contrary to Fontes’ assertions, Mundo Deportivo and SPORT, the prominent Catalan news outlets, contend that the club’s leadership remains steadfast in their support of Xavi. They maintain their belief that he is still the right person for the managerial role, despite the disappointing defeat in the Clasico.
After the match, Deco addressed the media, providing insights into the team’s loss.
He said (via Toni Juanmarti): “It’s a tough defeat. Furthermore, we have not been able to fight. We have to continue and think about the Cup.”
Pressed on Xavi’s future, the sporting director quelled rumours of his sacking, as he explained: “This question doesn’t make any sense. The coach continues to have everyone’s trust. It is a defeat that does not change anything in that aspect.”
With limited time for recovery, Xavi faces the challenge of preparing his squad for an upcoming clash against Unionista de Salamanca in the Copa del Rey on Thursday, January 18.
As a third-tier side, Unionista de Salamanca poses a different challenge, and Xavi is expected to deploy a full-strength squad for the match.
The importance of the cup competition is emphasised, as it could potentially be Barcelona’s sole opportunity to secure silverware this season.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe anticipates the Premier League’s approval of his assumption of control over Manchester United’s football operations to occur “by mid-February.”
In his first public statement regarding his investment in the club, the 71-year-old businessman discussed the matter ahead of Sunday’s game against Tottenham.
After extensive negotiations, Ratcliffe reached an agreement to purchase a 25% stake in United from the Glazer family, the American owners, for £1.3 billion. The announcement was made on Christmas Eve.
As the founder of INEOS and the owner of French team Nice and Swiss side Lausanne, Ratcliffe will join a three-person board alongside Joel Glazer and INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford once the Premier League approves his investment.
However, Ratcliffe clarified during discussions with reporters at Old Trafford that the deal will not be finalised before the end of the January transfer window.
“Early to mid-February,” Ratcliffe said when asked when he expected the deal to be ratified. “Hopefully we don’t find anything dodgy on my CV.
“This is the first match for me since we got here. I am very excited to be here, but I can’t answer any questions really.”
When asked how long he has wanted to be involved with United, Ratcliffe said: “A few years. It has taken a few turns, as you know but these things take some doing.
“When did I first come to a game? When I was a kid. Quite young. Ten or something, it is 60 years ago.”
Manchester United is reportedly considering a summer move for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, with discussions including the possibility of sending defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka back to Selhurst Park as part of the deal, according to sources close to ESPN’s Mark Ogden.
Olise, 22, signed a four-year contract with Palace last August after turning down a transfer to Chelsea.
However, as part of Palace’s rebuilding plans, the France under-21 international is expected to be allowed to leave this summer.
Both Liverpool and Chelsea have also shown interest in Olise, who had previous ties with Manchester City during his youth.
United, keen on securing Olise, has put forward the option of including Wan-Bissaka in the deal.
Wan-Bissaka, who made a £50 million transfer to United in 2019, had his contract extended by 12 months last month to prevent him from leaving as a free agent this summer.
However, sources suggest that this extension was mainly a strategic move by United to enhance their ability to generate funds by potentially offloading him in the upcoming transfer window.
Despite United’s interest in Olise, there are differing opinionswithin Old Trafford.
Some members of the recruitment team are reportedly expressing reservations, citing concerns about the previous struggles of players like Wan-Bissaka and Wilfried Zaha to make a successful transition from Palace to the more demanding environment at United.
For the past few days, GTV and DSTV have been at ‘war’ over the quality of graphics in their coverage of the 2023–2024 AFCON.
The two broadcasting stations began a social media banter, specifically on X (formerly Twitter), on Friday.
GTV and DSTV both said they had secured broadcast rights to show the AFCON 2023 games and wanted Ghanaian football fans to watch on their respective channels.
In a bid to get more viewers on their respective channels, the two began to jab each other, with each telling how best they are and highlighting the flaws of the other.
However, in a Twitter poll conducted by TV3 a day after the AFCON opener in Cote d’Ivoire between the host country and Guinea-Bissau.
The results show that about 62% of netizens watched the AFCON opener on GTV, while 32.4% watched on DSTV, followed by GOtv, which had 3.25% of netizens watching from their channel and StarTimes sitting last in the poll.
It’s Day 1 of #AFCON2023. Where are you watching the match today? #TV3GH
The renowned artist, known for his soulful melodies, has followed in the footsteps of many industry colleagues, embracing the journey of marriage with his partner.
Bisa Kdei marries in private wedding ceremony as Gyake, Sefa and Sista Afia support music star
Bisa K-dei’s wedding was a private and intimate affair, with close friends and family coming together to witness the union of the music icon and his now-spouse.
The ceremony exuded warmth and joy, reflecting the couple’s deep commitment to each other.
Congratulations and well-wishes poured in from fans and fellow artists, with the music community expressing their happiness for the artist and sending heartfelt messages of blessings and joy to the newlyweds.
Ajax coach John van ‘t Schip has publicly acknowledged the club’s interest in acquiring Jordan Henderson, the former Liverpool captain.
Earlier this week, sources informed ESPN that Henderson, currently unsettled in Saudi Arabia, is being pursued by Ajax, as well as teams from the Premier League and Bundesliga.
Van ‘t Schip, speaking before the Eredivisie match against Go Ahead Eagles, confirmed ongoing discussions regarding a potential transfer.
