Sports

Eto’o luring Yann Bisseck to Indomitable Lions

17, December 2023

Eto’o luring Yann Bisseck to Indomitable Lions 0

Former Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto’o is reportedly working on luring Yann Bisseck to Cameroon for the African Cup of Nations.

The 42-year-old played for the Nerazzurri between 2009 and 2011, forming a deadly attacking partnership with Diego Milito. He won the historic treble during his maiden campaign at Appiano Gentile.

Today, the Barcelona legend serves as the head of the Cameroonian Football Federation.

Therefore, the retired striker will be looking to bolster his national team’s ranks ahead of the upcoming African Cup of Nations.

AFCON 2023 will take place in the Ivory Coast between January 13th and February 11th.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport via FcInterNews24, Eto’o has contacted Bisseck asking him to join the Indomitable Lions.

The former Nerazzurri star even called the club to inquire about the player’s qualities.

The 23-year-old was born in Koln and has been representing the German national team through various age ranks. He currently plays for Germany U21.

But since he has yet to make his senior debut, he can still change his international allegiance and join his country of origin.

Source: sempreinter

Nigeria superstar Victor Osimhen crowned 2023 CAF Player of the Year

11, December 2023

Nigeria superstar Victor Osimhen crowned 2023 CAF Player of the Year 0

Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has been named the 2023 CAF Player of the Year following his heroics for his country and club.

The Super Eagles superstar claimed the CAF gong at Monday’s awards ceremony in Marrakech after his goal glut inspired Napoli’s league title triumph last term.

Osimhen saw off challenges from Morocco full-back Achraf Hakimi and Egypt striker Mohammed Salah to land African football’s biggest individual prize.

Napoli hot-shot won the coveted prize after firing his club to a first Serie A title in over three decades.

The honour capped a remarkable year for the powerful front man who also fired Nigeria to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with 10 goals to finish as the top scorer of the qualifiers.

The Italy-based striker plundered 27 goals across all fronts as the Napoli entertainers lit up Italian football.

In doing so, the 24-year-old became the first Napoli player to finish top scorer in Italian football since Diego Maradona in 1987/88.

Osimhen is now the first Nigerian winner of the men’s award since Kanu Nwankwo in 1999 after another prolific campaign.

His goals propelled Napoli to their first Serie A crown since the days of Maradona – a triumph few predicted last summer.

And with a historic title under his belt, Osimhen’s victory was just reward after a season that demonstrated his development into one of Europe’s most fearsome No.9s.

Source: CAFonline

CAF 2023 Awards: Eto’o, Adebayor, other legends light up Marrakech streets

10, December 2023

CAF 2023 Awards: Eto’o, Adebayor, other legends light up Marrakech streets 0

The CAF Awards 2023, one of the most eagerly awaited events on the African football calendar, takes place on Monday 11 December in Marrakech, Morocco.  

With 48 hours to go before the prestigious ceremony, CAF has announced the presence of several renowned guests who will join the nominees in celebrating the excellence and remarkable achievements of African football.  

Among the prestigious guests who have confirmed their presence are football legends, music and art celebrities and prestigious names from other sporting disciplines, including Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon), Abedi Pele (Ghana), El Hadji Diouf (Senegal), Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo), Jay-Jay Okocha (Nigeria), Jonathan Pitroipa (Burkina Faso), Kalusha Bwalya (Zambia), Ahmed Hassan (Egypt), Perpetua Nkwocha (Nigeria), Patrick Mboma (Cameroon), Mikel Obi (Nigeria), among others.  

These renowned personalities will bring an aura of grandeur to the event and help make this edition of the CAF Awards even more memorable.  

On the sidelines of the event, a charity football game will be held at Marrakech Stadium on Sunday, 10 December at 16h00 local time (15h00 GMT) to honour earthquake victims. 

The CAF Awards are a special opportunity to recognize and reward outstanding performances by African players, coaches, teams and clubs over a given period.  

This year, the period under consideration runs from November 2022 to September 2023 for the men’s categories and from December 2022 to November 2023 for the women’s categories. 

