by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 2, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
In a heartfelt message delivered from Nairobi, FIFA President Gianni Infantino moved to calm growing concerns among African football fans about safety, hospitality, and fair treatment at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
African journalists had raised worries that supporters from the continent could face discrimination or be treated as “outcasts” when the world’s biggest football showpiece kicks off across 11 U.S. cities.
Infantino, however, stressed that the tournament would be open, welcoming, and inclusive. He pointed to the recent Club World Cup hosted in the U.S., which saw fans from 164 countries attend without visa or safety issues.
“Everyone will be welcome. Fans came from 164 countries to the Club World Cup without any problems. The same spirit of hospitality and safety will define the 2026 World Cup,” Infantino assured.
Standing alongside him, CAF President Patrice Motsepe echoed this confidence, promising that African fans would be given fair access and support. “We are confident that all requirements will be fulfilled, and there will be sufficient access for African fans,” Motsepe said.
The joint message was more than reassurance—it was a rallying call for global unity. Infantino described the 2026 edition, which will feature 48 teams and host matches across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, as “the greatest FIFA World Cup ever.”
With at least nine African nations expected to compete, the expanded tournament is being framed not just as a celebration of football, but as a chance to bridge cultures and promote friendship worldwide. Tickets for the 104 matches officially go on sale on September 10, setting the stage for a historic global festival.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 2, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Former Nigeria goalkeeper, Alloy Agu, has expressed optimism that the Super Eagles can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite their shaky start in the qualifiers.
Speaking exclusively to Sportsblog247.com, the 58-year-old maintained that “nothing is impossible in football” as he backed the national team to turn their campaign around in Group C.
Agu, who featured for Nigeria during his playing days, urged all stakeholders—players, coaches, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and even state governments—to rally behind the team as they prepare for a crucial clash against Rwanda this weekend in Uyo, followed by a trip to face South Africa in Bloemfontein.
> “Impossible does not exist in football. We saw it in the Liverpool versus Arsenal game on Sunday—it looked set to end goalless but changed in the dying minutes. That’s how football is. The Super Eagles can still make it if everyone does the right thing,” Agu said.
He stressed that victory in Uyo against Rwanda would be the perfect starting point to reignite Nigeria’s qualification hopes, insisting that with the country’s pool of talent, a seventh appearance at the World Cup finals—after 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2018—is achievable.
Agu concluded by reaffirming his belief that with unity, focus, and determination, the Super Eagles can still fly high and secure a ticket to the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, USA, and Canada.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 2, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
The Super Eagles of Nigeria officially kicked off their World Cup qualifying preparations on Monday as camp opened in Uyo, with captain William Troost-Ekong among the first to arrive.
The experienced defender, who plies his trade at Saudi side Al-Kholood, was joined by Tanzania-based goalkeeper Amas Obasogie and Olympiacos left-back Bruno Onyemaechi as the early birds in camp.
Their arrival sets the tone for what promises to be a decisive international window, as Nigeria gear up for crucial fixtures against Rwanda on September 6 in Uyo and South Africa on September 8 in Bloemfontein.
However, not all players are expected to check in on time. Several squad members remain tied up with ongoing transfer moves. Samuel Chukwueze is close to completing a switch from AC Milan to Fulham, Tolu Arokodare is finalising a deal from Genk to Wolves, while Getafe forward Christantus Uche is also wrapping up a move to Crystal Palace.
The rest of the 23-man squad, including key stars such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Cyriel Dessers, are due to arrive later. Osimhen’s return is especially anticipated, with the Galatasaray striker having scored twice when Nigeria last faced Rwanda in March.
The stakes could not be higher for the Super Eagles. After six games, Nigeria sit fourth in Group C with just seven points, trailing leaders South Africa by six. Both Rwanda and Benin are also ahead with eight points each. With only four qualifiers left, Jose Peseiro’s men cannot afford further slip-ups if they are to secure a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria’s qualification journey continues in October with an away clash against Lesotho before wrapping up with a home tie against Benin Republic. The memory of missing out on the 2022 World Cup after losing a playoff to Ghana still hangs over the squad, making this campaign a must-win mission.
Full 23-Man Super Eagles Squad for Rwanda & South Africa
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars), Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC).
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes), Felix Agu (Werder Bremen), Benjamin Fredericks (Dender).
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Frank Onyeka (Brentford), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Christantus Uche (Getafe).
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Moses Simon (Paris FC), Cyriel Dessers (Rangers), Tolu Arokodare (Genk).
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 2, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku has sent a heartfelt message to teammate Bilal El Khannouss following the Moroccan midfielder’s departure from Leicester City.
El Khannouss sealed a loan move to Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart on Monday, September 1, with the deal including an option to make the transfer permanent. The 21-year-old midfielder penned an emotional farewell to Leicester fans, thanking the club, Khun Top, teammates, and supporters for their love and support during his one-year spell with the Foxes.
“Dear Foxes, thank you to the club and Khun Top for having allowed me to play for this badge. I want to thank also my teammates, managers, fans, and everyone who belongs to the club for everything the past 12 months. I wish you nothing but the best. This place will forever be a part of my story,” El Khannouss wrote on social media.
Reacting to the post, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku kept his message short but warm:
“We’ll miss you, Billy.”
Despite reported interest from top European clubs, Issahaku remains with Leicester City and is expected to play a vital role in the Foxes’ push for Premier League promotion this season.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 2, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed that the Black Stars will leave Accra today, Tuesday, September 2, for N’Djamena ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Chad on Thursday, September 4.
According to the GFA, 12 players trained at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, with the rest of the 24-man squad joining later for the trip. The team will have one final training session in N’Djamena on Wednesday before the highly anticipated game at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 pm.
Otto Addo’s side currently leads Group I with 15 points from six matches, winning five and losing just one. A victory against Chad would strengthen their push for a fifth World Cup appearance.
The squad features experienced campaigners such as Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, and Mohammed Kudus, alongside exciting debutants like Derrick Arthur Köhn of Union Berlin, Caleb Yirenkyi of FC Nordsjaelland, Al-Qadsiah’s Christopher Bonsu Baah, and goalkeeper Joseph Anang from St. Patrick’s Athletic. Tariq Lamptey also returns after a long injury layoff.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Otto Addo expressed confidence in his team’s readiness:
> “The next focus is the Chad game, and I hope that we can win. We still have a very strong squad, with new players I’m excited to see on the pitch. Surely, we will have to dominate possession and attack.”
He also highlighted the importance of leadership from Partey and Ayew:
> “The experienced players know their role in our team. If they are in good shape, we will be successful.”
The coach further thanked Ghanaians, the GFA, and President John Mahama for their unwavering support, especially after the painful 0-5 defeat to Chad earlier this year — the first time the Black Stars had ever lost to their opponents.
Ghana will wrap up their Group I qualifiers against the Central African Republic and Comoros in October.
