Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek has reportedly expressed interest in joining Barcelona as potential cover for the injured Gavi.
With Barcelona looking to strengthen their midfield options during Gavi’s recovery from a season-ending ACL injury, Van de Beek has offered himself a possible loan deal in the January transfer window.
The Dutch midfielder has struggled for playing time at Manchester United, making only two substitute appearances this season.
Van de Beek, who previously had a loan spell at Everton, is seeking a new challenge to revitalise his career.
Although talks are ongoing with Juventus for a potential six-month loan, the 26-year-old has signalled his readiness to join Barcelona if the opportunity arises.
The prospect of reuniting with fellow Dutchman and former Ajax teammate Frenkie de Jong could be an appealing factor in Van de Beek’s potential move toBarcelona.
Former Juventus CEO Beppe Marotta has acknowledged that working with Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo can be “challenging.”
Ronaldo made a remarkable move to Turin from Real Madrid in the summer of 2018, becoming one of the final marquee signings during Marotta’s tenure with the Bianconeri.
Across 134 appearances, Ronaldo scored 101 goals for Juventus, contributing to two Serie A titles and a Coppa Italia triumph.
Despite his on-field success, Ronaldo’s off-field dynamics posed challenges. Marotta, reflecting on bringing the iconic player to Juventus, shared insights into Ronaldo’s behind-the-scenes demeanour: “He was a very good player; he still is, and above all, he is a great champion.”
Marotta’s acknowledgment sheds light on the complex dynamics involved in working with a football icon of Ronaldo’s stature.
“The champion is that person who manages to convey his beliefs to his teammates. He was a bit of a leader of the team; he was the most famous and he dragged the others into the game. So, it was challenging, but he didn’t make me angry.”
Ronaldo did go on to ruffle feathers back at Manchester United, leading to his release in November 2022, with Paul Pogba doing likewise during his time at Old Trafford.
Marotta says the French midfielder was his most difficult piece of recruitment business when first taking him to Turin in 2012.
He added, “There is a player today who’s at Juventus called Pogba. It was a very complicated deal. Because he came from Manchester United, he hadn’t signed a contract, so there were many teams that wanted him. It was difficult to negotiate his purchase; it was very complex.”
Pogba returned to Juventus in 2022, but he has suffered a number of injury issues back in Italian football and is currently serving a ban after failing a drugs test. Ronaldo, meanwhile, is still going strong at the age of 38 with Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Nassr.
Unlike Abraham Atta, who seized the opportunity and is currently pursuing studies at Tufts University in the US, Strika has reportedly become entangled in substance abuse, as evidenced by a recent unkempt appearance on social media, eliciting concern from Ghanaians.
Responding to Strika’s challenges, particularly his struggles with substance abuse, Kumawood actor and skit maker Ras Nene, popularly known as Dr. Likee, decided to extend support by adding Strika to his comic skit crew.
In a video addressing Strika’s issues, Ras Nene pledged his assistance, and true to his word, their inaugural project, titled “Striker,” has now been released.
The trailer, shared on Instagram, showcases Strika as the hero of the clip.
The storyline depicts Strika encountering a gang while hustling on the streets, stumbling upon them disposing of a body in a bag in the bush.
The trailer hints at suspense as Strika decides to trail and spy on the gang.
The collaborative effort has received commendation, with praise directed at both Ras Nene for his support and Strika for his impressive acting.
Supporters are eager to see the movie reach a broader audience, believing that its impactful storyline and impressive visuals deserve a bigger spotlight.
See reactions on social media:
Ghanaians react to the Striker trailer on YEN.com.gh gathered some reactions from social media users.
bensstudios said: Aka abeg u must premier this movie at Silver Bird. We will pay to watch it to raise funds for u guys paaaaaaa.
khenstone commented: Wow, a whole project in the name of Striker… Kudos to the team… Indeed, we rise by lifting others, iam._tesla reacted: The display be quality this one for dey showmax or Netflix.
drlouisa_s22h
This is awesome
Notably, Strika has since undergone a positive transformation, appearing fresh and neatly groomed with a new haircut and clean clothes.
He has shared intentions to steer his life in a positive direction.
Additionally, actor Gun Shot has reached out to Strika, offering assistance after seeing his earlier struggles in videos.
A YouTuber known for his daredevil stunts, who intentionally crashed his plane to generate more views for his channel and subsequently lied to investigators, has been sentenced to six months in jail after striking a plea deal, as announced by US authorities on Monday.
The event, captured in a video titled “I crashed my airplane,” shows Trevor Jacob encountering apparent engine trouble while flying over southern California in November 2021.
The dramatic footage, widely viewed on YouTube, depicts Jacob ejecting from the single-engine plane with a selfie stick in hand, parachuting into the dense vegetation of Los Padres National Forest.
Cameras on the aircraft document its uncontrolled descent and eventual crash landing in the forest. Following the crash, Jacob, a former Olympic snowboarder, films himself hiking to the wreckage, expressing dismay at the vanished water supply but ensuring the recovery of the footage.
Subsequently, investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) were initiated. Jacob, however, misled officials, claiming ignorance about the crash site location despite being ordered to preserve the wreckage.
The plea deal resulted in a six-month jail sentence for the YouTuber, highlighting the consequences of his deceptive actions.
“In fact, on December 10, 2021, Jacob and a friend flew by helicopter to the wreckage site,” the US District Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California said Monday. “There, Jacob used straps to secure the wreckage, which the helicopter lifted and carried to Rancho Sisquoc in Santa Barbara County, where it was loaded onto a trailer attached to Jacob’s pickup truck.”
In an attempt to conceal evidence of the crash, the wreckage of the single-engine plane was dismantled into smaller fragments and disposed of in trash bins in and around Lompoc City Airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), responsible for regulating aviation in the United States, revoked Jacob’s pilot’s license in April 2022.
Facing increasing scrutiny from investigators, Jacob entered into a plea deal, acknowledging guilt for one count of destruction and concealment with the intent to obstruct a federal investigation.
This agreement reflects the legal consequences arising from his actions in attempting to hide evidence related to the intentional plane crash.
“Jacob lied to federal investigators when he submitted an aircraft accident incident report that falsely indicated that the aircraft experienced a full loss of power,” the US District Attorney’s Office said in a statement.
“[Jacob] most likely committed this offence to generate social media and news coverage for himself and to obtain financial gain,” federal prosecutors said.
“Nevertheless, this type of ‘daredevil’ conduct cannot be tolerated.” Jacob’s original video, along with several others he posted after the escapade, have now been removed from YouTube, but a copy can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41iOvFuKsyY
Pilots and aviation experts have expressed significant criticism towards Jacob in the nearly two years since the video’s initial release. Numerous experts have highlighted Jacob’s failure to undertake basic measures to restart the seemingly troubled engine of his plane.
Critics have also emphasised that Jacob had the option to safely glide the aircraft to a landing spot, raising questions about the necessity of ejecting from the plane.
Furthermore, wearing a parachute during the operation of a small aircraft was deemed highly unusual by industry professionals, prompting additional scrutiny of Jacob’s
The aviation community’s assessments underscore concerns about safety protocols and decision-making in the context of Jacob’s actions.
Ghanaian actress Jackie Appiah captivated social media with her stunning appearance in two distinct outfits to celebrate her 40th birthday in December.
In her first look, shared on Instagram, Jackie donned an ethereal black mini-corset dress crafted from velvet fabric, embellished with silver-sparkling elements.
The off-shoulder design highlighted her elegance, with her frontal lace wig gathered on one shoulder and the curled edges gracefully falling over her bosoms.
For her second birthday ensemble, Jackie opted for a silver-themed dress, accentuating her curves with a silver corset gown. The top part of the dress featured spiral strings, adding a unique touch to her overall look.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtxgY12REVk
The mother-of-one completed the ensemble with a frontal lace wig styled into a ponytail, cascading across her back. Throughout both outfits, Jackie Appiah exuded sophistication and style at her milestone birthday celebration.
Birthday wishes pour in for Jackie Appiah Birthday wishes from celebrities in Ghana and across the African continent, as well as from fans, continue to pour in for Jackie Appiah as she turns 40.
Vice President of the policy think tankIMANI-Africa, Bright Simons, has responded to the government’s implementation of new taxes in 2024, focusing specifically on the introduction of an environmental tax targeting emissions.
He highlighted that manufacturers will face an $8 tax for each tonne of CO2 emitted during their processes.
In a somewhat critical tone, Simons commented on the Association of Ghana Industries, seemingly questioning their support for the government’s proposal for the Import Restrictions Bill.
He wrote on X: “Remember AGI was recently praising the government of Ghana for the import restrictions list? Okay, their time has come. Govt is slapping ~$8 tax for every tonne of CO2 emitted by manufacturers. Cement, fuel, steel, aluminum and all high-energy industries should get ready to be smacked!”
Bright Simons added that the Ghana Revenue Authority will be tasked with measuring the level of CO2 and taxing the companies accordingly.
“Oh, & GRA will be doing the measuring. You will be in your factory like that and they will show up with the measuring device, industry reference charts, & a nice smile pregnant with meaning. Like: Aban nsa, aka wo. Why, you thought it was going to be Al Gore’s Climate Trace?” he added.
Bright also added that some large manufacturers like GHACEM and others could be paying up to $24 million in taxes when these new taxes take effect.
He said: “If GHACEM, Ghana’s largest cement corp, with ~50% share, continues hitting its 3 million metric tonnes a year target, it will face new taxes of $24 million a year if Ghana strictly enforces the new carbon taxes it is introducing. If the Kumasi plant comes on stream, carbon taxes will total $36 million. AGI dey?”
Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has disclosed a list of purported new taxes that the government plans to introduce in the upcoming year.
In a post shared on X on Sunday, December 3, 2024, he presented sections of a tax bill that the government is purportedly aiming to have parliament approve.
According to Dr. Ato Forson, among the proposed new taxes is a 20% levy on the local spirit, ‘akpeteshie.’ Additionally, the government is reportedly seeking to implement a GH¢100 annual tax on all petrol and diesel cars.