Full List  of Legends  

LegendsCountry
El Hadji  DioufSenegal
Samuel Eto’oCameroon
Manuel Jose Luis BucuaneMozambique
Emmanuel AdebayorTogo
Gaelle EnganamouitCameroon
Geremi NjitapCameroon
Janine van WykSouth Africa
Pascal  FeindounoGuinea
Herita IlungaDR Congo
Charles KaboreBurkina Faso
Thomas N’KonoCameroon
Abedi PeleGhana
Alberta SackeyGhana
Augustine Jay-Jay OkochaNigeria
Clementine ToureCote d’Ivoire
Emmanuel AmunikeNigeria
Ahmed HassanEgypt
Siaka TieneCote d’Ivoire
Jonathan PitroipaBurkina Faso
Kalusha BwalyaZambia
Khalilou FadigaSenegal
Mercy   AkideNigeria
Mikel John ObiNigeria
Onome EbiNigeria
Patrick  M’BomaCameroon
Perpetua NkwochaNigeria
Mamadou NiangSenegal
Precious DedeNigeria
Rainford KalabaZambia
Titi CamaraGuinea
Rigobert SongCameroon
Salomon KalouCôte d’Ivoire
Siphiwe TshabalalaSouth Africa
Anthony BaffoeGhana
Mustapha El HaddaouiMorocco
Demba BaSenegal
FECAFOOT Crisis: Release of an indictment of Samuel Eto’o in book

9, December 2023

FECAFOOT Crisis: Release of an indictment of Samuel Eto’o in book 0

Samuel Eto’o was clearly unaware of the publication of a book dedicated to the first two years of his presidency at the head of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), written by journalist Jean-Bruno Tagne, who was once his campaign manager.

The title, “L’arnaque” (“The scam”), is quite evocative and should make the former captain and striker of the Indomitable Lions sit up and take notice.

In it, the author discusses the campaign, Eto’o’s first two years and the broken promises, the numerous affairs that have rocked the body, the organization of competitions, as well as FECAFOOT governance and the “very personal” exercise of power. The interested party’s reaction should not be long in coming…

Source: Sports news africa

Football: Real Madrid held as Ruibal rocket earns draw for Betis

9, December 2023

Football: Real Madrid held as Ruibal rocket earns draw for Betis 0

Leaders Real Madrid stumbled to a 1-1 draw at Real Betis on Saturday as Aitor Ruibal’s brilliant strike cancelled out Jude Bellingham’s league-best 12th goal of the season.

Bellingham slotted Madrid ahead at the Benito Villamarin early in the second half after combining magnificently with Brahim Diaz.

But Ruibal drilled an angled shot into the top corner from outside the area to earn Betis a point and extend their unbeaten run in La Liga to 11 matches.

Madrid pulled one point clear of Girona but could lose top spot on Sunday if the surprise challengers beat neighbours Barcelona in a Catalan derby.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side thought they had taken the lead when Diaz turned in from close range on 16 minutes after a superb exchange between Bellingham and Rodrygo.

Bellingham backheeled the ball towards Rodrygo who slid the ball between the legs of a defender. An attempted clearance ricocheted off Rodrygo and left Diaz with a tap-in, but the Brazilian was offside in the build-up.

Chasing a fifth successive home league win, Betis twice went close as Ayoze Perez saw an attempt well saved by Andriy Lunin before Willian Jose bent an effort narrowly wide of the far post.

Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva clawed behind a long-range drive from Luka Modric, but he was powerless to stop Bellingham breaking the deadlock eight minutes after half-time.

The England midfielder retrieved the ball deep in Betis territory near the touchline, finding Diaz and chesting down the scooped return pass as he strode into the box and stroked past Silva.

Madrid’s lead lasted only 13 minutes as Ruibal was afforded far too much time and space before he rifled home from 20 metres, grabbing his first league goal in a two-and-a-half years.

Both teams pushed for a winner and former Madrid attacker Isco nearly undid his old club when he headed against the post.

Joselu dribbled an effort agonisingly wide in stoppage time at the other end before Lunin tipped over centre-back Chadi Riad’s header with the last touch of the game.

