by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 10, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Former Board Chairman of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Kwadwo Baah Agyemang, has praised Black Stars coach Otto Addo for Ghana’s impressive run in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers — but believes the team will need a more experienced tactician for the main tournament.
Speaking on Nhyira FM’s Power Sports, Agyemang admitted that Otto Addo has “shamed” him with his recent performances, particularly after Ghana’s dominant win over the Central African Republic, which left the Black Stars just one point away from World Cup qualification.
> “Otto Addo has shamed me. He has changed a lot since the Mali game. In other words, he is learning,” he confessed.
“We will surely be at the World Cup, but Otto Addo can’t lead us to face teams like Spain, Italy, Portugal, Brazil, and Argentina. He is a qualification expert — he’s taken us there, but now we should look at the bench again.”
The former NSA boss acknowledged Otto Addo’s remarkable record — unbeaten in the qualifiers with six wins in seven games — but raised concerns about his tactical authority and composure on the touchline.
> “I won’t take anything away from him; his statistics speak for him. But how he presents himself on the bench is still suspicious,” he added.
Despite guiding Ghana close to a second straight World Cup qualification and redeeming himself after missing out on AFCON 2025, Otto Addo continues to face public scrutiny.
Even Sports Minister Kofi Adams recently described the coach as “lucky,” while admitting there remain “major concerns” about his consistency and adaptability at the highest level.
As the Black Stars inch toward another World Cup appearance, the debate continues — can Otto Addo evolve from a qualification expert into a world-stage contender ?
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 10, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up in Africa — and two continental heavyweights, Nigeria and South Africa, find themselves on a knife’s edge as the qualifiers reach their dramatic climax.
In Group C, both nations are still in contention, but with only two games left, the margin for error is razor-thin. The Super Eagles of Nigeria currently sit third with 11 points, trailing leaders Benin and second-placed South Africa, who are both on 14 points.
Every group winner earns a direct ticket to the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, while the four best second-placed teams from the nine groups will battle in CAF play-offs for a spot in the intercontinental play-offs — where six nations from different continents will fight for the final two berths.
Nigeria’s path is simple but steep: they must beat Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday and then defeat Benin in Uyo on Tuesday. Anything less, and their hopes could hinge on other results.
Their opponents, South Africa, were handed a major setback last month after FIFA docked them three points for fielding a suspended player in their earlier match against Lesotho. The punishment dropped Bafana Bafana behind Benin on goal difference, turning what once looked like a smooth qualification run into a tense battle.
Now, the South Africans must win both of their final matches — against Zimbabwe and Rwanda — to keep their World Cup dream alive.
With five teams — Benin, South Africa, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Lesotho — still capable of finishing in the top two, the final round promises fireworks. For Nigeria and South Africa, every goal, every tackle, and every point will count as they fight to keep Africa’s football giants where they belong — on the world stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 10, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Former Youth and Sports Minister, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has boldly proclaimed that Ghana’s ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is already secured, brushing aside any fears of a last-minute upset in Group I.
His declaration comes after the Black Stars’ stunning 5-0 demolition of the Central African Republic in Morocco — a victory that sent the nation into celebration mode and placed Ghana on the brink of qualification for next year’s tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
With one final hurdle left — Sunday’s home clash against Comoros in Accra — Ghana only need a draw to make it official. But Vanderpuye believes the job is already done.
> “We’ve qualified — I know we’ve qualified,” he said confidently. “Even if we lose, Madagascar would have to beat Mali by more than eight goals, and that’s just not happening in modern football.”
Despite his confidence, the outspoken former minister urged the Black Stars to finish in style, especially against a Comoros side that has twice upset Ghana in recent years.
> “To put the icing on the cake, even a draw is fine. But we must beat Comoros — we should show them who we are. We are Ghana.”
Ghana currently lead Group I with 22 points, while Madagascar trail by three and face a tough away test against Mali in their final game.
As the countdown begins for Sunday night’s showdown at the Accra Sports Stadium, the nation stands ready — confident, united, and dreaming of another World Cup adventure.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 10, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, International, Soccer, World Cup
African football has once again been thrown into turmoil after Equatorial Guinea failed to turn up for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash against Malawi — a no-show that has sparked outrage and confusion across the continent.
The Nzalang Nacional were scheduled to face Malawi on Thursday, but in a stunning twist, the team never arrived for the match. According to reports from African football journalist Mickey Jnr, internal tensions between the players, the federation, and the government had earlier threatened to derail preparations. Though those disputes were later resolved, fresh travel complications ultimately led to the dramatic withdrawal.
Sources reveal that players were informed late Wednesday that they’d travel early the next morning. However, after breakfast, they were told the flight had been delayed until the afternoon — meaning they’d land just before kickoff with no time to rest. The final straw? They were allegedly instructed to change into their kits on the plane and head straight to the stadium.
Refusing such conditions, the players held an emergency meeting and decided not to travel. Malawi officials were informed of the cancellation during lunchtime, leaving fans and organizers stunned.
This latest crisis follows Equatorial Guinea’s recent troubles with FIFA, who sanctioned them for fielding ineligible player Emilio Nsue — awarding 3-0 forfeit wins to Namibia and Liberia. Nsue, who scored the winning goals in both matches, has since been handed a six-month ban from international football.
Equatorial Guinea are now expected to resume their campaign on Monday against Liberia, but their credibility — and World Cup hopes — hang in the balance.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 10, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
There’s excitement brewing in Accra — and Asamoah Gyan, Ghana’s all-time leading scorer, has added fuel to the fire. The legendary former captain has assured Ghanaians that the Black Stars will light up the Accra Sports Stadium when they take on Comoros in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier this Sunday.
After thrashing the Central African Republic 5-0 in Morocco, Ghana sit on the edge of qualification — needing just a single point to seal their ticket to the global stage in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. But for Gyan, it’s not just about qualifying — it’s about doing it in grand style.
“This is the finishing touch,” Gyan declared with confidence. “We have to do the right thing at the Accra Sports Stadium. The fans should come in their numbers — there’ll definitely be something special for them to go home and talk about.”
With revenge on the line after painful defeats to Comoros in recent years, Sunday’s clash promises to be electric. The Accra crowd will be ready — and the Black Stars, inspired by Gyan’s faith, look set to give them a night to remember.