“The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government is imposing a 20% tax on “akpeteshie” (they have run out of ideas). Petrol and diesel vehicle owners should also expect to pay a new annual tax of GHS100 per vehicle on all petrol and diesel cars (internal combustion engine vehicles).
“This tax will be imposed on all trotros, aboboyaas, okadas, taxis, commercial buses, trucks, ambulances, construction and heavy-duty vehicles, water tankers, private cars, etc.
“Once your vehicle is powered by petrol or diesel, the government will impose this tax on you. According to the government, this policy is aimed at promoting the use of cleaner and more eco-friendly sources of energy (like electric vehicles),” he wrote.
The documents alsoshow that the government is seeking to introduce a GH¢100 per tonne carbon dioxide emission tax on all companies in the country.
Eight months afterGhanaian musician Obrafour initiated a legal action against Canadian rapper Drake for sampling the remix of his song ‘Oye Ohene,’ the song’s producer, Hammer, has finally addressed the matter.
During an appearance on JOY FM’s Showbiz A-Z with Kwame Dadzie, Hammer responded to concerns raised by another musician, Mantse Aryeequaye, whose voice was used by Drake in the sampled remix.
In the aftermath of the lawsuit, Nii Mantse Aryeequaye contended that he should have been included in the legal proceedings because it was his voice that was sampled.
Hammer, however, offered assurance that if the court ruling favours Obrafour, everyone involved in the song’s production will stand to benefit.
This statement emphasises a collaborative and inclusive approach to the potential outcome of the legal dispute.
“It is everybody on the song against Drake. Obrafour is the only one leading the conversation. So I don’t know what the hullabaloo was about,” he clarified.
Responding to questions about how all contributors were included in the lawsuit, Hammer explained that all who were involved in the song were captured in the suit and Obrafour was leading because he was the owner of the song.
He further revealed that Obrafour had a conversation with all parties involved, including Mantse, before proceeding with the lawsuit.
“We are mentioned in the docket. The publishing of the song has Tina, Tinny, Mantse, me, and Obrafour. Obrafour is the one leading because it’s his song. He owns the copyright.
“He spoke to everybody. I connected to the conference call. We were all on the call. We all agreed, and Obrafour went on with the suit,” Hammer confirmed.
Background
Controversy ensued when Mantse Aryeequaye asserted ownership of the phrase ‘Killer cut, blood’ from the 2003 remix of Obrafour’s ‘Oye Ohene,’ a snippet Drake incorporated into ‘Calling My Name.’
Expressing his intellectual property rights through a series of tweets, Mantse criticised the legal action, emphasising that the lawsuit was solely pursued in Obrafour’s name.
Notwithstanding the ongoing legal dispute, Obrafour is actively pursuing approximately $10 million in damages, along with other related claims. This underscores the financial implications at stake in the lawsuit, heightening the significance of the legal proceedings for all parties involved.
The evident discord between Joao Felix and Diego Simeone became pronounced on Sunday followingthe Barcelona player’s goal against his parent club, Atletico Madrid.
In a 1-0 victory for Barcelona, Joao Felix, the 24-year-old Portuguese forward, showcased no restraint in celebrating his goal against Atletico, leaping onto the advertising board and gesturing with arms reminiscent of Jude Bellingham’s style.
Tensions escalated further between Felix and Atletico defender Jose Gimenez, with the two coming dangerously close to a physical altercation, as Felix accused Gimenez of striking him during their confrontation.
The strained relationship between Felix and Simeone was evident when, upon being substituted in the 79th minute, there was a noticeable lack of acknowledgement between player and manager.
Simeone opted to ignore Felix, and vice versa.
Simeone, in the post-match interviews, chose not to comment on Felix’s performance, stating, “I don’t talk about my rivals; I talk about my team and I keep the good things.”
The rift between Felix and Simeone deepened when the player lost his place in the squad, despite their joint success in winning La Liga in 2021.
Felix subsequently entered into a loan agreement with Chelsea in January, and upon his return to the Spanish capital in the summer, an immediate departure ensued.
Felix is keen on extending his loan tenure at the Nou Camp. However, Barcelona’s financial challenges might pose a hurdle in securing his continued presence.
While with the Blaugrana, the former Benfica player aims to sustain the momentum and form into the upcoming significant showdown against La Liga’s surprise contender, Girona. Barcelona is set to face the team in second place on Sunday, December 10.
The outcome of this match could have substantial implications for both Felix’s future with the club and Barcelona’s standing in the league.
Jude Bellingham has been awarded the prestigious Golden Boy accolade for 2023, solidifying his status as the best young player globally.
The accomplished midfielder from England, aged 20, is recognised as the brightest talent under the age of 21.
His stellar contributions at both Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid have earned him this esteemed recognition, substantiated by the receipt of a gleaming trophy.
Securing the Golden Boy title aligns Bellingham with a distinguished lineage of past winners, including football luminaries such as Wayne Rooney, Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland.
The acknowledgement underscores Bellingham’s exceptional skills and marks him as a standout figure among the world’s emerging football talents.
Bellingham, who has scored 15 goals for the Blancos through 17 appearances to break records previously posted by Cristiano Ronaldo, said when collecting his prestigious prize in Turin: “I can’t be more grateful to all the people I have met along the way to help get me to the point I am at now.
“It’s about trying to make my team and country the best teams in the world and to be the best player in the world you have to help your teams win and to join that list is such a big honour.
“I think Wayne Rooney was probably my biggest influence growing up, obviously being from England and the way he played and the way he fought, but there are so many other players that I’ve taken bits from. I’m really grateful for everything football has given me so far in my life and the support from my family to keep playing and keep enjoying it has been huge.”
Golden Boy 2023. Beyond grateful, thank you to everyone who’s supported my journey until this point, can’t fully express my appreciation! pic.twitter.com/6F19Uflr7m
Erling Haaland has expanded his list of accolades, securing another trophy through the awards presented by the Italian publication Tuttosport.
The prolific Manchester City striker achieved a form of revenge against Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, claiming the Golden Player Man award.
This recognition comes on the heels of Haaland’s remarkable achievement of scoring 52 goals during City’s historic Treble triumph in the previous season.
Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland are anticipated to emerge as contenders for future Ballon d’Or awards.
They join a promising generation of talent, including Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe, Bayern Munich‘s rising star Jamal Musiala, and the dynamic Barcelona duo Pedri and Gavi.
This group of exciting young players is poised to usher in a new era, aiming to take the reins from the longstanding dominance of eternal rivals Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Manchester City faces charges from the Football Association following the tumultuous events that unfolded after their 3-3 draw with Tottenham on Sunday.
On Monday, the FA officially announced that City was charged with a failure to control their players, stemming from the dramatic conclusion of the match against Tottenham.
The incident in question occurred when referee Simon Hooper did not allow play to continue despite Jack Grealish being sent through on goal by Erling Haaland in the dying moments of injury time.
In response to the decision, players from Manchester City swarmed referee Simon Hooper, expressing their discontent with the lack of advantage given.
Notably, Erling Haaland was captured vehemently expressing his frustration towards Hooper and later took to Twitter, posting the letters ‘WTF.’
There is a possibility that Haaland could face a misconduct charge for his actions, although confirmation is pending.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx-YFHNx9pk
Haaland’s heated reaction unfolded during a confrontation with Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, who had earlier scored Spurs’ second goal at the Etihad.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou openly acknowledged that he felt his team had “got away with one” when the referee blew the final whistle, preventing Grealish from advancing unopposed towards the goal.
“It’s alleged that, during the 94th minute of the fixture, the club failed to ensure their players did not behave in a way that was improper. “Manchester City has until Thursday, December 7, 2023, to respond to the charge.”
A possible misconduct charge for Haaland could result in a ban, though it is unlikely to happen before the club’s match against Aston Villa on Wednesday.
Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal is anticipated to be sidelined for approximately a month, according to sources cited by ESPN.
Carvajal sustained a calf injury during Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Granada, resulting in his halftime substitution.
Despite his career-best form this season with 17 appearances, the Spain international adds to Real Madrid’s extensive list of injured players, which includes key figures like Thibaut Courtois, Éder Militão, Luka Modric, and others.
“After tests carried out by Real Madrid Medical Services on our player Dani Carvajal, he has been diagnosed with an injury in the soleus muscle of his left leg,” Madrid said in a statement on Monday.
According to sources reported by ESPN, Real Madrid is optimistic that Dani Carvajal will recover in time for the Spanish Supercopa, with a semifinal match against Atlético Madrid scheduled for January 10.
Despite a series of injuries to key players, including Carvajal, Madrid is currently leading La Liga with 38 points, level with second-placed Girona after 15 games.
Additionally, they have secured a spot in the Champions League round of 16 as group winners. Coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed hope that Carvajal’s injury isn’t severe and that the player will undergo evaluation by the medical team.
Carvajal recently criticised the congested fixture list, suggesting that many players would consider a pay cut to reduce the number of games and prevent injuries.
“There are lots of injuries, and I think a lot of them are due to the calendar,” Carvajal told a news conference on Nov. 28.
“A lot of people say, ‘why don’t [players] cut their salaries?’ We haven’t said we wouldn’t. If we had to earn less and play fewer games, it wouldn’t be a problem. You don’t see players at their best, and the games are dropping in quality.”
“It’s a calendar that can’t continue,” Ancelotti said last month.
“Those who prepare the calendar have to look at it. We have this problem, and it will get worse. The solution is straightforward. Reduce the number of games. The coaches and the players can’t do it.
“LaLiga, UEFA and FIFA can. But we have more Champions League games and more World Cup games. Until it’s sorted out, I think we’ll have even more problems.”
Luis Suarez has expressed that he is in no rush to secure his next club after concluding his final match in front of Gremio fans as his contract nears expiration.
While the 36-year-old has drawn interest from Inter Miami, where he could potentially reunite with his close friend and former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi, Suarez has not provided any clear indication of his future playing destination.
