by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Luton Town defender Gabe Osho marked a significant milestone in his football career by making his international debut for Nigeria during the final stretch of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Despite mixed results, the Super Eagles secured their place in the 2025 finals in Morocco.
The 26-year-old, who featured in 85 matches for the Hatters after joining from Reading in 2020, had been previously called up by Nigeria but was sidelined due to injury. Now plying his trade in Ligue 1 with Auxerre, Osho’s solid form, reflected in nine league appearances this season, earned him another shot at donning the Nigerian jersey.
Osho’s debut came against Benin in a crucial Group D encounter held in the Ivory Coast. Despite an early setback when Mohamed Tijani gave Benin the lead, Nigeria salvaged a 1-1 draw thanks to Victor Osimhen’s late equalizer. The result ensured Nigeria’s qualification for the AFCON finals. Osho was substituted at halftime, but his performance hinted at the potential he could bring to the Super Eagles’ backline.
The young defender retained his place for Nigeria’s final qualifying game, a surprising 2-1 home loss to Rwanda at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. While AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze’s brilliant solo goal gave the Super Eagles hope, Rwanda struck twice in quick succession through Ange Mutsinzi and Innocent Nshitu to pull off a stunning upset.
Though the results left room for improvement, Osho’s emergence on the international stage provides a fresh defensive option for head coach Augustine Eguavoen as Nigeria prepares for the AFCON tournament.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
In a troubling continuation of recent events, Benin captain Steve Mounie has criticized the shocking treatment his team endured during their trip to Libya for the final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. This comes just weeks after the Super Eagles of Nigeria faced a similarly hostile reception in the volatile North African nation.
A Volatile Battleground for AFCON Qualifiers
The Tripoli International Stadium was the stage for a high-stakes showdown between Libya and Benin, with both teams vying for a chance to secure a spot at AFCON 2025. Libya, with four points, needed a victory to keep their qualification hopes alive, while Benin, sitting on seven points, only required a draw to advance.
What unfolded, however, was far from the spirit of fair play. From the outset, the Beninoise players were met with hostility, with their national anthem drowned out by jeers from the home crowd. Mounie described the atmosphere as a “war zone,” stating that Libya showed no respect throughout the game.
The match ended in a tense goalless draw, sealing Benin’s qualification but dashing Libya’s hopes. Displeased with the outcome, Libyan fans reportedly attacked Benin players and staff as they attempted to leave the stadium.
Chaos and Violence
The violence escalated quickly. Benin’s coach, Gernot Rohr, sustained injuries during the chaos and had to be treated on the team bus. Mounie and his teammates were left shaken but determined.
“It wasn’t easy,” Mounie said after the incident. “This Libyan team, this country, and its supporters didn’t respect us. They whistled our anthem and created a hostile atmosphere. Despite the challenges, we achieved our goal. Benin is going to AFCON 2025, and we are proud of this group of young players.”
Repeated Incidents in Libya
This marks the second time in two months that Libya has become a flashpoint for controversy in CAF competitions. In October, Nigerian players and officials were left stranded for over 17 hours at a deserted airport due to poor coordination and security concerns. CAF eventually awarded Nigeria a 3-0 victory and fined Libya for their failure to host the match properly.
As of now, CAF has yet to issue a statement regarding the treatment of the Benin team, but calls for sanctions against Libya are growing louder.
The Bigger Picture
These incidents raise questions about Libya’s readiness to host international sporting events amidst its ongoing security challenges. For now, Benin can celebrate their hard-fought qualification, but the scars of this trip will not soon be forgotten.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Hearts of Oak head coach and Ghanaian international, Kim Grant, has issued a stern warning against retaining Otto Addo as the Black Stars head coach. Following Ghana’s dismal failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in over two decades, Grant believes keeping Addo would only compound the team’s woes.
The Black Stars ended their AFCON qualification campaign at the bottom of Group F, failing to register a single victory. The team suffered defeats on home soil to Angola and Niger, sparking widespread criticism from fans and stakeholders.
Grant, taking to Facebook, did not mince words in his critique of the Ghana Football Association (GFA). “Coaches in the past were dismissed for far less, yet this current technical staff is being shielded by an inner circle, even after this disastrous AFCON qualification campaign,” he lamented.
He further warned that retaining Addo and his staff for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers would be “outrageous” and a recipe for further embarrassment. “It’s time to stop protecting mediocrity, banish egos, and demand accountability,” Grant urged, emphasizing the need for structural reform.
In his post, he criticized what he described as “square pegs in round holes” within the technical team, blaming them for wasting Ghana’s talent and failing to optimize the team’s potential.
The GFA Executive Council has reportedly convened to address the fallout from the failed qualification campaign, but fans and pundits alike are demanding swift and decisive action.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigeria Eyes CHAN Return After Two Editions in the Cold
The Nigerian CHAN Eagles have temporarily suspended their training camp as interim coach works to finalize the squad for their 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers against Ghana’s Black Galaxies.
The much-anticipated Jollof Derby, a two-legged clash, will be contested over the Christmas period. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with the winner securing a place at the CHAN tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
For Nigeria, this is more than just a rivalry game—it’s redemption. The team has missed the last two CHAN tournaments, including a painful 2022 playoff elimination at the hands of Ghana. Determined to make a statement, the Eagles are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations.
Victor Collins, one of the hopefuls vying for a spot in the final squad, revealed the current pause in activities while speaking to Brila.net.
“They have not announced the list; we are waiting for it. The next time we all assemble will be when the final list is out. So I’m in Nasarawa now,” said Collins.
The first leg of the derby will take place in Ghana between December 20 and 22, with the return leg set for a week later in Nigeria.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In the aftermath of Ghana’s shocking failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, GHALCA Chairman Kudjoe Fianoo has reiterated his demand for the leadership of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to step down. Fianoo, a prominent figure in Ghanaian football, has criticized the GFA for their role in what he describes as a historic embarrassment for the Black Stars.
Ghana ended their AFCON qualifying campaign at the bottom of Group F, amassing just three points from six matches. The once-proud footballing nation failed to secure a single win, recording a 1-0 defeat to Angola, a 1-1 draw with Niger, and disappointing back-to-back results against Sudan. Angola comfortably topped the group with 14 points, followed by Sudan (8 points) and Niger (7 points), leaving Ghana as the only team without a victory.
Speaking to Peace FM, Fianoo doubled down on his earlier statements, highlighting systemic failures within the GFA.
“What I said before still stands. If we didn’t qualify, they should resign. I stand by that because no result could be worse than this. Back in 2004, when AFCON featured only 12 teams, we failed to qualify, and it was a disaster. Today, with 24 teams, failing again is unacceptable. It shows a lack of progress,” Fianoo remarked.
He pointed to a series of missteps by the GFA over the past five years, including frequent coaching changes and controversies surrounding captaincy appointments, as evidence of poor leadership.
“An association that has changed five coaches in five years and can’t handle something as basic as appointing a captain shouldn’t continue to lead. After this disgraceful campaign, the most honorable thing for the GFA to do is resign,” he asserted.
Fianoo’s remarks come amid widespread public outcry over the Black Stars’ decline, with many calling for sweeping reforms in Ghanaian football.
