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Sports Features of Wednesday, 31 January 2007

Source: mr. cnn

A Ghana/Nigeria Soccer Game feature

Dennis "Radical D" Sets Stage Just like Ghallywood Vs Nollywood

The upcoming friendly soccer match between the Black Stars of Ghana and the the Super Eagles of Nigeria, can be compared to the movie industries of the two countries; Ghallywood and Nollywood.The match has been scheduled to take place on Tuesday February 6 at the Brentford Football Club Stadium (Griffin Park, capacity: 19,000) in the London Borough of Hounslow in South West London.

HISTORY NEEDS TO BE TOLD

Going back to memory lane, Ghana became the darling of African soccer after winning the African Cup of Nations' tournament four times, in 1963, 1965, 1978, and 1982. Cameroon has won the African Cup four times as well, but Egypt is the only country that has won the African Cup five times. Ghana has made the most final appearances, 7, and has hosted the African Cup 4 times, tying with Egypt. Nigeria has hosted the African Cup twice and has won the African Cup twice, in 1980 and 1994.

After 1982, just like "Iron" and "Mighty" Mike Tyson once dominated boxing and was later badly beaten, the Black Stars' mightiness began to crumble. At the time of the "Brazil of Africa's" demise, the Super Eagles began to enjoy some fame and ran with it. Their ran produced Christian Chukwu, Jay-Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Segun "Mathematical" Odegbam i , Daniel Amokachi, Rashidi Yekini and a host of great players as well as personalities including their technical staff.

Ironically, the Nigerian movie industry a.k.a "Nollywood" was bombarding the world with many African movies and showcased stars such as: Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme (of Aki and Pawpaw fame) Nkem Owoh (of Osuofia In London fame), Patience Ozorkwor, Ramsey Noah Jr., Jim Ike, Kano, Kanayo O Kanayo, Genevive Nnaji, Sam Loco Efe, etc. Meanwhile, the Ghana Film Industry was going through a crisis, struggling to create and revamp its own movie industry, referred to as "Ghallywood". Ghallywood and the Black Stars, were both facing unwelcomed challenges.

The spirit of Ghana's father of the nation, the late Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah later heard the cry of the Black Stars and said, "enough is enough" and suddenly the Ghana ian National Team shocked the world by qualifying to participate at the 2006 World Cup . At the 2006 World Cup soccer tournament, the performance of the Black Stars made them the most popular soccer team in the world and unleashed household players like Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan, Shilla Illiasu, Kingston Laryea, John Mensah, Sulley Muntari, and personalities like Randy Abbey, Kwasi Nyantekyi and Fred Pappoe.

Currently, Ghallywood is shooting Hollywood-type movies like never before, creating well produced movies such as: "Beyonce, The President's Daughter" and "Mummy's Daughter", currently the most sought after African movies on DVD. Ghallywood is "stepping up its game", introducing the world to great actors like Van Vicker, veteran Kofi Adjorlolo, Kwame Owusu Ansah, Edward Marbell, Kalsum Sinare, Pascalyne Edwards, Jackie Appiah, Nadia Buari, etc.

Ghallywood movies are taking over slowly but surely, becoming a staple in many African homes. Some people are now becoming bored with some Ghanaian and Nigerian movies, due to poorly written scripts. However, entertainment preferences vary among individuals and we also have to patronize the Nollywood as well as Ghallywood for its longevity regardless.

TIME FOR THE GAME

As the super stars of the two great soccer nations meet, this magnificent feat called; the clash of the century, an amazing form of entertainment which brings friends and families together has been put together once again by one "cool brother", Dennis "The Great" Tawiah and his partners in showbiz. Tawiah aka "Radical D" is The CEO of D-Vision Network and GFA's match agent in Europe who recently told Metro Sports that both Nigeria and Ghana will feature all their stars and will kick off at 7:45pm.

One can be rest assured that some of the Ghallywood and Nollywood movie stars will have the pleasure of attending the game to support their respective countries.

The match is anticipated to be much bigger than the previously well attended Ghana-Australia game where it ended with the score of 1-1 at Queen Park Rangers Stadium. This time the Black Stars are tipped to win the game no doubt. COME ALL AND LETS HAVE FUN. A NIGHT FOR THE BEST OF AFRICAN SOCCER, DO NOT MISS IT !!