“I need to enjoy my family because I arrived here 11 months ago and didn’t have a vacation,” Suarez said. “My children had vacation for a month and a-half and they were here supporting me, knowing how difficult it was for me.
“And I need to rest, take advantage of them and then fate will know where it will touch me, but I’m in no hurry; now it’s time to enjoy it now and then see what happens.”
The Uruguay international, who scored in Sunday’s 1-0 win against Vasco da Gama, said of leaving Gremio: “People think it’s easy to make a decision like this, but it’s not easy at all.
“I would like to play [in the Copa Libertadores], but what speaks is my body. The pain I feel on a daily basis is a lot. And I have to think about Luiz Suarez being human.
“I have a very long career and I think I have earned the right to decide, to say that enough is enough, and to be able to decide where to play and enjoy my children and my wife after a very complicated year.
“It will be the year that I have playedthe most games in my career. And that says a lot. But I really enjoyed it. I was very happy. I did the job I wanted, which was helping the team.”
Ghanaian media personality and actress Nana Ama McBrown has opened up about her early life struggles and the unconventional means she employed to make a living before achieving fame.
In her candid narrative, she revealed the challenges she faced in the initial stages of her life, recounting that she engaged in selling charcoal and chewing sticks to generate income for her sustenance.
McBrown emphasised that her journey involved diverse experiences, including selling rice and clothes at various points, as she navigated through challenging times.
A video shared by Express GH TV on their YouTube channel captured Nana Ama McBrown using her life story as an inspirational example, urging the youth to persevere in their hard work and assuring them that breakthroughs would eventually come.
The actress-turned-media personality’s story serves as a motivating testament to resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
“Always I want to take a cue from my life to the youth because I have been there before. I want the youth to listen to this, there is something that you may want immediately but you won’t get it today. When I started life, I did a lot of things to survive.
“Some of the work I did was selling charcoal, and chewing sticks. The rice that in those days children would buy to school, I have sold it before. I also sold clothes onmarket days and sometimes went to Ivory Coast to sell,” she recounted.
McBrown further advised, “Maybe you are looking at my life today and want to be like me or someone who has made it in life, if you don’t use the right channel it will not end well. So don’t rush to get certain things now but keep working, when the time is ripe, you will enjoy it. Don’t compare yourself to those who have already made it in life.”
Nana Ama McBrown’s life story stands as a poignant reminder and encouragement, particularly for the youth aspiring for quick success. The celebrated actress, renowned for her outstanding performances in numerous movies, has garnered accolades in the entertainment industry.
Her remarkable achievements include winning awards such as Best English Actress, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Traditional Movie, and Best Story at the 2011 Kumawood Awards.
Nana Ama McBrown has also claimed the title of Favourite Actress at the 2016 Ghana Movie Awards and earned recognition as the Eurostar Best Dressed Female Celebrity on the red carpet at the same event.
Beyond her successful acting career, she has made a mark in the media realm, hosting TV shows that have further established her as a versatile talent.
In 2020, she received the prestigious Radio and Television Personality Awards for TV Female Entertainment Show Host Of The Year 2019–2020, as well as TV Female Presenter Of The Year 2019–2020.
Nana Ama McBrown’s multifaceted success serves as a testament to her resilience, talent, and dedication, illustrating that sustained effort and commitment can lead to remarkable achievements in diverse fields.
Nigerian singer Mr Eazi shared his experience with cancel culture, recalling an incident in 2017 when he claimed that Ghana had influenced Nigerian music.
In a recent episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast with Joey Akan, Mr Eazi revealed that he faced backlash, threats of cancellation, and disappointment from some industry friends.
Despite the criticism, he stood by his statement, expressing regret only for the lack of private discussion on the matter with those who cancelled him.
This incident highlights the challenges artists face in navigating public perceptions and industry relationships.
In his words,
“When the whole issue with me being cancelled, even till tomorrow, I see people come on my [social media] profile and still throw hate.
They said, ‘Oh yeah, you said that.’ I’m like, ‘Fam, really? This energy, take it to your local politician, wey dey run you street.’ You feel me? I didn’t kill anyone. I said what I said.
“And I said it many years ago. If that is the reason you hate me, then you hate me for something else. It’s deeper than that. And realising that just makes me feel free. That’s the lens through which I look at everything.Because I was seeing guys I was saying ‘Hello’ to, coming out to say, ‘F*ck Mr Eazi.’
“And I was like, ‘Bro, you could have called me and said, Eazi, I just saw this interview; you shouldn’t have said that. This is what I advise you to do.’ But it just became a thing of let’s all band together.
And that’s why, in my song ‘We Dey’, I said, ‘Twitter fingers are steady, showing fake love.’ Because it’s a crowd mentality. It’s trendy to hate you, and now it’s like for clicks.
“There are people making art and nobody cares about their lives, whether they jump or sit. It’s like they are invisible. Love and hate are acknowledgements of your existence; I’m even blessed to be able to invoke something.”
Florence Otedola, also known as DJ Cuppy, and the daughter of Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola, shared insights into the unpredictability of her life despite her affluent background.
Speaking at the Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) conference in London, DJ Cuppy emphasised the inevitability of failure in life.
She candidly discussed setbacks, including her broken engagement with fiancé Ryan Taylor, challenges in her jewellery business, and academic struggles at Oxford University.
Despite these adversities,DJ Cuppy embraced life’s uncertainties, expressing optimism for the days ahead. Notably, in 2022, DJ Cuppy announced her engagement to British boxer Ryan Taylor.
Grateful to share my unfiltered thoughts on the @Wimbiz stage 💕 💭 I know embracing uncertainty isn’t always easy but set yourself free! 🕊️ #CuppyCarespic.twitter.com/DLx23vChWA
Renowned Ghanaian vlogger andYouTuber Kwadwo Sheldon has addressed the previous altercation with Shatta Wale, emphasising that he will refrain from discussing anything related to the artist on his YouTube channel until an apology is issued.
The past incident involved Shatta Wale verbally attacking Sheldon and even targeting his parents during the “Yawa of the Day” show.
In an exclusive interview with veteran blogger and YouTuber Zion Felix, Sheldon insisted on an apology to him and his parents before any mention of the “Freedom” composer on his platform.
This stance was firmly asserted during the interview, highlighting the seriousness of the matter.
When questioned about his tweets regarding Shatta Wale, Sheldon dismissed the significance of tweeting about the artist, stating that it requires minimal effort.
Notably, Shatta Wale’s matter has not been addressed on Kwadwo Sheldon’s YouTube channel for approximately six months, and Sheldon intends to maintain this decision until an apology is extended.
This unwavering commitment underscoresthe importance he places on receiving an apology from Shatta Wale before revisiting the subject on his platform.
Nigerian media personality Moet Abebe has candidly discussed her single status at the age of 34 and the resulting discontent among men.
In a recent episode of her Bahd and Boujee Podcast, guest Etim Effiong directly inquired about Abebe’s relationship status, prompting an open conversation about her decision to remain single.
“I knew Moet when I was single and that was six years ago. Why is she still single?” Effiong asked. In response, Abebe said she is single because “most men do not have sense. She added that men are too indecisive and they make her confused.
“You already know my reservations. I am tired of saying this every episode,” she started.
“Your gender just needs to do more. My issue with men is that they do not have sense. How about men stop dipping their fingers in so many pots?
“Because you are making me confused. That means I have equally many options. I am choosing to be single but even if I wanted to be in a relationship, the options are not so great.”
In October,Abebe expressed her reluctanceto date men residing on the mainland in Lagos, citing concerns about their availability and the potential for numerous excuses.
Reggae icon Hezron has acknowledgedStonebwoy’s popularity in Jamaica, praising the “Into the Future” singer as the only Ghanaian musician he is familiar with.
In an interview on Asempa FM, Hezron highlighted Stonebwoy’s significant presence in Jamaica, stating, “I only know about Stonebwoy and some Afrobeats stars like Davido and Burna Boy.
It’s only Stonebwoy I hear of in Jamaica; he’s very popular.”
Hezron, currently in Ghana until January 2024, expressed his interest in collaborating with Ghanaian musicians he encounters during his visit, sponsored by Goodies Music, Lynnex Ventures, 3G Media Group, and Gorjiors International.
“I’m supposed to collaborate with Wutah Afriyie and Ras Kuuku,” he announced. “I will also be shooting a music video while I’m here.”
Earlier, Hezron paid a courtesy call to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as part of his plans to tour Ghana.
Clarke has revealed that he has traced his ancestry to Ghana, specifically the Ashanti kingdom.
This revelation came to light during his appearance at the Akwasidae festival, where he was formally introduced to the Asantehene by a royal spokesperson.
Wearing a kente cloth and accompanied by his entourage, Clarke expressed his desire to be accepted as one of the sons of the soil and requested to be given a local name.
“Thank you for welcoming me into my motherland. Many of my ancestors, freedom fighters, never lived to see what I am seeing now. I am blessed for this moment;I am honoured to be here. I am proud of the king. Nananom, medamoase,” he said, while addressing the chiefs and elders.
He was then given the local name ‘Kwame Bonsu’, by the Asantehene.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has disclosed that the altercation between teammate Darwin Nunez and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola originated as a lighthearted joke that escalated quickly.
Following last month’s 1-1 draw between the two sides, tempers flared, prompting Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool staff to intervene.
Guardiola downplayed the incident, stating that “nothing happened.” Mac Allister, in an interview with Clank!, provides insight into the sequence of events that led to the heated exchange between Nunez and Guardiola.
“As Jurgen said, they are two very emotional people, both Pep and Darwin, and it was nothing,” Mac Allister said. “Some comment that Pep made, Darwin responded to it, but it wasn’t anything out of this world.
“And that’s why I was laughing too. If I see how serious it is, obviously I wouldn’t laugh in that way. But nothing made me laugh a little, like how Darwin got angry so quickly.
