by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Nigeria braces for an intense battle against Rwanda as World Cup qualifiers loom.
After a disappointing end to their 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign, the Super Eagles are gearing up for a fierce rematch with Rwanda, their first opponent in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The recent loss to the Amavubi in Uyo, coupled with a draw in Kigali, has placed Nigeria in a precarious position in the qualifiers, sparking calls for a renewed sense of urgency.
Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho, known for his passion and leadership, has issued a rousing rallying cry to his teammates and fans. Speaking with Victor Modo, Iheanacho didn’t mince words about the gravity of their upcoming matches.
“We must go with red eyes and win all these games,” he declared with determination. “This is World Cup qualifiers, and we know how big it is. We have too many draws already, and now they are ahead of us in the group standings. It’s time to fight.”
The Super Eagles currently sit near the bottom of their group with just three points. Despite the challenges, Iheanacho remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of starting strong against Rwanda next year.
“I can’t wait for the games to start,” the former Leicester City striker added. “We need to go out there, get the job done, and give everyone peace of mind about our qualification.”
As Nigeria prepares for what could be a defining campaign, fans and players alike are counting on the team to bring their A-game. The clash against Rwanda promises to be a high-stakes showdown, one that could shape the Super Eagles’ journey to the global stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In the unpredictable world of football, fans often find solace in humor when their teams struggle to secure victories. One fan cheekily remarked, “At least we’re first on the table among teams with zero wins,” highlighting a bittersweet reality many supporters can relate to.
This lighthearted take stems from the team’s position in a standings table where, despite not having secured a single win, they lead a group of similarly winless squads based on other criteria like goal difference or draws. It’s a small consolation in what might otherwise feel like a frustrating campaign.
For fans, moments like these are about staying optimistic and finding joy in the little victories, even if they don’t involve an actual win. It’s a reminder of the resilience and unwavering support that defines true football fandom.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Football fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States are facing an unexpected challenge: long visa processing delays. According to the U.S. Travel Association, delays in securing U.S. visitor visas have escalated to alarming levels, with processing times reaching up to 600 days in some countries. Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the association, issued a warning, stating, “If you don’t have your visa today, you’re not getting here for a World Cup that’s taking place in 2026.”
While the U.S. State Department has reassured potential visitors that time remains to apply for visas, it acknowledged that wait times have become increasingly problematic. The average processing time now stands at 260 days, but certain countries are experiencing far worse delays. For example, travelers from Colombia are facing a staggering 670-day wait, while those from Mexico and India are encountering delays of 458 and 404 days, respectively.
Fortunately, over 30 million people currently hold valid U.S. visas and won’t face these issues. FIFA is also coordinating with governments in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to ensure that all fans who need visas can obtain them in time for the tournament. However, prospective World Cup attendees are being urged to apply for visas as early as possible to avoid any disruptions.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
Black Stars Coach Opens Up on Criticism, AFCON Failure, and Sacrifices for Ghana
Otto Addo, the head coach of Ghana’s Black Stars, has candidly reflected on the heavy criticism he endured after the team’s disappointing performances in recent tournaments. Speaking in an emotional interview, Addo apologised to Ghanaians for their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and shared his personal struggles as a coach and former player.
Addo, who initially resigned after Ghana’s group-stage exit at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, returned for a second stint but has struggled to change the team’s fortunes. Under his leadership, the Black Stars have managed just two wins in 10 games, culminating in their failure to secure a spot at the AFCON in Morocco.
“I would like to apologise for the results, very much,” Addo admitted. “I know how much this means for every Ghanaian to play in this tournament. I really have to apologise because I know the pain this causes.”
The backlash following the World Cup, he revealed, took a toll on him. “After I led Ghana to the World Cup, a lot of people were against me. My friends and I could show you hundreds of examples. But nobody apologised afterwards, only a few did,” he said.
For Addo, AFCON holds a deeply personal significance. “The tournament means more to me than the World Cup,” he stated, recalling the sacrifices he made for Ghana as a player. Despite tearing his ACL during his career, Addo said he never hesitated to represent the national team, even at great personal cost. “My knee is gone; I stopped playing football after that injury. But I would give everything for this country.”
The Ghana Football Association’s Executive Council is expected to meet this week to assess the team’s performance and decide on Addo’s future.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
Ghanaian football is reeling from a historic low as the Black Stars failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in two decades. This unprecedented setback has drawn sharp criticism from the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), which has called for immediate reforms to address the decline of the nation’s football.
The Black Stars, once a powerhouse on the continent, endured a dismal qualifying campaign, finishing at the bottom of their group with no wins in six matches and scoring only three goals. This performance is a far cry from the team’s golden years, when they consistently reached the latter stages of the tournament between 2008 and 2017.
SWAG expressed deep concern over the failure, citing it as a reflection of broader issues within Ghanaian football. The association highlighted the disparity between the talent pool, substantial public and governmental support, and the results on the pitch. “This failure isn’t just about missing a tournament; it signals a worrying decline in Ghana football,” their statement read.
The association urged stakeholders, including the Ghana Football Association (GFA), to engage in honest and open dialogue to identify and tackle the root causes of this decline. They emphasized the need for accountability and decisive action, even suggesting leadership changes at the GFA if necessary.
SWAG drew comparisons to the team’s resilience following a similar disappointment in 2004 and called on Ghanaians to support any tough decisions aimed at revitalizing the Black Stars. “The fans deserve better, and Ghana football must rise again,” the statement concluded.
As Ghanaian football stands at a critical juncture, SWAG’s call for change is a rallying cry to restore the Black Stars to their former glory.
