by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 15, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
The London Stadium crackled with tension as Mohammed Kudus returned to face his former club for the first time since his controversial switch from West Ham United to Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs’ 3–0 derby victory was always going to be a spectacle, but all eyes were fixed on the 25-year-old Ghanaian winger—once a hero in claret and blue, now the subject of relentless jeers from the home crowd.
From the opening whistle, every touch of the ball was met with loud boos. A ball boy even refused to hand Kudus the ball for a corner, underlining the charged atmosphere. Yet the former Hammer remained composed, showing little sign of nerves as Tottenham cruised to a comfortable win.
After the final whistle, the mood shifted. Kudus shared warm handshakes and brief conversations with West Ham’s non-playing staff, proving that bridges behind the scenes remain intact. In a touching gesture, club staff presented him with his iconic wooden elephant stool—a symbol of his Ghanaian heritage and a memorable feature of his West Ham goal celebrations.
Despite sharp words when he joined Spurs that turned many West Ham supporters against him, Kudus left London with both three points and a reminder of the respect he still commands inside the club. His farewell gift showed that while fans may jeer, the bonds formed with teammates and staff endure.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 15, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Athletic Club forward and Ghana international Inaki Williams has set the tone ahead of Tuesday’s high-profile UEFA Champions League clash with Arsenal, promising an intense battle under the floodlights of the San Mamés.
The 31-year-old, a true icon for the Lions, has endured a quiet start to the season—yet to score or assist in four outings—but remains undeterred as his side prepares to welcome the English giants. Athletic began the campaign brightly, but recent stumbles, including a home draw against Deportivo Alavés, have highlighted the need for a statement performance.
Manager Ernesto Valverde knows the challenge is steep. Two home games without victory is hardly ideal preparation for a European heavyweight like Arsenal. Still, the veteran coach is drilling his squad to close every gap and sharpen their high-pressing style for what promises to be a fiercely contested night.
Speaking with steely determination, Williams revealed the team’s plan to unsettle their visitors:
> “Today we’ll have a discussion and watch videos on how we can hurt Arsenal,” he said. “We’re a side that loves to press and smother our opponents, especially at home where our fans give us energy. We’ll do everything we can to disrupt their rhythm and make them uncomfortable.”
The encounter is set for Tuesday, September 16, at 16:45 GMT in Bilbao, where the iconic San Mamés is expected to roar with unyielding support.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 15, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Inaki Williams is relishing a dream long in the making. As Athletic Bilbao prepare for their long-awaited UEFA Champions League return, the Ghanaian forward and newly-appointed club captain insists the Basque side will travel to London with nothing to fear.
Bilbao’s opener pits them against Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday night—a high-stakes clash that signals their first appearance in Europe’s elite competition in several years. Williams, 31, says the squad’s years of perseverance have built a quiet confidence.
“We have struggled for many years to reach this day, and we want our dream to grow,” he said. “We are not afraid of any team; it will be a really great match.”
Their Champions League journey is a demanding one. Beyond Arsenal, Athletic must navigate a daunting group that includes Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Atalanta, Newcastle United, Slavia Praha, Qarabağ, and Sporting CP. Yet Williams believes the San Mamés faithful can dream big as the club takes on Europe’s heavyweights.
For the striker, leading his boyhood team onto the continent’s grandest stage fulfils a lifelong ambition—a reward for years of loyalty and relentless performance in La Liga. His younger brother, Nico Williams, is expected to miss the trip to London with a thigh injury, but Inaki is determined to make a statement in their family’s name.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 15, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
FC Lorient have welcomed a familiar face back into the fold as Ghanaian centre-back Nathaniel Adjei resumed full training nearly a year after a devastating ankle injury.
The 23-year-old’s setback dates back to November 18, 2024, when he limped off during his senior debut for the Black Stars in an AFCON qualifier against Niger. Surgery the following month marked the start of a grueling rehabilitation that kept him away from competitive football and from the heartbeat of Lorient’s dressing room, where his leadership had quickly become invaluable.
Adjei’s return last week sparked cheers and warm embraces from teammates, a moment that head coach Olivier Pantaloni called “an example for the group,” praising the defender’s resilience and determination.
His comeback could not be timelier. Lorient, still seeking consistency in Ligue 1, have struggled for stability at the back, and Adjei’s presence promises to bolster their defensive ranks.
Originally arriving on loan from Swedish side Hammarby in January 2024, Adjei impressed across 15 league appearances, prompting Lorient to make the move permanent for a reported €7 million. Now, after months of tireless work, the Ghanaian international is ready to reclaim his place and help steer the club’s season back on track.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 15, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian teenager Douglas Owusu celebrated a personal milestone on Sunday, netting his maiden Serbian Super Liga goal, but his side Radnik Surdulica suffered a dramatic 3–2 defeat to Radnicki 1923.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who joined Radnik from Ghana’s Asekem FC, doubled the hosts’ lead in the 33rd minute after Vukasin Bogdanovic’s opener, sending the Efbet Stadion crowd into early jubilation. It was Owusu’s first strike in the Serbian top flight and a glimpse of the talent that has earned him eight league appearances this season.
Radnik’s joy, however, was short-lived. After the break, Ester Sokler pulled one back for Radnicki before Bojan Adzic equalised just three minutes later. The visitors sealed the comeback deep into stoppage time when veteran defender Slobodan Simovic fired home, leaving Radnik rooted to the bottom of the 16-team table.
Owusu, who recently acquired Serbian citizenship, remains a bright spark for the struggling side and will be eager to build on this breakthrough performance.
