Sports
Starting ahead of Kufuor at 2006 World Cup was a surprise – Shilla lliasu
Former Ghana defender Shilla lliasu Alhassan says he never thought he would get the opportunity to play ahead of Bayern legend Sammy Kufuor and Issah Ahmed at the 2006 FIFA World Cup held in Germany.
Iliasu saw his breakthrough after he was handed a starting berth by then Ghana coach Ratomir Dujković ahead of Bayern star Sammy Kufuor in the second group game against the Czech Republic.
Kufuor had committed an error in Ghana’s opening game against Italy which saw the Black Stars lose their opening game 2-0 to the Italians in a very difficult encounter.
“I never believed I would get the opportunity to play at the World Cup. At my position, there was Sammy Kufuor who was the first choice followed by Issah Ahmed. Maybe the coach knew something I didn’t. Maybe at training, he saw some qualities, Shilla Iliasu told Happy FM.
“I played in the pre-tournament game against Korea which I excelled; so I had that confidence that I could play so I grabbed that opportunity to prove myself when I had the chance”.
Iliasu said he was praised by his teammates after making his debut against the Czech Republic.
“It was a big moment for me. The 2006 FIFA World Cup was our first at that stage and we were a bit nervous. And playing in the same position that has an experienced player like Kuffour and Issah Ahmed, I least expected that breakthrough.
“Like I said, it came to me as a surprise but I took it as my chance to show myself and skill to the world. Playing a Czech Republic side with very good players also didn’t make easy at all but we played one of our best games to win 2-0 to brighten our chances in the group.
“After the game, Sammy Kufuor and some players also commended me for my performance. It was a special feeling to hear the players motivate me”.
According to Illiasu, that marked a turning point in his career which saw him go on to play for several clubs in Ghana and outside.
“The World Cup is a bigger platform that every player hopes to feature in. We had our opportunity and we made the best out of it. It was unfortunate we didn’t go that far.”
The former Asante Kotoko defender was among the local-based players who were named in the Black Stars squad for the tournament.
Source: Ghanaian Times
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
