TheEmmy-winning actor has left his mark in several movies, including House MD, Kojak, City of Angels, and notably, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which catapulted him to worldwide fame.
In the hit comedy series, black American actor André Braugher portrayed the esteemed role of Captain Raymond Holt from 2013 to 2021.
The news of Andre’s passing was conveyed by his publicist, Jennifer Allen, on Tuesday, December 12.
Unfortunately, she did not provide details surrounding the circumstances of the actor’s death, aside from mentioning that he had been ill before his demise.
Andre Braugher is survived by his wife of over 30 years, actress Ami Brabson, and their three sons, Michael, Isaiah, and John.
Fans and colleagues of Brooklyn Nine-Nine have taken to social media to mourn the loss of the talented actor who spent his final years contributing to the show.
Andre’s co-star Terry Crews wrote, “Can’t believe you’re gone so soon. I’m honoured to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent. This hurts. You left us too soon. You taught me so much. I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you.
“Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness and your friendship. Our deepest condolences to your wife and family in this difficult time. You showed me what a life well lived looks like. Rest In Peace, André. I love you, man.”
Joe Lo Trugolio, another actor on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, also expressed his condolences, disclosing that Andre was a great actor and a fantastic singer, constantly busting into song on set.
He said: “What an honour to work with a man who knew what it was really all about. I feel blessed and thankful. Miss you, Capt Holt. Love, Porkchop,” Joe’s heartfelt message read in parts.Actor Joel McKinnon Miller said, “An actor prepares… Sending love to Andre’s family and friends and all of us who had the honour of working with him. #brooklyn99.
Ghanaian artiste manager and Hitz FM pundit, Mr Logic, has voiced criticism against music producer Hammer, assigning him responsibility for the decline of the once-vibrant hip-life genre in Ghana since his departure from the industry.
During an appearance on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM, Mr Logic conveyed his dissatisfaction with the current state of hip-life and placed blame on Hammer for not preserving the genre’s legacy.
According to Mr Logic, Hammer’s departure has left an unaddressed void, contributing to the genre’s decline.
“Our problem is with leadership. It’s important that Okyeame Kwame acknowledge they didn’t do something right. I respect Hammer, but he left a generation down.
“If we are talking about why Hip Life doesn’t matter and they don’t have a category on the digital stores, popularise it, and they will find a way for it,” Mr Logic stated.
He pointed out that Hammer played a crucial role in shaping the careers of renowned artists such as Sarkodie, Kwaw Kese, Edem, Tinny, and TeePhlow.
Mr Logic commended Hammer for his adeptness in modernising hip-life, bringing in new trends in instrumentation and culture to the genre.
However, he expressed the belief that if Hammer had continued to play a pivotal role in hip-hop, numerous talents would have been nurtured and further enriched the genre.
“People lost the excitement for hip-life when Hammer and co resigned and said they were going to sell bread. You have instituted a movement and ignored to go and sell bread?” he fumed.
Mr Logic also drew attention to the impact of Hammer’s departure on the next generation of artistes who may have missed the opportunity to work with the influential producer.
“Hip Life got lost. He brought in a certain trend of instrumentation and a certain culture. Obrafour singing highlife and Sarkodie rapping hip-hop—that’s it. Hammer modernised hip-hop, and then one day he leaves. How about the next generation that wanted to work with him?” Mr Logic questioned.
Nonetheless, Mr Logic made a case for the potential growth and recognition of the genre on the international stage.
He added that, if Hammer had continued, genres like “Asakaa Drill” could have been categorised at prestigious awards like the Grammys.
Esteemed Ghanaian rapper and songwriter, Eno Barony, recently shared a poignant chapter from her life, shedding light on the crucial support she received from Obour, the former President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), during a challenging financial period.
In a candid revelation during an interview with Fiifi Pratt on Accra-based Kingdom FM, the ‘Heavy Load’ rapper recounted the remarkable story of how her fellow musician extended a helping hand when she was grappling with financial difficulties.
Eno provided vivid details of a time when she was facing severe financial constraints, and out of the blue, the ‘Killing the Game’ hitmaker called her one morning, instructing her to come to the East Legon Police Station.
According to her, upon arrival, she realised that Obour had invited her to the East Legon Executive Club to perform a freestyle at the birthday party of Osei Kuffour.
“God richly bless Obour. He called me one day to come along with my songs on a CD to the East Legon Police station. I took a microphone.
“It was Osei Kuffour’s birthday. As I was performing, they were showering me with it, but I could not take any of it,” she said.
The rapper continued by saying that the MC at the program collected all the money that was showered on her during the performance into his pockets.
Obour then proceeded to tell the MC to give back the money to Eno since it was rightfully hers and he only gave her part of the money.
However, on her way out, she had some members of the club give her lots of money.
“On my way out, I decided to go and greet Despite and some of the attendees. As we shook hands, they would add swabs of money to the handshake.
“When I got home, I looked like a pastor who had received an offering in church. When I opened the swabs of money, I saw Euros, dollars, and cedis. Charley, God bless Obour,” she added.
Renowned Ghanaian broadcaster Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey Santana, widely known as Abeiku Santana, has strongly endorsed rap sensation King Paluta for the coveted title of New Artiste of the Year at the upcoming Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA).
Santana firmly believes that King Paluta, consistently delivering chart-topping songs and setting music trends ablaze, is highly deserving of this prestigious accolade.
In expressing his endorsement, Abeiku Santana underscores the importance of acknowledging King Paluta’s accomplishments, deeming it “totally disastrous” if King Paluta is not crowned New Artiste of the Year.
As a VGMA Board member, Santana not only pledges his vote for King Paluta but also expresses confidence in the artist’s deserving triumph.
King Paluta has enjoyed a stellar year marked by successive hits, including “Yahitte” and “Sika Aba Fie,” amassing over five million streams within the review period. Notably, rap legend Okyeame Kwame lauds King Paluta as one of the most notable music prodigies hailing from the Ashanti Region.
The reverberations of King Paluta’s music are evident in the sustained success of his track “Sika Aba Fie,” which continues to gain momentum on various social media platforms, notably TikTok, where it has garnered over a million uses by users.
Premier League clubs, as announced on Tuesday, have collectively decided to restrict the timeframe during which a player’s transfer fee can be spread in their financial accounts to five years.
This marks a change from the previous practise, where clubs could amortise the cost of a transfer fee over the entire duration of the player’s contract.
“Premier League shareholders today agreed to amend the rule on amortisation of player registration costs to bring it in line with UEFA’s regulations,” the league said in a statement.
“Going forward, a five-year maximum will apply to all new or extended contracts.”
Many Premier League clubs have previously utilised amortisation, but a recent trend, notably observed with Chelsea, involves signing players to contracts lasting eight years or more.
This strategy affords clubs an extended period to write off transfer fees.
The motivation behind this approach includes navigating Premier League Financial Fair Play regulations, which cap permissible losses at £105 million ($131.76 million) over a three-year span.
Chelsea, among 15 clubs, voted to modify the amortisation rule. Importantly, this change will not retroactively apply to contracts already in place.
Additionally, the clubs have agreed to another rule amendment empowering the Premier League Board to prevent a club from registering more players if the club owes a transfer debt to another Premier League or EFL club until the outstanding debt is settled.
Gospel artist and founder ofRockhill Chapel, Sonnie Badu, has dismissed claims suggesting that he sold his Rolex watch to finance his recent concert.
Despite expressing frustration with the lack of corporate support for gospel events in Ghana after the concert, where he highlighted the challenges faced in organising the Rhythms of Africa concert, Sonnie Badu clarified that reports of him selling his watch were inaccurate.
In an interview with Accra-based Okay FM on December 12, Sonnie Badu expressed his displeasure with news reports, arguing that his words were taken out of context.
He emphasised that such reports were an insult to the substantial investment he had made in funding the concert.
“The problem with many people is that they refuse to listen before running with a topic. It’s not the Rolex watch I sold that sponsored my concert. That’s an insult to the almost $180,000 that I spent on that concert,” he said.
Sonnie Badu explained that he had sold the watch to fund some emergency expenses, to the dismay of his wife and not to fund the concert as reported.
“This is what happened—last minute, I needed to make some payments, and I just had to let the watch go. My wife was not happy about it because I had bought that watch for my first son. But I told my wife I had to do it, and I sold it; it wasn’t for the whole concert. That wouldn’t make sense.
“The lady who asked me during the interview asked me, “What were the ups and downs I experienced during the planning of the concert? and I said I even had to sell my Rolex watch.
