by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Ghana’s senior women’s national team, the Black Queens, have been placed in a challenging group for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following Thursday’s final draw at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducted the draw on January 15, seeding Ghana in Pot 1 alongside hosts Morocco, defending champions Nigeria, and South Africa, based on the FIFA Women’s World Ranking released on December 11, 2025.
The expanded tournament will feature 16 teams for the first time in WAFCON history, divided into four groups of four.
Ghana have been drawn into Group D, where they will face Cameroon, Mali, and Cape Verde. The group promises stiff competition, with Cameroon and Mali known for their tactical and physical strengths, while Cape Verde continues to emerge as a rising force on the continent.
As hosts, Morocco were automatically placed in Group A, Nigeria anchored Group C, and South Africa lead Group B, leaving the Black Queens to complete the final seeding in Group D.
The tournament format sees the top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stages, beginning with the quarter-finals. The competition also serves as part of the qualification pathway for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027, adding extra weight to each fixture.
With the draw confirmed, the Black Queens now shift focus to preparations, aiming to navigate a demanding group and reassert themselves among Africa’s top women’s football nations.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
A heated debate has emerged online after a social media user called for the dismissal of Nigeria’s Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, following the team’s penalty shootout defeat to Morocco in the AFCON 2025 semi-finals.
The user, known as Dr Penking on X, criticized Chelle for allegedly failing to prepare the squad for penalties, pointing out that the coach had previously lost to DR Congo in a World Cup qualifier via a shootout. “You would think that after losing to DR Congo via penalties, he would invest his time into training for penalties and discover the team’s best penalty players, but no… Time for Eric Chelle to be returned to Marlians. He is not serious,” Dr Penking wrote.
The comment sparked a flurry of reactions from Nigerians across social media:
Victor questioned the outrage, saying,
“Because he lost one game?? True True, average Nigerian is a fool… na only present you dey remember.”
Jekson stressed systemic issues, noting, “He needs more coaches. The goalkeeper coach is our set piece coach… Blame the NFF. Things have changed since 1996 or 2013.”
Mike urged perspective, adding, “Omo, Nigerians and entitlement… you guys just believe Nigeria should be winning in everything. It’s a tournament, don’t be too desperate… Well done Super Eagles.”
Abidatu criticized Chelle’s penalty choices, suggesting better planning for penalty takers could have changed the outcome.
Safari defended the coach, highlighting players’ lack of focus during the shootout.
Bolade commented on tactical confusion, questioning the decision to rely on Chukwueze for the penalty under unusual circumstances.
The exchange reflects the passionate scrutiny Nigerian fans place on the national team and its coaching decisions, particularly in high-stakes matches.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 15, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Reports have emerged that about 16,800 supporters pulled out of their 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket commitments overnight, prompting the global governing body to call an emergency meeting later this week to address mounting concerns.
Because FIFA maintains a strict no‑cancellation policy on tickets that have already been sold, the figures are more likely linked to fans withdrawing from the third phase of ticket sales — such as the random draw selection process or purchases through member associations — rather than literal ticket refunds.
As the tournament scheduled to kick off in June draws closer, preparations have been clouded by controversy. While fan unease over safety and the host environment has been widely discussed, political tensions — including entry restrictions linked to the U.S. travel policy — have also added to hesitations among international supporters.
The backlash has been amplified on social media, where campaigns urging fans to reconsider attending have circulated broadly, often using hashtags like #BoycottWorldCup alongside concerns about the current political climate in the U.S. and perceived reputational risks for the sport.
FIFA’s emergency meeting this week is expected to bring together senior officials, member associations, and organisers to discuss fan safety, declining ticket commitments, and broader reputational challenges facing the tournament.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 15, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye has downplayed speculation that Sadio Mané is set to step away from the Africa Cup of Nations, insisting that the future of the Lions of Teranga captain remains far from settled.
Reacting to reports suggesting Mané may be considering the ongoing tournament as his final AFCON, Gueye appeared surprised by the claims. “Oh really, he said that?” he asked, before offering a thoughtful perspective shaped by experience.
Gueye explained that any such remarks should be viewed in the context of Mané’s remarkable career journey. He suggested the forward may have expressed similar sentiments years ago — before the individual accolades, before Ballon d’Or recognition, and before fully understanding the magnitude of his influence on Senegalese football.
For the Everton midfielder, football is too unpredictable to make definitive long-term decisions, with form, ambition, and opportunity constantly reshaping a player’s outlook.
What remains unquestionable, Gueye emphasized, is Mané’s legendary status.
He described the Al-Nassr star as the greatest player Senegal has ever produced, whose impact goes far beyond goals and silverware. According to Gueye, Mané’s leadership and standards have transformed the national team and inspired a generation.
Rather than focusing on potential farewells, Gueye struck a hopeful tone, stressing that the squad wants Mané to continue leading them — and to help drive Senegal back to the top of African football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 15, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The top two teams from each group at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will progress to the quarter-finals, before advancing through the semi-finals and final, with valuable qualification places for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 also at stake.
With their group-stage base confirmed in Fes, Ghana’s Black Queens will now turn attention to sharpening preparations as they gear up for a tough Group D challenge. The team is determined to navigate the demanding opposition and make a bold statement on Africa’s biggest women’s football stage.