“And apart from that, at the beginning, Pep thought he was doing everything like a joke, and of course Darwin was with him. It had transformed his face a little, then.
“It was kind of a little funny, the whole situation, but those are things that stay there. I think they both respect each other a lot, and nothing was wrong at that moment.”
The Liverpool midfielder continued: “I don’t know if I should tell [what caused it] but I’m going to tell you. Basically, they had a situation.
“I don’t know if it was a corner or a cross that [Erling] Haaland headed and the ball went past the goal next to the post. Pep turned around and started saying how lucky we are or something like that.
“Then it goes to the last bit of play, the ball is crossed into the middle and Lucho Diaz wants to head it and they save it. So then Darwin tells [Guardiola], ‘Ah, now you are the ones who are lucky’.
“From there, everything went to s**t. But it was very calm. Nothing serious.”
Meanwhile, Mary’s recent revelations have sparked a diverse range of reactions from the public, particularly among Kuami Eugene’s fans.
Some staunch supporters of the artist have come to his defence, praising his generosity and kindness towards Mary. They argue that Mary’s claims of mistreatment are unfounded and that she is ungrateful and disrespectful.
Additionally, they contend that the GH₵400 payment was fair for a house help, dismissing any entitlement to more money or fame. Some even go as far as accusing Mary of being sent from a witchcraft coven to sabotage Kuami Eugene’s career.
On the contrary,others criticise Kuami Eugene, alleging that he exploited and underpaid Mary while displaying rudeness and arrogance towards her. This group questions his credibility and moral standing as a role model and public figure.
They express sympathy for Mary, asserting that she deserved better treatment and recognition for her hard work and loyalty. The debate continues, reflecting the complex nature of the relationship between celebrities and their domestic staff.
Ghanaian forward Mohammed Kudus has assured West Ham United fans that he will contribute even more to the club as the season advances.
The Black Stars standout made this declaration on Sunday evening after scoring in the team’s 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace in the English Premier League.
During the match, Kudus, who has been enjoying a remarkable debut season with West Ham, opened the scoring for his team just 13 minutes into the game by converting a pass from Coufal in the box.
This marked his third goal in the Premier League for the Hammers.
Following the halftime break, French international Odsonne Edouard equalised for Crystal Palace in the fiercely contested clash.
In a post-match interview, Mohammed Kudus emphasized that there is more to come from him as the season progresses.
“It’s just the beginning for me, and I feel like there’s a lot more I can offer,” the Ghanaian star said.
Cultural Games Association (CGA) of Ghana has announced the initiation of the inaugural Ghana Africa (GHAF) Skyball League, scheduled to commence in June 2024.
The CGA underscores that the forthcoming league is a crucial part of their endeavours to popularise the sport, aiming for the establishment of at least two skyball clubs in every region of Ghana.
Nana Boateng Gyimah II, Krontihene of Senchi Asokore and National President of the CGA-Ghana, disclosed that a series of activities have been planned leading up to the league’s commencement.
He also called upon regional, municipal, district, and zonal sports authorities to actively register two Skyball clubs each for participation in the upcoming national league.
“The management of the Cultural Games Association will go to all regions to sensitise prospective Skyball League players’ about the rules, officiating, benefits, etc. of the Skyball.
“The Skyball is a flagship sport designed by the CGA to open avenues for talented footballers who are struggling to make an impact in football.”
Nana Boateng Gyimah II, also known in private life as Dr. Ernest Boateng Gyimah, has announced the CGA’s exploration of partnership opportunities with the Ghana Football Association and other football regulatory bodies worldwide.
The collaboration aims to strengthen the promotion and development of skyball.
Additionally, he revealed plans for the CGA to provide free skyball training to students in partnership with the Ghana Education Service, specifically through the Cultural Education Unit.
The Cultural Games Association, registered with theNational Sports Authority, plays a pivotal role in overseeing local traditional sports, including chaskele, ampe, pushboxing, and amanball, among others.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has provided additional insights into his heated altercation with Anthony Martial during their match against Newcastle.
The Red Devils faced the Magpies on Saturday at St James Park, where the hosts secured a narrow 1-0 victory, with Anthony Gordon scoring the decisive goal in the 55th minute.
Manchester Evening News has reported that Martial’s lacklustre attempt to track Fabian Schar’s run led to a confrontation between ten Hag and the French forward during the first half of the game.
The intensity of the clash prompted United’s staff to instruct Ramsus Hojlund to warm up, indicating a potential substitution for Martial.
However, despite his poor performance in the opening exchanges, Martial continued to play in the second half.
This incident added a layer of drama to United’s weekend clash against Newcastle, following a recent setback in the Champions League.
Speaking on his incident with Martial, ten Hag downplayed the aggressive clash, suggesting that he was looking to reenergize the team. “It’s not about Anthony Martial; it’s about the team,” he said.
“I try to energise the team and try to get areaction from the team at this moment. As you see, we had a tough period, and when you’re coaching, you are a little more aggressive, so that’s normal,” he added.
João Félix secured the game-winning goal for Barcelona against Atlético Madrid on Sunday night, expressing his joy in celebrating against his parent club.
Leading up to the clash, Félix found himself at the centre of a controversy, engaged in an ongoing war of words with his former teammates after deciding to leave Atlético in September.
The decision by the 23-year-old forward to celebrate scoring against his parent club further heightened tensions between Félix, the Atlético Madrid players, and supporters.
Félix was loaned to Barcelona from Atlético Madrid this summer after reportedly falling out with manager Diego Simeone. Despite claims, a return to La Rojiblancos seems highly unlikely, especially considering his actions on Sunday.
In an interview, Félix disclosed that his celebration against Atlético Madrid was a way to release the frustrations he endured while at his parent club, as reported by SB Nation.
The 23-year-old had a challenging time at Wanda Metropolitano, being benched after a fallout with Simeone before being loaned to Chelsea and then to Barcelona.
Félix explained that only those close to him understand the emotions he and his family went through, and the goal celebration served as a cathartic release against the team that had caused him significant distress.
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that João Félix’s exceptional dinked finish secured a crucial 1-0 win for Barcelona over Atlético in the La Liga title race. On loan at Barça from Atlético, the Portuguese forward openly expressed his satisfaction with leaving the Spanish capital during the summer.
Félix faced criticism from some Atlético players before the game, and Barcelona coach Xavi encouraged him to use these criticisms as inspiration.
João Félix expressed that a sense of relief fueled his celebration after scoring the sole goal in Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over his parent club, Atlético Madrid, on Sunday.
Following his goal in the 28th minute, João Félix stood on the advertising hoardings at the Olympic Stadium, arms raised, in front of the Atlético supporters.
The Portuguese forward, who joined Barcelona on a season-long loan from Atlético in September, explained that the celebration was connected to challenging moments leading up to securing the move.
“It was spontaneous,” he told Movistar after the game. “At the end of the day, you’re in the heat of the game and it was almost [a feeling of] relief for everything I went through in the summer.
“Only those closest to me, my family mainly, know what I went through. This was for them; I felt relieved for them, too.”
The lead-up to the game was marked by a verbal exchange between Félix and some of his ex-teammates. They expressed a preference for more attacking football and criticised him for perceived inconsistency.
However, Félix sought to minimise any animosity.
“I get on well with them,” he added. “They know it has nothing to do with them. I have nothing against them. I hope things go well for them, just not against us.
“Every week there is talk about me, for good or for bad. I focus on my job without looking at what people say or think. I am working to improve and be a better player.”
His goal against Atlético—the only one of the game for either side—comes just four days after his winner against FC Porto in the Champions League in midweek.
It was his fifth of the season for Barça and sealed an important win for the Blaugrana, moving them ahead of Atlético in the table, four points behind joint leaders Real Madrid and Girona.
“Once again he made the difference for the team,” Barça coach Xavi Hernández said in a news conference after the game.
“He worked hard, won a lot of balls back, was really good positionally and he has a good understanding with [João] Cancelo on that [left] flank.
“I am delighted for him. He’s happy and is making a difference in games, which is fantastic for him. It was an intelligent performance because sometimes when you are so motivated, you (sic) can cross a line.”
Félix later told ESPN that he hopes Barcelona will sign him permanently.
“That is more a question for the sporting director than me,” Xavi said of the chances of a deal happening. “But I am very happy with him. He is working hard, performing well and is a great kid in the dressing room. I am delighted to have him on the team.”
Inter Milan showcased a clinical display,capitalising on their chances to secure a commanding 3-0 victory against reigning champions Napoli on Sunday, reclaiming the top spot in Serie A.
Despite Napoli’s persistent challenges throughout the match, Inter demonstrated efficiency in front of goal.
Hakan Calhanoglu, Nicolo Barella, and Marcus Thuram each found the net at pivotal moments, countering Napoli’s momentum.
With this victory, Inter now leads Serie A with 35 points, establishing a two-point lead over second-placed Juventus after completing 14 matches.
“Coming to Naples, you have to expect some difficulties. Inter manager Simone Inzaghi told DAZN. “We had prepared in a certain way to push our wing-backs against their full-backs because the further away you keep Napoli from the penalty area, the better.
“The only time we really struggled was when we were defending too deep. Winning like this in Naples is satisfying, but we also know it is only Week 14 and there is a very long way to go.”
Napoli’s quest to defend their title suffered another setback as they now trail Inter by 11 points, following a 3-0 loss. Currently occupying fifth place with 24 points, they sit behind AS Roma in fourth.
The match began with Napoli showing vigour, with Eljif Elmas forcing a save from Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer with a powerful long-range shot.
Despite wearing their orange third kit, Inter struggled to find cohesion early on, facing challenges in maintaining momentum as Napoli exploited openings on the flanks.
Around the half-hour mark, Napoli’s Matteo Politano attempted a long-range shot, fed by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, only to see his effort hit the crossbar.
In the second half, Napoli continued their offensive efforts, with Kvaratskhelia narrowly missing the target with an angled drive on the hour mark.
