by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 17, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Arsenal and Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has firmly denied serious sexual assault allegations after appearing in court to face multiple charges.
According to court documents, Partey has pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving three separate women. The charges stem from incidents alleged to have occurred over an extended period, details of which are now the focus of legal proceedings.
During the hearing, Partey maintained his innocence, with his legal team stressing that he will contest all accusations. The case has drawn widespread attention both in the United Kingdom and Ghana, where the 31-year-old remains a key figure for club and country.
The court has scheduled further hearings as investigations continue. No trial date has been finalized, and Partey remains free on bail under strict conditions.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 17, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
From Accra’s sandy pitches to Europe’s grand arenas, Ghana has produced a lineage of left-footed players whose artistry lingers long after the final whistle. Their cultured boots have curled free-kicks into top corners, sprayed defence-splitting passes, and whipped crosses that sparked roars in Kumasi, Marseille, London, and beyond.
This is the story of ten men whose left foot turned matches into masterpieces—icons of different eras bound by a common gift.10. Baba Rahman – The Relentless Runner
A flying full-back with the lungs of a marathoner, Baba Rahman sprinted down Chelsea’s flanks and in the Black Stars shirt with the same purpose: overlap, cross, repeat. Early injuries slowed him, but his deliveries and set-piece quality kept him among Ghana’s finest left-backs.
9. Hans Sarpei – The Quiet General
Before social media memes crowned him a cult hero, Hans Sarpei was Schalke’s dependable left-sided defender. Calm under pressure and tactically astute, he offered stability for Ghana at the 2010 World Cup and in multiple AFCON campaigns.
8. Christian Atsu – The Fallen Star
Fleet-footed and fearless, Atsu danced past defenders at Porto, Chelsea, and Newcastle. His curling efforts and teasing crosses lit up AFCON tournaments, and his tragic passing in the 2023 Turkish earthquake left a void in Ghanaian hearts.
7. Windsor Kofi Abbrey – The Artist
In the early 1990s, Abbrey painted games with subtle passes and clever movement. Though less heralded abroad, his vision and set-piece mastery made him unforgettable to local fans.
6. Mohammed Kudus – The Modern Prodigy
Tottenham’s creative spark and Black Stars dynamo, Kudus glides through midfield with deceptive power. His dribbling and finishing hint at a career that could place him even higher on this list in years to come.
5. Samuel Inkoom – The Versatile Engine
Originally a right-back, Inkoom’s stronger left foot let him swing dangerous balls from either flank. A key part of Ghana’s 2010 World Cup quarter-final run, his adaptability and tireless runs earned respect across Europe and MLS.
4. Andre “Dede” Ayew – The Heir Apparent
From Marseille to Swansea, Ayew’s calm finishing and leadership mirrored his famous surname. Whether cutting in from the left or striking from distance, his left foot has delivered decisive goals for over a decade.
3. Sulley Ali Muntari – The Thunderbolt
A midfield enforcer with a cannon in his boot, Muntari’s long-range rockets for Inter Milan and Ghana are still replayed today. Few could strike a ball cleaner with the left peg.
2. Stephen Appiah – The Captain’s Craft
Ghana’s beloved skipper combined power and poise. Though celebrated for leadership, his cultured left foot orchestrated play from deep, threading passes that ignited Ghana’s first-ever World Cup journey in 2006.
1. Abedi “Pele” Ayew – The Eternal Maestro
Three-time African Footballer of the Year, Marseille legend, and the embodiment of left-footed genius. Abedi Pele’s dribbles left defenders dizzy and inspired a generation—including his own sons—to believe magic could live in a single foot.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 17, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Former Super Eagles defender Eric Ejiofor has delivered a blunt verdict on Nigeria’s chances of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that both the players and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) have only themselves to blame.
Speaking on Brila FM’s No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze, the 2002 World Cup veteran said the national team squandered opportunities early in the qualifiers and now face an almost impossible task.
“How do we want to qualify for the World Cup ? Where is the opportunity ? We didn’t use it,” Ejiofor lamented. “From day one we weren’t serious. I don’t think the players understand they are fighting for a place at the World Cup. Many of them have never been there, yet their attitude is discouraging.”
Ejiofor criticised the lax approach to national duty, revealing that some players arrive late to camp and train only twice before crucial matches. “Football is teamwork. We aren’t playing as a team, and I’ve already removed my mind that we will go to the World Cup,” he added.
The former Enyimba star also pointed fingers at the NFF for constant coaching changes, contrasting Nigeria’s instability with South Africa’s steady setup under a long-term coach. “Even if you bring 11 Messis, without structure you won’t win,” he warned.
Recalling key missteps, Ejiofor highlighted last year’s 2–1 loss to Benin Republic—despite Nigeria scoring first—and the home draw against Zimbabwe as turning points. “If we can’t beat those teams, we don’t merit qualifying,” he said. “Throughout the group we have been struggling to score goals.”
Despite his pessimism, Ejiofor conceded he would welcome a surprise. “If they prove me wrong, fine. But I won’t disturb myself with hope,” he concluded.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 17, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
With dreams of making history, Ghana’s Black Princesses are intensifying preparations for a decisive U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Tunisia. The youthful side has been in focused training at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence, determined to secure another ticket to the global stage and finally shatter their group-stage ceiling.
Ghana’s U-20 women have long been a powerhouse in African youth football, qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup an impressive seven times. Yet, the elusive knockout berth has remained out of reach, a fact that fuels their hunger ahead of this campaign.
The road to redemption begins on September 20, 2025, when the Princesses travel to Tunis for the first-leg clash. Eight days later, all eyes will shift to Accra for the return fixture on September 28, where home support could prove decisive. Victory over two legs will propel Ghana into the next qualifying phase—and keep alive the hope of rewriting their World Cup story.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 17, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Chuba Akpom’s international ambitions are far from over. The Ipswich Town forward, currently on loan from Ajax, has reiterated his strong desire to don the green and white of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
Born in London to Nigerian parents, the 29-year-old striker represented England at youth level but first announced back in 2019 that he wanted to switch allegiance. Six years later, the journey remains incomplete—yet his determination hasn’t dimmed.
“They’ve made me do the passport stuff,” Akpom revealed to TWTD. “My agent has been in contact with the manager and they’ve always liked me. If I was to get called up, it would be an honour of course.”
Despite a successful club career that includes standout spells at Middlesbrough and now Ipswich, Akpom continues to wait for that all-important senior international debut with the three-time African champions. His message is clear: the dream to represent Nigeria is very much alive.
