by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 9, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Nashville SC defender Maxwell Woledzi has revealed that his desire to represent Ghana at international level is a long-cherished ambition rather than a recent development.
The 24-year-old, who recently completed a move from Norwegian side Fredrikstad FK to Major League Soccer outfit Nashville SC, says the dream of wearing the Black Stars jersey has followed him throughout his European journey.
“I’ve been wanting to play for the Black Stars since my time at Nordsjælland, so it’s not something new,” Woledzi said, recalling his days at the FC Nordsjælland academy.
Despite yet to make his senior national team debut, the former Right to Dream Academy graduate insists his focus remains firmly on delivering strong performances at club level, believing consistency is the surest path to international recognition.
“I just have to make sure I give my best at my club and do what I have to do so the people in charge can see who I am,” he explained.
Woledzi also highlighted the pride that comes with national team selection, describing it as a moment that goes beyond the individual.
“Everyone hopes to play for the national team, and when you do, it’s a proud moment not just for you, but for your family as well,” he added.
His comments come at a crucial time for Ghanaian football, as the Black Stars continue preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Drawn into a demanding Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama, Ghana will be seeking to assemble a strong and competitive squad.
After an outstanding spell in Norway—where he was crowned Fredrikstad Player of the Year—Woledzi’s move to the MLS marks a new chapter in his career. His continued development in the United States could yet pave the way for a long-awaited Black Stars call-up.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 9, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Grêmio winger Francis Amuzu has hinted that a long-awaited call-up to Ghana’s Black Stars could finally come true, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup firmly in his sights.
The 25-year-old, who recently settled into life in Brazil after a difficult start, says he is now open and ready to represent Ghana on the world’s biggest stage. Ghana have already booked their place at the World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Speaking to Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad, Amuzu admitted his early months at Grêmio were challenging, both mentally and professionally.
“I played very little for Grêmio at the beginning. At one point, I even thought about returning to Anderlecht in the summer,” he revealed. “It’s my hometown, so it was a serious option. I spoke to my agent, but in the end, nothing happened.”
Despite settling well off the pitch with his family, Amuzu struggled for regular game time and was occasionally left out of matchday squads. That situation, however, changed in September, when he began featuring more consistently and rediscovered his rhythm.
“With the league starting again next weekend, I want to continue on the same path as last season,” Amuzu said. “And who knows, maybe I can even go to the World Cup with Ghana.”
Currently under contract with Grêmio until the end of the year, Amuzu has his eyes on a future move to one of Europe’s top leagues. A former teammate of Manchester City star Jeremy Doku, the winger is now hopeful of earning a Black Stars opportunity after previously turning down call-ups during the reigns of Kwasi Appiah and CK Akonnor.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 8, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Tottenham Hotspur have suffered a major blow ahead of a demanding run of fixtures after it was confirmed that Mohammed Kudus will be sidelined until after the March 2026 international break.
The 25-year-old Ghana international picked up a quad and tendon injury during Spurs’ 1–1 draw with Sunderland, forcing him to leave the pitch in the first half. Medical scans later confirmed the seriousness of the injury, prompting head coach Thomas Frank to describe it as a “bigger” setback that requires careful management before Kudus can return to full training.
As a result, Kudus is expected to miss 13 matches across all competitions, stretching Tottenham’s squad depth during one of the busiest periods of their season. His absence will be felt in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and FA Cup, where Spurs face several high-profile opponents.
Tottenham must now navigate crucial league encounters against Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Nottingham Forest, alongside additional Premier League fixtures versus West Ham, Burnley, Fulham, and Crystal Palace. In Europe, Spurs are scheduled to host Borussia Dortmund before travelling to face Eintracht Frankfurt, while their FA Cup journey continues with a tie against Aston Villa.
With one of their most dynamic attacking options unavailable, Tottenham’s tactical flexibility and resilience will be put to the test as they aim to remain competitive on all fronts.
Matches Mohammed Kudus Will Miss (Before March 23, 2026)
Jan 10, 2026: FA Cup – Aston Villa (Home)
Jan 17, 2026: Premier League – West Ham (Home)
Jan 20, 2026: Champions League – Borussia Dortmund (Home)
Jan 24, 2026: Premier League – Burnley (Away)
Jan 28, 2026: Champions League – Eintracht Frankfurt (Away)
Feb 1, 2026: Premier League – Manchester City (Home)
Feb 7, 2026: Premier League – Manchester United (Away)
Feb 10, 2026: Premier League – Newcastle United (Home)
Feb 22, 2026: Premier League – Arsenal (Home)
Mar 1, 2026: Premier League – Fulham (Away)
Mar 4, 2026: Premier League – Crystal Palace (Home)
Mar 14, 2026: Premier League – Liverpool (Away)
Mar 21, 2026: Premier League – Nottingham Forest (Home)
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 8, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Former Egyptian striker Ahmed Hossam Hussein, popularly known as Mido, has expressed confidence that the Pharaohs can reach the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations—but only if they overcome defending champions Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals.
The two sides meet on Saturday, January 10, in Morocco, with Mido urging coach Hossam Hassan to adopt a more flexible tactical approach to counter the Elephants’ pace and attacking threat.
“There must be a change in the way we play because they have great speed. Playing with just one defensive midfielder will be tactical suicide,” Mido said on the Awdet El-Lebs programme on Al-Nahar channel. “Hossam Hassan must use two defensive midfielders to protect our backline.”
Mido also highlighted the need for a balanced attacking strategy, calling for a number 9 striker while pushing forward Mostafa Mohamed, Mohamed Salah, and Omar Marmoush. “Mostafa Mohamed is the player capable of converting crosses into goals. If we beat Ivory Coast, we have a clear path to the final,” he added.
The quarter-final showdown kicks off at 7 pm on Saturday, setting the stage for what promises to be a tactical and high-stakes encounter in AFCON 2025.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 8, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Super Eagles forward Daniel Amokachi has weighed in on the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, identifying the nations he believes are in the strongest position to claim the coveted trophy.
Having won AFCON as a player in 1994 and as assistant coach to the late Stephen Keshi in 2013, Amokachi brings a wealth of experience to his analysis. Speaking to SuperSport, he praised the tournament’s organisation and quality of play, noting that Morocco has delivered both on and off the pitch.
“The standard of play and organisation here in Morocco have been top-notch. We’ve been entertained and witnessed excellent football from the teams,” Amokachi said.
Looking ahead to the title race, he singled out Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Algeria as countries with the hunger, talent, and cohesion to go all the way. “The Super Eagles have been very impressive and look like a team eager to make amends for missing the World Cup. Morocco, with home support and their style of play, can also lift the trophy. Senegal and Algeria are strong sides, blending youth and experience, and are serious contenders,” he added.
While these four sides stand out, Amokachi believes that other traditional powers, including Egypt and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, remain in the mix despite the stiff competition, highlighting the depth and unpredictability of AFCON 2025.