However, Inter furthered their lead in the 61st minute, as Nicolo Barella skillfully navigated past two defenders to slot the ball beyond keeper Alex Meret.
Marcus Thuram secured the victory with a goal five minutes from time, capitalising on a precise cross from substitute Juan Cuadrado to tap home unmarked into the box, securing Inter’s third goal.
Manchester United is reportedly considering a January move for Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo, as revealed by Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.
The team’s recent struggles, evident in a 1-0 loss to Newcastle United, have highlighted issues at centre-back for Erik ten Hag’s side, with injuries and poor form contributing to their challenges.
The Red Devils are eyeing Todibo, who has been a standout performer for Nice, conceding only five goals in 14 Ligue 1 matches this season.
Despite their interest in Todibo, it is emphasised that any potential deal would not impact the pursuit of Benfica’s António Silva, identified as Man Utd’s priority for the upcoming summer transfer window.
Silva, aged 20, has garnered attention for his impressive performances since breaking through at Benfica last season and is considered Ten Hag’s primary target for the summer.
Deputy National Director of the environmental advocacy organisation, Daryl Bosu, a Rocha Ghana, has appealed to Shatta Wale to boycott a community mining project launch.
In an open letter addressed to dancehall artiste, Bosu charged Wale to reconsider his participation in the upcoming end-of-year concert, scheduled for December 8, 2023, in Ellembele.
Bosu highlighted concerns about the potential environmental and societal consequences associated with the Ellembele Community Mining Scheme.
The letter underscored the well-documented detrimental effects of mining activities on community farms, water bodies, and biodiversity habitats.
Bosu thus urged Shatta Wale to consider the devastating impacts on the environment and communities, emphasising the loss of biodiversity, polluted water bodies, and destroyed farmlands resulting from such practises.
The plea extends to the importance of investing in green and sustainable job opportunities that do not have negative consequences for the health of youth and the environment.
“The mining activities being endorsed are widely acknowledged for their detrimental impact on community farms, water bodies, and biodiversity habitats.
“The repercussions of such practises include polluted water bodies, destroyed farmlands, and the loss of biodiversity, creating a grim reality for both the present and future inhabitants of the affected areas.
“You certainly have witnessed the devastating impacts of the environmental and societal consequences associated with mining activities all over the country.
“We are therefore worried that, by supporting this, you will be contributing to the destruction of rivers and farmlands while depriving communities of investments to pursue green and sustainable job opportunities that do not leave negative consequences for the health of the youth, the environment or a healthy environment for future generations,” portions of the petition read.
The Community Mining Scheme is a government of Ghana initiative aimed at fighting illegal small-scale mining in communities dependent on mining activities.
Read the full petition below:
OPEN LETTER TO SHATTA WALE
SEASON OF FUN, INSPIRATION, AND HOPE, NOT DESTRUCTION
Dear Shatta Wale,
We trust this letter finds you amidst the boundless energy and creativity that define your remarkable work as an artist. The reason you are one of our favourite artists not only in Ghana but globally, Your music is loved and inspires many, especially the youth, in ways you cannot imagine. Your influence is profound, and that is not lost on you because of the huge fan base you command through the Shatta Movement. You bring Freedom and help the teeming youth find their Level in an age challenged by economic downturns, with resultantly high unemployment rates in many African countries. As though that is not enough, the global polycrisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental destruction is making coping strategies even more difficult, with youth in Africa doing whatever it takes to travel abroad to find greener pastures, if indeed there is really something like that.
Your upcoming and much anticipated end-of-year, explosive month-long concert is the talk of town. We are particularly in admiration but concerned knowing how far and wide your impact can reach. On December 8th, you are scheduled to give a mega concert that will also see the launch of Ellembele Community Mining. While the prospect of new ventures is always exciting, the potential environmental and societal consequences associated with unsustainable mining cannot be overlooked, particularly when many of our rivers and food systems are being destroyed.
The mining activities being endorsed are widely acknowledged for their detrimental impact on community farms, water bodies, and biodiversity habitats. The repercussions of such practises include polluted water bodies, destroyed farmlands, and the loss of biodiversity, creating a grim reality for both the present and future inhabitants of the affected areas. You have certainly witnessed the devastating impacts of the environmental and societal consequences associated with mining activities all over the country. We are therefore worried that, by supporting this, you will be contributing to the destruction of rivers and farmlands while depriving communities of investments to pursue green and sustainable job opportunities that do not leave negative consequences for the health of the youth, the environment or a healthy environment for future generations. While I understand the importance of supporting various causes, it is crucial to consider the long-lasting effects that such activities can have on our communities, ecosystems, and future generations. Everyone is feeling the impact of what the last decade of unsustainable mining has done to us. Everyone is now calling for a change, not more mining.
In light of these concerns, we implore you to consider the potential harm that could be inflicted on communities and the environment through the endorsement of such destructive practises. Instead, we encourage you to leverage your influence to advocate for more sustainable alternatives, such as the creation of green jobs for youth.
Even now, as we write this letter, thousands of youths from around the world are gathering in Dubai to demand their governments shift towards a green and just future, investing in sustainable solutions that secure the land and water for now and the future. Many Ghanaian youth are among them, passionately advocating for a change in trajectory. We got here by the century-long prioritisation of extractive industries in the oil and mining sectors. Leading to increasing global GHG emissions, deforestation and environmental degradation. There is a global push for change. Our government is here at COP 28, supporting the call for emissions reduction from fossil fuels and a halt to deforestation, forest and ecosystem degradation. Charity, they say, must begin at home, and that means we should also be moving away from our century-long focus and acceleration of mining industries creating jobs for a few but cumulatively destroying water and food systems, affecting millions of lives in Ghana. Ghana must reimagine and reinvent solutions for our youth and voices like yours can help shape the agenda. By championing initiatives that prioritise sustainable development, you can contribute to building a brighter future for communities while safeguarding our planet. Green jobs not only provide employment opportunities for youth but also support industries that prioritise environmental responsibility and conservation.
Your lyrics employ us to be heroes for our families and also “…so mi raise di banner cah mi love mi own motherland.” I believe in the power of your voice to inspire positive change, and I hope you will consider redirecting your support towards initiatives that align with the principles of sustainability and social responsibility. Together, we can foster a world where prosperity and environmental sustainability coexist harmoniously. Yes, we need to create sustainable jobs for the teeming unemployed youth. Community mining is, however, not the solution and we cannot continue forcing it on the people as we are doing now. Let’s raise heroes and banners that inspire hope for the youth while also guaranteeing a sustainable future.
We eagerly anticipate witnessing the positive impact your influential voice can have on the youth in Ghana and championing the green revolution in the future
Shatta to the world!
Sincerely Daryl Bosu Deputy National Director A Rocha Ghana Daryl.bosu@arocha.org
In a past interview with Potpourri and some other news outlets, Nigerian superstar actress Omotola Jalade-Ekende shared the secret of the success of her marriage.
Omotola has been married to Captain Matthew Ekeinde for 27 years, having been married at the age of 18. Unlike many of her colleagues who could not hold together in a marriage, Omotola’s has become a model from which many entertainers could borrow a leaf.
She preaches tolerance, submission, and understanding, adding that the greatest mistake a woman can make is to claim equality with her man.
“A woman must know her place and submit to her husband. The greatest mistake a woman can make is wanting to stand shoulder to shoulder with her man. When you show submission your man will respect and adore you for it, she echoes.
Omotola also gave a picture of the understanding that exists between her and her husband, which to many African couples and parents would have seemed inappropriate.
“I always tell people that women are stronger than men, psychologically. Let me tell you something more, my husband is actually the one who goes to the market. I don’t go to the market because I can’t. Because of my status, I can’t. But my husband didn’t say you know traditionally, a man is not supposed to go to the market, I’m not gonna go, no. My husband actually goes to the market, she has revealed much to the disbelief and outrage of so many.
“Earlier in my career, I used to go with him but I’d stay in the car, because our cars are tinted, so I’d stay in the car. But then, one time we went to Tejuosho and someone found out I was in the car. It became a major security risk, so he said don’t ever go with me again. He goes and he has fun and he comes back home, and I do the cooking, so you see we strengthen each other,” she had added.
Omotola had also confessed that not many men would have been able to stand her personality, adding she probably wouldn’t have married if she had not been so lucky to have had somebody like Captain Ekeinde.
She said, “ I don’t think there is a man that can handle me apart from my husband. Not because I am a bad person, it is because I have a very strong personality. I can understand why a lot of female artists find it very difficult to find the right person. When you achieve some kind of success, you become really confused as to who really loves you for who you are. It’s not really easy, you know, so it is very hard finding those people who really love you. If you are not a very grounded person ,you too can contribute in some kind of way to your own problems and so I might have contributed to my own problems.”
“Of course, many men have walked the altar with actresses and oftentimes have found out it is not the heaven it promised to be. The time spent away from home on locations is just too much for some spouses to bear. And so is the limelight that comes with all forms of temptations and vices of life. When Omotola was asked if her husband had ever complained about her career, it was another revelation moulded in love and understanding.
“No. Never. When I met him I was already an actress. I wasn’t a big star then, if anything, he was the one even encouraging me. To be honest with you, he’s my biggest movie fan. I don’t even watch most of my own movies, he’s the one who buys and watches them. There’s no one movie of mine he has not bought or watched. He doesn’t just watch them, he frames the posters. Most of the posters he framed them in wood and they are all over the house. The posters are framed into wood,” she told Potpourri in an interview.
Interestingly, the mother of four is fondlycalled by all as Omosexy. But few know the origin of the name. It is another product of long years of love and romance as the actress also revealed in another past interview.
On Monday, the UK government announced its support for the recommendations outlined in the review of domestic women’s football by former England international Karen Carney.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer referred to it as a “defining moment” for women’s football.
Carney’s July review presented 10 recommendations, including the transformation of the Women’s Super League and Championship into fully professional environments and the establishment of a dedicated broadcast slot for women’s soccer.
The government’s endorsement signals a commitment to advancing the professionalisation and visibility of women’s football in the country.