“There is serious talk going on with Henderson,” Van ‘t Schip said. “He still has some things to arrange in Saudi Arabia. “It could be a nice match. It’s no secret that we could really use that type of player. Other guys can benefit from that.”
Despite Ajax’s interest in signing Jordan Henderson, a source informed ESPN that Al Ettifaq might not be eager to allow the experienced midfielder to leave, considering he joined just a few months ago.
Henderson, 33, made the move to the Saudi Pro League from Liverpool in July 2023 after a successful 12-year stint at Anfield. Al Ettifaq is hesitant about his departure, as it could impact both the club’s and the league’s reputation.
While Ajax is open to a transfer with a modest fee, they are not enthusiastic about a loan arrangement, recognising that Henderson’s transfer value may decrease due to his age.
If an agreement cannot be reached withAl Ettifaq within the next two weeks, Ajax may explore alternative options to reinforce their midfield.
African Catholic bishops, represented by theSymposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (Secam), have disagreed with Pope Francis’ decision to bless homosexual couples.
They state that this goes against the will of God. In a statement, Secam, which is the umbrella body for Catholic bishops in Africa, expressed that the Vatican’s endorsement of same-sex blessings is not suitable.
“The constant teaching of the Church describes homosexual acts as ‘intrinsically disordered’ and contrary to the natural law,” it read.
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, the president of Secam, mentioned that the message had been approved by Pope Francis, and they will maintain their connection with the head of the Catholic Church.
Last month, Pope Francis stated that priests should be allowed to bless same-sex couples, causing varied reactions from the Catholic Church and the LGBT community.
However, the Vatican clarified that such blessings should not be part of regular Church rituals or associated with civil unions or weddings.
The Vatican continues to uphold the belief that marriage is between a man and a woman. Notably, around 64 countries globally criminalize homosexuality, with about half of them located in Africa.
Deputy Prime Minister Viktoria Abramchenko stated on Friday that Russia will persist in delivering humanitarian aid, including grain and fertilisers, to Africa.
“Russia remains a global breadbasket and a reliable supplier.
The first batches of humanitarian aid in terms of grain and fertilisers have already been sent to African countries, and they will continue in the future,” Abramchenko said in an interview with Russia’s state news agency, RIA Novosti.
The Russian deputy prime minister stated that the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation acknowledged that sanctions imposed by Western countries on food, fertilisers, logistics, and payments have worsened global hunger.
He added that this issue is expected to increase worldwide. Last year, at the Russia-Africa Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to send grain as humanitarian aid to six African countries on the World Food Program’s list.
Russian agricultural authorities mentioned that the first two ships, each carrying 25,000 tonnes of wheat for Somalia and Burkina Faso, left Russia in mid-November.
Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has started accepting applications for its local scholarship program for undergraduate and graduate students for the academic year 2023/2024.
“The GETFund invites eligible candidates to apply for undergraduate (Diploma, HND & Degree) programmes, as well as graduate scholarships for the 2023/2024 academic year,” the Administrator of GETFund, Dr Richard Boadu, said.
These scholarships will offer financial help to students pursuing Diploma, Higher National Diploma (HND), and Degree programs.
The goal is to support deserving students, allowing them to tap into their potential and pursue academic success.
During a media engagement, Dr. Boadu, urged potential applicants to take advantage of this opportunity to secure their future and explore various possibilities.
“Whether you aspire to further your education in the arts, sciences, business or any other field, the GETFund Scholarship can assist you in achieving your goals,” he added.
Application procedure
Dr Boadu urged prospective applicants to visit the GETFund website:
https://getfund.scholarshipsplatform.com to complete the Online Application by filling out the online application form available on the portal.
“Applicants must provide the required information and upload scanned copies of necessary documentation for vetting and shortlisting,” he added.
Dr Boadu explained that after the submission, applications would undergo vetting processes, after which shortlisted applicants would be contacted for further instructions.
He advised applicants to ensure that they follow the guidelines provided on the portal for a smooth application process.
Dr. Boadu announced that the application period, which started on December 20, 2023, will close on January 31, 2024 highlighting that late applications won’t be considered, so it’s crucial to submit before the deadline.
Dr. Boadu warned against fraudulent activities during the application process, stating that any misrepresentation could lead to criminal proceedings.
He mentioned that applicants cannot apply for the same degree (Undergraduate or Postgraduate) twice if they have already received a scholarship. Providing incorrect information will result in automatic disqualification. Continuing students should indicate the entire duration of their program, not just the remaining academic year.
“Applicants are not allowed to apply for the same degree (Undergraduate, Postgraduate) twice if they have already received a scholarship,” he said, adding that providing incorrect information would lead to automatic disqualification” he stated.
Dr. Boadu highlighted factors that could lead to automatic disqualification, including failure to complete the application, submitting multiple applications, discrepancies between uploaded documents and information in the form, conflicting identities in documents, selecting incorrect schools or programs,and submitting blurred or incorrectly formatted documents.
He emphasised that the entire application process is free, with no intermediaries involved. Any payments made to individuals or organisations related to the application process are at the applicant’s own risk.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s repair of the leaking concrete roofs in the old “Gee” blocks at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has seen a 60% completion rate.
This was reported after a recent site meeting by some stakeholders in the project.
Successful repair of these roofs signifies a significant advancement in the phased renovation plan for all hospital wards.
The Asanteheman overlord, in commemoration of his 25th anniversary on the golden stool in 2024, launched a fundraising drive to mobilise $10 million for the renovation of the hospital’s in-patient wards after he disguised himself to witness the sorry state of the hospital.
