by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Born in Germany, Heart in Ghana: Black Stars Coach Defends Commitment to Nation
Otto Addo, head coach of Ghana’s Black Stars, has faced a storm of criticism following the team’s shocking failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Despite the backlash, the Germany-born former Ghana international has passionately reaffirmed his dedication to the country, vowing not to abandon his post.
The pressure mounted after Ghana’s 2-1 defeat to Niger in Accra on Monday, leaving them bottom of Group F with just three points — a stark contrast to Angola’s 14 and Sudan’s eight. The result ended Ghana’s 21-year streak of AFCON qualifications, sparking widespread calls for Addo’s resignation.
Addressing the media, an emotional Addo shared the toll the situation has taken on him and his family. “I don’t even want to go home because when I go home, I will see them crying,” he said. “They are very, very sad, and I will be sad as well. I’m very sad that Ghanaians are sad. It touches me deeply.”
Addo also spoke passionately about his lifelong loyalty to Ghana, dismissing any notion of turning his back on the nation. “I was born in Germany, but my heart has always been here,” he said. “Some choose to switch nationalities, but for me, it was never an option. Representing Ghana has always been my pride.”
With the Black Stars at a historic low point, the future remains uncertain for both Addo and the team. However, his unwavering commitment to Ghana has struck a chord, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the disappointment.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
Former Ghana U-17 coach, Laryea Kingston, has come to the defense of Black Stars head coach Otto Addo, cautioning the Ghana Football Association (GFA) against making hasty decisions in the wake of the team’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In an interview with Flashscore, Kingston emphasized that replacing Addo and his technical team at this juncture could plunge the team into deeper turmoil.
“If we change the coach and the technical team now, it will be a disaster,” Kingston warned. “I believe we should allow him to complete the World Cup qualifiers. Who knows? He might still secure qualification. After that, as a country, we can decide on the next steps. He deserves another chance.”
The Black Stars’ dismal AFCON qualifying campaign saw them fail to win a single game, finishing with just three points from six matches. The team’s poor performance has sparked outrage among fans and stakeholders, leading to growing calls for Addo’s dismissal.
The GFA’s Executive Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to assess the team’s performance and determine the path forward. Kingston’s appeal for patience adds a voice of reason to the heated debate over the national team’s leadership.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 19, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
A Tale of Dual Nationality and Football Excellence
Samuel Aghehowa, a 20-year-old striking sensation at FC Porto, finds himself at the crossroads of his footballing identity. Born in Melilla, Spain, to Nigerian parents, Aghehowa recently made his competitive debut for Spain’s national team in a thrilling 3-2 UEFA Nations League victory over Switzerland in Tenerife. However, despite this milestone, he remains eligible to represent the Super Eagles of Nigeria under FIFA’s nationality rules.
The dynamic forward, who replaced Álvaro Morata at halftime, became a symbol of Spain’s trust in youthful talent. Yet his ties to Nigeria run deep. Aghehowa’s mother hails from Edo State, home to Augustine Eguavoen, the Super Eagles’ interim coach and a 1994 AFCON winner. Eguavoen’s connection with the Aghehowa family could influence the striker’s future decision, as Nigeria continues to scout top talents in Europe.
Aghehowa’s journey to this point is nothing short of remarkable. A product of Granada’s youth system, he turned heads this season with FC Porto, netting 12 goals in 13 appearances, including a Europa League brace against Manchester United. His prolific form came after a summer move to Porto, following a near-transfer to Premier League giants Chelsea.
Under FIFA rules, players under 21 can switch allegiances if they’ve played fewer than four matches for their first national team, provided one was competitive. Aghehowa’s debut for Spain checks the latter box, but he has time to consider his long-term international career.
With ties to two footballing powerhouses, Samuel Aghehowa’s story is one of promise, identity, and tough decisions. Will he rise as La Roja’s future star, or could the lure of the Super Eagles bring him back to his Nigerian roots?
