by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 10, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Plans to fly a contingent of 200 passionate Super Eagles fans to Morocco for the 2026 World Cup Playoffs have hit a major snag — and ultimately been called off — due to visa complications.
According to team officials, the travel arrangement, aimed at rallying massive in-stadium support for Nigeria, was abandoned after logistical challenges made it impossible to secure entry visas for the traveling supporters.
> “The plan is off because of problems of securing the fans’ visas into Morocco,” a team source confirmed.
In light of the setback, attention has now turned to Nigerians based in Morocco, including students and local residents, who are expected to fill the stands and cheer on the team when the Super Eagles face Gabon on Thursday.
The crucial playoff clash will take place in Rabat, with kick-off set for 5 p.m., as Nigeria begins its campaign to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Though the traveling fans will be missed, the Nigerian spirit remains unshaken — and the hope is that the Eagles will soar high regardless of where their supporters are watching from. 🇳🇬🦅
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 10, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Leeds United are reportedly lining up a January swoop for Brandon Thomas-Asante, the in-form Ghanaian striker lighting up the English Championship with his goal-scoring exploits for Coventry City.
The 25-year-old has been in sensational form this season, netting 10 goals in just 14 matches, a run that has made him one of the most lethal forwards in England’s second tier. His relentless consistency and sharp finishing have not only caught the attention of Premier League scouts but also placed him firmly on the radar of Ghana coach Otto Addo ahead of this month’s international friendlies against Japan and South Korea.
However, a potential move to Elland Road won’t come easy. Thomas-Asante remains under contract with Coventry until 2028, meaning Leeds would need to make a substantial offer to convince the Sky Blues to part ways with their star man.
Adding to the complexity, Coventry—currently in the mix for Premier League promotion—will be reluctant to lose their top scorer mid-season. Manager Frank Lampard views the Ghanaian forward as a key figure in his promotion push and is expected to resist any approach from rival clubs.
Still, Leeds’ interest underscores Thomas-Asante’s meteoric rise. From his early days at Salford City to becoming one of the Championship’s hottest properties, the striker’s journey continues to inspire — and his next move could be the biggest leap of his career yet.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 10, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for Nigeria’s Super Eagles stars across Europe, with Taiwo Awoniyi inspiring a turnaround in England while Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen endured disappointing outings for their clubs.
At the City Ground, Awoniyi made a decisive impact as Nottingham Forest finally grabbed their first Premier League win under new boss Sean Dyche, defeating Leeds United 3-1. The powerful striker was introduced in the 59th minute, using his strength and hold-up play to stabilize the attack as Forest cruised to a vital victory.
Elsewhere in England, Crystal Palace’s rising forward Chrisantus Uche watched from the bench as the Eagles were held to a goalless draw by Brighton. The young attacker is still seeking regular minutes after three league appearances this season.
In Italy, it was a tough night for Ademola Lookman as Atalanta fell 3-0 at home to Sassuolo. The Nigerian winger struggled to find his rhythm before being substituted in the 78th minute as Gian Piero Gasperini’s men suffered a rare home defeat.
Over in France, Terem Moffi provided fresh energy off the bench to help Metz claim a 2-1 win against Nice, extending their solid run in Ligue 1.
In Turkey, Victor Osimhen’s Galatasaray were stunned by Kocaelispor, losing 1-0 despite dominating possession. The result marked a rare slip for the Turkish champions, with Osimhen unable to find his usual spark in front of goal.
Meanwhile, in Belgium, Raphael Onyedika and Club Brugge endured frustration after falling 1-0 to bitter rivals Anderlecht in a tense Jupiler Pro League clash.
From England to Turkey, it was a weekend that tested the Eagles’ resilience — but Awoniyi’s strong showing offered a bright spark in an otherwise challenging round of fixtures for Nigeria’s top men abroad. 🇳🇬⚽️
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 10, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Brøndby IF’s rising star Noah Nartey has officially ruled out the possibility of ever donning the Ghanaian national team jersey, committing his international allegiance fully to Denmark.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who has been one of the standout performers in the Danish Superliga this season, revealed in an interview with Sportsblog247.com that while there has been contact from Ghana’s football authorities, his heart firmly belongs to the Danish national setup.
> “Of course, there is something with Ghana, and there has also been contact,” Nartey admitted. “But what I’m focused on is playing for Denmark and qualifying for a very great and important European Championship. It’s Denmark that I’ve represented my entire life, and it’s them that I will continue to represent.”
Nartey has represented Denmark across multiple youth levels and is now pushing for senior national team recognition. His impressive form for Brøndby — four goals and three assists in 14 appearances — has made him one of the most exciting young midfielders in Scandinavia.
His decision effectively ends any hopes of seeing him feature for the Black Stars of Ghana, despite his Ghanaian roots. Interestingly, his older brother Nikolas Nartey has already been called up to Denmark’s senior squad for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Belarus and Scotland — a sign that the Nartey brothers are firmly part of Denmark’s footballing future.