During a recent site meeting attended by hospital management, lead sponsor Justmoh Constructions Limited, and Heal Komfo Anokye Project (HeKAP) leadership, the progress of the concrete roof repairs was thoroughly evaluated.
The meeting also deliberated on plans for the expedited phased renovation of the blocks, which have not undergone comprehensive renovation since the hospital’s establishment in 1955.
Key attendees included KATH CEO Prof. Otchere Addai-Mensah, Justmoh Constructions Limited CEO Mr. Justice Amoh, and HeKAP Chairman Mr. Samuel Au-Boakye.
Satisfaction was expressed at the meeting regarding the work conducted by Premier Steels Limited in repairing the concrete roofs to eliminate water seepage.
Mr. Amoh has pledged to cover the entire cost of renovating one of the blocks, emphasising his commitment to finishing the project during the Asantehene’s 25th anniversary celebration.
He insists on using high-quality hospital-grade materials that meet international standards to ensure the longevity of the renovation.
Prof. Addai-Mensah praised Mr. Amoh’s dedication and assured that funds for the project are available.
The hospital’s board, management, and HeKAP team are determined to ensure the project is completed on time, even though all wards in the blocks are actively used for inpatient care.
To make the renovation process smoother, the management is working with clinical directorates and units to relocate some wards in phases.
For example, the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Directorate in “A Block” has agreed to move services to other parts of the hospital, allowing the renovation works to begin.
TheAsantehene’s KATH Renovation Project aims to extensively repair and modernise the old “Gee” blocks, encompassing plumbing, electrical, tiling, medical facilities, and other civil works at the hospital.
Public office holders in Ghana are mandated to declare their assets before they assume office, as required by the constitution.
They are mandated to submit a written declaration of their properties, assets, and liabilities to the Auditor-General.
This is to prevent corruption, abuse of power, and conflict of interest, and to promote accountability, transparency, and public trust.
However, a former High Commissioner to Canada, Professor Ivy Magaret Amoakohene, has labelled the asset declaration provision as “useless.”
“And so, for me, it is one of those useless exercises we have in our constitution, and maybe we have to have a second look and see what we can do,” she said in an interview on Joy News on January 12, 2024.
On her part, the institutions that oversee this corruption check requirement aren’t effective in the discharge of their duties.
She says the forms on which the said assets are supposed to be declared are left unchecked and unattended.
“What I know is that perhaps our institutions to check corruption are not rigorous enough, so you have been appointed a High Commissioner; you are supposed to complete your asset declaration forms and nobody gets to see what it is,” she mentioned.
Sighting her case as an example while assuming office as a member of the Council of State, she shed light on her personal experience with the asset declaration process during her tenure.
She asserted that the processes she went through to declare her assets were not only inefficient but also lacked transparency.
“In fact, I have forgotten what I wrote in mine because you take it to the Auditor General; when you get there, the officer takes it, puts it somewhere and it is stacked away somewhere, so how do you know that what I have in there is actually my property?” she added.
Professor Amoakohene argued that if individuals claim to possess certain assets, they should be required to provide proof, especially given their roles in public office.
“If I say that I have 3 houses, I should show proof that these are my houses, because your interest is what I have acquired in public office, and you want to see what I have at the end of the service, which is something I have acquired during the service or it is a something I had already.
Nigerian man Dauda Abdulfatai has undertaken a 200-hour ironing marathon with the aim of surpassing the current Guinness World Record held by Gareth Sander from the UK, who ironed continuously for 100 hours.
The marathon began on Wednesday morning at Off Ajaokuta Road in Ganaja Village, Lokoja, Kogi State, following approval from the Guinness World Records received through mail.
As of now, Dauda has completed 80 hours of the proposed 200-hour marathon, striving to break Gareth Sander’s existing record.
Gareth Sanders, a 28-year-old cleaning company manager, set the world record in 2015 by ironing approximately 2,000 items continuously for nearly 100 hours.
Succession, The White Lotus, Ted Lasso, and Beef are the top contenders for the75th Emmy Awards, the most prestigious honors in the US TV industry. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Monday, and here is the complete list of nominations.