“Our attention will be on making them a reality and holding the football industry to account for their success,” the government said of the recommendations.
The government will also set up an implementation group for the review’s recommendations, consisting of the FA, incoming women’s football governing body NewCo and other stakeholders.
Frazer said she was confident the measures could propel the women’s game even further and set the “standard for women’s sport as a whole.”
“We are completely committed to delivering equal access to sport for girls in schools, alongside an unprecedented £400 million ($507 million) investment in grassroots facilities,” she said in a statement.
The UK government announced a £30 million investment in collaboration with the FA to construct approximately 30 new 3G pitches and facilities, with a primary focus on women’s and girls’ teams.
Karen Carney, a former Arsenal and Chelsea player, characterised the government’s additional investment and support as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform domestic women’s football for generations to come.”
This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing the infrastructure and resources available for women’s football, aiming to create lasting positive impacts on the sport at the grassroots level.
Chelsea’s current season is characterised as a stop-start and a work in progress, but one thing it can no longer be labelled as is dull.
The thrilling 3-2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, despite playing with 10 men, extended the total goals scored in their last four league games to an impressive 23.
As the final whistle blew at Stamford Bridge amid a wintry downpour, players and coaching staff flooded onto the pitch, reflecting a mixture of relief and celebration.
The visitors, Brighton, gave Chelsea a formidable challenge in yet another roller-coaster game.
While Mauricio Pochettino’s team showcased their attacking prowess with 12 goals in the recent four games against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Brighton, it also highlighted Chelsea’s vulnerability, conceding 11 goals.
Despite the offensive resurgence, the defensive aspect indicates that Chelsea still has work to do to reestablish themselves among the Premier League’s elite.
“Yes, we have conceded but to win, you need to score. That is entertainment; that is football. People love to see two offensive teams playing,” Pochettino told reporters.
“Of course, I want to score 10 goals and concede zero but if you want to be offensive, sometimes you take risks and concede chances. But it’s about winning,” he said.
Chelsea appeared on track for a comfortable rebound from their previous weekend’s 4-1 defeat at Newcastle, with Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill both notching their first league goals for the club in the 17th and 21st minutes.
Despite a curling strike by Facundo Buonanotte for the visitors and Chelsea captain Conor Gallagher receiving a second yellow card just before halftime, the Blues maintained a two-goal lead.
Fernanadez’s penalty in the 65th minute restored their cushion, but a late Joao Pedro header created a nervy finale. The match also included a penalty for Brighton, which was overturned after a VAR check.
Mauricio Pochettino praised his young players for meeting the challenge of playing half the match with 10 men, even though he disagreed with Gallagher’s second booking for a tackle from behind on former Chelsea colleague Billy Gilmour.
“I told them at halftime… I am happy that that happened because it’s a great opportunity for us,” he said. “It’s a massive challenge. Come on, now we need to show that we are a team.
“That is a thing that for sure will improve us.” Chelsea, who still sit 10 points off the top four in the 10th spot, will next face Manchester United away on Wednesday.
Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi lamented the “three very stupid goals” his side conceded but refused to be drawn on the decision that James Milner fouled Mykhailo Mudryk which allowed Fernandez to score from the spot and make the score 3-1.
“About football, what you want, but about the referee (Craig Pawson), I didn’t see anything,” said the Italian, who has been given a touchline ban in the past for his conduct towards match officials. “We have to accept every decision.”
Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, reassured that the team’s longest winless run in the Premier League in six years should not be a cause for alarm following their thrilling 3-3 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Despite Jack Grealish’s 81st-minute goal seemingly securing victory for the champions, Dejan Kulusevski’s header in the 90th minute resulted in City’s third successive draw.
Guardiola and his team expressed frustration when a potential game-winning moment involving Grealish was halted by referee Simon Hooper, who had initially allowed the advantage but later called a foul on Erling Haaland in the build-up.
After the intense match, City found themselves in third place in the standings, trailing leaders Arsenal by three points and one point behind Liverpool.
Guardiola, having regained his composure after a heated closing stage, downplayed concerns despite City conceding eight goals in their last three Premier League games and two in the midweek Champions League clash against RB Leipzig.
“The performance was quite similar to what we have done lately,” Guardiola told a press conference. “The people say you’re concerned about goals you concede, of course but the chances we concede, no.
“It’s not the first time we are in this situation where we are playing well but results don’t come.”
“I make mistakes; the players make mistakes,” Guardiola said. “It surprised me because when Erling went down, if you whistle, then it’s fine but when he stands up and continues and the ref makes the gesture to play on, then after he makes the pass, he stops the game.
“After (Haaland) made the pass, he stopped the game. I don’t want to criticise them. On the touchline, sometimes I lose my mind; my gesture was not proper.
“I would say we didn’t draw for that. They are happy, Tottenham for the point. We are less happy but the performance is similar to what we have done lately.”
Injury-plagued Tottenham halted a three-match losing streak in the league, and manager Ange Postecoglou expressed optimism that his team is emerging from a challenging period that commenced with a loss to Chelsea.
Numerous injuries and suspensions have disrupted his side following an impressive start to the season.
However, Sunday’s draw against City is expected to boost team morale as they approach Thursday’s home clash with West Ham United.
Postecoglou is hopeful that the resilient performance against City signals a turning point for Tottenham, despite the setbacks they’ve faced in recent matches.
“I always feel that if you can get through these tough periods by staying true to the team you want to be, then you come out of it stronger, irrespective of the knocks you get along the way,” the Australian said.
Under Xavi’s guidance, Barcelona maintained their flawless record against Atlético Madrid with a 1-0 triumph, securing crucial points in their pursuit of retaining the La Liga title.
Both teams, eager to keep pace with Real Madrid and Girona at the summit, engaged in an early exchange of attacks.
The visitors initiated the action with Nahuel Molina’s shot cleared off the line by Ronald Araújo.
Barcelona swiftly responded, missing a golden opportunity as Robert Lewandowski, unusually off target, headed wide from six yards.
Lewandowski continued to struggle with accuracy, squandering another chance by blasting wide from Jules Koundé’s precise delivery. However, Barcelona didn’t have to wait long for the breakthrough.
João Félix, once cast aside by former manager Diego Simeone, found redemption by delicately lobbing the ball into the net, providing Barcelona with a well-deserved lead.
Félix’s goal triggered a memorable celebration in front of the Atlético fans, but it failed to ignite a strong response from the visitors. Despite the setback, Barcelona’s performance under Xavi showcased their determination and effectiveness in securing a crucial victory.
Barcelona’s strategic celebration indeed had the intended impact, as they emerged after the break with a clear intent to add a second goal and seal the game. Their pursuit nearly materialised before the hour mark when Raphinha’s strike hit the post.
Simeone’s discontent was evident, as he utilised all five substitutions by the 66th minute. Unfortunately, the players introduced, including former Barça player Memphis Depay, failed to have the desired effect.
Depay made a valiant effort, particularly with a powerful free-kick aimed for the top corner. However, a remarkable save by Iñaki Peña Sotorres tipped the ball onto the woodwork, preventing an equaliser.
This proved to be the closest Los Colchoneros came to levelling the score. Barcelona held firm, securing three crucial points that kept them in close contention with the top two teams.
Atlético, despite the setback, remains in the mix, holding a trump card with a game in hand.
Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic criticized VAR decisions against his team following their 1-1 draw away at league leaders Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday, expressing frustration with the recurring nature of such incidents.
Dortmund claimed an early lead with Julian Ryerson’s goal after five minutes and had a potential penalty appeal just over 15 minutes before the end.
In this instance, Karim Adeyemi went down in the box after contact with Leverkusen defenders Edmond Tapsoba and Exequiel Palacios.
Despite the apparent contact, the on-field referee dismissed the appeal, and it seemed that VAR did not review the incident. Leverkusen capitalized on this turn of events, scoring the equalizer six minutes later through Victor Boniface.
Terzic’s remarks highlight his discontent with the consistency of VAR decisions adversely affecting his team.
Terzic said after the match he was “especially pissed off by the penalty situation with Karim,” saying “it really upsets me, because it’s not fair.”
“It happens to us a lot – and especially to Karim.”
Terzic said Tapsoba “clearly connects with Karim’s shin… I don’t agree and it’s difficult to understand.”
erzic visited the referee’s cabin after the match to discuss the incident, but said he was “not at all in agreement with the way it was explained to me.”
“We were clearly disadvantaged.”
The coach drew parallels between the recent VAR decision and a similar incident in the 2022/23 season. In that instance, during a 1-1 draw at Bochum, Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi was also brought down in the box, but no penalty was awarded.
These recurring situations have left the coach expressing frustration, highlighting instances where crucial decisions, or the lack thereof, have impacted Dortmund’s performance.
The coach’s mention of the team eventually losing the title last season to Bayern Munich on goal difference underscores the potential implications of such decisions on the overall outcome of the competition.
“Look back to the Bochum game where it was also Karim Adeyemi – so when something comes up again like that, we’re very unsatisfied… we’re frustrated today.”
Dortmund end the weekend in fifth place, ten points behind leaders Leverkusen and one spot outside the Champions League placings.
Erling Haaland (23) could potentially face disciplinary measures following his social media expression of dissatisfaction with referee Simon Hooper after Manchester City’s intense 3-3 draw with Tottenham on Sunday.
The City striker was visibly upset when the referee failed to play an advantage in the closing moments of the thrilling Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite being fouled, Haaland quickly got back up and played Jack Grealish through on goal, only for Hooper to halt play and award a free-kick.
Haaland joined several City players in expressing frustration towards the official, and he continued his protests after the game by sharing a clip of the incident on X (formerly Twitter) with the comment “WTF.”
Manager Pep Guardiola, unaware of Haaland’s social media post during his post-game interview, acknowledged the player’s on-field reaction and conceded that he could understand Haaland’s frustration.