But the media took that part and ran with it,” he explained.
Sonnie Badu’s ‘Rhythms of Africa’ concert, which took place at the Grand Arena, Accra International Conference Centre on December 9, 2023.
Jada Pinkett Smith has credited the now-infamous Oscars slap involving Will Smith and Chris Rock with saving her marriage.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Jada expressed that the incident was a pivotal moment that made her realise she would never leave Will. She described the aftermath of the incident as the “holy slap,” emphasising that positive outcomes followed the controversial moment.
Reflecting on the incident, Jada stated, “That moment of the sh*t hitting the fan is when you see where you really are.
“After all those years trying to figure out if I would leave Will’s side, it took that slap for me to see I would never leave him. Who knows where our relationship would be if that hadn’t happened?”
Will Smith slapped Chris Rock onstage at the Oscars in March 2022.Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images
Jada highlighted the positive developments that transpired after the incident and expressed gratitude for attending the ceremony, almost missing it. These comments come on the heels of a recent interview in which she conveyed her desire to be with Will “forever.”
This sentiment aligns with Will’s unexpected appearance at her book tour in October, during which he acknowledged the challenges in their relationship, characterising it as “brutiful” — a fusion of brutal and beautiful.
The couple has consistently been candid about the highs and lows in their enduring and tumultuous relationship.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola confirmed that Erling Haaland will miss Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Red Star Belgrade but added that he expects him to be back in training on Thursday.
Haaland, who is Man City’s top scorer with 19 goals in all competitions this season, missed the defending Premier League champions’ win over Luton Town on Sunday with a foot injury.
It was the first league game he had failed to start this season.
The injury had previously seen the 23-year-old pull out of Norway’s European Championship qualifier against Scotland in November.
“He will be back on Thursday, the day after tomorrow, and we will see how he feels,” Guardiola said in a news conference on Tuesday.
“I cannot answer [if he can play on Saturday]. I don’t know right now. At the next press conference, I can be more precise about his condition.”
With the top spot in their Champions League group already confirmed, Guardiola already has one eye on Saturday’s visit to Crystal Palace and the Club World Cup semifinal the following week.
“We are going to rotate some players. We have three days, travel five or six hours, three days, three days, a semifinal, three days, and a potential final. I’m very pleased that tomorrow I can play some players who haven’t played lately,” he said.
Napoli comfortably advanced to the Champions League knockout stages with a 2-0 victory over Braga, securing their spot with two first-half goals on Tuesday.
Despite finishing second in Group C, trailing eight points behind Real Madrid, Napoli accumulated 10 points.
Meanwhile, Braga secured third place with four points, earning them a spot in the Europa League.
Union Berlin, after a 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid, concluded the group stage at the bottom with two points.
“Passing the group was our goal; we deserved to qualify and that’s good,” Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo said.
“There is a lot of work to do and to improve in some aspects, but we are playing good games with good performances and this gives us hope for the new year.”
Victor Osimhen played a crucial role in Napoli’s qualification for the Champions League knockout stages, scoring a goal as they secured passage with a 2-0 victory.
Napoli, able to afford a one-goal loss, sealed their qualification in the 33rd minute when Osimhen backheeled a Natan cross and then managed to nudge the loose ball into the net, leaving Braga needing to score four goals without reply.
The Nigerian international, who recently received the African Footballer of the Year award, missed both games against Union Berlin due to injury.
The Portugal side started energetically, with Rodrigo Zalazar’s backheel setting up Bruma for an early opportunity, but the striker pulled his shot wide.
Braga faced a setback with an own goal when Saatci’s attempt at a block ended up in the net, despite keeper Matheus’s efforts to save it.
Before Osimhen extended Napoli’s lead, Braga had a chance to equalise in the 25th minute, but André Horta’s long-range effort was tipped over for a corner by Napoli keeper Alex Meret.
“It wasn’t easy in the group; it was important not to concede goals. Great saves from Meret. We’re happy for him; it’s important for everyone not to concede a goal,” Di Lorenzo said.
Bruma had another chance just before halftime, unleashing a low shot in the 44th minute, but unfortunately, it went straight at the goalkeeper.
In the second half, Napoli’s manager, Walter Mazzarri, implemented tactical substitutions, substituting off Osimhen and Politano. The outcome remained secure, with Napoli in control.
Taking the reins from Rudi Garcia in November, Mazzarri saw his team successfully rebound to victory after enduring defeats in their three previous matches.
“I’ll have to be good at making the boys understand the difficulty of being champions of Italy,” Mazzarri said.
“I was interested in not conceding goals as well as getting through. We haven’t managed to feel solid, we needed balance.”
Napoli, the Serie A champions, reached the quarterfinals in last season’s Champions League, where they were knocked out by fellow Italian club AC Milan.
The chief of the Referees Body (PGMOL), Howard Webb, acknowledged that the official overseeing the Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur match on December 3 erred by stopping play after a foul on Erling Haaland.
In the dying moments of the game, Jack Grealish was on a goal-scoring opportunity when referee Simon Hooper blew the whistle for a foul on Haaland in the preceding play, despite initially signalling for play to continue.
This decision led to several City players protesting the call, resulting in the club being charged by the FA for their conduct.
“Yeah, it is an officiating mistake,” Webb said on the ‘Match Officials: Mic’d Up’ TV programme.
“On this particular occasion, [the referee] sees a pretty strong, reckless foul challenge by Emerson Royal on Haaland. It’s in midfield, and the ball comes backwards.
“He does the hard work; he just hesitates a moment to see if an advantage is possible. But he recognises in his mind, thinking it through, that it was a strong challenge, it was reckless, and he is going to have to exercise caution.”
Manchester City and Real Madrid are closely monitoring the contract negotiations of Alphonso Davies at Bayern Munich, which have reportedly hit a roadblock, according to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sport Deutschland.
The 23-year-old defender’s current contract with Bayern is set to expire in 2025.
However, the club’s offer has not met Davies’ salary expectations, which range from €10–13 million per season.
Real Madrid has expressed a significant interest in Davies and has initiated contact with his agents to explore the possibility of a deal.
Davies, the captain of the Canadian national team, has played a key role in Bayern’s success, contributing to five Bundesliga titles, including the treble in 2020.
He is seeking a salary that aligns with the club’s top earners, although Bayern remains uncertain about placing him at that level.
Manchester City has previously shown interest in Davies and is likely to closely monitor the unfolding situation with the talented defender.
Former Black Stars coach Avram Grant,an accomplished coach with an extensive career, emerges at the lower end of the financial spectrum as the least-paid coach among the 24 clubs vying for continental success in Ivory Coast.
As reported by Senenews, the Israeli coach receives a monthly salary of 25,000 Euros, a remuneration that, despite reflecting his wealth of experience, positions him at the bottom of the payment hierarchy for the upcoming tournament.
Grant, previously at the helm of Ghana’s national team, is now tasked with leading a team in a different capacity, not only facing challenges on the field but also navigating the financial intricacies inherent in coaching at the highest level.
In stark contrast, Algeria’s Djamel Belmadi holds the pinnacle as the highest-paid manager on the continent, commanding a substantial salary of 209,000 Euros per month.
The disparity in earnings becomes evident as coaches like Chris Hughton of Ghana and Senegal’s Aliou Cisse find themselves tied for eighth place, earning a monthly salary of 46,000 Euros.
These varied figures add an intriguing layer to the narrative of the upcoming tournament, illustrating not only differences in coaching expertise but also the distinct financial landscapes each tactician must navigate.
As reported by acclaimed football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Boateng’s initiation into coaching will take place in the Baller League.
This league, conceived by German footballer Matt Hummels, a former teammate of Boateng at the German youth level, serves as the platform for Boateng’s entry into football management.
“Kevin Prince Boateng is ready for a new chapter after retiring, as he’s expected to start in 2024 as the new team manager in Mats Hummels’ Baller League. His career will turn into a new experience soon,” he said.
Boateng, concluding his playing career with Hertha Berlin, officially retired from football at the age of 35. The former Black Stars player shared the announcement of his retirement on Instagram.
“I LOVE YOU. But that’s a WRAP for me ???? Thank you, FOOTBALL, for everything.” Kevin-Prince Boateng wrote as he accompanied it with a video.
Boateng left an indelible mark on the global football stage by proudly representing Ghana in twoFIFA World Cup tournaments.
