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Ghanaian MP apologises to Man Utd defender, Harry Maguire after viral video mocking him

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A member of the Ghanaian parliament, Isaac Adongo has tendered an apology to Manchester United defender, Harry Maguire following a viral video where he mocked the English player.

In the video which went viral last year, Adongo, who was addressing his colleagues in the parliament during a budget debate, compared Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s economic management to Maguire’s performances on the pitch.

At the time, Maguire was having a torrid time playing for United, and with criticisms pouring in from club fans, the jab by Adongo became a hit, with many reposting the video.

The mockery of the English player had also drawn criticism from some of his fans, including England manager, Gareth Southgate, who condemned the mockery as “ridiculous treatment” and said Maguire had been “an absolute stalwart” for the team.

Maguire’s mother also defended her son and said the abuse he had faced was “disgraceful” and “unacceptable”.

However, during another budget debate, Adongo said he wanted to correct the record, and hailed Maguire as a “transformational footballer”.

He said whereas Maguire had improved and had become a “key player” for Manchester United, Bawumia, who is the head of the government’s economic management team, had not improved, as Ghana continued to face its most severe economic crisis in years.

In a reference to Ghana’s recent debt woes and attempts to get loans from the IMF, Adongo said while Maguire had become a transformed player, “our Maguire, he is now at the IMF, with a cup in hand.”

Speaking to the BBC’s Newsday programme after the debate,
Adongo explained that he had used Maguire’s struggle for form to communicate his dissatisfaction with Ghana’s economy.

“When Harry’s form improved, I felt that he deserved an apology. As a lover of football, it was important that I recognised his turnaround,” Adongo said.

In response to the apology, Maguire himself took to his X account to write that he had accepted the apology.

“See you at Old Trafford soon,” the defender said.

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CAF celebrates Ademola Lookman’s AFCON goals ahead of AFY award

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Ahead of the 2024 African Footballer of the Year (AFY) award scheduled to hold in Morocco next month, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has rolled out the drums to celebrate the goals scored by Super Eagles of Nigeria forward, Ademola Lookman, at the last AFCON.

After finishing in 14th position at the Ballon d’Or, many have tipped the Atalanta star as the clear favourite to win CAF’s African Footballer of the Year award for 2024 and the continent’s football governing body seems to align with the verdict by celebrating his goals at the AFCON and his iconic celebrations depicting those of late Green Eagles player, Samuel Okwaraji.

Lookman was a key member of the Nigerian Super Eagles at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, in addition to his hat trick in the Europa League final, where Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen to win the trophy.

This season, the striker has continued where he stopped, notching up two Champions League goals and six goals and four assists in eight league games is one of the best in the world right now.

The CAF awards will take place in Rabat on December 16 at the famous Mohammed VI Grand Theatre and if Lookman picks up the gong, will be taking over from Nigerian team mate, Victor Osimhen who won the 2023 edition.

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CAF announces 50% increase in prize money for 2024 Women’s Champions League

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a 50 per cent increase in prize money for the 2024 Women’s Champions League which kicks off on Saturday, November 9 in Morocco.

With the substantial increase, the winner of the 2024 edition of the championship will go home with a whopping $600,000, representing a 52% upgrade from previous years.

In a statement on Thursday, CAF further promised financial support for every participating club, with each team guaranteed at least $150,000.

“The increased prize money is part of CAF’s broader commitment to grow women’s football across Africa, with ambitions to invest further in youth academies and enhance the appeal of CAF competitions globally,” the CAF statement said in part.

It also gave a breakdown of this year’s prize structure:

– Winner: $600,000

– Runner-up: $400,000

– 3rd Place: $350,000

– 4th Place: $300,000

– 3rd in Group: $200,000 each

– 4th in Group: $150,000 each

The African Women’s Champions League was launched in 2021 under President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, and has quickly become the highlight of African women’s football.

This year’s increased investment is expected to strengthen the tournament’s appeal and inspire greater participation across the continent.

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