Outstanding drama series
Andor (Disney+) Better Call Saul (AMC) The Crown (Netflix) House of the Dragon (HBO Max) The Last of Us (HBO Max) Succession (HBO Max) The White Lotus (HBO Max) Yellowjackets (Showtime) Outstanding comedy series
Abbott Elementary (ABC) Barry (HBO Max) The Bear (FX) Jury Duty (Amazon Freevee) The Marvelous Mrs Maisel (Prime Video) Only Murders In The Building (Hulu) Ted Lasso (Apple TV+) Wednesday (Netflix) Outstanding limited or anthology series
Beef (Netflix) Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (Netflix) Daisy Jones & The Six (Prime Video) Fleishman Is In Trouble (FX) Obi-Wan Kenobi (Disney+) Outstanding talk series
The Daily Show With Trevor Noah (Comedy Central) Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC) Late Night With Seth Meyers (NBC) The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (CBS) The Problem With Jon Stewart (Apple TV+) Outstanding reality competition programme
The Amazing Race (CBS) RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV) Survivor (CBS) Top Chef (Bravo) The Voice (NBC) Outstanding scripted variety series
A Black Lady Sketch Show (HBO Max) Last Week Tonight With John Oliver (HBO Max) Saturday Night Live (NBC) Outstanding variety special (live)
The Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show Starring Rihanna (Fox) Chris Rock: Selective Outrage (Netflix) Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium (Disney+) The Oscars (ABC) 75th Annual Tony Awards (CBS) Lead actor in a drama series
Jeff Bridges – The Old Man (FX) Brian Cox – Succession Kieran Culkin – Succession Bob Odenkirk – Better Call Saul Pedro Pascal – The Last of Us Jeremy Strong – Succession Lead actress in a drama series
Sharon Horgan – Bad Sisters (Apple TV+) Melanie Lynskey – Yellowjackets Elisabeth Moss – The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu) Bella Ramsey – The Last of Us Keri Russell – The Diplomat (Netflix) Sarah Snook – Succession Lead actor in a comedy series
Bill Hader – Barry Jason Segel – Shrinking (Apple TV+) Martin Short – Only Murders In The Building Jason Sudeikis – Ted Lasso Jeremy Allen White – The Bear Lead actress in a comedy series
Christina Applegate – Dead To Me (Netflix) Rachel Brosnahan – The Marvelous Mrs Maisel Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary Natasha Lyonne – Poker Face (Peacock) Jenna Ortega – Wednesday Lead actor in a limited series or movie
Taron Egerton – Black Bird (Apple TV+) Kumail Nanjiani – Welcome To Chippendales (Hulu) Evan Peters – Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story Daniel Radcliffe – Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (The Roku Channel) Michael Shannon – George & Tammy (Showtime) Steven Yeun – Beef Lead actress in a limited series or movie
Lizzy Caplan – Fleishman Is In Trouble Jessica Chastain – George & Tammy (Showtime) Dominique Fishback – Swarm (Prime Video) Kathryn Hahn – Tiny Beautiful Things (Hulu) Riley Keough – Daisy Jones & The Six Ali Wong – Beef Supporting actor in a drama series
F Murray Abraham – The White Lotus Nicholas Braun – Succession Michael Imperioli – The White Lotus Theo James – The White Lotus Matthew Macfadyen – Succession Alan Ruck – Succession Will Sharp – The White Lotus Alexander Skarsgård – Succession Supporting actress in a drama series
Jennifer Coolidge – The White Lotus Elizabeth Debicki – The Crown Meghann Fahy – The White Lotus Sabrina Impacciatore – The White Lotus Aubrey Plaza – The White Lotus Rhea Seehorn – Better Call Saul J Smith-Cameron – Succession Simona Tabasco – The White Lotus Supporting actor in a comedy series
Anthony Carrigan – Barry Phil Dunster – Ted Lasso Brett Goldstein – Ted Lasso James Marsden – Jury Duty Ebon Moss-Bachrach – The Bear Tyler James Williams – Abbott Elementary Henry Winkler – Barry Supporting actress in a comedy series
Alex Borstein – The Marvelous Mrs Maisel Ayo Edebiri – The Bear Janelle James – Abbott Elementary Sheryl Lee Ralph – Abbott Elementary Juno Temple – Ted Lasso Hannah Waddingham – Ted Lasso Jessica Williams – Shrinking Supporting actor in a limited series or movie
Murray Bartlett – Welcome to Chippendales Paul Walter Hauser – Black Bird Richard Jenkins – Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story Joseph Lee – Beef Ray Liotta – Black Bird Young Mazino – Beef Jesse Plemons – Love & Death (HBO Max) Supporting actress in a limited series or movie
Annaleigh Ashford – Welcome to Chippendales Maria Bello – Beef Claire Danes – Fleishman Is in Trouble Juliette Lewis – Welcome to Chippendales Camila Morrone – Daisy Jones & the Six Niecy Nash-Betts – Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story Merritt Wever – Tiny Beautiful Things Writing for a comedy series
Barry – Bill Hader for Wow The Bear – Christopher Storer for System Jury Duty – Mekki Leeper for Ineffective Assistance Only Murders In The Building – John Hoffman, Matteo Borghese & Rob Turbovsky for I Know Who Did It The Other Two – Chris Kelly & Sarah Schneider for Cary & Brooke Go To An Aids Play (HBO Max) Ted Lasso – Brendan Hunt, Joe Kelly & Jason Sudeikis for So Long, Farewell Writing for a drama series
Andor – Beau Willimon for One Way Out Bad Sisters – Sharon Horgan, Dave Finkel & Brett Baer for The Prick Better Call Saul – Gordon Smith for Point And Shoot Better Call Saul – Peter Gould for Saul Gone The Last of Us – Craig Mazin for Long, Long Time Succession – Jesse Armstrong for Connor’s Wedding The White Lotus – Mike White for Arrivederci Writing for a limited or anthology series or movie
Beef – Lee Sung Jin for The Birds Don’t Sing, They Screech In Pain Fire Island – Joel Kim Booster (Hulu) Fleishman Is In Trouble – Taffy Brodesser-Akner for Me-Time Prey – Patrick Aison & Dan Trachtenberg (Hulu) Swarm – Janine Nabers & Donald Glover for Stung Weird: The Al Yankovic Story – Al Yankovic & Eric Appel Writing for a variety series
The Daily Show With Trevor Noah Last Week Tonight With John Oliver Late Night With Seth Meyers The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Saturday Night Live Directing for a comedy series
Barry – Bill Hader for Wow The Bear – Christopher Storer for Review The Marvelous Mrs Maisel – Amy Sherman-Palladino for Four Minutes The Ms Pat Show – Mary Lou Belli for Don’t Touch My Hair (BET+) Ted Lasso – Declan Lowney for So Long, Farewell Wednesday – Tim Burton for Wednesday’s Child Is Full Of Woe Directing for a drama series
Andor – Benjamin Caron for Rix Road Bad Sisters – Dearbhla Walsh for The Prick The Last of Us – Peter Hoar for Long, Long Time Succession – Andrij Parekh for America Decides Succession – Mark Mylod for Connor’s Wedding Succession – Lorene Scafaria for Living+ The White Lotus – Mike White for Arrivederci Directing for a limited or anthology series or movie
Beef – Lee Sung Jin for Figures of Light Beef – Jake Schreier for The Great Fabricator Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story – Carl Franklin for Bad Meat Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story – Paris Barclay for Silenced Fleishman Is In Trouble – Valerie Faris & Jonathan Dayton for Me-Time Prey – Dan Trachtenberg Emmy Award winners have already been announced in more categories at the Creative Arts Emmys, which took place over two nights earlier this month. See the winners for the first and second nights on the Emmys website.
