by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 19, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Rwanda’s historic 2-1 victory over Nigeria exposes midfield weaknesses
Nigeria’s Super Eagles endured a shocking 2-1 defeat at the hands of Rwanda’s Amavubi on Monday, marking the first time in history that Rwanda has defeated the Nigerian national team. The loss comes shortly after Nigeria secured their qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a draw against Benin last week.
Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, who fielded a heavily rotated squad with seven changes from the previous game, hoped to give fringe players an opportunity to shine. Despite Nigeria’s dominance in the first half, they struggled to break down Rwanda’s defense and failed to create decisive opportunities.
The introduction of Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze in the second half initially appeared to change the game. Chukwueze broke the deadlock with a well-taken goal, but the Super Eagles’ defensive frailties were exposed shortly after. Rwanda stunned the Nigerians by scoring two quick goals within three minutes, flipping the script and taking control of the match.
In his post-match remarks, Eguavoen expressed frustration with his team’s inability to convert dominance into goals. He cited the absence of a true playmaker as a critical factor behind their struggles.
“Goals win games, we all know that. They are scoring goals in their club sides, they are scoring goals in training. But when it comes to the game, they don’t score goals. I keep asking the same questions,” Eguavoen lamented.
“But you know there are some players who can make a difference, who can put the ball into space for them to go to goal. We are still looking for that player who has that flair and creativity. A good playmaker who can put the ball into space for them.”
The defeat reignites a long-standing debate about Nigeria’s lack of creativity in midfield—a problem that has plagued the Super Eagles for years. As they prepare for the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, finding a solution to this issue will be critical for Nigeria’s success on the global stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 19, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In the aftermath of Ghana’s shocking failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, former Black Stars coach Charles Akonnor has issued a passionate plea to the country’s football leaders: start fixing Ghana football from the grassroots. This marks the first time in 21 years that the four-time African champions will miss out on Africa’s biggest football showcase, a painful reminder of the decline that has crept into Ghanaian football since its golden days.
Speaking to Joy FM, Akonnor—who coached the Black Stars from 2019 to 2021—emphasized the need to prioritize youth national teams as the foundation for rebuilding.
“We need to look at our youth football. If we don’t do it now, we are already late,” Akonnor said. “Where did the Asamoah Gyans, the Stephen Appiahs, and Laryea Kingstons—the best generation we have had—come from? It was through strong youth systems.”
He pointed to the critical role of Ghana’s U-17 and U-20 teams, as well as the Black Stars B (the local-based national team), in grooming the stars of yesterday who brought the nation glory. Without revitalizing these youth structures, he warned, the senior team will continue to struggle.
Ghana’s dismal qualification campaign concluded with a 2-1 defeat to Niger in Kumasi, a bitter end that underscores the urgency of Akonnor’s call.
As fans mourn this setback, Akonnor’s words offer a potential roadmap for the future: start at the roots, invest in youth football, and restore the pride of Ghana on the global stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 19, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has sparked widespread criticism, with Akwasi Agyeman, a member of the Black Stars management committee, urging head coach Otto Addo and his technical team to engage in serious self-reflection.
Speaking after Ghana’s dismal campaign, Agyeman, who also serves as CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, described the performance as the worst AFCON qualifying campaign in the nation’s history. The Black Stars finished bottom of Group F with three points from six matches, recording three losses and three draws.
The final game against Niger, held at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, underscored fans’ frustration. The stadium was almost empty, and the few who attended sarcastically cheered for Niger, who sealed their victory with ease.
“Where we are now, in a few months, we have two crucial games against Chad—home and away—to try and qualify for the World Cup,” Agyeman said in an interview with Hitz FM. “I don’t believe this is the time for drastic changes, but it is certainly a wake-up call. Otto and his team must look in the mirror and figure out what’s going wrong. I don’t get it.”
The Black Stars’ campaign saw them trail 11 points behind group leaders Angola and miss out on qualification, as Sudan and Niger finished ahead with more consistent performances.
Agyeman added that while the immediate focus is the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, the need for stability must be balanced with a thorough evaluation of the team’s failures.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 19, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Ghanaian international Dan Quaye, revered as one of the finest full-backs in Ghana’s domestic football history, has opened up about the circumstances that led to his early retirement from professional football.
The 43-year-old, who last played for Great Olympics in 2017, revealed that the indiscipline of young players was the primary reason behind his decision to hang up his boots prematurely. Quaye began his illustrious career with Great Olympics in 1997 before securing a move to regional giants Hearts of Oak. His time with Hearts of Oak saw him play a pivotal role in their historic CAF Champions League victory in 2000.
Quaye’s career spanned across several clubs in Ghana and abroad, but he chose to end his journey where it all began—at Great Olympics. However, his return to his boyhood club came with challenges that ultimately influenced his decision to quit.
In an interview with Bryt FM, Quaye shared his frustrations:
“I retired prematurely from football. I could have played longer, but the indiscipline of young players forced me to step away. At Great Olympics, I tried to mentor and shape the younger players, but they were unwilling to listen or take advice. To protect myself and my professionalism, I decided to retire rather than risk acting unprofessionally in response to their behavior.”
Reflecting on similar situations, he added, “We should ask ourselves why Sulley Muntari left Hearts of Oak.”
Quaye’s international career included representing the Black Stars at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and earning 10 caps between 2001 and 2006. Despite his early exit, his contributions to Ghanaian football remain highly regarded.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 19, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s Black Stars, four-time champions of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), have left fans in shock and dismay after failing to qualify for the 2025 edition of the tournament. This marks the first time in 20 years that the West African giants will miss out on the continental showpiece, with their last absence dating back to 2004.
In a dismal qualifying campaign, the Black Stars finished bottom of Group F, managing only three points from six matches. They lost three games and drew the remaining three, failing to secure a single win. The final blow came in a 2-1 defeat to Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium, a match played before a nearly empty crowd—a stark reflection of fans’ frustration.
The lackluster performances have triggered widespread outrage among Ghanaians, many of whom are calling for the dismissal of head coach Otto Addo. Critics argue that his tactics and leadership failed to inspire the team during the qualifiers.
With the AFCON dream now shattered, the Black Stars must refocus on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, set to resume in March 2026. However, questions remain about whether the team can rebuild and regain the trust of their passionate fanbase.
