by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 16, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, International, Soccer
It was an ordinary night in Douala. Samuel Eto’o sat quietly at home, wrapped in his thoughts, when his phone rang. The number was unfamiliar, but something tugged at his heart — “Answer, Samuel.”
He picked up.
“Samu? You still got the same number from 2009?” came the voice, warm and unmistakable.
Eto’o chuckled. “Lionel?! Even if I changed my number a hundred times, you’d still be the first to know. But why are you calling at this hour? Finally ready to admit I’m better than you at pikey-pikey?”
They both laughed, just like old times. But then, Messi’s tone shifted.
“I’ve been watching what you do in Africa,” he said. “I’ve seen the light in children’s eyes when you visit. I want in. But my way.”
Eto’o paused. Messi? Speaking about Africa with such genuine passion? Before he could respond, Messi continued:
“I want to build schools and hospitals. Not in my name, but in the name of football — the game that brought us together.”
A week later, Messi flew into Yaoundé. No press. No cameras. Just two legends, walking dusty roads in a forgotten village, unnoticed but unforgettable.
There, they met a little girl named Ama. Her shoes were worn, her football even more so. She looked up at Messi with a grin and said, “You’re magical. But my ball doesn’t fly like yours.”
Messi’s eyes welled up.
He pulled out his phone and turned to Eto’o: “We’re building a playground. Every child here deserves to feel the magic. And we’ll teach them that true magic is giving without expecting anything back.”
From that day, Messi began a silent movement — a program called “10.” It brought football legends together to uplift Africa’s forgotten corners. The only rule? “No media. No noise. Just action.”
Eto’o knew then: Messi’s greatness wasn’t in his goals. It was in the quiet moments when no one watched — when he chose to touch lives rather than lift trophies.
“When people ask me what sets Messi apart,” Eto’o says today, “I tell them this — some live to love football. Messi lives to make football love people.”
Because Africa doesn’t need heroes on screens. It needs those who walk its earth and hold its children’s hands.
And Lionel Messi came down.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 16, 2025 | Africa, Soccer
The football world is mourning the tragic death of Gabonese international Aaron Boupendza, who has died at the age of 28. The talented striker, known for his flair and finishing, reportedly fell from the 11th floor of his apartment building in China.
Boupendza was currently playing for Zhejiang FC in the Chinese Super League and had quickly become a fan favorite. His untimely passing has shocked teammates, fans, and the international football community.
Chinese authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fall. Police say they are exploring three possible scenarios: suicide, accidental fall, or homicide. As of now, details remain unclear, and the investigation is ongoing.
Boupendza previously played in leagues across Europe and the Middle East, earning respect for his skill on the pitch and his contributions to the Gabon national team. His loss is a significant blow to African football and those who followed his career with admiration.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 15, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Drama Unfolds in U-20 AFCON as Tunisia’s Late Entry Triggers Senegalese Protest, Alters Nigeria’s Path
Just weeks before the kickoff of the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, controversy is already brewing — and Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are caught in the eye of the storm.
The seven-time champions, eyeing a return to continental glory after over a decade, have seen their Group B draw thrown into uncertainty after Tunisia was controversially added to the mix. Tunisia, who neither qualified through sporting merit nor hosted qualifiers, were hastily inserted into the group via an informal email vote following Côte d’Ivoire’s withdrawal as tournament hosts.
Senegal — the reigning U-20 AFCON champions — aren’t having it. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has accused CAF of bypassing its own regulations and undermining the spirit of fair competition. In a blistering letter dated April 11, FSF called the decision a “flagrant violation” and warned that Tunisia’s inclusion could displace more deserving teams from a potential FIFA U-20 World Cup spot.
Now, Group B reads: Nigeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and Kenya — a serious test for Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s young squad. With only the top two teams from each group advancing automatically and four World Cup spots on the line, the stakes are sky-high.
If Senegal’s protest leads to legal proceedings or CAF backtracking, the group’s structure — or even the tournament fixtures — could be reshuffled. That looming uncertainty casts a shadow over Nigeria’s preparations.
Still, the Flying Eagles are pressing on. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has greenlit an early training camp in Egypt — the tournament host — with the squad set to depart from Abuja well ahead of the April 27 kickoff. Coach Zubairu hopes the extended preparation time will fine-tune his team both mentally and physically for the task ahead.
As the countdown continues to May 18 — the final day of the tournament — all eyes will be on how CAF responds to Senegal’s challenge, and whether Nigeria’s U-20 title hopes will soar or stumble amid the controversy.
GROUP A: Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania
GROUP B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya, Morocco
GROUP C: Senegal, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Ghana
The top four teams will qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, set to take place from September 27 to October 19.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 15, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
As the world counts down to the much-anticipated debut of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, taking place from June 14 to July 13 in the United States, Africa beams with pride. Five of the continent’s finest referees have earned a coveted spot on football’s global stage, poised to represent not just their nations but the rising standard of African officiating.
Hailing from different corners of the continent — Dahane Beida (Mauritania), Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria), Ibrahim Mutaz (Libya), Jean Jacques Ndala (DR Congo), and Issa Sy (Senegal) — these referees are set to bring their experience, integrity, and passion for fair play to the world’s biggest club football showdown.
This prestigious appointment places them among an elite group of 117 match officials from 41 FIFA member associations, a pool that includes 35 referees, 58 assistant referees, and 24 video match officials. Their selection is not only a testament to their skills but also to Africa’s growing influence in the global officiating community.
Among the standout names is Mustapha Ghorbal, a seasoned professional who has graced stages like the FIFA World Cup and various CAF competitions. Ndala and Sy, too, have built strong reputations with consistent performances across both African and international competitions, solidifying their roles as ambassadors of the game.
Adding a revolutionary twist to this year’s tournament, FIFA will introduce referee body cameras — a first in football history. Through a partnership with DAZN, fans will get a unique perspective on officiating decisions, bringing more transparency and closer engagement with the action. For the referees, it’s not only a chance to officiate but also to be part of a technological milestone that will aid in training, analysis, and global fan connection.
Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, hailed the appointments as a “privilege” and a career-defining moment, especially as these referees step into history at the tournament’s inaugural expanded edition.
As top clubs from around the world clash in pursuit of glory, these African referees will ensure the rules are upheld with integrity and skill. More than calling fouls and issuing cards, they’ll be inspiring a new generation of African referees, showing the world the heart and talent that Africa brings to the beautiful game.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 15, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Athletic Bilbao’s hopes of advancing to the Europa League semifinals have been thrown into uncertainty as key forward Inaki Williams faces a race against time to be fit for Thursday’s decisive second leg clash against Rangers.
The Ghanaian international limped off during Bilbao’s 3-1 La Liga victory over Rayo Vallecano at San Mamés on Sunday, after suffering a strain to the adductor muscles in his left leg. His substitution came as a precaution, but initial signs suggest his availability for the crucial European tie is now in serious doubt.
“Inaki Williams had to leave the field before the end of yesterday’s match due to a strain on the adductor muscles of his left leg. He awaits further treatment,” read an official club statement.
The 29-year-old forward has been a standout performer for the Basque side in Europe this season, registering five goals in 11 appearances. His pace, experience, and attacking prowess have been vital to Bilbao’s campaign, making his potential absence a significant setback.
With the first leg in Glasgow ending goalless, Bilbao holds a slight home advantage. However, the potential loss of Williams could tilt the scales, as the Spanish outfit prepares to face a Rangers side known for its resilience.
Further medical assessments are expected in the coming days to determine if Williams will recover in time to feature in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
