by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 28, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Jerome Opoku’s lifelong dream became a reality when he made his first competitive start for Ghana, helping the Black Stars secure a dominant 3-0 victory over Madagascar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Istanbul Basaksehir defender, who had only featured in friendly matches before, earned his place in Otto Addo’s starting lineup after a brief appearance against Chad. Stepping onto the pitch in Kumasi, Opoku seamlessly adapted to the coach’s three-back system—a structure he knows well from club football.
Reflecting on his milestone moment, the 26-year-old expressed both pride and gratitude. “I’ve been really working hard and looking forward to getting a chance in the national team, and I knew such a day would come for me to help the team,” he told Sportsblog247.com.
“For me, it’s always been a dream and a privilege to wear the national colors and defend the nation,” he added, his excitement evident after a composed and confident performance.
Opoku’s debut came at a crucial time as Ghana pushed to establish dominance in Group I of the qualifiers. With this victory propelling the Black Stars to the top of the table, the defender remains laser-focused on the journey ahead.
“We know it’s not done yet, so we stay focused and make sure we get the job done,” he declared, already setting his sights on the upcoming fixtures.
As Ghana marches forward in their World Cup quest, Jerome Opoku’s breakthrough marks not just a personal triumph but a promising addition to the Black Stars’ defensive lineup.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 28, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
After the heartbreak of missing out on AFCON 2025, the Black Stars have found renewed purpose—and defender Jerome Opoku is leading the charge with unwavering belief.
Fresh from Ghana’s emphatic victory over Madagascar, Opoku is certain the team will clinch a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With 15 points atop Group I, three clear of second-placed Comoros, the mission is clear: finish first and book a ticket to the global stage.
“I am 200% confident of qualifying. That’s the aim and dream,” Opoku declared to Flashscore, his voice firm with conviction. “We know the job isn’t done yet, and it won’t be easy, but we will fight hard till the end to secure the necessary points.”
The sting of AFCON elimination lingers, but Opoku sees it as fuel to drive the team forward.
“Missing AFCON was tough,” he admitted. “But it gave us a bigger motivation. We had to put that disappointment behind us, move on, and make it up to the whole country by winning games and qualifying for the World Cup.”
With four matches left, Ghana’s path is challenging but clear. For Opoku and the Black Stars, failure is not an option—and their sights are firmly set on redemption in 2026.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 28, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
When Jerome Opoku learned he would be starting Ghana’s World Cup qualifier against Madagascar, he was both excited and a little surprised. The 26-year-old centre-back, however, embraced the opportunity with confidence, thanks in large part to Otto Addo’s tactical shift.
Ghana’s head coach opted for a 3-5-2 formation, moving away from the 4-1-4-1 structure used in their previous match. Despite having just one training session to adjust, Opoku slotted in seamlessly, delivering a commanding performance in the heart of defense.
“I would say I was a little surprised to start against Madagascar, but I’ve always worked and looked forward to my time here,” Opoku revealed to Sportsblog247.com.
His smooth transition was no accident. At his club, Istanbul Basaksehir, Opoku has grown accustomed to playing in a similar three-back system. This familiarity gave him an edge when adapting to the new setup under Addo.
“It was easy for me because, at my club, we’ve played with a three-back a couple of times this season, so it was quite easy to settle in,” he explained. “The coaches of Ghana really worked through it and came up with a clear plan for everyone to adopt, so that also helped really well.”
Opoku’s versatility has long been an asset. During his time in Fulham’s academy, he often featured as a left-back, a skillset that has allowed him to adapt to various defensive roles.
His assured display helped Ghana secure a 3-0 victory over Madagascar, building on their emphatic 5-0 win against Chad. With these back-to-back triumphs, the Black Stars now sit three points clear at the top of their 2026 World Cup qualifying group.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 28, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghanaian defender Jerome Opoku is keeping his sights on European qualification despite Istanbul Basaksehir enduring a tough season in the Turkish Super Lig.
The 26-year-old centre-back has been a key figure for Basaksehir, starting 24 league matches and registering two goals and two assists. However, his contributions haven’t been enough to lift the team higher than eighth place, a significant drop from their previous campaign.
Reflecting on the season’s challenges, Opoku admitted in an interview with Sportsblog247.com that things haven’t gone according to plan.
“We’ve had a pretty rough season so far compared to last season,” he acknowledged. “We played in the Conference League but failed to make it out of the league phase. We are out of the League Cup also and now in eighth place in the league.”
Despite these setbacks, Opoku remains optimistic about turning things around and securing a place in European competitions next season.
“The aim is to make Europe, so we work harder from now till the season ends to try and achieve it,” he said. “It’s going to be tough, but that’s what the game is all about, so we keep pushing.”
Opoku’s consistent performances at both club and international levels have drawn attention, and with Ghana chasing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the defender remains determined to maintain his form and help his teams reach their goals.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 28, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a show of faith and long-term commitment, Stade Rennais has officially announced the contract extension of Ghanaian defender Alidu Seidu until 2029. Despite currently being sidelined due to injury, Seidu has made a significant impact since joining the club on January 29, 2024. The 23-year-old has featured in 26 matches for the Red and Black, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in the team’s defensive line.
Seidu’s extension reflects the club’s confidence in his abilities and potential, as they aim to strengthen their squad for future campaigns. Fans eagerly await his return to action, hopeful that he will continue to be a pillar of Rennes’ defense in the years to come.
