by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 22, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The stage is set for one of African football’s most prestigious honours — the CAF Player of the Year (Men). From Cairo to Casablanca, Lagos to Dakar, fans are buzzing with anticipation as ten of the continent’s brightest stars prepare to contest for football’s grandest individual prize.
Each nominee has lit up the football world in 2025 — from Victor Osimhen’s relentless goalscoring firepower, Mohamed Salah’s enduring brilliance, and Achraf Hakimi’s commanding presence, to the sensational rise of Fiston Mayele and Oussama Lamloui.
This year’s list celebrates not only talent but resilience, leadership, and the spirit of African excellence. As the countdown to the CAF Awards begins, one question echoes across the continent:
Who will be crowned Africa’s King of Football in 2025? ⚽
Nominees:
Fiston Mayele
Denis Bouanga
Mohamed Salah
Achraf Hakimi
Oussama Lamloui
Serhou Guirassy
Victor Osimhen
Iliman Ndiaye
Pape Matar Sarr
Frank Anguissa
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 22, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
As Ghana gears up for its fifth FIFA World Cup appearance next year in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, a fresh debate has emerged over the inclusion of dual-nationality players — footballers who were born or raised abroad but trace their roots to Ghana.
The discussion, which has divided opinions among fans and pundits, centers around whether players who did not feature during the qualifiers should be given a place in the World Cup squad.
However, former Sports Minister [Name withheld in text] has waded into the conversation, calling for inclusivity and understanding. Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face To Face, the former minister argued that a player’s birthplace should not define their patriotism or eligibility to represent Ghana.
> “Even Jordan [Ayew] and Dede [Ayew] — they were not born here. They were born outside the country,” he said. “They had the opportunity and they came to play for us; Anthony Baffoe the same. Accident of birth should not prevent someone from enjoying portraying his Ghanaianess.”
His remarks come at a time when players like Callum Hudson-Odoi of Nottingham Forest, Eddie Nketiah of Crystal Palace, and Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro of AZ Alkmaar have been strongly linked with potential call-ups to Ghana’s World Cup squad.
For many, the inclusion of such players could boost Ghana’s chances on the global stage. But for others, it reignites long-standing concerns about commitment and loyalty. Still, as the former Sports Minister emphasized, being born abroad should never disqualify anyone from expressing their identity and pride in being Ghanaian.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 22, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana could soon welcome a new face between the posts as 20-year-old goalkeeper Jayden Owusu-Oduro edges closer to his maiden call-up for the Black Stars.
The talented shot-stopper, who plies his trade with AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivisie, has been one of the standout performers for the club this season. His commanding presence, quick reflexes, and maturity beyond his years have not gone unnoticed — catching the eye of Ghana’s technical handlers.
Born in the Netherlands to Ghanaian parents, Owusu-Oduro has previously featured for Dutch youth national teams but remains eligible to represent Ghana at the senior level. His potential inclusion is viewed as a strategic move to bolster the Black Stars’ goalkeeping options ahead of crucial international assignments.
According to close sources, talks between the player’s representatives and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) are at an advanced stage, with the youngster expected to feature in the next squad announcement.
If finalized, his decision to don the Ghanaian colors would not only strengthen the national team’s depth but also mark the beginning of what could be a long and promising international career.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 22, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In a move that promises another thrilling chapter in West African women’s football, the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B has announced Benin as the official host of the 2025 WAFU B U20 Girls Cup, scheduled from November 3 to 10, 2025.
The week-long tournament will once again spotlight the best young female footballers across the sub-region — a true celebration of passion, progress, and potential.
Among the early confirmed participants are Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, and Niger, with other member nations expected to join in the coming days.
All eyes, however, will be on the Black Princesses of Ghana, who return as defending champions after their unforgettable triumph in the maiden edition held in 2023. That historic tournament in Kumasi saw Ghana edge fierce rivals Nigeria 3–1 on penalties, after a pulsating final ended in a draw — a result that crowned Ghana as queens of the region and reaffirmed their dominance in women’s youth football.
For many of these young athletes, the WAFU B U20 Girls Cup is more than just a competition — it’s a gateway to professional dreams and national glory. The tournament continues to serve as a vital platform for nurturing emerging stars who will one day shine on the continental and global stage.
As November 2025 draws closer, anticipation grows across the region. Fans await another thrilling showdown of skill, unity, and determination, as the next generation of West African female footballers step onto the grand stage to write their stories.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 22, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
After years away from the continental spotlight, the Black Stars of Ghana have roared back into prominence — earning a coveted nomination for the 2025 CAF National Team of the Year award.
It’s been a remarkable turnaround for Otto Addo’s men, who have restored belief and pride to Ghanaian football after missing out on the last AFCON. In 2025, the Black Stars have been nothing short of sensational — going unbeaten in six competitive matches with five wins and a draw, and topping their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group with an impressive 25 points from ten games.
Their resurgence has not gone unnoticed. CAF, which annually celebrates Africa’s finest footballers, clubs, and national teams, recognized Ghana’s remarkable progress and resilience this year. The four-time African champions now stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Africa’s elite — Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde, and the Atlas Cubs of Morocco (U-20 world champions) — in contention for the continent’s most prestigious team award.
Last year’s edition saw Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman and Zambia’s Barbara Banda crowned as Africa’s best players, and this year, all eyes will be on whether Ghana can cap their football renaissance with continental recognition.
While CAF is yet to confirm the official date and venue for the 2025 ceremony, rumors suggest that the glamorous event will once again take place in Morocco this December — a fitting stage for Africa’s football giants to be honored.
The Black Stars’ nomination marks not just a return to form, but a renewal of Ghana’s footballing spirit — a story of resilience, revival, and redemption.
