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Vinicius Jr named Fifa Best men’s player of the year

By Saibu Terry

Published on 17th December 2024


Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr has been named the men’s player of the year at the Fifa Best Awards.

The 24-year-old and his club boycotted the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony after missing out to Manchester City’s Rodri – but he picked up this prize in Doha.

Vinicius played a key role in Real’s Champions League and La Liga-winning campaign in 2023-24, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists.

Earlier in the ceremony, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati was named the women’s player of the year for the second year in a row.

This was the first time Vinicius has won the award and capped a happier finish to the season than October’s Ballon d’Or boycott.

The Ballon d’Or and Fifa Best Awards are the two most prestigious in football.

This was Vinicius’ first Fifa prize, with Lionel Messi winning the previous two awards and Robert Lewandowski the two before that.

The award – for football from August 2023 to August 2024 – was decided by a mix of public vote, one journalist from each country and the captain and manager of each national team. Each group’s vote counted for 25%.

Real Madrid were already in Qatar for Wednesday’s Fifa Intercontinental Cup final against Mexican side Pachuca at Lusail Stadium.

Spain’s Euro 2024-winning midfielder Rodri finished second to Vinicius for the award, while Real’s England player Jude Bellingham was third.

Fifa has released details on who each coach and captain voted for.

England skipper Harry Kane opted for Rodri, with international team-mate Bellingham second and Vinicius third.

Lee Carsley, who was the Three Lions’ interim boss when the votes were cast, went for Bellingham, Rodri and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal in that order.

Scotland boss Steve Clarke and Wales manager Craig Bellamy both opted for Rodri as their top pick.

Wales skipper Aaron Ramsey went for Vinicius, while Northern Ireland captain Paddy McNair voted for Rodri.

Brazil’s captain and manager voted for Vinicius, but their Spanish counterparts both selected Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal

Source BBC sports

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FC Tamale President Ibrahim Gagbuni Supports Northern Women’s Football Unity Games‎

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Published: September 5, 2026

Published at: 7:30Pm

By Abu Liza


‎ President of FC Tamale, Mr. Ibrahim Gagbuni, has demonstrated his commitment to the development of women’s football in the Northern Region by donating 10 family packs of Verna drinking water to the Northern Regional Women Football Clubs Association.



‎The donation is to support the Association’s upcoming Unity Games in Kumbungu, an initiative aimed at bringing women’s football clubs together to promote unity, friendship, sportsmanship and community cohesion.

‎Mr. Gagbuni said football goes beyond competition and can serve as a powerful tool for unity, peace and humanity. He encouraged participating clubs, players, officials and organizers to use the games to strengthen relationships and promote the development of women’s football in the region.



‎The FC Tamale President noted that although the donation may be modest, it represents his willingness to support initiatives that create opportunities and improve the welfare of women involved in football.

‎The Northern Regional Women Football Clubs Association expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as an important show of solidarity and support for the Unity Games.



‎The Unity Games in Kumbungu are expected to bring together women’s football clubs in a spirit of friendship, healthy competition and collective development

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NAFCO Warns Public Against Fraudsters Posing as Agents to Secure School Feeding Contracts

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Published: September 3, 2026

Published at: 06:12Pm

By Saibu Terry

The National Food Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO) has cautioned members of the public against individuals allegedly posing as agents of the company and claiming to have influence over the award of food supply contracts to second-cycle institutions.

According to NAFCO, the individuals are going around soliciting money from unsuspecting members of the public under the pretext of helping them secure food supply contracts.

In a disclaimer issued by its Corporate Affairs Department on Thursday, September 3, 2026, NAFCO stressed that no third party is engaged in the award and allocation of contracts for food supplies to schools.

The company explained that it operates an open-door policy and encouraged interested entities to register at its offices nationwide and undergo a rigorous merit-based selection process.

NAFCO warned that the selection process is devoid of third-party influence and urged the public to disregard anyone who claims to have connections or influence over the award of food supply contracts.

The company further advised anyone approached by individuals soliciting money in exchange for assistance in securing food supply contracts to report them to the nearest police station.

For further clarification on NAFCO’s operations, the company urged the public to contact its hotlines on 0244669709, 0549004501, and 0269983462, or email info@nafco.gov.gh.

NAFCO reiterated that members of the public should exercise caution and avoid making payments to individuals who claim they can influence the contract award process.

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Former Ghanaian Footballer Jafar Samed Issah Cheers on Friend Jaleen Smith as Croatia Thrash Latvia‎

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Published: August 29, 2026

Published at: 01:18Pm

By Saibu Terry

‎Former Ghanaian professional footballer Abdul Jafar Samed Issah was in attendance, alongside his spouse Khadija , to support his close friend Jaleen Devon Smith as Croatia secured a convincing 115–80 victory over Latvia in the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying campaign on Thursday, August 27, 2026.



‎Issah, who enjoyed a professional football career with stints in Denmark, Latvia, Ethiopia and other European destinations, made time to cheer on Smith as Croatia bounced back strongly following their defeat to Germany.

‎Smith was instrumental in Croatia’s impressive performance, showcasing the form and quality that have made him an important figure for the national team. The result provided Croatia with a much-needed boost in their qualifying campaign.



‎Beyond the sporting arena, Smith and Issah have developed a close friendship over the past year. Their relationship has extended beyond football and basketball, with the pair sharing ideas about potential humanitarian and community-development projects in northern Ghana.



‎Smith, an American-born professional basketball player who has represented Croatia at international level, has developed a growing admiration for Ghana and is reportedly keen to contribute to initiatives that could positively impact communities in the northern part of the country.

‎The friendship between the two sports personalities has therefore evolved into more than a personal connection, with discussions around future projects creating excitement among Smith’s supporters and admirers in Ghana.

‎Smith recently signed with Hapoel Jerusalem, where he is set to compete in the Israeli Premier League and EuroCup. As he continues to make an impact on the basketball court, his growing connection with Ghana through his friendship with Jafar Samad Issah could open the door to meaningful humanitarian initiatives in the future.

‎For Issah, Thursday’s game was another opportunity to stand firmly behind his friend and celebrate Croatia’s emphatic victory over Latvia.

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