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.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer, Uncategorized
A Viral Journey from Cameroon to Spain
Cameroonian artist Bad Nova has arrived in Madrid following an invitation from Spanish football giants Real Madrid. The rising star’s infectious anthem, Hala Madrid, has taken the world by storm, becoming a viral sensation across multiple platforms.
The song has inspired over 500,000 videos on TikTok, amassing nearly 900 million cumulative views. On YouTube, the audio has already garnered an impressive 6.8 million views within just one month. In a bid to reach an even wider audience, Bad Nova released a Spanish version of the track, which has also gone viral, cementing his growing global appeal.
A Global Connection
Bad Nova’s musical success highlights the powerful intersection of sports and music, as his ode to Real Madrid resonates with fans worldwide. His invitation to Madrid signals not just recognition of his talent but also the unifying spirit of football and creativity.
As his audience continues to expand, the Cameroonian artist’s journey is a testament to the limitless possibilities of blending culture, passion, and talent.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Buses for Excellence or a Political Move?
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has presented Hyundai buses to the top three clubs from Zones One, Two, and Three of last season’s Division One League. This initiative, aimed at supporting the clubs’ logistics, has sparked conversations about the association’s leadership and its president, Kurt Okraku.
Initially, reports suggested the buses would come from GFA’s partner, O.A. Travels and Tours. However, the association delivered Hyundai buses instead, raising eyebrows about the change in arrangement. Despite this, the gesture has been widely acknowledged as a positive step toward easing transportation challenges for the clubs.
As the GFA moves closer to elections, this initiative has fueled debates over whether Kurt Okraku deserves another term. While some applaud his efforts to support grassroots football, others question the transparency and consistency of such projects.
The Bigger Question
With mixed reactions from fans and stakeholders, the buses symbolize more than just logistical support—they represent the broader challenges of trust, accountability, and vision in Ghanaian football management.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Clash That Changed Everything
Ghanaian football fans were stunned when news broke of Daniel Amartey’s decision to step away from the Black Stars. While the official reasons were initially unclear, a recent exposé by renowned sports journalist Collins Atta Poku has shed light on a series of troubling events that may have forced the defender to walk away.
Speaking on Sompa TV/FM, Atta Poku unveiled allegations of financial mismanagement within the Ghana Football Association (GFA), implicating its president, Kurt Okraku. The story begins with preparations for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. During a team meeting, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo personally announced a financial incentive of $3,000 for each player.
However, the promised amount never fully reached the players. Instead, Okraku allegedly distributed only $2,800 per player, citing the need to allocate the remaining $200 to the technical team. This unexplained deduction did not sit well with Amartey, who reportedly confronted Okraku, demanding transparency.
Matters worsened with the controversial dismissal of then-Black Stars coach Otto Addo. As one of the team captains, Amartey was invited to discussions about the sacking but refused to attend, reportedly disillusioned with how the GFA was handling team affairs. His frustration, coupled with what he perceived as systemic indifference to players’ concerns, led him to make the difficult decision to leave the national team.
Fans Call for Reform
Atta Poku’s revelations have sparked heated debates across Ghana, with fans and stakeholders questioning the integrity of the GFA. Many argue that such alleged financial discrepancies and lack of transparency undermine trust between the players and the association.
Amartey’s exit has not only highlighted systemic flaws but has also reignited calls for reforms within the GFA to ensure accountability, fairness, and a harmonious relationship with players. For a team as storied as the Black Stars, these issues strike at the heart of their pursuit of glory on the continental and global stages.
