Equatorial Guinea Assume Mantle as Africa’s Top Women’s Team
By winning the 6th African Women Championship, hosts Equatorial Guinea not only became the second country in history so to do, but also destroyed the old order along the way. Nigeria’s has always dominated the women’s scene, with Cameroon, Ghana, and South Africa providing occasional competition. When the draw for the tournament was made, and the Guineans avoided three of the aforementioned foursome - Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa - the hosts breathed a sigh of relief, but quickly remembered that Cameroon still posed a threat in the Malabo-based Group A.
Nollywood Babyloon Premieres in Canada
Ben Addelman and Samir Mallal, present an electric vision of a modern African metropolis and a revealing look at the powerhouse that is Nigerian cinema.
CAF African Women’s Championship Kicks Off
Amidst little fanfare, the sixth edition of the CAF African Women’s Championship kicked off this past weekend in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. Backed by a ferocious home support, Equatorial Guinea pulled off what must surely be the upset of the tournament so far, by beating perennial powerhouse, Cameroon 1-0. In the other Group A match, Mali slumped to a 0-1 defeat against Congo.
What’s in a Name - Benin to Shed ‘The Squirrels’ Tag?
In English, the nickname of the Benin national team, “Les Ecureuils,” translates into “The Squirrels.” Unfortunately, the country’s sports ministry has decided it is not fearsome enough. Really? Sports minister Ganiou Soglo has suggested a more intimidating name - the “Emerging Panthers.” Please forgive my pessimism, but the what?? “The Panthers” moniker could work fine since panthers are agile, stealthy, fast, and sometimes overlooked — similar traits of Benin’s pattern of play on the field — but by putting “Emerging” in there, a seemingly dominant name seems so trivial. Yes, trivial.
Cameroon Remain Atop African Rankings
Cameroon have moved two places higher in the latest FIFA world rankings and now stand 12th on the global table. The Indomitable Lions remain the highest placed African side - 10 places ahead of Egypt, who lie 22nd in the worldwide list - and are now two positions ahead of England and lie just behind France.
African Bidding War For Newcastle Intensifies
A South African consortium has tabled a bid in the region of $600m to buy Newcastle Football Club. The five-strong South African group is also keen to bring back crowd favorite Kevin Keegan as manager. Keegan may be offered a 5% stake in the club in a bid to persuade him to return for a third spell at the helm.
The South African group are considered the frontrunners and could be set to finalise a deal in a matter of weeks. This goes against earlier reports which depicted a group of Nigerian businessmen on the verge of securing a deal. The consortium was reported to have a $700m takeover fund to buy the Magpies from owner Mike Ashley, but they needed another $200m to secure the deal. But wait a minute. Rather than buy a football club, why don’t these “meaningful” Africans invest their money in ventures within African shores and remember that they are not Roman Abramovich? While the bid is impressive on paper, harsh realities still exist in that Newcastle is a club in total chaos. Watch this space.
Super Falcons to Clash With Black Queens
Nigeria will take on great rivals Ghana in their opening match of the African Women’s Championship in November. The pair have been drawn together in Group B of the tournament, which is hosted by Equatorial Guinea. South Africa and Tunisia are the other two teams in the group. Group A features the hosts, plus Cameroon, Mali, and Congo-Brazzaville. Nigeria’s Super Falcons have won every edition of the championship so far, but they failed to make it to the knock-out stages of the recent Olympic tournament in Beijing.
Filmmaker Shalini Kantayya heats things up with her latest film RED
Jamati: Thank you Shalini for granting Jamati this interview. Can you let the readers know a little bit about yourself?
I am a filmmaker, eco-activist, and reality show survivor committed to using media as a tool to transform culture. » Read more…
Mixed Fortunes As Hunt Begins
George Mandjeck came off the bench to score a late goal and secure a 1-1 draw against South Korea in Cameroon’s opening game of the Beijing Olympics. Both teams created numerous scoring opportunites in a physical game on a hot and humid night in Qinhuangdao.
Olofinjana Signs for Prem Newboys Stoke
Premiership newcomers Stoke City have confirmed the signing of Nigeria international midfielder Seyi “George” Olofinjana on a $6 million deal from Wolverhampton FC. The 28-year-old has penned a four-year contract with Tony Pulis’ side, with the deal subject to a work permit being granted. Olofinjana signed for Wolves from Norwegian side SK Brann for $3.4 million in July 2004, and played 147 games during his four-year stay at Molineux.
Man Utd. Edge Pompey 2-1 in Abuja
Fans of Premier League champions, Manchester United, watched the Red Devils end their tour of Africa with a win over Premier League rivals, Portsmouth, in Nigeria. The match heralded the first meeting between two English Premier League sides in west Africa, but the 60,000 Abuja National Stadium was less than half full with ticket prices thought to be at an exorbitant premium. Pompey had Nigerian John Utaka on display, but his compatriot, Nwankwo Kanu, missed out due to injury. Imposing central midfielder, Papa Bouba Diop, of Senegal was also on parade, though his regular partner, Ghana’s Sulley Muntari, was absent as he completes his transfer to Inter Milan.
African Events Calendar
Upcoming Events
-
Umoja Expo/Cultural Festival: Miami, Florida
USA - South East
-
February 22, 2009
Race Across The World (RAW Africa) : Sossusvlei, Namibia
South Africa
-
February 21, 2009
Auditions: Miss Africa Denmark 2009
West Europe
-
February 1, 2009
Annual Boston African Film Festival:Boston, Massachusetts
USA - North East
See more African Events | Submit Your Own
Browse by Region
- Asia (1)
- Australia (2)
- Canada (1)
- Central Africa (2)
- East Africa (5)
- South Africa (7)
- UK (10)
- USA - Mid West (3)
- USA - North East (95)
- USA - North West (3)
- USA - South East (19)
- USA - South West (5)
- USA - West Coast (4)
- West Africa (10)
- West Europe (9)