For Ghana, it’s a case of “one that got away.” For Denmark, it’s the gain of yet another gifted talent born of African heritage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 10, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
It was another exciting weekend for Ghanaian footballers plying their trade across the globe, as several stars made their mark ahead of the November international window of the 2025/26 season. From Germany to Serbia, the Black Stars hopefuls were in fine form — finding the net, providing assists, and staking their claim for a national team call-up.
ENGLAND
In the Premier League, it was a mixed weekend for Ghanaians. Antoine Semenyo missed a penalty as Bournemouth suffered a 4-0 loss to Aston Villa, while Kudus Mohammed sat out Tottenham’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Manchester United due to injury.
In the Championship, Patrick Agyemang netted for Derby County in their 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers. Abdul Fatawu Issahaku provided a late assist to secure Leicester City’s 2-1 win at Norwich, while Brandon Thomas-Asante worked tirelessly as Coventry City edged Stoke 1-0.
Goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott stood firm between the posts for Crawley Town, guiding them to a 2-1 victory over Fleetwood Town in League Two action.
SPAIN
Thomas Partey ran the show for Villarreal in their 2-0 win over Espanyol, while Kwasi Sibo featured briefly for Real Oviedo in their defeat to Athletic Club. Inaki Williams sat out due to injury, and Joseph Aidoo was an unused sub for Celta Vigo against Barcelona.
GERMANY
In Germany, Ernest Poku stole the headlines after scoring and assisting in Bayer Leverkusen’s stunning 6-0 win over Heidenheim. Meanwhile, Ransford Yeboah Königsdörffer salvaged a point for Hamburger SV with a late equalizer against Borussia Dortmund.
Elsewhere, Ilyas Ansah and Derrick Kohn impressed for Union Berlin as they held Bayern Munich 2-2, while Nikolas Nartey helped Stuttgart claim a 3-2 win over Augsburg.
In the second tier, Benjamin Boakye starred in Arminia Bielefeld’s 4-0 victory over Kaiserslautern, and Patric Pfeiffer helped Darmstadt edge Hannover 3-2.
ITALY
Kamaldeen Sulemana featured for Atalanta in their shock 3-0 home loss to Sassuolo, while Ibrahim Sulemana was benched for Bologna’s 2-0 triumph over Napoli. In Serie B, Patrick Nuamah came off the bench in Catanzaro’s 1-0 defeat to Empoli.
FRANCE
Mohammed Salisu and Samson Baidoo both featured in Monaco’s 1-4 loss to Lens, while Alidu Seidu marshalled Rennes’ defense in their 1-0 win over Paris FC. Terry Yegbe and Kojo Oppong Peprah also impressed for Metz in a 2-1 victory against Nice.
HOLLAND
Ernest Poku’s fellow Dutch-based stars had mixed fortunes. Kamal Sowah featured briefly for NAC Breda, while Jayden Oduro endured a tough night in goal for AZ Alkmaar in a 5-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven.
PORTUGAL & BELGIUM
Nelson Abbey played the full game for Rio Ave in their 1-1 draw with Alverca. In Belgium, Lawrence Agyekum helped Cercle Brugge beat OH Leuven 2-1, while Jerry Afriyie battled hard in Raal La Louviere’s 3-1 loss to Royal Antwerp.
TURKEY
It was a busy weekend for Ghanaians in Turkey. Daniel Agyei grabbed the winner for Kocaelispor in their 1-0 victory over Galatasaray, and Aaron Opoku registered an assist for Kayserispor despite a 4-2 defeat to Fenerbahce. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and Emmanuel Boateng also shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw between Rizespor and Gaziantep.
SERBIA
In Serbia, Ghanaian players were firing on all cylinders! Douglas Owusu netted the decisive goal for Radnik Surdulica in their 1-0 win over OFK Beograd, while Osei Kwaku Bonsu Gaucho was also on target for Spartak Subotica in a narrow 3-2 loss to Red Star Belgrade. Zubairu Ibrahim, Edmond Addo, and Abdul Razak Yusif also featured in solid performances across the league.
NORWAY & SWITZERLAND
In Norway, Leonard Owusu found the net for Fredrikstad in their 2-0 win over Sarpsborg 08. In Switzerland, Lawrence Ati-Zigi was in post for St. Gallen despite a 4-1 loss to Young Boys, while Daniel Afriyie Barnieh featured in FC Aarau’s heavy defeat at Bellinzona.
AUSTRIA & GREECE
In Austria, Edmund Baidoo played 83 minutes in Red Bull Salzburg’s 1-1 draw at Sturm Graz, while Baba Rahman was solid for PAOK in their narrow loss to Panathinaikos.
DENMARK & USA
In Denmark, Caleb Yirenkyi and Prince Amoako Jr. were in action for Nordsjaelland, who fell 2-0 to Brøndby. Over in the MLS, Kelvin Obeng featured in Minnesota United’s commanding 3-0 playoff win over Seattle Sounders.
Summary:
It was a weekend filled with goals, assists, and resilience as Ghanaian players continued to make their presence felt worldwide. From Poku’s brilliance in Germany to Owusu’s heroics in Serbia, the Black Stars’ future looks promising with talent spread across Europe and beyond. ⭐