Another Premier League player has fallen victim to a burglary, as Newcastle star Joelinton was robbed during Saturday’s match against Manchester City.
The Brazilian, recovering from a thigh problem, and his family were in the stands at St. James’ Park witnessing the Magpies’ heartbreaking 3-2 loss to the reigning champions.
However, their ordeal worsened after the match.
According to The Daily Mail, Joelinton received an alert during the game indicating that intruders were entering his home. Police were immediately notified, and a helicopter was dispatched to address the situation.
In a statement, Northumbria Police confirmed that the thieves had fled Joelinton’s residence in Darras Hall.
They said in a statement on Sunday: “Shortly before 7.30 p.m. yesterday [Saturday], police received a call from a concerned homeowner who reported that three men were inside their home in Darras Hall.
Police were deployed to the scene; however, those alleged to be involved had fled the scene. Enquires remain ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact us via 101 or the ‘Report’ pages of our website, quoting log NP-20240113-0835.”
Contrary to Joelinton’s case, he and his family were fortunately not at home during the burglary, as highlighted in the statement. However, Saturday’s opponent, Jack Grealish, wasn’t as fortunate.
On Boxing Day, the City winger experienced a burglary at his Cheshire home, resulting in the theft of £1 million ($1.27 million) worth of jewelry. Unfortunately, Grealish’s fiancée and family were present during the raid.
This incident adds to a series of burglaries targeting Premier League players in recent months, with Kevin De Bruyne, Victor Lindelof, and Joao Cancelo (during his time at City) all falling victim within the past year.
While Joelinton’s family was spared the ordeal of facing a terrifying break-in, investigations will persist to identify the alleged culprits.
On the field, Joelinton will be focused on regaining full fitness, as Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side, following a defeat to City, finds itself just one point away from the bottom half of the Premier League.
Erik ten Hag has emphasised the necessity for “hungry players” in the wake of the departures ofJadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United.
It has been more than a year since the exit of Portugal’s superstar from the United ranks, with Ten Hag taking decisive action in response to Ronaldo’s public criticism of various aspects of the club, including the Dutch manager.
Although the Ronaldo issue eventually subsided, a new challenge emerged with Sancho, resulting in a public feud between player and manager. Once again, Ten Hag emerged victorious, with the winger being excluded and subsequently loaned back to Borussia Dortmund.
Having excluded two potentially problematic stars from his squad, Ten Hag underscores the significance of instilling discipline among his players.
He said in a press conference on United’s official channels: “It is that [important] if you want to perform; you need hungry players. I already said we need personality and players who are hungry to fight for the badge, to fight for this club and to do it within the team. It is not about discipline; this is normal behaviour. It is about that and what you can expect from a top professional.”
Conversely, on the flip side of the revolving exit door at Old Trafford, Ten Hag has embraced a cadre of promising talents whom he envisions as the bedrock of his team for an extended period.
But the Dutchman stressed patience in that regard, adding: “[With] talent, you need time, like the development you have seen from [Alejandro] Garnacho, from Kobbie Mainoo, and so, for instance, also from Rasmus Hojlund.
“He needs time, but in the same moment, I know we don’t have time, but I know this could happen. You need time to get that progress, and for me, it is not difficult. I see it as generational that this is how the process could go. Sometimes you need some moments to step up and get that belief in.”
Sancho wasted no time in leaving an impact upon his return to Germany, contributing an assist for the seasoned forward and close companion Marco Reus in Dortmund’s 3-0 triumph over Darmstadt on Saturday. This highlights the talent that Ten Hag was unable to tap into during his stint at Old Trafford.
Now, Ten Hag looks to players like Garnacho, Antony, Marcus Rashford, and others to step up and fill the scoring gap in what has been a goal-dry start to the campaign. In the league, only Burnley and Sheffield United have recorded fewer goals.
Later on Sunday, Ten Hag’s team is set to face Tottenham in the Premier League. Chelsea’s victory on Saturday propelled them past the Red Devils into eighth place, but a result other than a defeat for United would reclaim their position ahead of the West London counterparts.
Luis Suarez has joined the Barcelona reunion at Inter Miami, aligning himself with former teammates Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets at the Florida-based club.
Suarez shared his motivations for joining the Herons, citing the desire to reconnect with his Barcelona colleagues as a significant factor.
Additionally, he disclosed that the idea of moving to the United States had crossed his mind as early as 2019, influenced by his close friend Nicolas Lodeiro’s involvement with the Seattle Sounders.