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 19, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Victor Osimhen edges out Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in coach Okan Buruk’s eyes as Europe’s top forward.
In the bustling football scene of Europe, where strikers are judged by their goals, assists, and consistency, Victor Osimhen has emerged as a name that commands attention. Galatasaray’s head coach, Okan Buruk, recently made headlines with his bold declaration that Osimhen, the Super Eagles star, is currently the best striker in Europe—better even than Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, a two-time Premier League Golden Boot winner.
Buruk’s praise comes as Osimhen continues his scintillating form in Turkey’s Trendyol Süper Lig, where he has racked up eight goals and four assists in just nine games. His performances for Galatasaray have been nothing short of mesmerizing, with the Nigerian forward contributing directly to a goal in every league match he has played and missing out on only one in the UEFA Europa League.
In comparison, Haaland’s season, though prolific with 16 goals in 15 games, lacks the same balance. The Norwegian forward, known for his clinical finishing, has yet to register an assist this season. Additionally, his recent dip in Premier League form—just two goals in his last six matches—has raised questions, even as he remains the league’s top scorer.
Speaking to Asist Analiz via Kibris Gercek, Buruk did not hold back his admiration for Osimhen:
“He is the best player I have seen right now. I can say Osimhen is at 50-60%. He came here and started playing straight away after an injury. It is really important to see what he can do when he is 100% physically. His character is also very important.”
When pressed on whether Haaland might surpass the Nigerian forward, Buruk added:
“Maybe Haaland comes to mind first, but since City have lost in recent weeks, I would say Victor Osimhen is the best right now.”
Both strikers showcased their prowess during the ongoing international break. Haaland scored four goals for Norway in two games, while Osimhen added a goal to his tally for Nigeria. Despite their undeniable brilliance, Buruk’s comments highlight a growing recognition of Osimhen’s all-round contributions and influence on the pitch.
As the season progresses, the debate over who reigns supreme will undoubtedly continue, but for now, Osimhen’s star shines brightest in the eyes of Galatasaray’s head coach.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 19, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Edo Queens’ journey in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League came to a painful end after a 3-1 extra-time defeat to TP Mazembe. Despite taking the lead and dominating for large periods, the Nigerian champions were undone by late drama and defensive lapses.
First Half Dominance but No Breakthrough
The Queens controlled the opening half, creating several clear chances. In the 39th minute, Paulina Ali delivered a pinpoint cross to Goodness Osigwe, whose soft header was easily collected by TP Mazembe’s standout goalkeeper, Ngoy Mudimbi. Valentina Okoro came closest with a one-on-one opportunity in the 43rd minute, only to see her effort saved again by Mudimbi.
At the stroke of halftime, Edo Queens narrowly escaped disaster when Monle Omini inadvertently flicked the ball into her own net. However, the referee disallowed the goal for an earlier foul and offside.
Second Half Drama
TP Mazembe made attacking changes, including the introduction of Atuah Baffour, whose disallowed goal in the 50th minute provided an early warning sign for Edo Queens. The Nigerian side eventually broke the deadlock in the 65th minute when Emem Essien lobbed the goalkeeper after a delightful assist from Paulina Ali.
TP Mazembe refused to back down, and in the 89th minute, Marveille Kanjinga’s powerful header brought the game level, sending it into extra time.
Extra Time Heartbreak
Edo Queens started extra time on the front foot but were soon pegged back when Comfort Folorunsho scored an own goal in the 101st minute. Things went from bad to worse three minutes later as TP Mazembe were awarded a penalty, which Mariene Kasaj converted with ease.
The Queens tried to mount a comeback but lacked the clinical edge to find the net again. TP Mazembe nearly added a fourth in the dying moments, but Monle Omini made a stunning save to deny Dikisha Burisha.
Redemption Awaits
Despite the defeat, Edo Queens have one more opportunity to secure a podium finish. They will face the loser of the second semi-final between AS FAR and FC Masar on Friday, aiming to end their campaign with a bronze medal.
