by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 17, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in Ghanaian women’s football as Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren names his 24-woman squad for the decisive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Qualifiers against Egypt.
With a ticket to next year’s tournament in Morocco on the line, Ghana will lock horns with the Pharaohs of Egypt in a tense two-legged encounter. The first leg takes place on Thursday, October 23, with the return fixture scheduled for October 28 in Accra — matches that will determine whether the Queens secure their spot at Africa’s biggest women’s football event.
Bjorkegren has struck a balance between experience and youthful promise. Two exciting former Black Princesses — Sharon Sampson of Swedish side Piteå IF and Helen Alormenu from Texas State University — have earned maiden senior call-ups after impressive performances at the youth level. Sampson, who shone at the 2023 U-20 World Cup in Costa Rica, returns to the fold eager to make her mark on the senior stage.
Meanwhile, captain Portia Boakye once again headlines the squad, bringing her trademark leadership and composure to guide the team through what promises to be a fiery contest. The squad also retains its dependable goalkeeping trio — Cynthia Konlan, Kerrie McCarthy, and Afi Amenyeku — ensuring stability at the back.
As the Queens prepare for battle, Coach Bjorkegren’s mission is clear: blend the energy of youth with the wisdom of experience to outclass their North African rivals and book their place among the continent’s elite.
With determination running high and the memory of past WAFCON triumphs fueling their spirit, the Black Queens stand ready to make Ghana proud once again.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 17, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has showered praise on Morocco’s U-20 national team following their historic qualification to the FIFA U-20 World Cup final, describing it as the product of years of structured investment and strategic youth development.
Morocco’s remarkable run to the final — where they’ll face Argentina on Sunday, October 19 — makes them only the third African country ever to reach this stage of the tournament.
Agyemang-Badu, who scored the decisive penalty that won Ghana the 2009 U-20 World Cup in Egypt, said he wasn’t surprised by the North Africans’ rise, noting that their success is no coincidence.
> “I’m not surprised. I’m actually a big admirer of what Morocco has been doing,” he told Sporty FM.
“They started this process about four or five years ago — scouting young players from places like England and Somalia, introducing them early into their system, teaching them the culture, style, and expectations. That’s how you build a football identity.”
The former Udinese midfielder emphasized that Morocco’s approach — rooted in long-term planning, scouting, and infrastructure development — has transformed their football.
> “They built something strong over time, and now Moroccan football is arguably the best on the continent,” he said.
Agyemang-Badu also applauded the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for its recent youth-focused initiatives, especially the ‘Catch Them Young Referee’ program, which has already produced young talents like 17-year-old Adongo Angelous Akurugu, who officiated the Nations FC vs. Kotoko clash.
> “When I see Morocco, I see the reward of consistency,” he added.
“But Ghana is also moving in the right direction. The GFA President is doing well — the U-17s are improving, and the Catch Them Young initiative is brilliant. That’s how we can rebuild our football culture and revive our junior national teams.”
Morocco’s rise, Agyemang-Badu believes, should serve as a blueprint for Ghana, reminding everyone that football excellence begins with vision, patience, and proper structure.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 17, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Kevin-Prince Boateng’s journey with the Black Stars was as dramatic as it was brilliant — a story of pride, passion, and pain that ended in chaos behind closed doors.
The former Portsmouth and AC Milan star, once hailed as Ghana’s World Cup hero, found himself at the center of a storm within the national team. While fans celebrated his fiery performances in South Africa 2010 — including that iconic goal against the USA — tensions were quietly brewing in the dressing room.
After the World Cup, Boateng’s commitment to Ghana came under scrutiny. He began missing key AFCON qualifiers, citing personal reasons, yet made himself available for glamour friendlies. The turning point came when he reportedly refused to travel for an AFCON qualifier against DR Congo but appeared fit and ready for a high-profile friendly against England just days later.
According to former Ghana FA Communications Director, Saanie Daara, that decision caused uproar within the squad. “I regret helping Kevin-Prince Boateng switch to Ghana,” Daara revealed on Good Evening Ghana with Paul Adom-Otchere. “He never played in an AFCON qualifier. The players revolted after realizing he skipped the Congo game, only to show up for England. They felt betrayed — and he was eventually sent away.”