Source: AFP

Football: Pele’s former club Santos relegated for first time in 111-year history

7, December 2023

Football: Pele’s former club Santos relegated for first time in 111-year history 0

Santos, Brazil legend Pele’s former club, have been relegated for the first time in their 111-year history.

A 2-1 home defeat by Fortaleza in their final league match of the season meant they dropped out of Serie A, Brazil’s top flight.

Santos won 12 state titles, six league titles and two Copas Libertadores during their golden era of the 1950s and 60s.

Three-time World Cup-winner Pele died at the age of 82 last year.

Santos, who also produced Brazil’s record scorer Neymar, have suffered financial problems in recent years.

Heading into the final game of the season, America Mineiro, Coritiba and Goias had been relegated.

With Santos level at 1-1, Vasco da Gama – drawing 1-1 with Red Bull Bragantino – occupied the fourth relegation spot in the 20-team division.

But Serginho scored for Vasco in the 82nd minute and a stoppage-time winner from Fortaleza’s Lucero left Santos one point adrift of safety.

Palmeiras were crowned champions for the second season in a row – and 12th in total – thanks to a 1-1 draw at Cruzeiro.

Flamengo and Sao Paulo are the only remaining sides who have never been relegated.

Source: BBC

Limbe: Cameroon beat Nigeria in clash of former football stars

1, December 2023

Limbe: Cameroon beat Nigeria in clash of former football stars 0

A team comprising former star footballers of Cameroon beat ex-Nigeria players 3-1 in a testimonial game on Thursday evening.

In front of over 10,000 spectators at the Omnisport Stadium in the seaside resort town of Limbe, Julius Aghahowa netted the sole Nigerian goal for the Jay-Jay Okocha-led squad.

Samuel Eto’o, Bernard Tchoutang and Ndip Tambe scored for Cameroon to overpower Nigeria in a match billed as a repeat of the 2000 African Nations Cup final in which Cameroon defeated Super Eagles on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

“Quite an entertaining game and it would have been a wonderful coincidence if the result was the same as the original 2000 final. These legends can still play in championships today,” Nigerian supporter Emeka James who watched the match said.

Cameroonian supporter Michael Jaaba was particularly enthused about seeing legends such as Samuel Eto’o and Jay-Jay Okocha.

“They did not disappoint us. We enjoyed the gala match,” he said.

Cameroon organized the game as part of activities to mark International Plantain Festival, which will be officially launched in the country on Friday.

Source: Xinhaunet

British Olympic champion Mo Farah joins UN migration agency

28, November 2023

British Olympic champion Mo Farah joins UN migration agency 0

Four-time Olympic gold medal winner Mo Farah, who was born in Somalia and trafficked to Britain as a child, joined the UN migration agency on Tuesday as its first global goodwill ambassador.

The athletics great, who retired in September aged 40, said he wanted to help people in similar circumstances to overcome their experiences.

Farah won the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres at both the London 2012 and Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics in a stellar long-distance running career.

But in July 2022 he revealed that his real name is Hussein Abdi Kahin and he had been illegally trafficked into Britain as a child.

Rather than moving to the UK as a refugee from Somalia with his parents, as previously claimed, Farah revealed he came via Djibouti aged eight or nine with a woman he had never met, was given a false identity, and then made to look after another family’s children.

“No child should ever go through what I did; victims of child trafficking are just children. They deserve to be children. They deserve to play and to be kids,” Farah said.

He was appointed by the International Organization for Migration at the IOM Council, the UN agency’s annual main gathering.

“Becoming a global goodwill ambassador for IOM gives me a chance to help people — people like me — and make changes,” said Farah.

The athletics star wants to use his new platform to raise awareness of issues affecting migrants, including trafficking, and advocate for the power of sport to change lives, especially for women and girls.

“I was able to take the opportunity sport offered me to overcome my experiences as a young boy and show that no matter what we look like or what we sound like, we can achieve and overcome great things,” he said.

Farah said he was forced to do housework and childcare in return for food after being trafficked to London, and, estranged from his true family, would often lock himself in the bathroom in tears.

“A champion on and off the track, and a survivor of human trafficking, he brings true dedication, commitment and drive to IOM’s work, helping millions of people on the move and inspiring us all,” said the agency’s chief Amy Pope.