During the 2010 World Cup hosted in South Africa, Boateng played a pivotal role as Ghana advanced to the quarter-finals. One of the standout moments was his goal in the round of 16 match against the United States of America, contributing to Ghana’s 2-1 victory and progression to the last eight.
Despite the promising journey, disappointment awaited as Ghana faced elimination in a penalty shootout against Uruguay, marking the conclusion of Boateng’s World Cup campaign.
Famous Ghanaian fashion criticCharlie Dior, based in the United States, has refuted claims suggesting that singer Wendy Shay is a lesbian based on her fashion choices.
He addressed the issue after receiving a call from a friend who expressed the belief that Wendy Shay’s dressing style implied she might be a lesbian, given its inclination towards a more masculine appearance.
Charlie Dior clarified that one’s fashion choices do not determine their sexual orientation, emphasising that individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, or otherwise do not conform to a specific fashion identity.
During an Instagram live session, Charlie Dior encouraged the public not to jump to conclusions about Wendy Shay’s sexual orientation based solely on her fashion preferences.
“One of my friends called me some time ago and said that she thinks Wendy Shay is a lesbian; then I asked why she would say that. The person said it was because of the way Wendy Shay dresses.
“This is bad and you all need to stop that because lesbians don’t have a look so leave Wendy Shay alone. But I must admit that she has found her style of dressing and that’s good,” he said.
There have been inquiries into Wendy Shay’s fashion choices, with some suggesting that her style often leans towards a more masculine presentation rather than aligning with her true gender identity.
Despite the speculation circulating on social media,Wendy Shay has remained silent and refrained from responding to the claims made by certain individuals regarding her fashion sense.
Ghanaian gospel artistSonnie Badu has expressed disappointment in Dr. Kweku Oteng, the CEO of Angel Group of Companies, accusing him of failing to fulfil promises to support his ‘Rhythms of Africa’ concert.
Speaking on Okay FM on December 12, Sonnie Badu revealed various challenges he faced in the lead-up to his concert, highlighting instances where individuals who had pledged support let him down.
Specifically, he mentioned that despite an initial promise from Dr. Kweku Oteng to sponsor the event, the CEO avoided his calls when contacted.
“A lot of sponsors let me down; even Dr Kweku Oteng was not picking up my phone calls. He promised to sponsor, and he promised to be a part of it but he didn’t pick up my phone calls. He disappointed me.
“I have honoured Dr Kweku Oteng more than any other person in Ghana; I even honoured him at the city capital in Georgia. He told me he would support me, but he let me down,” he said.
Sonnie Badu’s ‘Rhythms of Africa’ concert, which took place at the Grand Arena, Accra International Conference Centre on December 9, 2023,.
The event saw performances from the likes of Kofi Peprah, Nacee, Perez Music, MOG, Piesie Esther and many others.
Lawyer Sam Okudzeto, a member of the Council of State, has expressed his opposition tothe lithium deal that the government is entering into with an Australian company.
The mining lease grants the Australian company permission to mine lithium for a period of five years.
Okudzeto is now part of a growing group of individuals who are against the deal, urging the government to pause the agreement and reconsider its terms.
Speaking at an event in Accra on December 12, he emphasised the importance of Parliament taking action to align with the views of Ghanaians who oppose the deal for various reasons.
“The lithium agreement is not in the interest of Ghana; that is my view and if you will agree with me, then let us make a statement in support of the IEA to say that we do not think that this agreement is in the interest of Ghana,” he said.
On what MPs should do, he stated: “I don’t even want to condemn our MPs, we will caution and advise them to do what is right.”
Despite the government reporting the signing of some initial agreements with the Australian company, the specific deal regarding lithium mining is yet to be presented before Parliament.
The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) and one of its fellows, Sophia Akuffo, a former Chief Justice, have consistently highlighted the detrimental aspects of the deal in various media engagements.
In recent statements, the former Chief Justice lamented Ghana’s approach to exploiting its natural resources and how it has contributed to the country seeking financial assistance, especially from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
According to her, if the country continues to “sell” its resources cheaply to outsiders, then the cycle of going to the IMF for funds will never end.
“Gold, diamond, oil, bauxite, those are what we call traditional minerals; all these have been there. Since we became independent, we have been going to the IMF, borrowing, with all kinds of terms, and we ask ourselves why.
“There’s this adage that if you are doing the same thing, don’t expect different results. If this is how you are going to continue to exploit and extract your natural resources, don’t expect ever to be free of the IMF. It becomes like cyclical malaria,” she was quoted by citinewsroom.com.
Sophia Akuffo insisted that Ghana must make the decision to move away from royalties to exploring its own resources.
“We should be exploring; each year we should be looking at similar situations in terms of resource availability, resource finding, and what they are doing. That is what we are saying. We don’t have to go back into the royalties,” she opined.
She emphasised that therecould be a better deal than what is already being negotiated and urged the government to ensure that the country is not ripped off.
“There are so many variations and modules, and somebody should do their homework to be able to be in a position to recommend a number that will suit Ghana. With all the figures and all that,. Simply ask yourself the question, is this formulation of an agreement for the exploitation of our national worth as good as it could ever possibly be?” she questioned.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has given an injury update on Erling Haaland but remained mum on whether the prolific striker will feature in the upcoming match against Crystal Palace.
Haaland was absent from the City squad during their Premier League encounter with Luton Town over the weekend due to a bone injury.
Guardiola has now offered additional details on the injury and disclosed the timeline for Haaland’s return to training. However, the manager has not clarified whether Haaland will be available for the Crystal Palace fixture.
Speaking to reporters, the Catalan manager said: “He will be back on Thursday, the day after tomorrow, and we will see how he feels. I cannot answer [if he can play on Saturday]. I don’t know right now. At the next press conference, I can be more precise about his condition.”
On Sunday, the City head coach claimed that the Norwegian could hardly walk after the team’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa last week.
But the striker’s condition has been improving quickly since then.
Despite Haaland missing the team, the defending champions came back from behind to narrowly edge out Luton 2-1 last Saturday.
The 23-year-old, who is currently leading the Premier League Golden Boot race with 14 goals, will be back in training on Thursday, as revealed by his coach but it remains to be seen if he fully regains his fitness on time for the team’s league clash against Roy Hodgson’s Palace.
Former First Vice Chairperson of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and a prominent member of the Council of Elders, Ama Busia,passed away on December 12, 2023, after a brief illness.
Ama, aged 87 at the time of her death, was the sister of the late Prime Minister Kofi Abrefa Busia and remained an influential figure within the NPP until her final moments.
According to a report by Asaaseradio.com, Dr. Obeng Busia, Ama Busia’s son, confirmed her passing at the Nyaho Medical Centre in the early hours of Tuesday.
Ama Busia was known for her activism and political criticism against the Acheampong government, enduring adversity that included seven arrests, with her seventh resulting in a 90-day detention.
Despite these challenges, her life took a transformative turn through education, following the loss of her father at age 6 and her mother at age 13.
Ama Busia played a significant role in the founding of the Northern People’s Party, which later merged with Danquah and Busia to form the current New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Throughout her political career, she held various leadership positions within the NPP, including serving as a Council of State member after the party’s victory in the 2000 elections under John Agyekum Kufuor.
Ama had previously occupied both the first and third National Vice Chairperson positions in the NPP.
Her educational journey began at Wenchi Methodist School and Methodist Middle Girls’ School in Kumasi, followed by teacher training at the Komenda Training College.
In 1959, Ama Busia went into exile inLondon with her brother, Kofi Abrefa Busia, where she studied Institutional Management and Catering at the Regent Street Polytechnic.
Augustine Arhinful has expressed optimism about Mohammed Kudus replicating his impressive Premier League form for Ghana in the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Kudus, making a significant impact at West Ham, is considered a key player for Ghana in the AFCON, where they are grouped with Egypt, Mozambique, and Cape Verde.
Arhinful, a former Ghana international, emphasised Kudus’s value despite a challenging start at West Ham, highlighting his ability to prove himself to the team over time.
The 2023 AFCON is set to kick off in January 2024.
“I’m not surprised at all [at his recent performances] because when he first went to West Ham, we kept complaining about why the coach was not using him. The coach, who works with the team day in and day out, knew what he was doing,” Arhinful explained.
Having missed the chance to participate in his debut Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Ghana in Cameroon due to injury during his Ajax days, Augustine Arhinful expresses hope that Mohammed Kudus will maintain his current form and fitness.