“It’s normal,” said the City boss. “His reaction was the same for 10 players. The rules are that you cannot talk with the referees or fourth officials, so we should have had 10 players sent off today.
“He’s a little bit disappointed. Even the referee—if he played for Manchester City today, he would be disappointed in that action, that’s for sure.”
Guardiola had tried to temper his criticism, saying in a TV interview he did not want to make a “Mikel Arteta comment,” in reference to the Arsenal manager’s controversial remarks after a game against Newcastle last month.
He added in a press conference, “I make mistakes; the players make mistakes.
“It surprised me because in the moment Erling went down, if you whistle in that moment, it’s fine.
“But when he stands up and continues and the referee makes that gesture to play on, and after he (Haaland) makes the pass, he then stops the game—I don’t want to criticise him.
“On the touchline, sometimes I lose my mind and my gestures are not proper but for many years as a manager, I’m not a guy; when I’m refreshed, I comment.”
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou conceded that his team experienced a stroke of luck in their 3-3 draw with Manchester City, courtesy of a controversial late decision.
The match took a turn when referee Simon Hooper chose to halt play and award a free-kick for a foul instead of allowing the game to continue as Erling Haaland had just set Jack Grealish through on goal.
The decision interrupted a potentially threatening City attack in the closing stages of the game, with the score level at 3-3.
Postecoglou acknowledged that his team benefited from the decision, recognising the fortunate turn of events.
Asked if his team “got away with one” at the end of the game, the Australian said, “Yeah, I guess so, mate.”
He added to BBC Match of the Day: “It doesn’t affect me at all. I don’t think that is the story of the game today; there are better storylines from that fantastic game of football than one refereeing decision.”
The referee’s decision marked a dramatic conclusion to an exhilarating Premier League clash. Spurs initially took the lead with an early goal from Son Heung-min, but the joy was short-lived as the Korean inadvertently scored an own goal, leveling the score.
Phil Foden then propelled the home side into the lead, only for Giovani Lo Celso to bring Tottenham back on even terms. Jack Grealish thought he secured victory for City after 81 minutes, but Dejan Kulusevski’s header in the 90th minute sealed the final equalizer.
The crucial moment occurred after Kulusevski’s goal when referee Simon Hooper, initially playing advantage, later awarded a foul.
This decision drew strong reactions, with City’s Erling Haaland expressing his frustration both on the pitch and on social media, posting “Wtf” alongside a clip of the incident.
The draw places Spurs in fifth position on the Premier League table, trailing City by three points in third place. With four consecutive games without a win,Tottenham faces West Ham on Thursday in their next fixture.
Micky’s interview with Deloris Frimpong Manso on The Delay Show was intriguing from the outset.
The social media sensation began by playfully comparing the presenter’s beauty to a pestle, suggesting that, like a pestle’s pounding end altered for better functionality, Delay’s beauty has stood the test of time and continues to radiate, enhancing her overall allure.
Despite the passage of time, Micky appreciates and acknowledges Delay’s enduring beauty.
“The sweet melanin,” he said in the interview monitored by GhanaWeb while addressing the host, who is 41 years old. “The way you are, right from top to bottom, you can see everything is natural. Forever young. You’re over forty years old, but you look good.”
Resorting to simile, he continued, “You’re like a pestle. When the pounding end is cut, it becomes new. When you use it for about six months and cut the end again, it looks all new. That’s how you are. The way you look, you can be a hundred years old but still look young. You’re pure.”
Code Micky joins a list of personalities, including Okyeame Kwame, Dr. Likee, Amerado, and others, who have openly shared their perspectives on Delay’s appearance.
However, Delay’s acclaim extends far beyond her looks, as she is highly regarded for her exceptional interviewing skills.
Marked by a composed demeanor and insightful questions, Delay has solidified herself as a prominent figure in the industry, boasting a remarkable television career spanning over fourteen years.
Delay embarked on her broadcasting journey in 1999 at Life FM in Nkawkaw, Eastern Region. In 2005, she made her mark at Top Radio in Accra, hosting a midmorning show until 2007. From 2007 to 2016, Delay contributed her talents to Oman FM.
It was during her tenure at Oman FM in 2008 that she launched her own television show, ‘The Delay Show,’ a program that continues to captivate audiences, showcasing her enduring influence and impact in the industry.
Former Hearts of Oak coach, Martin Koopman, has levied serious allegations against the club’s Board of Directors regarding player selection during his tenure.
The Dutch coach and the club mutually agreed to part ways following a string of unsatisfactory results.
Koopman, who had initially signed a two-year deal with the club, disclosed in an interview that the Board of Directors instructed him not to utilise seven players at the beginning of the ongoing 2023–24 Ghana Premier League season.
He asserted that the club’s leadership had expressed a lack of trust in these players.
These revelations shed light on internal challenges within the club and raise questions about the dynamics between the coaching staff and the Board of Directors at Hearts of Oak during Koopman’s tenure.
“There are seven players they told me not to use in the competition. It was a day before our opening game,” Koopman told GhanaSportsPage.com.
“They named three players, but they later changed it to seven players (Annan, Korsah, Esso, Albert Eonde, Salifu, Seidu, and Attah).
They told me not to use them because they don’t believe them and they cannot help me in the competition,” he added.
Koopman managed to secure only two victories and a total of six goals in 10 Ghana Premier League matches during his tenure.
Hearts of Oak, currently without a new head coach, suffered an exit from the MTN FA Cup after being defeated by division-one side Nania FC.
The team is now in search of a suitable candidate to fill the coaching role.
Meanwhile, the Phobians are gearing up for their upcoming match on matchday 13 against Aduana FC at the Nana Agyemang Badu stadium on Sunday.
This match poses a significant challenge for the team, and their performance will be closely watched as they aim to recover from recent setbacks.
Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive, Sule Salifu, has secured the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary candidature for Tamale Central in the upcoming 2024 general election.
He emerged victorious by garnering 433 votes out of a total valid count of 848, surpassing competitors Ismail Yahuza and Abass Zakaria, who received 350 and 65 votes, respectively.
Following the announcement of the results, Mr. Salifu expressed gratitude to the delegates for their trust in him.
In an interview with the media in Tamale, he reaffirmed his confidence in winning the Tamale Central Constituency seat for the party, emphasising that effective strategies, unity, and meticulous groundwork were instrumental in achieving this objective.
Mr. Salifu’s victory signals his commitment to breaking new ground for the party in Tamale Central, and his emphasis on strategic planning and unity underscores his dedication to securing success in the upcoming electoral contest.
“As the parliamentary candidate-elect, I am going to team up with the Council of Elders, party executives, women and youth groups and all stakeholders who matter in determining how to win the seat,” he said.
“There is no seat that is not winnable because once upon a time we were told the Mion, Karaga and Damongo seats were for the NDC. These seats are now owned by theNew Patriotic Party(NPP).”
Mr Salifu described the NPP as a united, focused and determined political party, whose peaceful nature was demonstrated in the smooth process of the election in the “orphan constituencies.”
Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, has conveyed a strong belief in the party’s ability to secure victory in the forthcoming 2024 general elections.
During an interview on JoyNews’ The Probe, Mr. Mohammed underscored the positive outcomes observed in the NPP primaries within orphan constituencies, interpreting them as indicative of the party’s preparedness to maintain its political dominance.
Expressing confidence in obtaining a majority of seats in the 2024 elections, he attributed this optimism to the calibre of candidates strategically chosen in constituencies without current NPP representation.
Mr Mohammed went on to laud the delegates for their pivotal role in the candidate selection process, highlighting the demonstrated competence and strong rapport with the electorate as key criteria.
Acknowledging the internal nature of the contest, he clarified that in such scenarios, there are no losers but rather a purposeful selection process.
The Deputy General Secretary’s remarks underscore the party’s unity and confidence in the candidates chosen to represent the NPP in the upcoming elections.
“There was no winner and there was no loser at the end of the polls because this is an internal contest. In an internal contest, there’s no loser; there’s a selection,” Mohammed explained.
Highlighting the imperative of internal harmony, Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, underscored the importance of unity within the party.
He urged all contestants to unite and support the selected candidates collaboratively post-competition.
Mr. Mohammed emphasised the pivotal role of national, regional, and constituency officers in fostering inclusivity and cohesion within the party. He stressed the shared responsibility of party leaders at various levels to promote a sense of togetherness.
Recognising the forthcoming elections as a critical opportunity, Mr. Mohammed articulated the party’s ambition to break the eight-year cycle and secure victory in the political landscape. His remarks highlight the significance of solidarity and collective effort within the NPP to achieve success in the upcoming political contest.
“This is our second attempt at breaking the eight, and this time around, we’re going to make it. We’re very sure of winning political power, but we need a majority in the House of Parliament, he asserted.
On Saturday, 321 aspirants vied for a slot in 111 constituencies described as ‘orphan’ because the incumbent MPs are not the reps of the NPP.
Delegates were given the mandate to select individuals who would contest the 2024 parliamentary electionon the ticket of the party.
Ghana Premier League powerhouse Hearts of Oak has been compelled to move its home games to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium due to the closure of the Accra Sports Stadium.
This relocation impacts the eagerly anticipated Super Clash against Asante Kotoko SC, originally scheduled for Accra on Sunday, December 10, which will now be held in Kumasi.
The closure of the Accra Sports Stadium is attributed to its rental for Christmas concerts and other events.
The Ghana Football Association officially confirmed this decision by Hearts last Friday.
Currently occupying the 7th position on the league table with 16 points, Hearts recently parted ways with coach Martinus Koopman. Assistant Abdul Rahim Bashiru is temporarily in charge until a permanent appointment is made.
The Phobians are gearing up for a challenging fixture against league leaders Aduana Stars at Nana Agyemang Badu Park in Dormaa Ahenkro.
In a midweek setback, Hearts faced an embarrassing elimination from the FA Cup, losing on penalties to lower-tier Nania FC.
Emmanuel Barnes, commonly referred to as ‘Mr. Logic,‘ has conveyed deep disappointment towards gospel singer Esther Smith for relocating to the United States, thereby depriving her fans of new music.
