by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
A Rising Star’s Admiration
Ethan Nwaneri, Arsenal’s 17-year-old midfield sensation, has revealed one quality he would love to inherit from a teammate: Gabriel Martinelli’s electrifying pace. The young starlet made this admission while answering fan questions in a lighthearted video alongside fellow academy talent Myles Lewis-Skelly, shared on Arsenal’s official X account.
When asked which attribute he’d borrow from a teammate, Nwaneri didn’t hesitate. “I’d take Martinelli’s speed. I’d be fake with that,” he quipped, with a grin that underscored his admiration for the Brazilian’s explosive pace.
The Challenges of Stepping Up
Nwaneri’s journey into Arsenal’s first team has been nothing short of meteoric. Known for his football intelligence, dazzling dribbles, and instinctive movement, he has already netted three goals in eight appearances across all competitions this season. However, the teenage prodigy admitted the leap to senior football was a challenge.
“It’s hard, but you get used to it quick,” he shared, reflecting on the demands of top-flight football. “At the end of the day, it’s good.”
Off the Pitch
The video also offered fans a glimpse into Nwaneri’s personality. Asked about the funniest player in the Arsenal dressing room, he named Ayden Heaven, calling him “a very funny guy.” Beyond football, Nwaneri revealed another passion—basketball. A long-time player of the sport, he hinted at his well-rounded athleticism.
As the Gunners’ faithful continue to watch his development, Nwaneri’s humility and hunger for growth make it clear: he’s not just content with being Arsenal’s wonderkid; he’s aiming for greatness.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
For the first time in two decades, Ghana’s Black Stars will be absent from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a development former international Ibrahim Tanko has described as a bitter blow to Ghanaian football.
The four-time African champions endured a woeful qualification campaign for the 2025 tournament, finishing last in Group F without a single win. Their six matches yielded only three draws and three defeats, including a disheartening 2-1 loss to Niger in Accra and a 1-1 draw with Angola in Luanda.
Speaking to Flashscore, Tanko, a former Borussia Dortmund forward, lamented the historic failure. “This is the first time in over 20 years that Ghana will not be at AFCON. It’s a big blow for Ghana football, former players, and the Ghana Football Association (GFA). We are definitely going to feel it,” he said.
Tanko noted that Ghana’s struggles were not due to a lack of talent. “In terms of players, we have them. Even though some key players missed the games, we still had a squad good enough to qualify. Historically, qualification has always been straightforward for Ghana, but this time, we fell short.”
He called for introspection within the GFA, urging a deep analysis of the factors behind Ghana’s decline. “In the past, we didn’t just qualify—we thrived. But recently, even when we make it, we fail to progress past the group stage. Something is not right.”
Tanko highlighted the evolving nature of African football, where traditional powerhouses no longer dominate. “Football has changed. Every country has quality players now. Look at Sudan—they may not have the strongest league, but their national team is excelling, even leading their World Cup qualification group ahead of Senegal. This shows how competitive the game has become.”
Reflecting on Ghana’s campaign, Tanko noted that the Black Stars had opportunities to bounce back after an opening 1-0 loss to Angola in Kumasi. However, goalless draws and defeats to Sudan and Niger sealed their fate.
For Ghana, missing AFCON is not just a loss of prestige—it’s a wake-up call. As Tanko suggested, the strength of a national team mirrors the quality of its domestic league. The challenge now is to rebuild and ensure that this failure becomes a turning point for Ghanaian football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
In the heart of Bergamo, a new hero has emerged, and his name is Ademola Lookman. The Nigerian forward, a driving force behind Atalanta’s recent successes, has caught the attention of none other than club legend Papu Gómez, who recently shared his admiration for the Super Eagles star.
Lookman’s journey with Atalanta began just two years ago, but his impact has been nothing short of extraordinary. The 26-year-old has scored 40 goals in 92 appearances, climbing to 15th on the club’s all-time scorers list. His crowning moment came in May when he delivered a stunning hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, leading Atalanta to their first-ever European trophy.
For Gómez, Lookman’s brilliance lies in his relentless hunger for goals. “He’s not like me. I was hungrier for assists, but he’s a pure goal hunter,” the Argentine remarked in an interview with Tutto Atalanta. “His ability to take on defenders and adapt to Gasperini’s system is remarkable. He’s grown tremendously as a team player.”
Gómez, who scored 59 goals and provided 72 assists during his seven-year tenure at the club, sees Lookman carving his own path. While Gómez built his legacy as a creator, Lookman is shaping his as a finisher, with 30 goals and 20 assists in just 71 Serie A matches.
Lookman’s performances have also earned him international recognition. Ranked second among Serie A players at the 2024 Ballon d’Or and a finalist for the 2024 African Player of the Year award, he stands on the cusp of greatness. With his exceptional form, Lookman has positioned himself as the favourite to claim the coveted CAF honour.
In Bergamo, where legends like Gómez are revered, Lookman is writing his own story—a tale of goals, glory, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
“Support, Not Sack”: Tanko Urges Patience for Otto Addo
Accra Lions head coach Ibrahim Tanko has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to retain Otto Addo as Black Stars coach despite the team’s disappointing failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Black Stars finished last in Group F with just three points, failing to win a single match and recording three losses and three draws. This poor performance has fueled widespread calls to sack Addo and overhaul the technical team.
However, Tanko, a respected voice in Ghanaian football, believes sacking Addo is not the solution. Speaking to Sportsblog247.com, he highlighted the challenges Addo has faced and emphasized the need for stability.
“I don’t believe the job is too big for him. He stepped in during a very tough period and even led us to the World Cup in Qatar. Yes, the results weren’t as expected, but he has the expertise,” Tanko said.
He also pointed out the financial and strategic implications of replacing Addo. “He just signed a three-year contract – sacking him would mean paying a hefty compensation. Plus, there’s no guarantee a new coach will deliver instant success. With World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, continuity is key.”
The GFA Executive Council is expected to deliberate on Addo’s future soon, as fans and analysts remain divided over whether to rebuild with a new coach or place their faith in Addo for the challenges ahead.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Cash is King in Napoli’s Stance on Victor Osimhen Transfer
Napoli has dismissed reports suggesting they are considering a player-plus-cash offer from Manchester United for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. According to Cult of Calcio, while there may be some truth to the rumour involving Joshua Zirkzee and €30 million, Napoli has made it clear they are not entertaining swap deals.
The Italian club is firm on receiving an upfront cash payment for Osimhen, holding out for offers that match his reduced release clause of €75 million. Despite recent tension between Osimhen and the Napoli board, the club is prepared to wait until next summer for the right deal, even as interest mounts from top European clubs.
While Manchester United is keen, their current proposal falls €45 million short of Napoli’s valuation. Furthermore, Napoli’s coach Antonio Conte has prioritized bolstering the team’s defense rather than adding another striker, especially with Romelu Lukaku in fine form.
Galatasaray, Osimhen’s previous club, would also need to be part of any deal due to ongoing agreements. However, both Osimhen and the Turkish side have ruled out a January move, making a summer transfer more likely. Chelsea remains in the mix, but discussions are expected to resume only after the season ends.
