by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 5, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, Uncategorized
Protesters gathered outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court 3 on Monday as Ghanaian footballer Thomas Partey appeared to face multiple rape charges. The Arsenal midfielder is currently accused of raping two women, amounting to five counts in total.
Demonstrators held a large banner that read: “Arsenal said: ‘We do the right thing.’ Then did nothing.” The message was a direct rebuke of the club’s handling of the serious allegations surrounding their player.
The protest was aimed not only at Partey but also at Arsenal FC’s perceived silence and inaction since the accusations came to light. Activists and women’s rights groups have long criticized top clubs for failing to uphold accountability when players face serious criminal allegations.
Partey, who remains out on bail under strict conditions—including restrictions on travel and contact with the alleged victims—appeared in court as part of ongoing legal proceedings.
The case continues to draw intense public attention, both for its legal implications and for the broader debate on how football institutions respond to off-field misconduct.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 5, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, Uncategorized
Arsenal and Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has officially appeared in court to answer serious criminal charges. The 32-year-old footballer is facing five counts of rape involving two women. His court appearance marks a pivotal moment in a case that has generated significant public attention both in the UK and internationally.
As part of his bail conditions, the court has imposed strict measures on Partey:
He is prohibited from contacting any of the alleged victims.
He must inform police of any changes to his residential address.
He is also required to notify authorities before undertaking any international travel.
The proceedings are ongoing, and Partey remains on conditional bail as the legal process continues to unfold.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 5, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
In a significant update for women’s football in West Africa, the WAFU B Zonal Executive Committee has announced new dates for the much-anticipated 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League Zonal Qualifiers. Originally planned for earlier in the year, the qualifiers will now run from August 23 to September 4, 2025, with Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, proudly retaining hosting rights.
The decision follows a comprehensive operational review by the Committee, aimed at enhancing tournament readiness and allowing organizers ample time to refine logistics. The shift underscores WAFU B’s strong commitment to staging a well-coordinated, high-caliber competition that reflects the growing momentum of women’s football in the region.
While the venue remains unchanged, the updated schedule brings renewed energy and clarity to clubs preparing for the showdown. Among them is Ghana’s Police Ladies, champions of the Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League, who will carry the nation’s hopes as they step onto the regional stage.
Details surrounding the group stage draw will be unveiled soon, with the official date to be communicated in the coming days. All member associations have been formally notified, with clubs urged to align their preparations with the revised timeline.
To ensure seamless communication and support, the WAFUB Secretariat has reaffirmed its readiness to assist clubs and national federations in navigating the run-up to the tournament. This proactive engagement reflects the collaborative spirit at the heart of the qualifiers.
As the countdown begins, anticipation is growing for what promises to be a thrilling celebration of talent, teamwork, and the relentless rise of women’s football in West Africa.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 5, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Day three of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 delivered drama, determination, and dominance in equal measure as Group C action got underway at the buzzing Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
In the afternoon’s opener, Guinea edged past a stubborn Niger side with a narrow but vital 1-0 victory. After a cagey first half, Mohamed Bangoura emerged as the hero, striking just two minutes after the restart to hand the National Elephants a winning start to their campaign.
But it was the evening showdown that truly set the stadium alight.
Algeria, runners-up at the last edition, showed they mean business this time around. The Fennec Foxes dismantled co-hosts Uganda with a commanding 3-0 performance—the biggest win of the tournament so far.
Ayoub Ghezala fired the North Africans ahead in the 36th minute, before second-half strikes from Abderrahmane Meziane and Sofiane Bayazid (in the 76th and 79th minutes respectively) sealed a convincing statement victory.
With the win, Algeria stormed to the summit of Group C on goal difference ahead of Guinea, while South Africa await their first appearance in the group.
Monday’s CHAN 2024 Results:
Niger 0–1 Guinea
Uganda 0–3 Algeria
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 5, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
The stage is set, the drums are beating, and Nigeria’s Super Eagles B are ready to write a fresh chapter in their CHAN story—starting with a tough opener against defending champions Senegal.
Whenever Nigeria and Senegal clash on African soil, it’s more than just a football match—it’s a battle of pride, pedigree, and power. But this time, it’s even trickier. With CHAN 2024 being a tournament exclusively for home-based players, the margin for error is thinner than ever. Senegal, having dominated African football across all levels in recent years, step into this tournament as the team to beat.
Yet Nigeria’s home-grown heroes aren’t here to just make up the numbers. Bronze medalists in 2014 and runners-up in 2018, the Super Eagles B know what it means to grind in this championship. Though their CHAN journey has been a rollercoaster—from heart-breaking exits to magical comebacks—this squad is hungry to turn potential into silverware.
Led by coach Eric Sekou Chelle—doubling as the boss of Nigeria’s A team—the 23-man squad has undergone intense preparations. After weeks of drills in Ikenne-Remo and a productive training tour in Zanzibar, the team is buzzing with belief.
Key returnees like goalkeeper Ozoemena Ani, defenders Sodiq Ismaila and Junior Nduka, midfield dynamo Alex Oyowah, and attacking threats Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi will bring experience and confidence, especially after dismantling Ghana’s Black Galaxies 3-0 on aggregate in the qualifiers.
Joining the mix are impressive additions such as defenders Steven Mayo and Leonard Ngenge, midfield workhorses Adedayo Olamilekan, Hadi Haruna, Michael Tochukwu, and attacking firepower in Temitope Vincent, Shola Adelani, and Godwin Obaje.
Group D may be lean with only four teams—Senegal, Nigeria, Congo, and Sudan—but it’s brimming with tension. The stakes are sky-high as Nigeria begins their campaign at the 15,000-seater Amaan Stadium. For Chelle and his team, anything less than three points will complicate the road to glory.
This CHAN edition, dubbed PAMOJA 2024, is already historic, co-hosted across five stadiums in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. For Nigeria, it’s more than a tournament—it’s a redemption mission, a hunt for history, and a chance to finally claim that elusive gold.