Arhinful emphasises the significance of Kudus playing inhis first AFCON tournament for Ghana, and as the upcoming competition approaches in Ivory Coast, he wishes for the young player’s continued excellence and physical well-being.
“I think since the time he was integrated into the team, we have seen his performance keep going up. We should just hope that he doesn’t get himself injured,” Arhinful said.
He added, “He playing well will also affect our national team positively, so we should continue to guide him, advise him, and hope for the best for him.”
Controversy surrounds Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo in Japan as the governor of Nagasaki, Kengo Oishi, allegedly used government funds to attend Ronaldo’s friendly against PSG in Osaka in July.
The match was played in Osaka, 732.1 kilometres from the Island off the coast of Japan by road. Oishi claims he purchased the ticket with his own money, but travel accommodations and travel funds came out of the government’s pocket.
Adding to the issue, the governor skipped an official meeting to attend the match, prompting demands for his resignation.
Oishi asserts the purpose was to discuss a potential role for Ronaldo in a future publicity event, but some officials dispute any existing deal with the Portuguese forward.
The incident has sparked a debate over Oishi’s intentions, with supporters arguing he acted in good faith for the city’s benefit.
The friendly ended in a 0-0 draw, and Al-Nassr’s next matches are scheduled for December 22 and 26.
Ronaldo, on the other hand, enjoys an 11-day break until his next game.
Former Black Stars coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor has shared that he will allow his son, Charles Kwablan Hermann, to take his time in deciding which country to represent at the senior level.
Akonnor believes it would be premature to bring his son, who is currently playing abroad, into the national team at a juvenile level when there are local talents available.
Acknowledging his son’s contribution to Germany’s success in theFIFA Under-17 World Cup, Akonnor expressed a desire for his son to mature before making any decisions about his international football allegiance.
“At their age, we are not keen on these under-17 commitments, and who will pay for a ticket for somebody to come to Africa to play under-17? Another thing too is that maybe they should look at the talent in Ghana and use it,” Akonnor remarked.
While acknowledging that, at the senior level, he would wholeheartedly support his 17-year-old son’s decision to represent the country.
Napoli’s Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech at the CAF Awards on Tuesday, December 11, 2023. Expressing gratitude, he thanked both Nigerians and Africans for their unwavering support throughout his career journey.
“It is a dream come true,” the 24-year-old Osimhen said at the ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco.
“I have to thank everybody who has helped me on this journey and all Africans who have helped to put me on the map despite my faults.”
He extended his appreciation to Emmanuel Amunike, the former Nigerian manager and player, who not only discovered him but also praised other football legends like Emmanuel Adebayor and Salomon Kalou.
Osimhen also acknowledged his idol, Didier Drogba, expressing gratitude for their support throughout his career.
“Special thanks go to Mr Emmanuel Amunike. Without him, I don’t think I will be standing in front of you guys holding one of the most prestigious awards in football.”
“I thank Emmanuel Adebayor for his encouragement. Solomon Kalou I appreciate you and every African legend that inspired me. I can’t forget Didier Drogba, my role model.”
Osimhen emerged victorious over Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah to secure the most prestigious accolade of the night. This achievement marks him as the fifth Nigerian to claim the award and the first since 1999.
Chelsea’s Reece James faces an extended period on the sidelines, with his injury woes persisting as a fresh hamstring setback is anticipated to keep him out of action until at least February.
Despite being given a starting role against Everton last Sunday, marking his return since November 25, the full-back could only manage 26 minutes before suffering the new injury.
According to Fabrizio Romano, a March return seems more likely for James, and even a comeback in February is viewed as an optimistic scenario given the complexities of his recurrent hamstring issues.
In the current season, the 24-year-old has featured in just eight Premier League matches, having missed several games due to a prior hamstring problem. Additionally, he was absent from England’s 2022 World Cup quarterfinal campaign in Qatar due to knee ligament damage.
James has faced challenges establishing a consistent rhythm on the field due to various injuries.
His last stretch of five consecutive full Premier League games occurred between the conclusion of the 2021–22 season and the commencement of the subsequent season.
Reece James has faced a considerable absence from the pitch, missing 35 matches due to hamstring injuries since the 2021–22 campaign.
In addition to these setbacks, he has been sidelined for 28 matches due to various issues, including muscle problems, illness, and two knee injuries, with the latter causing an 18-match absence during the 2022–23 season.
Mauricio Pochettino’s injury concerns are escalating, with Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, Trevor Chalobah, Malo Gusto, and Carney Chukwuemeka already receiving treatment.
This has prompted the manager to seek additional reinforcements in the January transfer window, despite the club’s substantial summer spending of £435 million ($545 million) on new signings.
Chelsea faces a demanding two-week period with five matches scheduled until the New Year, and James’ injury compounds their challenges after slipping to 12th in the Premier League table.
Their upcoming fixtures include a clash against Sheffield United on December 16 and a Carabao Cup quarterfinal match against Newcastle United.
Sergi Roberto acknowledges that the details surroundingLionel Messi’s departure from Barcelona in 2021 remain unclear, with the Argentine’s emotional farewell from Camp Nou still resonating.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner left for Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent, unable to secure new terms with Barcelona upon the expiration of his contract.
Sergi Roberto, also a La Masia Academy graduate, expressed his astonishment at witnessing the departure of the iconic Argentine, who was anticipated to retire as a one-club man.
Sergi Roberto has told the B3TTer podcast: “Leo Messi’s departure shocked me a lot. Neither I nor my teammates expected it. We thought he was going to renew. It’s been a few years now, but nobody knows what really happened in those days. I thought he was going to play here his whole career.
“Leo Messi is the best player in the club’s history and in football history… You expect to see him the next day in training, but suddenly he’s not there. It’s like the club was starting from scratch.
“He was part of all of the good years for the club. You never see him talk about how he’s the best or how important he is to others. He always looks out for the team’s best interests.”
There have been suggestions that Sergi Roberto could reunite with Messi at MLS side Inter Miami as his own contract at Barcelona runs out.
The versatile 31-year-old said of potentially chasing the American dream: “With Xavi as the coach, I feel very comfortable. I have his confidence. At the end of the season, if the club is happy with me, I will continue. I’m talking to Barca. At the moment, I’m not going to go to another team.
“Everything that is said about me going to Miami or Palmeiras… it’s all lies. It’s true that I would like to have experience in the MLS in the future, but it is not yet the time for it. At the moment, I say that I want to stay at Barca. Maybe in a year, I will tell you that I want another experience in Europe or the United States but this will be in the future. I don’t think that will happen suddenly.”
Messi has already been joined in Florida by former Blaugrana team-mates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
Luis Suarez is expected to be the next ex-Barca superstar to make his way to DRV PNK Stadium, with the Uruguayan striker hitting free agency after severing ties with Brazilian side Gremio.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 50th goal of the year during Al Nassr’s King’s Cup quarterfinal triumph over rivals Al Shabab on Monday.
The 38-year-old marked this milestone by scoring Al Nassr’s fourth goal in their 5-2 victory. Ronaldo last achieved the feat in 2017, when he netted 53 times for Real Madrid.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been in prolific form, tallying 16 goals in 15 Saudi Pro League games this season.
Despite his individual success, Al Nassr trails league leader Al Hilal by seven points as the season reaches its midpoint.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr are second in the Saudi Pro League, seven points behind leader Al Hilal. Mohammed Saad/Anadolu via Getty Images
In a notable milestone, Ronaldo played his 1,200th professional career match last Friday, contributing a goal and an assist in Al Nassr’s 4-1 win over Al Riyadh.
With a remarkable career tally of 869 goals, the former Manchester United forward continues to make significant contributions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R6vrI_1AxE
Looking ahead, Ronaldo and Al Nassr are set to face Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the Riyadh Season Cup on February 1, 2024.
This encounter adds another chapter to the historic rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo, with their teams having faced off 36 times, resulting in 16 wins for Messi’s teams, 11 for Ronaldo’s teams, and nine draws.
Messi has 22 goals and 11 assists in these matches, while Ronaldo has notched 21 goals and one assist.
Al Nassr’s upcoming Saudi Pro League fixture is against Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq on December 22, where they aim to continue their pursuit of the league leaders.
Kylian Mbappe’s future is not solely dependent on PSG’s Champions League performance, but a “last opportunity” to join Real Madrid is imminent.
As the Ligue 1 title holders face the risk of missing the last-16 in the continental competition, speculations arose that a potential slip into the Europa League might prompt Mbappe to seek a move elsewhere, especially since he hasn’t activated a contract extension beyond the summer of 2024.