The IOM has two regional ambassadors: Ghanaian musician Kofi Kinaata and Egyptian actor Asser Yassin.

Source: AFP

Limbe: Ambazonia Interim Gov’t threatens violence against Jay Jay Okocha, Amokachi over Eto’o tournament invitation

27, November 2023

Limbe: Ambazonia Interim Gov’t threatens violence against Jay Jay Okocha, Amokachi over Eto’o tournament invitation 0

A separatist group known as the Restoration Fighters of the Ambazonia Interim Government has issued a grave warning to prominent Nigerian football figures, including former national captain Austin Jay Jay Okocha and Daniel Amokachi. The threat comes in response to an invitation extended by Samuel Eto’o, the President of the Cameroonian Football Association, inviting international football stars to a ceremonial tournament in Victoria City, Cameroon, on November 30, 2023.

The separatist group, advocating for the independence of Southern Cameroons, voiced their opposition to the tournament, describing it as a mockery of the Ambazonian people.  The Interim Government emphasized that participation in the event would jeopardize the safety of the invited football stars.

The group has declared a total lockdown on Victoria City and entire Fako County on the specified date, warning residents to stay indoors under the threat of death for non-compliance. The message underscores the severity of the situation, cautioning against actions that might be misconstrued as aligning with any form of propaganda.

Expressing deep concerns about the timing and location of the tournament, the separatists question Samuel Eto’o’s decision to organize the event in Victoria, a territory marked by conflict for over seven years. The group raises legitimate fears about potential exploitation of the situation, urging Nigerian football icons to reconsider their involvement to prevent unintended bloodshed. This controversy adds a layer of complexity to the already strained relations between Cameroon and Ambazonian separatists.

Source: Nigerian Bulletin

Ghanaian MP has apologized to Manchester United’s Maguire after mocking him

22, November 2023

Ghanaian MP has apologized to Manchester United’s Maguire after mocking him 0

A Ghanaian MP has apologised to Manchester United footballer Harry Maguire after mocking him last year.

MP Isaac Adongo was debating the budget when he compared Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia’s economic management to Maguire’s performances on the pitch.

Maguire has come in for heavy criticism from some fans but fellow footballers have come to his defence.

On Tuesday, Mr Adongo said he wanted to correct the record and hailed Maguire as a “transformational footballer”.

He was a “key player” for Manchester United, Mr Adongo said during a budget debate.

But he did not let up in his criticism of Vice-President Bawumia.

“As for our Maguire, he is now at the IMF, with a cup in hand,” he added.

Mr Bawumia is the head of the government’s economic management team as Ghana faces its most severe economic crisis in years.

As government debt has soared, the country had to take a $3bn (£2.4bn) loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In December 2022 inflation in Ghana reached a record 54% but has since fallen to around 35%.

A year ago Mr Adongo compared Mr Bawumia to Harry Maguire, who Mr Adongo said “became the biggest threat at the centre of the Manchester United defence”.

The video of the speech was widely shared on social media.

It came amid a torrent of criticism of the footballer.

England manager Gareth Southgate has condemned the mockery as “ridiculous treatment” and said he’s been “an absolute stalwart” for the team.

Mr Maguire’s mother also defended her son and said the abuse he has faced has been “disgraceful” and “unacceptable”.

Some Ghanaians have been reacting to Mr Adongo’s apology, saying that the Manchester United player has really improved, but the same cannot be said of the managers of the Ghanaian economy.

Others feel such a comparison should not have been made.

According to Mr Adongo, the Ghanaian government has had to increase taxes and tariffs on services as part of the agreement with the IMF.

This caused widespread anger among voters and triggered protests over the rising cost of living and unemployment in the country.

Despite this, Ghana’s governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has selected Mr Bawumia as its candidate for the 2024 elections.

He will be the first Muslim to contest the presidency under the NPP’s banner since multi-party democracy was restored in 1992.

Mr Bawumia has promised to lead a “united and energised” NPP into the election and that it is “the only party that can transform Ghana”.

Source: BBC

«< 20 21 22 23 24 >»