by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
How Xabi Alonso’s Tactical Gamble Paid Off
Nathan Tella’s journey at Bayer Leverkusen has been anything but predictable. Initially signed from Southampton for £20 million, the Nigerian-born forward was primarily seen as a right-winger, occasionally filling in at right-wing-back. However, under Xabi Alonso, unpredictability has become a theme.
In Leverkusen’s high-stakes DFB Pokal clash against Bayern Munich, Alonso made a bold call—deploying Tella as a striker. Even Amine Adli, his teammate, admitted to being surprised.
“The coach always has a special tactic in certain games,” Adli revealed in an interview with Kicker. “Not playing for three and a half months and then getting substituted in such a game against Bayern, that says a lot.”
The decision raised eyebrows, but it proved to be a masterstroke. Tella rose to the occasion—literally—scoring a towering header that sent Bayern crashing out of the German cup. It was a moment that cemented Alonso’s reputation as a tactical genius.
“Sometimes he has ideas that we couldn’t explain,” Adli admitted. “We know what the coach thinks. He needs special players to implement his tactics—running and pressing monsters like Tella and myself against the Bavarians.”
While some decisions may seem puzzling at first, Leverkusen’s unbeaten domestic double last season is proof that Alonso’s methods work.
Tella has now tallied three goals and three assists in 30 appearances this season, just three goals away from matching his goal contribution from the previous campaign. With Alonso at the helm, who knows what position he might play next?
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
In the heart of Bergamo, where the passion for football runs deep, a storm is brewing at Atalanta. A once unbreakable bond between star forward Ademola Lookman and his manager Gian Piero Gasperini now teeters on the edge of collapse.
The Night of the Fall
Atalanta entered their Champions League clash against Club Brugge as favorites, but football, as always, had its surprises. A shock 5-2 aggregate defeat sent the Italian side crashing out, and the fallout was swift.
Lookman, returning from injury, was introduced at halftime in the second leg with his team trailing 3-0. He wasted no time, scoring within a minute to ignite hope. Then came a crucial moment—Atalanta won a penalty. With the designated taker passing him the responsibility, Lookman stepped up. His shot, however, was parried away by Simon Mignolet. Atalanta never recovered.
The Public Rebuke
While many expected Gasperini to analyze defensive frailties and Rafael Toloi’s costly red card, the veteran manager instead chose to publicly criticize Lookman. His words, sharp and unforgiving, placed the Nigerian international at the center of blame.
It was a move that did not sit well with Italian football legend Alessandro Del Piero. The Juventus great, a veteran of high-pressure moments, slammed Gasperini’s approach.
“The mistake like the one on the penalty kick is human,” Del Piero said, warning that such treatment could fracture the dressing room.
Lookman’s Response: “It Hurts”
The Atalanta talisman, a player who has given everything for the club, did not remain silent. Taking to social media, Lookman shared his pain and disappointment.
“Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful,” he wrote, reaffirming his commitment to the club and its fans while subtly hinting at the injustice of Gasperini’s words.
A Future in Doubt
Atalanta’s management is now scrambling to mend the rift, with high-ranking officials set to intervene. But is it too late? Reports suggest Lookman, having been named Atalanta’s Player of the Season for two straight years, may leave this summer.
Juventus, still reeling from their own Champions League exit, is watching closely. A €60 million bid is reportedly on the table. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool have shown past interest.
With 15 goals and seven assists in 28 appearances this season, Lookman’s value has never been higher. But will Atalanta fight to keep their star, or has Gasperini’s outburst marked the beginning of the end?
Only time will tell how this saga unfolds, but one thing is clear—Bergamo may soon lose one of its brightest stars.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 20, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
For months, Olisa Ndah could do nothing but watch from the sidelines as his teammates battled on without him. The Orlando Pirates defender suffered a devastating tibia and fibula fracture in September 2024, an injury that threatened to derail his season and potentially his international future with the Super Eagles. But now, after five long months of rehabilitation, he is on the verge of making his long-awaited return.
According to reports from The Sportsblog247.com, Ndah has resumed training and could be back in action as early as February 22 when Orlando Pirates take on Cape Town City in the South African Premier League. If he misses that fixture, he is expected to be available soon after. His return could not have come at a better time, especially with Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe looming in March.
While Ndah may not be one of the first names on Eric Chelle’s team sheet, his experience in African football makes him a valuable asset. The Super Eagles already boast a strong squad, particularly in midfield and attack, but defensive depth is always crucial, especially in high-stakes qualifiers. If called upon, the 26-year-old center-back will be eager to prove himself once again on the international stage.
For Ndah, this comeback is more than just a return to football—it’s a statement of resilience, patience, and determination. Now, all eyes are on his next step: reclaiming his spot and helping Nigeria inch closer to World Cup qualification.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
As the race for the 2027 Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidential elections looms on the horizon, former GFA Vice President George Afriyie has hinted at the possibility of seeking support from ex-GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi if he decides to contest.
Afriyie, who previously ran for the presidency in 2019 but lost to Kurt Okraku, faced a setback in 2023 when he was disqualified from the race. Despite this, he remains open to another bid for the top job in Ghanaian football.
Speaking to Sporty FM, Afriyie acknowledged that while his communication with Nyantakyi has become less frequent, he still checks in on him occasionally.
“I may seek Nyantakyi’s support,” he admitted. “We don’t talk as often as before, but if I decide to contest the GFA elections, I will seek his backing.”
Afriyie’s tenure in Ghanaian football includes serving as GFA Vice President from 2015 to 2018, succeeding Fred Crentsil in the role. His potential return to the race in 2027 could set the stage for another intense contest for leadership within Ghana football’s governing body.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana’s top football clubs are set to receive a major boost as they gear up for the FIFA Club Professionalisation and Management Programme in Accra on March 4-5, 2025. Designed to enhance the management and operations of football clubs, the initiative promises to elevate the Ghana Premier League to new heights.
The two-day workshop, led by FIFA’s top development experts, will focus on key areas such as governance, marketing, finance, and communication. Solomon Mudege, FIFA’s Head of Development Programmes – Africa, will spearhead the delegation alongside senior officials Marcos Picallo Aguilar and Silmara Sousa. Renowned FIFA Instructor Pedro Manuel Correia Miranda will serve as the lead facilitator, guiding club executives through modern football management principles.
GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku expressed his excitement about the programme, urging clubs to seize the opportunity.
“We are extremely happy that FIFA’s support is reaching our clubs in critical areas like governance and marketing. This is a transformative initiative, and I expect club administrators to take full advantage of it to strengthen their clubs and enhance their brand equity,” he stated.
The first day of the workshop will focus on strategic planning and governance, helping clubs refine their leadership structures and long-term vision. Day two will shift to financial management, branding, and communication strategies—key components for building sustainable and successful football institutions.
FIFA’s Solomon Mudege reinforced the importance of the programme, stating, “This initiative is a crucial step toward ensuring the holistic growth of clubs and leagues.”
With Ghanaian clubs eager to compete at higher levels, this programme could be a turning point, equipping them with the tools to thrive in the evolving world of professional football.