Furthermore, Suarez explained that the upcoming Copa America tournament in the United States played a role in his decision. Being part of Inter Miami would allow him to acclimatise to the conditions, providing preparation for his final international tournament representing Uruguay.
“To come help a team that has well-known players that everyone knows and [adjust] to the other players and what is a new club and do what the club wants, which is to attempt to win an MLS Cup and do it with professionalism, is what is wanted of me; this is so important for me,” Suarez said. “[Messi] talked to me about the good things about Inter Miami and about MLS. It was so nice for me when he told me that.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quCdluJT4cI
Suarez further explained the role of Copa America in his decision, telling AS: “Anyone who has been in the national team always wants to stay in the national team. I’ve always said that. I had a chance to step aside after the World Cup, but when I was in Brazil, I felt good physically and that I could help the team from anywhere.
“You have to accept the role you have to play and coming here to the United States and knowing the Copa América is being played this year is another plus. It helps to acclimatise, knowing it will be hot, and that’s good; it’s important to get to know the country. After that, my performances on the field will help the coach decide if I can make a contribution. That will always be based on performances, not on reputation.”
The Uruguayan and Messi spent six seasons together at Barcelona, winning four Spanish league titles and nine other trophies, including a Champions League title, in that span. Suarez is coming off a year where he was the best player and the best striker in the Brazilian Serie A with Gremio.
However, now that he is turning 37 this year and suffering from knee issues, the load on the striker will have to be managed by the club if they want to get the best out of him.
Suarez has already started training with the Herons and is likely to feature in the season-opening friendly forInter Miami against El Salvador on January 19 in San Salvador.
Manchester City defender Kyle Walker reportedly found it challenging to disclose the existence of his secret second child with Lauryn Goodman to his wife, Annie Kilner.
The model, Lauryn Goodman, shared details about the situation, revealing that the 33-year-old footballer, who recently ended his relationship with Kilner, felt too emotionally overwhelmed to communicate the news to his now-former spouse.
The revelation came after Kilner publicly addressed their split on Thursday, citing persistent allegations of infidelity.
Notably, Walker and Goodman had a previous split three years ago, during which time they welcomed a son together. However, Goodman has now disclosed the existence of a second child, a baby daughter, born while Walker was still married to Kilner.
The 32-year-old model has claimed that Walker was happy living a double life, stating in an exclusive interview: “I kept saying to Kyle, ‘You need to tell her. You need to tell Annie that you are our daughter’s father and that you are having a relationship with your children. We need to start 2024 in an open way.
“If everyone knows where they stand, they can make their own adult choices in life’. I didn’t want to cause any more heartache for Annie or be a b*tch but I had to tell her because Kyle was too weak to do it.
“There were hearings coming up surrounding our daughter; there was paperwork flying around; legal meetings had taken place; and Annie needed to know the truth before something went public. Kyle was happy hiding the truth because he was having two families and was scared about what would happen when Annie knew but I kept saying to him, ‘Our daughter can’t be a secret; she is a human’. I didn’t want them to split up or cause harm but it had to be out in the open for all of our sakes. When I told Annie, she was cool and calm.”
Walker’s England colleagues were reportedly aware of the pair’s relationship—ribbing the defender over his continued fling—and Goodman has even revealed that they would appear on FaceTimes with her. She added: “I remember going to a farm in Cheshire and he was feeding the animals with Kairo [their son] like all the other dads.
“But he tried to control me too, so I did as he said. He would FaceTime a lot. When he was at the World Cup or with England, he would message constantly, ‘Are you free? Are you free?’.
“I realised we were a secret family, though, as time went on. And that was what he wanted. I wasn’t a secret to his England teammates—they would come on the phone when he FaceTimed me.
In one call, he promised to bring Kairo a football back from the World Cup. And he did—one of the actual balls. The blue Man City kit he wears with ‘Daddy’ on the back was bought by Kyle too.”
Kyle Walker’s extramarital affair and the revelation of two children with Lauryn Goodman seem to have brought an end to his two-year marriage with Annie Kilner. Following Kilner’s public announcement about their separation, reports indicate that the Manchester City star has been expelled from their £2.4 million ($3 million) mansion.
In response, Walker issued a statement apologizing for his actions. This marks the conclusion of a marriage that has been overshadowed by persistent rumors of Walker’s infidelity, including allegations of indecent exposure at a bar in March of the previous year.
Despite the personal turmoil, Walker displayed resilience on the field.
The English international assumed his position as right back in City’s thrilling comeback victory against Newcastle on Saturday, contributing to narrowing the gap with league leaders Liverpool to just two points. Looking ahead, Pep Guardiola’s team is set for FA Cup action against Tottenham on January 26.
Pep Guardiola has conveyed his deep respect for Sven-Goran Eriksson after the former football manager disclosed that he is facing a terminal cancer diagnosis and might have less than a year to live.
Eriksson made the heartbreaking revelation on Thursday, acknowledging that, at best, he may have just over a year left. The Swedish manager, known for guiding England to the quarterfinals in three major tournaments between 2001 and 2006, had also spent a season as the manager of Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola expressed his admiration for Eriksson’s achievements and the challenges he faced, particularly during his tenure with the England national team, in light of the difficult news about Eriksson’s health.
The Spaniard said to club media: “[He’s] a true gentleman… it’s really sad news. I admire your courage to explain the situation. He’ll be with his loved ones. Of course, all of us have huge support… anything we can do, we will do it.”
