by Eliezer Ahorlu | Oct 4, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has provided insight into why Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams are not played in their preferred positions for the national team.
Both attackers have been thriving at their respective clubs—Semenyo scoring three Premier League goals in six matches, and Inaki Williams recording two goals and four assists across all competitions. However, they have struggled to replicate this form for the Black Stars, with Inaki particularly having difficulty adapting to the team.
Addressing this during the squad announcement for the AFCON qualifiers against Sudan, Addo explained, “It’s always a challenge with how and what position players play at the club level and then also at the international level with the national team. It’s not about the player; it’s about the team. We have to see what is best for the team.”
Addo emphasized that while both players perform well in their clubs’ systems, the needs of the national team may require them to play in different roles. “We still need somebody who plays the number nine position,” he noted, suggesting that adapting to team tactics is crucial for the overall success of the Black Stars.
Ghana will host Sudan at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday, October 10, 2024, before heading to Libya to face the Black Stars again on October 15, 2024, in the fourth round of the qualifiers.
by Eliezer Ahorlu | Oct 4, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Stars coach Otto Addo has acknowledged that his team performed poorly in their 1-1 draw against Niger during last month’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
After a disappointing 1-0 loss to Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium in their opening qualifier, the team aimed for their first win. However, they were held to a draw by Niger in Berkane, Morocco.
During the squad unveiling for the upcoming doubleheader against Sudan, Addo admitted, “I didn’t like the way we played against Angola in Kumasi, but I think we played badly against Niger.”
The Black Stars are set to begin camp on Monday in Accra ahead of their crucial AFCON qualifier against Sudan, scheduled for Thursday, October 10, at the Accra Sports Stadium. The return leg will take place on October 15 in Benina, Libya.
Ghana currently sits third in Group F with just one point, still seeking their first win of the qualifiers.
by Eliezer Ahorlu | Oct 4, 2024 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Barnsley head coach Darrell Clarke has acknowledged that Nigerian midfielder Kelechi Nwakali is making strong progress in his bid for a spot in the first team ahead of the club’s upcoming fixtures against Huddersfield Town in League One and in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
Nwakali, who joined Barnsley from Portuguese club GD Chaves two months ago, has yet to make his debut for the team. Delays in his work permit and fitness issues prevented him from participating in pre-season training and matchday squads. So far, he has been called up only twice out of a possible twelve across all competitions.
To regain match fitness, the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner has featured in Barnsley’s development squad. His latest appearance in a Professional Development League fixture against Peterborough United saw him score a brilliant goal and strike the woodwork, as Barnsley lost 4-3. Nwakali also won a penalty that was missed by teammate Theo Chapman before being substituted after 65 minutes.
Clarke praised Nwakali’s improved performance, telling Barnsley Chronicle, “He did a lot better the other day. Him and Georgie Gent are pushing. That’s what we want – players pushing for places. The trophy game will be a good opportunity for one or two of them to stake a claim moving forward for the league games.”
Nwakali, who signed a three-year contract with Barnsley, will wear the number 50 jersey for the 2024-2025 season.
by Eliezer Ahorlu | Oct 4, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
French coach Hervé Renard has revealed that he was close to becoming the head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles after being approached by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following Finidi George’s unexpected departure in May.
Renard, who previously managed Ivory Coast and Zambia, was highly considered as a replacement before negotiations with German coach Bruno Labbadia collapsed, leaving the Super Eagles without a coach.
Renard admitted that the NFF’s offer was the most financially appealing he had ever received, but after thorough consideration, he ultimately declined.
“I almost went to Nigeria. I weighed the pros and cons for several days, even weeks, before turning it down. It was the best offer I’ve had, but in the end, it wasn’t the right fit for me,” Renard told L’Équipe, as reported by Brila FM.
In the meantime, interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, currently preparing the team for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Libya, has hinted that he could take on the role full-time if certain conditions are met. Eguavoen emphasized the need for a long-term contract, patience, and consistent support from the NFF to succeed in building a strong team.
“The Super Eagles job isn’t a light responsibility. If I were to take it permanently, I’d need time to think deeply. It’s a tough role, and to build a team, it takes time,” Eguavoen told Brila FM.
Eguavoen, who has had three previous short stints as head coach, lamented the lack of time he was given to execute his plans, contrasting his situation with former coaches Clemens Westerhof and Gernot Rohr, who were afforded several years to develop the team.
by Eliezer Ahorlu | Oct 4, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Asante Kotoko winger Bernard Somuah has officially commenced his loan stint with Spanish club Celta Vigo, following months of speculation and confirmation from the La Liga side on their social media channels.
This move had been anticipated after reports emerged hinting at the Ghanaian winger’s switch to Spain. Somuah, a rising talent, is determined to impress the Celta Vigo coaching staff and earn a permanent transfer as he continues his development in European football.
Despite Somuah’s departure, Kotoko have maintained an impressive start to their Ghana Premier League campaign, recording two wins and two draws in their opening four matches. The Porcupine Warriors currently sit second in the league and are eager to maintain their momentum despite the absence of one of their key players.
For Somuah, the loan spell represents a crucial opportunity to further his career in Spain, with many eagerly watching how he will perform at Celta Vigo.