Contrary to such claims, L’Equipe suggests that Mbappe will carefully weigh various factors before determining his immediate and long-term future.
The World Cup-winning French international’s decision is not guaranteed to be influenced by PSG’s Champions League fate.
Despite the uncertainty, PSG remains hopeful that Mbappe can be persuaded to sign a new contract.
While he hasn’t exercised an extension option, negotiations are underway for a completely new and substantially longer contract, contrasting the two-year agreement reached in May 2022.
While there’s a possibility that Mbappe may choose to stay in Paris, he is cognizant that Real Madrid continues to monitor his situation.
Opting for a new contract in Paris would put an end to Real Madrid’s pursuit of his signature, leaving the 24-year-old with a significant choice between pursuing more silverware in his homeland or venturing into Spanish football.
Scott McTominay has emphasised the unwavering support of the Manchester United players for manager Erik ten Hag as they approach a pivotal Champions League clash against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
McTominay noted that, in contrast to the past, where the atmosphere in the dressing room had become “toxic” under former managers, such a scenario has not unfolded under the tenure of Ten Hag.
United faces a challenging route to the round of 16 in the Champions League, requiring a victory against Bayern at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
Their hopes are contingent on a draw between FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray in the other Group A game.
“It is the players’ responsibility, first and foremost,” McTominay told a news conference on Monday. “The players know that as well. We have had many amazing players andright now we are at the stage where we have big characters in the dressing room.”
The gathering was initially arranged by Captain James as a Christmas celebration before the disappointing defeat at Goodison Park.
Pochettino, recognising the potential positive impact on team morale, permitted the event to proceed.
However, following the dismal performance that resulted in a victory for Sean Dyche’s men and James himself suffering a hamstring injury, the fate of the party seemed uncertain.
Nevertheless, when James inquired about the possibility of still holding the event after the match, Pochettino gave it the green light.
As reported by The Telegraph, the players first headed to the Bagatelle restaurant in Mayfair for a culinary experience. The restaurant offers a range of main courses priced between £30-£115, featuring diverse chicken and fish dishes.
Their next destination was the Tape Nightclub, situated in Oxford Circus and popular among footballers, musicians, and notable personalities.
The evening’s highlight was an event labelled “Tape Sundays.”
Chelsea has struggled for form in 2023, statistically labelled as the worst team in the English top-flight with the lowest points-per-game ratio among clubs that spent the entire year in the Premier League, amassing only 39 points from an equal number of games.
What began as a Christmas celebration evolved into a bonding session, fostering team camaraderie.
It remains to be seen if this chemistry translates onto the pitch ahead of a busy two-weekstretch for Chelsea, where they are scheduled to play five games, starting with a fixture against Sheffield United at home on Saturday.
James Milner has shared an anecdote about a time he found himself on the wrong side of Jurgen Klopp, resulting in the Liverpool manager instructing him to “shut the f*ck up.”
The former Reds player, who spent eight years at Anfield before joining Brighton in the summer of 2023, was a favourite figure under Klopp.
Throughout his 332 appearances for Liverpool, Milner’s versatility proved invaluable as he secured honours in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup.
Despite his success, Milner acknowledges that special treatment from Klopp was not always guaranteed.
Milner has told the High Performance podcast of incurring Klopp’s wrath: “He was pretty good most of the time; he was open. Maybe not at half time; we had one occasion where he was sharing his thoughts and I was sharing mine and I remember him smashing his hands down on the table like, ‘will you shut the f*ck up?!’ But Jurgen was brilliant. I had a great relationship with him off the field as well; he supported our charity (the James Milner Foundation) as well.”
Milner went on to say of what makes Klopp such a great manager, with the German tactician earning legend status at Anfield: “An amazing manager but I always felt like most of the time he was open and even if he didn’t feel like the conversation, he gave you stuff back so you felt like he’d thought about it afterwards.
“Even if he didn’t tell you that, you’d see it with the things he did after and I felt like he was good at taking things on board. He’s a leader; he makes the decisions, but if you’ve put something in his head and it’s helped, he was pretty good at listening to things like that. I saw him change a lot in the time I was there.”
Jurgen Klopp is currently under contract with Liverpool until 2026.
He has indicated that he plans to step down at the conclusion of that contract.
By then, he will have devoted more than a decade to the club, and the stresses of coaching in thePremier League will likely prompt him to take a well-deserved break.
In a disturbing incident at Eryaman Stadium,a Turkish Super Lig referee, Halil Umut Meler, was physically assaulted by Ankaragucu’s president, Faruk Koca.
The attack occurred after Ankaragucu conceded a last-minute equaliser in a 1-1 Super Lig draw with Rizespor on Monday. Following the goal, Koca stormed onto the pitch and punched Meler, knocking him to the ground.
The official, left with a black eye from the assault, was further subjected to punches and kicks while on the turf, resulting in a highly unsightly and regrettable scene.
A shameful chapter has unfolded in Turkey’s football history.
According to BeIN Sports, the Turkey Football Federation has called for an extraordinary meeting in response to the appalling incident involving Ankaragucu’s President Koca physically assaulting referee Halil Umut Meler.
President Koca, who reportedly needed hospital treatment, is expected to undergo detention procedures after receiving medical care, as stated by Turkey’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Ali Yerlikaya.
Swift and stringent punishments are anticipated as a consequence of this regrettable event.
Turkey President Recep Erdogan said about this incident: “I condemn the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler after the MKE Ankaragucu-Çaykur Rizespor match played this evening, and I wish him a speedy recovery.
“Sports means peace and brotherhood. Sport is incompatible with violence. We will never allow violence to take place in Turkish sports.”
At 37 years old, Meler is among Turkey’s premier referees, overseeing international matches for FIFA and holding a position on UEFA’s elite official list. In the aftermath of the incident, President Koca is expected to face repercussions in the near future.
Amidst significant excitement, Tom Brady and Wayne Rooney made their arrival in Birmingham, but the once-eager cheers have now transformed into jeers from the home supporters.
After securing NFL legend Tom Brady as an investor, the West Midlands-based team devised ambitious plans. Additionally, they enlisted the managerial expertise of Manchester United and England icon Wayne Rooney.
When Rooney took charge, the club was comfortably positioned within the Championship play-off places.
However, the initial optimism has given way to disappointment as the team has encountered a challenging stretch, suffering six defeats in nine games and managing only one victory.
This downturn has resulted in a significant drop to 17th place in the standings.
A 2-0 defeat at Coventry was met by jeers from the travelling support, with Rooney saying of that reaction and what needs to be done in order to deliver a reversal in fortune: “We’re in a difficult place; we know that, with the run of results and the points we’re losing. The big thing is that the goals we’re conceding are very poor goals. We have to figure it out and make sure we don’t give easy goals away.
“The run of form can’t continue. Of course, I understand the fans’ frustration. That’s normal when you go through a run of results like this and we have to change this as quickly as possible. If I were a fan in the stands there tonight, I would be exactly the same. But what I can tell you is we’re working really hard to fix it, to improve results and performances.”
Birmingham have been leaking goals at an alarming rate, with Rooney adding to a team that has collected just one clean sheet during his tenure: “We are getting punished when we’re making mistakes and we need to cut that out. Throughout the 90 minutes, Coventry were the better team, so they deserved to win the game.
“We let ourselves down with the goals we conceded. That’s my responsibility; it’s on me to get the players to perform better and pick up more points than we have done. It’s disappointing when you concede goals that are avoidable.”
Birmingham is set to resume play on Wednesday with an away game against Cardiff.
The Bluebirds are currently vying for a play-off spot, and the extent of support that Tom Brady and the Blues board can provide for reinforcements at St. Andrew’s during the January transfer window remains uncertain.
Mohammed Kudus’ West Ham United encountered a setback prior to their 5-0 defeat against Fulham on Sunday, December 10, 2024, as a sickness bug plagued the team.
In a surprising and humbling turn of events, West Ham faced a shocking defeat against Fulham in a round-of-15 match during the 2023–2024 Premier League season.
Raul Jimenez, Willian, Tosin Adarabioyo, Harry Wilson, and Vinicius all found the target, securing a resounding victory for Fulham.
Post-match, revelations emerged that a peculiar sickness had affected some players and staff at West Ham in the lead-up to the game.
Pablo Fornals, who started the match, was notably among those most impacted by the sickness bug.
Manager David Moyes, along with other first-team squad members, including Edson Alvarez and Emerson Palmieri, experienced feelings of unwellness.
Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, though absent, was sidelined due to a wrist injury.
Interestingly, Mohammed Kudus, who commenced the game and was substituted in the 64th minute, was not mentioned as one of the players affected by the sickness.
As West Ham looks aheadto their upcoming match against Freiburg in Germany on Thursday, December 14, 2023, Coach David Moyes aims for a full squad recovery.
Hearts of Oak endured a disheartening defeat against their arch-rivals Kumasi Asante Kotoko in their recent match, with goalkeeper Richmond Ayi facing criticism for his performance.
However, the spotlight expanded beyond Ayi, encompassing his teammate and backup goalkeeper, Richard Atta, who also faced scrutiny.
Following the game, a video surfaced showing Atta consoling a tearful Ayi. Instead of receiving sympathy, Atta became the subject of attention, with many Ghanaians focusing on his appearance.
Criticism centred on his visible belly and full cheeks, questioning his fitness level and suitability for a top-level club.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY4OyKRHVI0
On social media, particularly on Platform X, numerous individuals shared their opinions, posting harsh comments about Atta’s physique. This incident underscores the intense pressure athletes endure to maintain a specific image, both on and off the field.
Amidst the negative remarks, it’s crucial to acknowledge that physical fitness manifests in diverse forms and body types.
While Atta may not conform to the stereotypical lean, muscular build associated with professional athletes, he undeniably possesses the skills and capabilities required to perform at a high level.
It serves as a reminder that excellence in sports extends beyond outward appearances, emphasising the importance of recognising and appreciating diverse athletic abilities.
Ghanaian football standoutsMohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey have earned well-deserved positions in the prestigious CAF Team of the Year for 2023, a testament to their remarkable on-field performances.
Kudus, an emerging talent in the football realm, has exhibited his prowess as an attacking midfielder.
His adept ball control and precision in delivering passes have not only elevated his stature in the sport but have also played a significant role in the success of the teams he represents.
Starting his professional career with Nordsjælland in Denmark, Kudus garnered attention that led to a move to the esteemed Ajax in the Eredivisie, followed by a substantial transfer to West Ham United last summer.
His inclusion in the CAF Team of the Year underscores the impact he has made on the continental stage, notably at the Qatar World Cup last year, where he scored twice and provided one assist in three games.
Conversely, Partey has solidified his status as a midfield force, seamlessly blending defensive strength with an impressive passing range.
His journey from Atletico Madrid to Arsenal in the English Premier League has been characterised by consistent excellence and a commanding presence in the midfield.
Partey’s inclusion in the CAF Team of the Year not only acknowledges his individual accomplishments but also symbolises the recognition of Ghanaian talent on the global football stage.
His performances have been pivotal in driving success for both his club and the national team, establishing him as a key figure in the football landscape.
Here is the CAF team of the year 2023:
The CAF Best XI of the year 2023 was unveiled on Monday during the CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco.
Here is the CAF team of the year 2023:
Goalkeeper: André Onana (Cameroon)
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Chancel Mbemba (DRC), Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal)
Midfielders: Thomas Partey (Ghana), Zambo Anguissa (Cameroon), Mohammed Kudus (Ghana), Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco)
Forwards: Sadio Mané (Senegal),Victor Osimhen (Nigeria), Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Renowned African football legends, including Togolese icon Emmanuel Adebayor, former Black Stars defender Antony Baffoe, and Ivorian star Salomon Kalou, made a stylish entrance for theCAF Legends games in anticipation of the 2023 CAF Awards.
Adebayor showcased his dancing prowess, treating onlookers to an Amapiano dance while grooving to the beats of Ampiano music. Amid the festive atmosphere, he expressed his support for Arsenal’s potential success in the English Premier League during a chat with Arsenal fan Kelechi FC.
Adebayor, who played for Arsenal from 2003 to 2006 before making a notable move to Manchester City, backed his former team to clinch the Premier League title.
The 2023 CAF Awards are scheduled for today, Monday, December 11, 2023, at the Palais des Congrès, Movenpick, Marrakech, Morocco.
The Legends games and the camaraderie among these football greats have added an extra layer of excitement to the highly anticipated event.
Frederick Kwabena Dwamena, presenting himself as the father of the late Ghanaian footballer Raphael Dwamena, has surfaced, expressing grievances about being sidelined by the family.
In an interview with TikTok user Kwadwo Brown, Frederick Dwamena, hailing from Asamankese, claimed that the acknowledged father, Patrick Amoako Sefa, is, in fact, his younger brother.
He accused his supposed sibling of attempting to damage his reputation by making unfavourable statements about him.
Frederick Dwamena lamented the lack of acknowledgment and respect from the family, emphasising that he should be included in the arrangements for his alleged son’s funeral.
The family dynamics and assertions surroundingRaphael Dwamena’s lineage have added a layer of complexity to the already challenging circumstances.
“Raphael Dwamena is my son and we gave birth to him at Asamankese. His mother took him away when she came for a visit here. My junior brother, Bronx Man, who is a few years older than Raphael, is now claiming to be the father. He is not thinking about the issue; he is looking to profit from it.
“My younger brother has been disgracing me. I moved to his house in Nkawkaw but he sacked me. They don’t want to get close to him. Raphael is my firstborn. My brother, Patrick Amoako Sefa, is claiming to be the father of Dwamena because he took care of him. My name is Frederick Kwabena Dwamena.
“My brother is going around parading falsehoods. He is only looking out for his interest and benefit. Dwamena is my biological son and if anyone claims that he’s my father, then he is lying.
“He claims I threw the kid away; how can I do it? When the opportunity came for him to go, my brother stood in for him as the father but he was not the real one,” he said.
Tragically, on Saturday, November 11, 2023, the 28-year-old Ghanaian striker, Raphael Dwamena, met his untimely demise during an Albanian league match between his team Egnatia and Partizani.
Having a documented history of heart problems, Dwamena collapsed on the field and, despite efforts, succumbed while being transported to the hospital in an ambulance.
The remains of the late Dwamena have been repatriated to Ghana, where they were received upon arrival by some family members and officials from the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
As of now, the date for his burial is yet to be announced, adding to the sombre atmosphere surrounding the unexpected loss of the talented footballer.
Osimhen is set to compete against Morocco’s PSG defender Achraf Hakimi and Egypt’s Liverpool star Mohamed Salah for the prestigious 2023 CAF Player of the Year Award.
This marks Osimhen’s first appearance on the podium, alongside Hakimi, as they vie for the award against two-time winner Salah.
The Napoli talisman aspires to become the first Nigerian to claim the honour since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.
Scheduled for Monday, December 11, 2023, at the Palais des Congrès, Movenpick, Marrakech, Morocco, the 2023 CAF Awards anticipate the participation of a distinguished panel for voting.
This includes members such as the CAF Technical Committee, media professionals from member associations, head coaches and captains of member associations, as well as clubs engaged in the group stages of the interclub competitions.
Additionally, Ghana boasts two female footballers, Comfort Yeboah and Jennifer Owusuwaa, nominated for the Young Footballer Award and Goal of the Year, respectively.
The anticipation for the awards ceremony is heightened by the diverse representation and stiff competition among football talents across the continent.
On a momentous occasion at theConfederation of African Football (CAF) awards ceremony in Marrakesh, Victor Osimhen of Nigeria clinched the prestigious title of 2023 African Footballer of the Year.
The Napoli player’s triumph marked a historic milestone, being the first time a Nigerian has secured this honour since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.
Osimhen outshone formidable competitors, namely Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, to claim the coveted award.
Nigeria celebrated a double victory as Asisat Oshoala, the accomplished Barcelona star, retained the women’s award. This marked Oshoala’s sixth time securing this esteemed accolade.
The selection process involved a comprehensive voting system, with a panel comprising Caf’s technical committee, African media professionals, and the input of head coaches, captains, and clubs participating in the group stages of Caf’s continental competitions.
The awards not only reflect individual excellence but also serve as a testament to the footballing prowess emanating from the vibrant African football landscape.
Osimhen triumph
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, aged 24, has secured the highly coveted Caf award for the first time in his career, capping off a stellar 2022–23 season.
His exceptional performance included scoring 26 goals in 32 appearances, a feat highlighted by the decisive goal that clinched Napoli’s Scudetto in May, marking their first Serie A title in 33 years.
The former Wolfsburg and Lille striker’s outstanding contributions were further recognized when he was named the Italian Footballers’ Association Player of the Year earlier this month.