The revelation has resurfaced as reports swirl about Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah considering a switch to represent Ghana — a reminder of how difficult it can be to balance national pride with personal ambition.
Boateng’s time with the Black Stars remains one of the most captivating yet controversial chapters in Ghanaian football — a tale of talent that shone brightly but burned too fast.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 17, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have received a significant boost in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thanks to their improved position in the latest FIFA rankings.
With Nigeria now sitting at 45th in the world, the team is set to be one of the top-seeded nations should they advance to the Intercontinental Playoffs. This ranking advantage means the Super Eagles would only need to play one decisive match in March 2026 in Mexico to secure a place at the Mundial.
According to the updated list, Panama (29th) leads the playoff-bound nations, followed closely by Nigeria (45th). The Super Eagles are ranked ahead of heavyweights such as Costa Rica (47), Cameroon (52), Iraq (58), DR Congo (60), UAE (67), Jamaica (69), Bolivia (77), Gabon (79), Curacao (86), and New Caledonia (150).
However, before reaching the Intercontinental stage, Nigeria must first navigate the African continental playoffs next month. They begin their campaign on November 13 in Morocco against Gabon, with the winner set to face either Cameroon or DR Congo for the continent’s lone ticket to the Intercontinental Playoffs.
With renewed confidence and a favorable ranking, the Super Eagles’ dream of flying to the 2026 World Cup is very much alive.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 17, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
In the growing conversation about dual-national footballers, one name continues to spark debate among Ghanaian fans — Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro, the highly-rated AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper whose roots stretch from Accra to Amsterdam.
Born to a Ghanaian father and a Dutch mother, the 21-year-old shot-stopper has risen rapidly through the ranks of Dutch football. Since making his senior debut for AZ Alkmaar in 2023, Owusu-Oduro has become one of the Eredivisie’s most promising goalkeepers — calm under pressure, agile between the posts, and commanding in the air.
But for Ghanaian fans, the bigger question looms large:
Will he one day guard the posts for the Black Stars ?
Owusu-Oduro speaks on his international future
Speaking to UK-based Ghanaian journalist Rahman Osman after an impressive Europa League outing against Tottenham Hotspur, the young goalkeeper offered a thoughtful — and cautious — response about his future.
> “Not now,” he said. “I have to focus and play for the Young Oranges for now. We have the Euros coming up, and my focus is here. Maybe in the future — but it’s not my priority now.”
Though still firmly part of the Dutch U-21 setup, his words left a door ajar — one that Ghanaian supporters are eager to see open.
Owusu-Oduro also expressed admiration for Ghana’s football greats:
> “I always liked the Ayew brothers and Asamoah Gyan. I watched them a lot with my dad.”
Fans react: “He’s coming home!”
After his comments resurfaced online — especially following Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — social media erupted with excitement and persuasion.
@KTB37033674: “Let’s bring every eligible Ghanaian who wants to play for us into our team. Especially if they are young.”
@thepowderguy1: “He’s coming home. Make Asare warm bench for us.”
@antasante10: “I’ve watched this guy. He’s 10× better than Asare and could be 100× better in the future.”
The Black Stars’ goalkeeping position has long been under scrutiny, with Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, and Joseph Anang rotating in recent years. Many now see Owusu-Oduro as the long-term answer — the modern goalkeeper Ghana needs.
This season, the AZ Alkmaar starlet has already featured seven times in the Eredivisie, boasting a 65.6% save rate and one clean sheet. His blend of youth, confidence, and technical ability makes him a top prospect for both nations.
The crossroads ahead
For now, Owusu-Oduro’s heart beats for the Netherlands — but his roots whisper Ghana. As the 2026 World Cup draws closer, the Black Stars’ call may become harder to ignore.
And in the echo of fans’ voices, one sentiment stands tall:
> “The future belongs to those who choose where their heart feels most at home.”