The revelation about the cancer diagnosis and the limited time frame have garnered immense support for the former Manchester City manager from the football community.
Sven-Goran Eriksson, renowned for his successful stint at Lazio from 1997 to 2001, amassed numerous trophies, including the Serie A championship in 2000, the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1999, and the Coppa Italia and Italian Supercup in 1998 and 2000, respectively.
Looking ahead, Pep Guardiola and his team are gearing up for their next match against Eddie Howe’s struggling Newcastle United. The upcoming game.
The revelation about the cancer diagnosis and the limited time frame has garnered immense support for the former Manchester City manager from the football community.
Sven-Goran Eriksson, renowned for his successful stint at Lazio from 1997 to 2001, amassed numerous trophies, including the Serie A championship in 2000, the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1999, and the Coppa Italia and Italian Supercup in 1998 and 2000, respectively.
Looking ahead, Pep Guardiola and his team are gearing up for their next match against Eddie Howe’s struggling Newcastle United. The upcoming game is scheduled to take place at St. James’ Park on Saturday, January 13.
He is scheduled to take place at St. James’ Park on Saturday, January 13.
Karim Benzema has reportedly been excluded from Al-Ittihad’s Dubai training camp due to his failure to attend various club events.
According to Marca, the French striker was required to report to the club’s facilities in Jeddah by Friday as they resumed training following an extended break.
However, Benzema allegedly did not show up, prompting Ittihad manager Marcelo Gallardo to make the decision to remove him from the travelling squad to Dubai.
This incident is not the first instance of Benzema’s apparent disregard for club commitments. The report highlights that the forward missed three training sessions in Jeddah at the end of 2023, just before the holiday period for the Saudi Pro League side.
His previous conflicts with manager Nuno Espirito Santo were also well documented and contributed to the Portuguese manager’s dismissal in November. Nuno Espirito Santo has since joined Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
There is a growing sense in the Middle East that the Ballon d’Or winner is falling short of expectations. Benzema faced criticism for his performance againstAl-Nassr and former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo on Boxing Day, where Ittihad suffered a 5-2 defeat, with Ronaldo scoring two goals and Benzema failing to find the net.
Following widespread criticism, Benzema seemingly deleted his Instagram account.
These recent developments raise questions about the 36-year-old’s future, with prominent European clubs seeking immediate solutions in the forward position.
However, in the short term, Benzema is ineligible for participation in the Dubai training camp, as his absence meant he was never officially registered.
There is a prevailing belief surrounding the popular Ghanaian street delicacy, plantain chips, suggesting that the crispy texture is achieved by frying them with polythene bags, locally referred to as “olonka rubbers.”
Plantain chips are a snack crafted from fresh, ripe, or unripe plantains, thinly sliced and deep-fried until they achieve a crispy consistency.
This long-standing myth about the use of polythene bags in the frying process continues to circulate, despite being debunked. Plantain chips are commonly sold on the streets of Accra, and interestingly, Ghanaians still relish this snack.
In an effort to dispel this misconception, the Food and Drugs Authority conducted an experiment to demonstrate that the notion of using polythene bags in the frying process is merely a myth, devoid of any practical or scientific truth.
“The myth about frying plantain chips with plastic ‘Olonka’ bags to make the chips crispy and hard seems to have resurfaced on social media.
“#FDAGhana, share with you a practical experiment conducted on this at its Centre for Laboratory Services and Research (Food Laboratory) to demonstrate how that is practically impossible.
The myth about frying plantain chips with plastic 'Olonka' bags to make the chips crispy and hard, seems to have resurfaced on social media. #FDAGhana, share with you a practical experiment conducted on this at its Centre for Laboratory Services and Research (Food laboratory)…
Indeed, there is no way plastic will melt into a liquid to mix with the oil to give chips that crispy effect,” the authority said on its Twitter/X platform.
The highly anticipated debut of Ghana’s fashion icon, Osebo the Zaraman’s latest clothing and footwear collection, took place on January 12, 2024, at the Lodge Hotel in Tesano.
The event drew the presence of distinguished figures, including Osei Kwame Despite, Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong, Deputy Tourism Minister Mark Okraku Mantey, and boxing legend Dr. Azumah Nelson.
Notable industry personalities, such as gospel artist Piesie Esther, Kwabena Kwabena, Nacee, Kofi Adjorlolo, and Ghana’s rap doctor Okyeame Kwame, also graced the occasion.
While attendees showcased diverse fashion choices, Okyeame Kwame’s attire, captured in a video shared by GhKwaku on Instagram, particularly caught the eye of social media users.
The Hiplife singer donned an all-white two-piece ensemble, featuring a shirt designed to accentuate his muscles.
However, reactions on social media varied, with some netizens playfully describing Okyeame Kwame as resembling an accident patient due to his unique outfit.
The following are the reactions of some netizens:
“Accident patient going home with bandages all over. Get well soon. See u next week! Make sure u come for dressing every 2 days”.
“In fact, @okyeamekwame, this is beyond culture, aaaaaba. wo p3 settings Ad3n wo y3 cheddar anaaaa?”.
“You ask him about this dress, and he’ll begin talking about how ancient Egyptians travelled through Babylon, made a stop at the Sahel to eat Kumasi-made fufu, then proceeded to Gold Coast and finally appeared in his dream to give this inspiration to this dress.”