Born in Lagos, Osimhen not only excelled on the domestic front but also played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification, netting five goals in four matches.
His football prowess was globally acknowledged with an eighth-place finish in the Ballon d’Or, making him the first Nigerian to secure a top-10 position.
Additionally, Osimhen received the prestigious title of Member of the Federal Republic in his homeland, further solidifying his status as a football luminary.
Asisat became the first Nigerian footballer, male or female, to score in three World Cups
Barcelona star Asisat Oshoala, 29, made it a night to remember for Nigeria, winning the women’s player of the year title for a record-extending sixth time.
Oshoala – who went to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this year, retains the trophy she won last year.
She beat off competition from South Africa and Racing Louisville’s Thembi Kgatlana, Zambia and Shanghai Sengli’s Barbra Banda to lift the trophy.
World Cup recognition
In a splendid evening in Marrakesh, South Africa’s Desiree Ellis claimed her fourth CAF Coach of the Year award, a recognition earned by steering Banyana Banyana to their inaugural World Cup appearance.
The men’s accolade was bestowed upon Morocco’s Walid Regragui, highlighting a triumphant night for the Atlas Lions, named the National Men’s Team of the Year.
Morocco’s historic performance in Qatar 2022, where they reached the World Cup semi-finals as the first African team to do so, contributed to Yassine Bounou being honoured as the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured the Women’s National Team of the Year title, accompanied by Paris FC star Chiamaka Nnadozie, who claimed the Women’s Goalkeeper Award.
Mamelodi Sundowns, representing South Africa, received the Women’s Club of the Year award for their triumph in the African Women’s Champions League for the second time.
Meanwhile, Egyptian giants Al Ahly, securing their 11th Champions League title in 2023, were recognised as the Men’s Club of the Year.
In a prestigious moment, Caf unveiled the players voted into the Men’s and Women’s Best XI line-ups by Africa’s football stars. The glittering night in Marrakesh also featured the presentation of the inaugural Special Achievement Award to Senegal President Macky Sall.
Renowned South African Afro-pop sensation Bulelwa Mkutukana, popularly known asZahara, has tragically passed away, as confirmed by the country’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Zizi Kodwa.
The celebrated singer, famous for her 2011 album “Loliwe,” had been undergoing treatment for liver complications, with government support extended to her family during this challenging period.
Zahara’s musical journey reached its pinnacle with the widespread acclaim of “Loliwe,” a beloved album resonating across the African continent.
However, her personal struggles came to light in 2019 when she candidly shared her battle with alcohol addiction.
Last month, news emerged that Zahara had been hospitalised, prompting her family to request the nation’s prayers. Regrettably, she succumbed to her health challenges on Monday night in a Johannesburg hospital, according to reports from the state-run SABC news website.
While an official statement from her family is awaited, social media has become a platform for fans to express their grief and share cherished memories of the late music icon.
Zahara’s legacy as an influential figure in the African music scene is sure to endure, leaving behind a profound impact on her admirers and the industry alike.
“Zaharaand her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music,” Mr. Kodwa posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“She left us with such beautiful music,” one X user posted.
Zahara, renowned for her five album releases, garnered numerous awards on both the local and international fronts. Notably, in 2020, she earned a spot on the BBC’s prestigious 100 Women list.
Beyond her musical achievements, Zahara utilised her influential platform to address the pervasive issue of violence against women in South Africa, courageously sharing her personal experiences.
In a poignant interview with a local radio station last year, she emphasized that her musical endeavors were driven not by a desire for recognition but by a sincere intent to provide solace to wounded souls in need of healing.
Denning Edem Anthony, who performsunder the name Edem (formerly Ayigbe Edem), has been charged and granted bail by the Kaneshie District Court after he is said to have knocked down a 40-year-old woman who has since died.
He was charged with two counts of offences, namely “careless and inconsiderate driving and negligently causing harm,” contrary to statutes.
He was admitted to bail in the sum of GHc50,000 with two sureties by the Kaneshie District Court when he was arraigned.
His plea to the two counts has not been taken by the Magistrate, Nana Abena Owusu-Amenyo, while the case has been adjourned to February 15, 2024.
According to the brief facts of the case, on Sunday, December 10, 2023, about 2:00 a.m., suspect driver Denning Agbeviadey Anthony was driving a Honda Touring saloon car with registration number GX 301 1-19 from Abeka Junction heading towards Spintex Road through the George Walker Bush Highway and occupied the middle lane.
The 36-year-old, according to the facts, on reaching a section of the road a few metres from Dimples Roundabout, knocked down an unknown female adult pedestrian aged about 40 who emerged onto the highway from the right side.
“The victim sustained serious injuries, and she was rushed to the police hospital for treatment but she was pronounced dead on arrival by the medical officer on duty.
On December 11, 2023, in Marrakesh, Morocco, the 2023 CAF prize ceremony took place. Nigerian football fans celebrated that evening as their nation dominated the prizes.
Veteran Ghanaian producer Hammer has shared insights into Black Sherif’s considerable potential, emphasizing that Ghanaians have primarily experienced his rap skills.
During a conversation with Kwame Dadzie, Hammer expressed the belief that the 21-year-old artist could achieve even greater success by exploring Afrobeats.
Drawing a parallel with Obrafour’s early career, Hammer highlighted the transformative impact of Obrafour venturing into highlife with a different producer.
Hammer, who recently returned to the studio after an extended hiatus, sees similarities between Black Sherif and Obrafour in their early days.
He underscored the importance of artists experimenting with different sounds to unlock their full potential and avoid limiting themselves to a specific genre.
In a snippet of Hammer’s discussion posted online, the producer added, I think Black Sherif ‘s producer is showing us only one side of Blacko. When he enters Highlife or Afrobeats for real, he will be unmatched.
Hammer Of The Last Two believes the world haven't seen the best of Black Sherif yet and our minds will be blown if he switches to singing Afrobeats. pic.twitter.com/le8KIgwVxo
President Akufo-Addo has chosen not to give his approval to the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2023, the Wildlife Resources Management Bill 2023, and the Armed Forces Amendment Bill 2023.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, criticised the President on November 27, 2023, for not informing Parliament of his position on the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2023, which aims to criminalise attacks on alleged witches.
However, a communication from the Presidency contradicted claims that the President had decided not to approve the Bills and denied receiving them until November 27, 2023.
In a letter to Parliament on Monday, December 4, President Akufo-Addo conveyed to the House that he is unable to give his approval to the three bills until the associated constitutional matters are resolved.
The letter was read to members of the House by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.
He said the president, in his letter, noted that “upon review, he noted some constitutional matters related to its passage” that must be addressed before he assents to them.
The Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which makes it an offence to accuse any person of being a witch, was passed by Parliament five months ago.
The Minority, championed by the MP for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, maintained that the failure of the President to assent to the bill constituted a constitutional breach that should not be countenanced.
Article 106 (7) (8) (9) (10) states: “Where a bill passed by Parliament is presented to the President for assent, he shall signify within seven days after he refuses to assent to the bill, unless the bill has been referred by the President to the Council of State under Article 90 of this Constitution.
Renowned Nigerian Comedian Klint The Drunk and Parrot Mouth have touched down in Ghana to settle the decade-long Jollof war in an epic Comedy night showdown.
Mark your calendars to join theSOHO Comedy Night and Jollof War show, slated for Thursday, December 7, 2023, as the Nigerian comedians ‘do it with’our Ghanaian comedians at the SOHO Bar and Restaurant inside Marina Mall.
Don’t miss out on this uproarious show.
Grab your regular tickets at GHC200 (regular) and GHC500 for VIP (including food and drinks).
Mary, the former housekeeper of Kuami Eugene, has issued a stern warning to Asantewaa, advising her to refrain from mentioning her name.
This warning comes in response to a video posted by Asantewaa, in which she ridiculed Mary for her claim that she collapsed multiple times in Kuami Eugene’s house due to hunger.
Mary had alleged that she experienced starvation in Kuami Eugene’s home, with promises of food upon his return that went unfulfilled.
Asantewaa, in response, mocked Mary’s assertions in a video.
In a new video addressing Asantewaa, Mary advised her to mind her own business and focus on caring for her new baby instead of meddling in other people’s affairs.
Media personality Bridget Otoo has issued an apology to the Roman Catholic Church of Ghana after previously suggesting that priests should be allowed to marry.
She clarified that her initial opinion was influenced by the perception that some Catholic priests engage in inappropriate behavior, including acts of sodomy with young boys at the altar, in an attempt to satisfy their desires.