The absence of the iconic gospel musician from the music scene has become a significant point of concern, especially given her previous pattern of consistently delivering hit songs.
This matter surfaced during a conversation on United Showbiz, and Mr. Logic openly expressed his disappointment.
“I am so disappointed in that woman. I am so disappointed in Esther Smith. I am so disappointed in Esther Smith. Whether it is marriage or a man, or whatever it is that caused her to stop singing in the mainstream, I am telling her that some of us are disappointed. I am so disappointed to an extent; I wish I can say it to her face.
“There are some gospel singers; their songs and presence have changed the scene and she is one of them. Her songs were hits. The voice, composition, melody and everything This is a lady; I don’t know why she disappeared,” he stated.
Earlier in a viral interview,Esther Smith disclosed that she had to relocate from Ghana to Germany to seek a proper solution to her son’s ailing heart condition.
She said after receiving the best medical care, her son is now a football player who is gradually making strides.
“I relocated from Ghana because of my son’s heart condition. My son had a battery in his heart and when the battery went out, it meant his life was being cut short. But now, he is safe and plays football,” she stated.
The award-winning gospel singer also argued that she hasn’t quit music, adding that she is currently a member of the Church of England Choir.
Some notable songs by Esther Smith are “Nipa,” “Ma Won San,” and “Onyame Boafo,” among others.
Failed marriage
Esther Smith revealed that she endured domestic abuse throughout her four-year marriage to her former husband, Rev. Ahenkan Bonsu.
She made this revelation in response to the reported death of Nigerian singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, who allegedly succumbed to physical abuse in her marriage.
Making this announcement at the 2nd edition of the AccraVaganza music festival held at the Untamed Empire on December 2, Shatta Wale explained that he entered the real estate business alongside an undisclosed partner.
The venture aims to create job opportunities and contribute positively to society.
During the event, the “On God” hitmaker generously gifted GH₵1000 to five fortunate fans among the gathered patrons.
He emphasised that this gesture was not only to raise awareness about the brand but also to embody the spirit of the holiday season
“This is December and I want to give back to my fans. This is one of the occasions I can do this. I have this real estate company I want you to tell others about . It is a ‘feel-good homes’ .
“Tell your friends that Shatta Wale has beautiful homes for everybody who wants to buy one,” he said.
Although details about Shatta Wale’s venture into the real estate business remain limited, it marks his second business endeavor following the launch of “Shaxi,” a ride-hailing service introduced earlier in 2023.
In a bid to secure crucial transfer funds, Arsenal is reportedly considering the sale of midfielder Thomas Partey during the upcoming January transfer window.
Manager Mikel Arteta is determined to strengthen the squad, aiming to guide the Gunners to their first Premier League title in two decades.
The primary focus is on acquiring a new midfielder, with a forward also high on Arteta’s transfer wishlist.
The pursuit of new additions, however, necessitates the departure of some current Arsenal players.
ESPN reports suggest that Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey could be among those set for a move away from the club.
Partey, at 30, has been limited to just four Premier League appearances this season due to injury, and his return to action is not anticipated until January.
Complicating matters, Arsenal is likely to miss Partey for an additional month as he joins the Ghana squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Gunners were reportedly open to selling Partey earlier, particularly after the arrival of Declan Rice in July.
However, a suitable bid did not materialise before the transfer deadline.
As Arsenal explores the possibility of Partey’s departure, it could pave the way for the club to address Arteta’s priorities in the transfer market and make the necessary additions to the squad.
Charles Kwablan Herrmann, the son of former Ghana coach Charles Akonnor, has achieved World Cup glory with Germany as they secured the U-17 FIFA World Cup trophy.
This historic victory marks Germany’s first-ever world championship at the U-17 level, achieved through a dramatic penalty shootout against France.
Herrmann, following in his father’s footballing footsteps, played a significant role throughout the tournament held in Indonesia. He made five appearances, scored a goal, and provided three assists.
The intense final at the Manahan Stadium in Jakarta witnessed Borussia Dortmund’s Paris Brunner open the scoring with a penalty in the first half, followed by a goal from team captain Noah Darvich after the break.
Despite facing a one-man disadvantage after midfielder Winners Osawe was sent off, Germany held their ground.
France, however, narrowed the gap with a goal from Monaco’s Saimon Bouabre three minutes later. The match took another turn when France equalised with a tap-in goal from Mathis Amougou in the 85th minute.
The resilient German defence held firm, leading the game into a penalty shootout. Robert Ramsak, Max Moerstadt, Fayssal Harchaoui, and Almugera Kabar converted their penalties, securing a 4-3 victory for Germany.
This U-17 World Cup triumph adds to Germany’s recent European championship win at the same level in June.
Herrmann, a player for the Dortmund U-19 team, had previously played a crucial role in securing theU17 European championship for Germany.
Nigerian actor Yul Edochie has offered advice to filmmakers in Nollywood, emphasising that no matter how much they imitate foreign movies, especially those from Hollywood, they can never surpass them.
He expressed this viewpoint on his Instagram story, directly addressing Nollywood’s tendency to emulate their international counterparts.
Edochie urged filmmakers to focus on sharing authentic Nigerian stories and incorporating more of the country’s rich culture and traditions into their movies.
In his words, “Dear Nigerian filmmakers,I commend all of us for all we’ve achieved so far. We must never forget this; no matter how much we copy oyibo, we no be Oyibo; we can never do their thing better than them.
“The only thing we can do better than them is our own thing. Let’s tell more Nigerian stories.
Let’s show more of our culture & tradition in our stories. Oyibo ways are not better than ours. They have sold theirs. Let’s sell ours. Proudly. YUL EDOCHIE.”
Recent reports indicate that the well-known broadcast journalist, Nana Yaa Brefo, has officially resigned from Angel FM, a part of the Angel Broadcasting Network (ABN).
Her resignation became effective on December 1, 2023. Nana Yaa Brefo communicated her decision to the management on Thursday, November 30, 2023, and subsequently disengaged from all social media platforms associated with the station, including WhatsApp.
The reasons behind her departure remain unclear, occurring a few weeks after her return from the United Kingdom, where she had spent some holidays.
However, in what appears to be a threat of subtle jabs, the broadcaster on her Facebook page, in a thread of posts, wrote, “End of the road (Boyz 11 men). U flourish when u are loved in any environment u find yourself.”
After serving at the Multimedia Group as a newsreader and co-host on Adom FM and TV, Nana Yaa Brefo transitioned to the Angel Broadcasting Network.
Notably, she joined ABN following her stint at Multimedia.
However, the management of ABN has opted not to provide any comments or statements regarding this recent development.
Gospel artist Isaiah Kwadwo Ampong, widely known as ‘Great Ampong,’ has explained the motivations behind including a song condemning LGBTQ on his latest album.
The prominent gospel singer firmly believes that homosexuality goes against God’s teachings, and individuals engaged in such practises should either repent or face dire consequences.
Speaking on United Showbiz, hosted by MzGee, Great Ampong expressed his views.
Drawing parallels with the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah, he explained, “I’ve composed a song addressing LGBTQI+. The reason behind it is the historical destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, which occurred due to such acts.
“My intention is to advise those involved to refrain from it. The gospel, in essence, is about sharing good news and promoting everything positive that brings about a transformation in people’s character.”
On a separate note,Great Ampong is set to launch his 17th album on December 3, 2023, at the Parliament Chapel in Odorkor, Accra.
Brazilian forward Vitor Roque, 18, is poised to make a move to Spanish powerhouse Barcelona in January. Club Athletico Paranaense announced on Saturday that Roque would play his final home game against Santos on Sunday before embarking on his European journey.
Barcelona had secured an agreement to acquire Roque from Athletico in July for a reported 40 million euros plus 21 million in add-ons, with the young player committing to a seven-year contract.
However, Barcelona’s financial constraints and struggles with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations had hindered the registration of new signings in the past two seasons, casting uncertainty on Roque’s status.
The club, though, has managed to free up space in the salary cap due to a long-term knee injury to midfielder Gavi. This development will allow Barcelona to include Roque in their squad in January, providing much-needed depth behind the 36-year-old forward Robert Lewandowski.
Roque, recovering from a two-month ankle injury, returned to action last weekend with a 26-minute appearance in a goalless draw against Vasco. In Friday’s match against Cruzeiro, he played for 45 minutes and scored his first goal since September.
Hailing from the same Cruzeiro academy that produced the legendary Ronaldo Nazario, Roque joined Athletico at the beginning of 2022, accumulating 28 goals in 80 appearances.
In the previous year, he played a pivotal role in helping the team reach the Copa Libertadores final.
Having earned his first cap for Brazil in March, Roque made history as the youngest debutant for the five-time world champions at 18 years and 25 days old, a record previously held by Ronaldo, who debuted for Brazil at 17 in 1994.
Ghanaian musician Becca has once again responded to allegations suggesting that she has bleached her skin.
Disputing assertions that her transformed appearance is the result of skin-whitening cosmetic products, she attributed it to the use of ‘free’ Snapchat filters.
Becca made these statements in support of a netizen who echoed the same perspective.
The controversy arose when the ‘Beshiwo’ hitmaker shared a picture on Instagram with the caption, “The way you make people feel is your reputation. Loving my process.”
In defence of Becca and to counter the numerous trolls in the comment section, the netizen asserted, “Tell them, queen, all the filters are on Snapchat.”
The speculations about Becca bleaching her skin resurfaced and gained traction after recent pictures of her surfaced online. It’s worth noting that when similar concerns emerged on social media in 2018, Becca had previously dealt with such criticisms with resilience.
“Its fine to chastise me. It makes me a stronger person. I wasn’t bothered at all. Do I look bleached? Some of them [the comments] were really ridiculous. I carry determination—a spirit that is not deterred.
“As a celeb, you give room for bashing. People discuss you and doing this for ten years; I have a tough skin, she told HitzFM.