Ivory Coast dominated the inaugural night of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as the host nation secured a 2-0 victory against Guinea-Bissau.
The Alassane Ouattara Stadium, with its impressive 60,000-seater capacity, witnessed a vibrant opening ceremony attended by the country’s president (for whom the stadium is named) and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino.
The AFCON kicked off in the late evening humidity on the outskirts of the capital city, Abidjan.
Just four minutes into the game, Les Elephants asserted their dominance as Seko Fofana netted the tournament’s first goal with a strike into the top corner.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXp_E8k2Fu8
Despite this early lead, Guinea-Bissau, considered minnows and ranked outside the top 100 globally, proved to be a formidable opponent in the first half. They showcased slick movement and comfortable possession, challenging Ivory Coast’s superiority.
Although Fofana hit the crossbar and goalkeeper Ouparine Djoco made a superb save, Guinea-Bissau maintained their resilience.
Jean-Philippe Krasso extended Ivory Coast’s lead to 2-0 just before the hour mark, skillfully converting a chance created by Jonathan Bamba.
Relieved of the pressure from the opening night, Ivory Coast increased their attacking pace in pursuit of a third goal. However, Guinea-Bissau’s substitute, Franculino Dju, broke through one-on-one, forcing a strong save from Yahia Fofana.
Group A action continues on Sunday with Nigeria facing Equatorial Guinea, leading up to the highly anticipated clash between the Super Eagles and Ivory Coast on Thursday, marking a crucial match in the group stage.
According to a report from Asaaseradio.com, the unfortunate event took place while the Second Lady was on her way to the Ashanti Region.
The report reveals that a sprinter bus narrowly avoided a collision with her convoy but unfortunately crashed into two cars trailing behind.
Despite the gravity of the accident, Samira Bawumia remained unharmed and sustained no serious injuries.
However, it is reported that one Fuseini, a bodyguard of the second lady, lost his life in the accident. Fuseini has been with the Bawumia’s since 2008.
Sadly, one person in her entourage lost their life due to the collision.
The specific details of the accident are still unfolding, and investigations are likely underway to determine the circumstances that led to this tragic incident.
West Ham United midfielder Mohammed Kudus has been honoured as the Sports Personality of the Year at the Sports Writers Association of Ghana awards.
The dynamic attacking midfielder’s exceptional performance over the last two years earned him a move from Ajax Amsterdam to the Premier League.
Kudus notably stood out as Ghana’s top player during the FIFA World Cup, contributing two goals and an assist in three matches.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNVyBAO_A2I
His contributions played a vital role in the Black Stars’ qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where he is anticipated to lead the national team to success.
In addition to the Sports Personality of the Year accolade, Kudus was also named Footballer of the Year (Foreign).
Currently, he is in preparation with the Black Stars for their AFCON Group B opener against Cape Verde, scheduled for Sunday at the Felix Houphet Boigny Stadium.
While she envisions marriage in her future, during an interview on the Okukuseku show with Emelia Brobbey, she revealed that a fear of marriage has caused her to postpone entering into matrimony.
Specifically, her concern revolves around whether the man she chooses to marry will treat her children well and if his family will be accepting of her and her children.
Vivian explained that her primary worry is safeguarding her children from any potential mistreatment, leading her to declare her current lack of readiness to embark on the journey of marriage.
“No, I am not married yet and I intend to get married someday. You know we the ladies, no matter how strong you are at some point, you would need someone to talk to. My marriage is part of my prayer points, and I will get married at the right time, she said.
“I had a little fear about marriage. I was avoiding the situation whereby the man I was getting married to would not treat my children as his own, or his children would not treat me and my children well. I was like, if that would be the case, let me move on but it will happen soon”, she added.
The Kumawood actress is a mother of two boys. Her eldest child, whom she gave birth to at the age of 15.
Following Roma’s elimination from the Coppa Italia quarterfinals with a 1-0 loss to Lazio on Wednesday, manager Jose Mourinho has playfully dubbed himself “Jose ‘Harry Potter’ Mourinho” and implied that his illustrious career has heightened fans’ expectations for the club. Mourinho expressed his belief that supporters anticipate greater achievements from him due to his successful managerial history.
“The Roma fans are the most incredible I have seen. Their coach is Jose ‘Harry Potter’ Mourinho and he raises expectations,” he said. “I don’t know how many derbies I’ve played—200, 150—they are always special matches. I’ve won, I’ve drawn, and I’ve lost, always with a different experience.
“I have always understood that for a Chelsea fan, a game against Manchester City is not the same as a game against Arsenal. For Inter, a game against Roma is not the same as a game against Juventus.
“I understand what a derby means. The derby we played was an important derby.” Mourinho has referenced Potter before, as he claimed he “is not Harry Potter” while manager of Real Madrid in a bid to temper expectations.
Roma is currently trailing by four points behind Fiorentina, who holds the fourth spot in the race for a spot in the Champions League next season.
Additionally, Roma has secured a place in the knockout stages of the Europa League. Although Jose Mourinho’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, he has affirmed his commitment to the club.
“I’ve been here for two years and five months and I’m the only person here who hasn’t missed a single training session in that time,” Mourinho said. “For me, there are no illnesses or bad moods. For two and a half years, I haven’t done anything wrong, not even a couple of weeks ago when everyone was sick.
“I do not accept in any way that my professionalism and dignity, my heart for this job, can be questioned. If there is a perfect example of professionalism, it is me. I have never missed one match in over 20 years of my career.”