In her apology, Bridget Otoo also revealed instances of priests committing sexual assault against women and fathering multiple children, with the church being aware of these actions but allegedly turning a blind eye.
“Can we Catholics also copy others and let our priests marry instead of the immoral lives they are living? Having children, some raping women and sodomising innocent boys at the altar? That’s not Christlike,” Bridget Otoo said as she sparked controversy.
Bridget Otoo’s comments faced criticism from some individuals who expressed their displeasure on her social media page. Shortly afterward, she retracted her earlier statement and issued an apology for making the suggestion.
However, she emphasised the importance of the Catholic Church addressing the matter promptly.
“I’m sorry for suggesting that Catholic priests be allowed to marry; I was trying to be kind. If they won’t change their paedophilia, sodomising young boys at the alter, raping women and having multiple children all over with the church covering it, I suggest we castrate them,” she wrote on her X page.
The question of allowing Catholic priests to marry has been raised by certain individuals, yet it has not received the necessary attention from the church authorities.
I’m sorry for suggesting that Catholic priests be allowed to marry, I was trying to be kind. If they won’t change their pedophilic, sodomizing young boys at the alter, raping women and having multiple children all over with the church covering it, I suggest we castrate them.
Sonnie Badu, the founder of Rockhill Chapel and a gospel musician, has advocated for avoiding unnecessary comparisons among individuals.
Speaking during a discussion on United Showbiz hosted by MzGee, Sonnie Badu specifically mentioned revered gospel musicians such as Yaw Sarpong, Yaw Agyemang Badu, Reverend Yawson, and others.
He emphasised that these artists are legends who should not be subjected to any form of comparison.
Sonnie Badu highlighted the uniqueness of each artist’s journey and underscored that singling out one individual from a group of great talents would be disrespectful to the others.
His message reinforces the importance of recognising and appreciating the distinctive contributions of various gospel musicians without engaging in unwarranted comparisons.
“Everybody has their own season and time. I’m glad I’m not on that list, but I can’t pick one. To say one of them is the ‘greatest’ will be disrespectful to other people who have toiled or were foundations for us to step on.
” Someone living outside Ghana may say I’m the greatest. Someone living in Ghana may say Joe Mettle is the greatest. It’s no competition. We all inspire each other, and that’s what it should be,” he remarked.
The “Wonder God” hitmaker also cautioned that such comparisons could have a lasting effect on animosity among artistes.
“I think this is too much of a big call to make because everybody is great in their own right; you just have to respect them. You don’t compare me to Reverend Yawson; no matter what he’s doing now, I can never compare myself to him. It’s an insult.
“And that’s what some people have to stop doing. You have to stop comparing. It doesn’t make sense. You will end up causing enmity between the artists. And that’s not right,” he added.
He made these statements while emphasising the need for Ghanaian artistes to emulate their Nigerian counterparts who are practising this approach.
“Nigerians don’t do that. They would rather promote and help each other than compare who’s the greatest. We just have to help each other, complement each other, and not compete with each other,” he stated.
Sonnie Badu’s comments join suggestions by various stakeholders to shun comparisons within the Ghana music industry and rather celebrate the individual achievements of these artistes.
The decision to part ways with Heckingbottom was prompted by a string of disappointing results.
Wilder, who had previously managed the team, is making a comeback after a hiatus of two and a half years.
Interestingly, it was Heckingbottom who took over as Sheffield’s interim manager in March 2021 when Wilder initially left.
Confirming the development, the club owner shared insights in an interview with talkSPORT.
“One thing I always like to do, not just in football but in all of my businesses, is to keep a good relationship with my ex-employees, no matter how it ends. I think you should get over it.
“At the end of the day, we’re all passionate about what we do and we believe Chris is the right man for the job.
Sheffield United, newly promoted to thePremier League this season, has experienced a dismal run of form. With just one win in 14 matches, they currently sit at the bottom of the league table.
The recent departure of manager Heckingbottom marks Sheffield United as the first top-tier club this season to part ways with their manager.
This move comes on the heels of a devastating 5-0 defeat against Burnley over the weekend.
The club’s challenging situation is compounded as they now face formidable opponents in Liverpool for their upcoming Premier League fixture on Wednesday.
Last season, Bournemouth set a precedent by terminating Scott Parker’s contract in August, just four games into the season.
Jude Bellingham “could be a Real Madrid player for life,” says Chris Waddle, with the England international being likened to Paul Gascoigne.
At just 20 years of age, Bellingham has already starred for Borussia Dortmund and Real—breaking records once posted by Cristiano Ronaldo in Spain—and has seen his No. 22 shirt retired at his first club, Birmingham City.
He is a Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy Award winner and is proving that he can become another ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu.
Ex-England star Waddle believes La Liga giants in the Spanish capital will already be planning contract extension talks, telling LiveScore Bet of Bellingham’s present and future: “Real Madrid, the way he’s playing, will want to extend that, probably after three or four years.
So he could be a Real Madrid player for life, which is not a bad thing. But the good thing about Jude Bellingham is that he went to Germany first and he learned a lot in Germany. You have to grow up; you have to learn the language; it’s a different culture; it’s a different football. He seems to be a very level-headed guy who always works hard.
“His goals sometimes, you know, people score goals and that helps your performances and gives you confidence and Bellingham just seems to score nearly every week now for Real Madrid. So that’s all great for Real Madrid but it’s also great for England. I know he missed the last game through injury for England, but he’s going to be key at a young age; he’s still a key figure going into it.”
England have booked their tickets to next summer’s European Championship in Germany, with Waddle expecting Bellingham to make a Gazza-esque impact at that tournament alongside world-class Three Lions captain Harry Kane.
Waddle, who made the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup with Gascoigne as a talismanic teammate, added: “You see, Gazza probably came into the World Cup in 1990 as an unknown type. What would happen, you know, what would happen with Paul? Would he shine in the tournament? Would he not get noticed? Gazza took it on; he just went into it and thought I’m meant to be here. Look out, and we all saw the results in 1990 when I was there with Gazza, the performances.
“Jude Bellingham could go into this tournament and come out as the star player. But teams will do their homework and if you actually look at England, if you stop probably Kane and Bellingham from playing and getting chances, there’s not many people to score goals.
“I know [Phil] Foden chips in with the odd one and [Bukayo] Saka, but these two will be under the spotlight and they’ll be under scrutiny by other teams. They’ll look at how England plays, and I think Harry Kane will be marked closely, as will Jude Bellingham.
“So this is another step he’s got to come through, especially Bellingham. He’s got to go to the tournament; expectations are massive for the lad. When Gazza won the tournament and I played with him, there were no expectations. So we’ll see what happens there but if they can keep that form up all season, that is a massive incentive going in there and other teams will be looking at that and they’ll be a bit scared.”
Bellingham has hit 15 goals for Real through 17 appearances in all competitions, but he is nursing a shoulder problem at present, with it possible that he will require surgery at some stage as England count down the days to another shot at continental glory in 2024.
Jadon Sancho finds himself on the sidelines atManchester United, and Nemanja Matic has shed light on a possible reason, revealing that the winger was consistently tardy for training sessions.
Since August 26, the England international has not been included in the Red Devils’ first-team squad under manager Erik ten Hag.
Instead, Sancho has been relegated to working with United’s academy teams.
Priced at £75 million ($95 million), it appears that the 23-year-old’s departure from the club in January is becoming increasingly likely.
Matic, who departed English football in 2022, has hinted that Sancho’s habitual lateness may have contributed to questions regarding his commitment and attitude from Ten Hag.
The former Chelsea and United midfielder shared insights with YU Planet, suggesting that Sancho, along with other former teammates, consistently struggled with punctuality for training sessions.
Matic and the rest of those towing the line at Old Trafford got so annoyed with Sancho and Co. that they put a penalty system in place.
Serbian star Matic added on how much money was made from the handing out of fines: “The rest of us who were always on time were angry so we decided to form a kind of internal disciplinary committee with me serving as its president.
“I put a sheet of paper up on the wall where I documented the names of individuals arriving late. During one particular season, we collected around £75,000 in fines. We had planned to use the money to throw a party in London but we didn’t due to the COVID outbreak.”
While Jadon Sancho is contracted with Manchester United until the summer of 2026, the likelihood of him fulfilling that deal seems remote.
Since his transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, the winger has managed to score only 12 goals in 82 appearances for the Red Devils.
