by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 17, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
Kwara United boss Tunde Sanni Salihu is brimming with confidence ahead of his team’s CAF Confederation Cup showdown with Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko.
Speaking to Akoma FM, Salihu dismissed any notion of intimidation as the Nigerian side prepares for Sunday’s first-leg encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium. “We are preparing very well and are confident of beating Kotoko, provided there is fair officiating,” he declared.
The coach was quick to downplay Ghana’s footballing pedigree, insisting Kwara United have the quality to compete. “Ghana is not the best football nation in Africa, so the fact that Kotoko have national team players in their squad does not intimidate us. We also have national team players—even some on our bench,” he said.
Salihu outlined ambitious goals for the season, revealing that Kwara United are chasing silverware on multiple fronts. “Our ambition is clear: we want to go far in this competition. This season, we are competing in three different trophies, and our target is to win all of them, including the CAF Confederation Cup,” he added.
With the return leg set for September 28 at the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium in Ilorin, the coach urged Nigerians living in Ghana to rally behind the team. “Come Sunday, we will match Kotoko boot for boot. I also urge all Nigerians in Ghana to turn out in large numbers to support us; we will not disappoint them.”
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 17, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
When Kojo Peprah Oppong signed for OGC Nice from Swedish side IFK Norrköping this summer, few expected the 21-year-old Ghanaian defender to make an immediate impact. He was brought in for a modest fee and earmarked for gradual development behind the Ligue 1 club’s seasoned centre-backs.
But Oppong has flipped that script in record time. After a cameo debut in August against Benfica during a UEFA Champions League qualifier, the young centre-back has started every competitive match since—including last weekend’s Ligue 1 fixture with FC Nantes—even as veteran captain Dante returned from injury.
“I’m surprised,” Oppong admitted after the Nantes game. “I didn’t expect to play this much in the beginning, but I’m taking it step by step and I expect a lot from myself.”
Dante himself has become an invaluable mentor, offering lessons on game management and conserving energy. “He said it’s important to manage the game, to save energy, and especially when we’re leading, not to attack too much as centre-backs,” Oppong explained.
His composure and rapid adaptation have made him one of the early revelations of the Ligue 1 season. Back home in Ghana, fans are already hailing him as a defensive star in the making—a player poised to anchor Nice’s back line and perhaps the Black Stars’ future as well.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 17, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Atalanta skipper Marten de Roon has offered a lifeline to Ademola Lookman, urging the Nigerian winger to rediscover his focus and fight his way back into the squad.
Lookman, who represented Nigeria in recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, reportedly pushed for a summer move to Inter Milan. His stance has left him out of favour in Bergamo, with head coach Ivan Juric excluding him from Atalanta’s Serie A clash with Lecce last weekend and the upcoming UEFA Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, De Roon revealed that while the team remains focused on those present, the door remains open for the former Leicester City forward.
“I didn’t disturb him (Lookman). I don’t want to use up too much energy over this situation. We are concentrated on the squad and the players who are here,” De Roon said. “We are here and the door is always open.”
The 27-year-old winger must now decide whether to adjust his mindset and reclaim his place in a side chasing domestic and European success.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 17, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Rwanda’s U-20 women’s team is brimming with confidence as they prepare to host Nigeria’s Falconets in the first leg of their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier on September 21 at the Kigali Pele Stadium.
Head coach Cassa André Mbungo struck a defiant note when speaking through the Rwanda Football Association’s official X handle, urging his side to embrace the challenge of facing one of Africa’s most decorated youth teams.
> “Be fearless, be focused, obey the rhythm of tactics,” Mbungo told his players. “We respect Nigeria, but we will not be intimidated. If we work hard and stick to the plan, we can make our nation proud.”
Nigeria, ever-present at every edition of the U-20 Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 2002, boast an enviable pedigree, having reached the finals in 2010 and 2014. Yet the Rwandan youngsters believe home advantage and discipline can tilt the scales.
CAF has confirmed the match officials: Aminata Fullah of Sierra Leone will referee the tie, assisted by Hannah Lydia Moses (Liberia) and Fatmata Mansaray (Sierra Leone). Liberian official Love Tuu Wehyee will serve as fourth official, with Militna Ivanete Amrie of Seychelles as match commissioner and Amegee Aissata Ameyo of Togo as referee assessor.
As Kigali gears up for Sunday’s showdown, Rwanda’s rising stars are determined to write their own piece of history against the formidable Falconets.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 17, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Former Super Eagles star Osaze Odemwingie has unleashed a stinging rebuke on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), accusing officials of incompetence and unprofessionalism after the federation’s match report publicly criticized striker Cyril Dessers and captain William Troost-Ekong.
Speaking on Brila FM’s breakfast show No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze, the 2010 and 2014 World Cup veteran said the federation’s conduct “looked like something done by ordinary fans, not a national body with ambitions.”
“It is a sign that the wrong people are in charge,” Odemwingie stated. “You can give that job to a fan and they will probably do it just as well. At the international level, you can’t act like a bush man. These people just acted like they’re from the tree, not like an organization taking Nigerian football to the next level.”
The 65-cap forward lamented that such behavior undermines Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions. “We have what it takes to reach a World Cup final, but we’re still distracted by childish issues like this,” he said. “This isn’t the time to scapegoat players who have a legacy to protect. The problem is much bigger than the performance of one or two players.”
Lightening the mood, Odemwingie ended with a wry smile: “I’m a kind guy these days. On the day wey I dey vex, na red card straight.”
The former striker’s remarks come amid growing concern over Nigeria’s shaky 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign after a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Bloemfontein.
