by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 22, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank could not hide his admiration for Mohammed Kudus after the Ghanaian star inspired Spurs to a hard-fought 2–2 comeback draw against Brighton & Hove Albion in Saturday’s Premier League clash at the Amex Stadium.
Brighton struck early through Yankuba Minteh in the 8th minute and doubled their lead when Yasin Ayari converted on the half-hour mark. But Kudus spearheaded Spurs’ response with a tireless, all-action performance.
The 25-year-old winger first delivered a teasing ball that Brazilian forward Richarlison redirected into the net just before halftime. Then, in the dying moments, another of Kudus’ dangerous crosses forced an own goal from Jan Paul van Hecke, ensuring Tottenham left the south coast with a valuable point.
Frank lauded the Ghanaian’s complete display:
> “His work ethic is immense. The counter-pressing, high pressure, defensive side—he never stops. When the ball goes to him, it just sticks. You can’t take it off him. And his one-on-one ability is crazy. He’s so strong, so explosive—he dominated the right-hand side,” the Spurs boss said post-match.
Though still chasing his first official goal for Tottenham, Kudus now has three Premier League goal contributions, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in North London.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 22, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Dutch-born Ghanaian forward Jayden Addai announced himself in Italy on Sunday night, scoring a dramatic late winner as Como 1907 battled back to claim a 2–1 victory over Fiorentina at the iconic Artemio Franchi Stadium.
Making only his second Serie A appearance, the 20-year-old stepped off the bench in the 61st minute to turn the game on its head. Addai latched onto a clever pass from Nico Paz, outfoxed his marker with quick footwork, and rifled a right-footed strike past former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea to seal all three points.
Fiorentina had earlier taken the lead through Rolando Mandragora in the first half, but Como equalised after the hour mark when Marc-Oliver Kempf powered home a header from a Nico Paz freekick. A potential penalty for Como was overturned by VAR before Addai’s moment of brilliance decided the contest.
The winger’s electric cameo earned him the Man of the Match award and sparked excitement among Ghanaian fans, as Addai—though born in the Netherlands—remains eligible to represent the Black Stars at international level.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 22, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles kicked off their final preparations for the 24th FIFA U-20 World Cup with a spirited 1–1 draw against hosts Chile in an entertaining friendly on Saturday in Rancagua.
The visitors made a bright start and were rewarded in the 18th minute when Ahmed Akinyele rose highest to meet Tahir Maigana’s pinpoint corner, nodding home the opener. Chile responded with intensity and found the equaliser 18 minutes later through Felipe Faúndez, ensuring both sides went into the break level.
Just after the restart, Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt pulled off two crucial saves within a minute to keep the Flying Eagles on level terms. Coach Ladan Bosso rang the changes in the second half, introducing Abduljelil Kamaldeen, Kparobo Arhieri, and Auwal Ibrahim as the team maintained their shape and composure.
The friendly provided valuable match fitness and tactical insight ahead of Nigeria’s next test against Australia’s U-20 side on Tuesday, as the countdown to the global showpiece—now just a week away—continues.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 22, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Bibiani Gold Stars endured a harsh introduction to continental football on Sunday, suffering a 2–0 home defeat to Algeria’s JS Kabylie in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary round clash at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Ghana Premier League champions had hoped to announce their arrival on the African stage with a statement performance, but the visitors’ experience and composure proved decisive.
JS Kabylie signaled their intent early when Aymen Mahious found the net in the eighth minute, only for the goal to be ruled offside. The Algerians kept up relentless pressure and finally broke through in the 21st minute, as Medhi Merghem calmly slotted home from close range.
Despite neat spells of possession, the Miners struggled to create clear chances in the final third. After regrouping at halftime, they emerged with renewed urgency, pressing for an equaliser, but the clinical visitors struck again. In the 70th minute, Babacar Sarr finished a flowing team move to double the advantage and silence the home crowd.
Unable to mount a late response, Bibiani Gold Stars now face an uphill battle when they travel to Algiers for the second leg next week, needing a two-goal turnaround to keep their debut continental campaign alive.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 22, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigerian footballers showcased their class across Europe over the weekend, delivering goals, assists, and commanding performances that kept fans talking.
In Scotland, new signing Kelechi Iheanacho underlined his quality for Celtic in a 4–0 Scottish League Cup win over Partick Thistle. The former Premier League forward produced a slick assist in the 46th minute, linking play smartly before making way after 59 minutes. His creativity provided a timely reminder of the talent that once dazzled in England’s top flight.
Over in Italy, Ademola Lookman made a welcome return for Atalanta, coming off the bench late in a 3–0 victory at Torino. Though he had limited time to influence the game, his comeback offered a boost for the Bergamo side after their midweek Champions League setback against PSG.
The biggest drama unfolded in Greece, where Cyriel Dessers lit up the derby between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos. The striker delighted home supporters with a crisp 48th-minute finish—his first league goal of the season—only for Olympiakos to snatch a stoppage-time equaliser in a tense 1–1 draw.
In Belgium, midfielder Raphael Onyedika continued his rich vein of form for Club Brugge, following up his Champions League goal against Monaco with a commanding Jupiler League display in a 2–0 win over St. Truiden. He anchored the midfield with authority, even collecting a late booking for his combative play.
Back in England, Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie impressed in the Women’s Super League, conceding only a penalty as Brighton swept past West Ham 4–1. Her calm presence allowed the Seagulls’ attack—featuring goals from Caitlin Hayes, Kiko Seike, Rosa Kafaji and Marisa Olislagers—to flourish.
Meanwhile in France, winger Moses Simon worked tirelessly for Paris FC, firing four shots and unsettling Strasbourg’s defence. Though he left in the 69th minute, his replacement Nouha Dicko scored and assisted in a narrow 3–2 defeat. Simon remains key for Paris FC with two goals and an assist already this season.
From Dessers’ derby heroics to Iheanacho’s sharp link-up play and Lookman’s encouraging return, Nigeria’s overseas contingent continues to shine on multiple fronts.
