by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 17, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined Kenya, co-host of the ongoing TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, $50,000 for multiple safety and security breaches.
The decision was taken after CAF’s Disciplinary Board reviewed incidents that occurred during the Group Stage clash between Kenya and Morocco at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
According to CAF, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) was found guilty of failing to provide adequate security, which violated competition safety regulations. The board ruled that the fine must be settled within 60 days of notification.
CAF further issued a stern warning, cautioning that persistent lapses in security could result in Kenya being stripped of the right to host its national team matches, with fixtures potentially moved to alternative venues.
The governing body has also urged Kenya to strengthen its matchday operations by deploying more security personnel, tightening perimeter control, and ensuring proper adherence to road closures around stadiums.
This development comes as Kenya co-hosts the 2024 CHAN tournament alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 17, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Amaju Pinnick, has expressed firm belief that the Super Eagles will secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite their difficult position in the qualifying campaign.
The Nigerian side currently sit fourth in Group C with just seven points after six matches, trailing leaders South Africa who top the group with 13 points. With crucial fixtures ahead — hosting Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on September 3, followed by an away clash against South Africa on September 7 — the Super Eagles’ path remains uphill.
However, Pinnick insists that all hope is not lost. Speaking to Brila FM, the 54-year-old maintained that Nigeria’s resilience and mentality will see them through.
> “The truth is, never say never until the final whistle,” Pinnick said. “In 2018, nobody gave us a chance. Cameroon were defending champions, Algeria were unbeaten in nearly 20 games, and Zambia were strong, but we qualified. That’s why I still keep the faith with this team.”
Despite criticism over their inconsistent performances, Pinnick believes the Super Eagles can still snatch the sole ticket from Group C if they summon the spirit of past campaigns.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 17, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, USA
National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Bay FC have paid tribute to Nigerian striker Asisat Oshoala following her exploits at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The 30-year-old forward was specially honoured at PayPal Park before Bay FC’s home clash against San Diego Wave, in recognition of her contributions to Nigeria’s successful tournament run.
Oshoala featured in five matches for the Super Falcons, scoring her only goal in their opening 3-0 win over Tunisia. Despite the single strike, her experience and leadership proved vital as Nigeria pushed for continental glory.
One of Africa’s most decorated footballers, Oshoala has now won the WAFCON title four times and remains an icon for the Super Falcons. She has scored 37 goals in 61 international appearances, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest to wear the green and white.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 17, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Black Queens forward Princess Marfo has officially parted ways with American side Bay FC after both parties agreed to terminate her contract.
The Ghanaian winger, who joined the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) outfit in January 2024 from Danish side FC Nordsjaelland, spent a year and a half in the United States but struggled for game time, making just nine appearances this season.
Bay FC confirmed her departure in a social media post: “Bay FC and Princess Marfo have mutually agreed to terminate her contract. We wish her the best in her future!”
Marfo, 21, also shared an emotional farewell note with fans: “I am sorry I couldn’t last to make more memories with you all. I’m sincerely grateful for everything.”
A graduate of Ghana’s Right to Dream Academy, Marfo played a key role for the Black Queens during the recent Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, featuring in four matches as Ghana secured a third-place finish.
She is yet to announce her next move in her professional career.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 17, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Black Stars goalkeepers’ trainer, Fatau Dauda, has underlined the importance of Ghana’s upcoming fixtures against Chad and Mali in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The national team will regroup in September for Matchday 7 and 8, with Ghana first set to face Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno before returning home to battle Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Speaking to Citi Sports, Dauda, a former Black Stars goalkeeper himself, emphasized that these two matches could define Ghana’s path to the global tournament.
> “We have two games ahead of us, and we are calling on Ghanaians to pray for us, but we need to win these matches against Chad and Mali,” he urged.
Currently, Ghana leads Group I with 15 points from six games, but with Mali and other contenders close behind, victories in the September showdowns will be crucial to tightening their grip on qualification.
