Sports
Cynthia Findiib downplays pressure ahead of encounter with South Africa
Black Queens goalkeeper, Cynthia Findiib, has expressed confidence and determination ahead of their TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Group C opener against reigning champions South Africa on Monday.
She believes that despite being underdogs, the team is focused on doing their best and making the country proud.
Findiib emphasizes that every team is capable of winning and looks forward to an exciting match. With some players participating in their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, she’s grateful for the opportunity to represent Ghana and showcase their skills.
Here is what she told the press ahead of Monday’s clash against South Africa:
On being under pressure going into the game
You don’t have to have pressure when you are playing a game or something like that. Even though at the time you can feel the pressure, but you have to try and go through yourself as a professional player.
So I don’t think going into this game there’s going to be too much pressure on us.
On Ghana being the underdogs
Just like our coach has said, we are going into this game as underdogs, and we are trying to do our best and help our motherland. We are very, very, very happy to be here. It’s a great opportunity given to us, the players.
Some of us, this is our first time playing in Africa Cup of Nations and we are really grateful and happy to represent our motherland Ghana. And we are just trying to showcase ourselves here. So being here is an opportunity given to us and we are trying to utilise it.
On how it feels to be a first timer at the Women’s AFCON
So, we are very happy to be here actually. Thank you to CAF and thank you to Africa. I said earlier, we are going into this tournament as the underdogs. So whatever the outcome, we take it game by game. So after tomorrow’s game, we’ll move forward again. But we are here to fight, we are determined to actually take the Cup home and reclaim our glory.
On South Africa
Going into this game, we’ve not seen any team being a pushover. Every team is capable of winning their own challenge. So, I think South Africa is a good side and we will enjoy it. We are also prepared, and Ghana is a good side too. So definitely I know tomorrow’s game is going to be an enjoyable game. It is 50-50, any of the teams has a chance to win this game.
Sports
Armwrestling: Immigration, Prisons meet African champions
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and Ghana Prisons Service (GPS) in separate ceremonies have welcomed officers of both security institutions who recently returned from Abuja, Nigeria after participating in the 14th Africa Armwrestling Championship.
The Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mr. Patience Baffoe Bonnie, and the leadership of the Service, were present to congratulate the champions, Daniel Acquah (four gold medals), Mabel Yeboah (four gold medals) and Henry Otoo (two silver, two bronze), on their impressive performances.
The champions presented their medals to the Director-General, and shared their experiences and insights with the top officials.
During the meeting, the Director-General of the GPS, Mrs Baffoe Bonnie, expressed her excitement about the potential benefits of sports for inmates.
She noted that sports could play a significant role in rehabilitation and pledged to support the development of armwrestling within the prisons service.
In a related development, the Comptroller-General of the GIS, CGI Samuel Basintale, commended his members – Edward Yamoah Asamoah (two gold medals), Blessed Abeka Nunoo (one gold, one silver, two bronze), Godwin Sackey (one gold, one silver) and referee Nii Otoo Larkyne, for the feat.
Mr Basintale promised to provide support for the development of armwrestling within the service, including training facilities, equipment, and sponsorship.
The African Armwrestling champions from the security services won a total of 20 medals out of Ghana’s 55 medal haul.
They expressed gratitude and promised to continue promoting the sport and inspiring others to take up armwrestling.
Mr Charles Osei Asibey, President for Ghana Armwrestling Federation, was thrilled by the promise and continuous collaborations and support for the development of armwrestling in Ghana by the security services.
—GNA
Sports
TTU to honour athletes at 2nd sports awards night
Takoradi Technical University (TTU) will tonight host its 2nd Sports Awards Night to honour outstanding athletes, teams, and contributors who have promoted the institution’s sporting reputation.
The event, which will take place at the Nicholas Aidoo Taylor Auditorium, will be chaired by Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, with Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, as Guest of Honour.
Other dignitaries expected include Member of Parliament for Effia, Isaac Boamah-Nyarko, and Municipal Chief Executive for Effia-Kwesimintsim, Abdul Majeed Dokurgu.
TTU said the awards will celebrate a year marked by exceptional performances, record-breaking moments, and contributions that have boosted both the competitive spirit and institutional pride of the university.
The ceremony will be held under the theme, “Recognising Excellence in Scholarship and Sportsmanship.”
The university noted that it has become a powerhouse in university sports, winning back-to-back championships at the GHATUSA Games in Tamale and Cape Coast.
It attributed the success to integrating sports into academic life, introducing sports scholarships, building the TTU Sports Complex, providing strategic funding, and offering strong logistical support.
Director of Public Affairs and Secretary to the Sports and Recreation Committee, Joseph Mensah Oti-Asirifi, said the awards go beyond recognising individual winners, adding that they are also a tribute to the discipline, resilience, and unity that define TTU’s sporting culture.
He stated that every nominee is a champion whose efforts have brought pride to the university and enhanced its reputation on both national and continental stages.
The programme will feature two segments of award presentations, with categories covering football, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, tennis, handball, badminton, athletics, scrabble, and taekwondo, for both male and female divisions.
Nominees include Jane Membong in athletics, Hajara Ibrahim in basketball, Samuel Aidoo in football, and Prince Egyir in handball, as well as Papa Kwansa Baidoo, Prince Davies, and Ahmed Anas Salis.
Special awards will also be presented to individuals whose contributions have inspired the TTU community beyond the field of competition.
Chairman of the Sports and Recreation Committee, Joseph Danso, said the planning team has worked to ensure the event captures the spirit of sportsmanship, dedication, and unity that characterise TTU sports.
The university recalled that the inaugural edition honoured Raymond French, Sarah Quansah, and Rebecca Mba, setting a high standard for sporting recognition.
By: Jacob Aggrey
