by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
What was meant to be the start of a promising football journey has ended in heartbreak.
18-year-old Senegalese goalkeeper Cheikh Touré travelled to Ghana after being lured with the promise of a professional club trial — a chance to chase his dream.
But that dream turned tragic. Upon arrival, he was kidnapped and held for ransom. Despite desperate efforts, his family couldn’t raise the demanded amount, and the young star’s life was cruelly cut short.
A bright future extinguished too soon. ️
May his soul rest in peace, and may justice prevail.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 17, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma has stirred the pre-match atmosphere with a cheeky remark ahead of their decisive encounter against the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Speaking confidently to local reporters, Mouyouma said his side understands the challenge that awaits them but remains optimistic.
> “We know what to expect from Nigeria. It will definitely be a tougher game, but if they don’t use their hands to score, we are going to eliminate them,” Mouyouma quipped, drawing laughter from the press.
His statement appears to reference Nigeria’s recent controversial goal incident, adding a spicy edge to what already promises to be an intense fixture. With both teams eyeing qualification glory, the clash is set to be more than just a football match — it’s becoming a battle of pride and wit.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 17, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
The reigning queens of African women’s football, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, are set to defend their crown once again as head coach Justin Madugu has released a formidable 21-woman squad for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final qualifying clash against Benin Republic.
Nigeria, record 10-time African champions, will begin their title defense with a strong lineup that blends experience, talent, and youth. Among the notable names are team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, the 2024 WAFCON Player of the Tournament, and Esther Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto — both ready to lead from the front.
The list also features Brighton’s Chiamaka Nnadozie, who continues her reign as Africa’s best goalkeeper, alongside defensive stalwarts Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Osinachi Ohale. In midfield, Jennifer Echegini, Christy Ucheibe, and Deborah Abiodun add flair and creativity, while forwards Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Folashade Ijamilusi promise firepower in attack.
Nigeria’s squad is well-balanced — three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders, and six forwards — reflecting Madugu’s intent to maintain dominance on the continent while building a future-ready team.
The first leg of the qualifier will take place at the Stade Kégué in Lomé, Togo, on Saturday, October 25, with the return leg set for the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
The 2026 WAFCON, hosted once again by Morocco, will double as the African qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
As the Super Falcons gear up for this crucial test, the message is clear — Nigeria’s golden era in women’s football is far from over.
Full Squad – Super Falcons vs Benin Republic (WAFCON Qualifiers)
Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders:
Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Abia Angels)
Midfielders:
Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France); Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels); Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)
Forwards:
Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca, Mexico); Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorring, Denmark); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 17, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s head coach Otto Addo is keeping things realistic ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, declaring that his first mission is to help the Black Stars survive the group stage before dreaming of bigger things.
Speaking after Ghana’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium — a result that sealed their qualification for next year’s global showpiece — Addo emphasized a step-by-step approach.
> “Like I said, I always take it one step at a time,” he told Sporty FM. “Our first goal is to survive the group stage. Ghana’s ranking means we’ll likely face strong opponents, but I know we have the quality to beat any team. Once we reach the knockout rounds, anything can happen.”
This will mark Ghana’s fifth appearance on football’s biggest stage, following campaigns in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. The Black Stars’ best finish remains the unforgettable 2010 quarterfinal run in South Africa — a feat Addo quietly hopes to emulate or even surpass.
As the team prepares for North America 2026, the message from Addo is clear: humility first, belief always.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 17, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Thirteen years after their last showdown, Nigeria’s U17 women’s team — the Flamingos — are ready to rekindle an old rivalry as they open their 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup campaign against Canada on Sunday at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé, Morocco.
The last time these two sides met in 2012, it ended in a tense 1–1 draw. Now, with both nations boasting a new generation of talent, the stakes are higher, the ambitions bigger, and the football more refined.
Coach Bankole Olowookere’s young charges have arrived in Rabat full of confidence after a spirited preparation phase highlighted by their attacking brilliance and tactical discipline. The team showcased their “high-pressing football” style in recent friendlies — edging Paraguay 3–2 and narrowly falling to New Zealand — performances that have lifted belief in their ability to go far in Morocco.
Canada, however, represent a stern first test. Renowned for their structure, strength, and athleticism, the North Americans will look to impose their physical dominance. But with Nigeria’s blend of flair, pace, and composure, the Flamingos are determined to start Group D — which also features France and Samoa — on a winning note.
After clinching bronze in India (2022) and reaching the quarterfinals in the Dominican Republic, this new-look Flamingos squad dreams of going even further — perhaps all the way this time.
