by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 18, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Ghana forward André Ayew has dismissed speculation about retiring, insisting he remains physically fit and focused on continuing his career at the highest level.
The 36-year-old, who recently joined Dutch side NAC Breda, told ESPN that his body continues to respond positively and that retirement will only come when his physical condition dictates it.
“I think when the moment comes, your body will tell you. That’s how I see it, and for now my body is not responding negatively at all. So I need to continue working. The matches will get me fitter. They will make me feel better, and that’s all I’m thinking about,” Ayew said.
He also addressed a six-month period without competitive football, clarifying it was due to personal matters rather than professional setbacks, and emphasized his readiness to return fully focused.
With the FIFA World Cup approaching, Ayew’s form and playing time at NAC Breda will be crucial in determining his inclusion in the Ghana squad.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 18, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
The Kurt Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association, has called on Ghanaians to continue backing head coach Otto Addo as the Black Stars prepare for the FIFA World Cup.
Despite criticism following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Addo guided the team to another World Cup berth, making him the only Ghanaian coach to secure consecutive World Cup qualifications for the national team.
“Otto Addo is the only Ghanaian to have qualified the Black Stars for two World Cups. Let’s respect and support him for that. He’s done well,” Okraku said during an interview on Asaase Radio.
To bolster the team ahead of the tournament, the GFA has added five new members to the technical staff, including assistant coaches Alain Ravera, Kim Grant, and Kim Lars Bjorkegren, analyst Jose Daniel Martinez Alfonso, and performance coach Dwayne Peasah Paa Kwesi. The appointments aim to strengthen Ghana’s tactical, analytical, and physical preparation for the World Cup.
Drawn in Group L, the Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 18, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Ghana’s Black Stars will face Mexico national football team in an international friendly on Friday, May 22, 2026, as part of their preparations for the FIFA World Cup in North America.
The venue for the match is yet to be announced, but the fixture forms part of a broader schedule of warm-up games designed to fine-tune squads ahead of the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
Head coach Otto Addo is expected to name a squad featuring a mix of locally based and Europe-based players, alongside selected Under-23 prospects who are also preparing for Olympic qualifiers. The match will give the technical team a valuable opportunity to assess options, test combinations, and gauge squad depth ahead of the global competition.
The Mexico friendly is the Black Stars’ third confirmed warm-up match, following previously scheduled friendlies against Austria and Germany in March. Ghana will also face two other opponents before the World Cup, which opens with a Group L clash against Panama on June 17, followed by matches against England and Croatia.
Mexico, meanwhile, will kick off their tournament campaign against South Africa on June 11 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Their warm-up schedule includes games against Ghana (May 22), Australia (May 30 at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena), and Serbia (June 4 in Mexico, venue TBC).
Earlier friendlies against Iceland (February 25), Portugal (March 28), and Belgium (March 31) are also part of their build-up.
Ivar Sisniega, president of the Mexican Football Federation, said these matches provide “ideal opponents to help prepare the national team for the World Cup,” noting that the Azteca Stadium will be fully ready for all fixtures, including the reopening game against Portugal.
The May friendly promises to be a crucial test for both nations as preparations for the 2026 World Cup gain momentum.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 18, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The Republic of the Congo national under-17 football team have withdrawn from the qualifiers for the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations after failing to register the minimum required 23 eligible players.
The decision comes amid prolonged instability in the country’s football system, largely linked to the suspension of the domestic league over the past two years.
Ongoing tensions between government authorities and football administrators have halted regular competition, severely affecting talent development and player availability.
With limited structured matches and youth tournaments taking place, many young players have struggled to gain the experience and exposure needed at this level. Consequently, the technical team was unable to assemble a complete squad that met the eligibility and registration standards set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The withdrawal marks a significant setback for grassroots football in the country, as participation in continental qualifiers often serves as a vital platform for emerging talents. Missing out denies a generation of players the opportunity to compete at a higher level and showcase their potential.
Stakeholders are now under mounting pressure to resolve administrative disputes and restore domestic competitions, with hopes that stability will return and reignite youth development structures in the near future.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 18, 2026 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCTFA), Mouktar Mohammed, believes FIFA’s pending decision on the eligibility dispute between Nigeria and DR Congo will mark a turning point for African football governance.
The case stems from a petition filed in December 2025 by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), challenging the eligibility of certain Congolese players who featured in the 2026 World Cup playoff final in November. Among the players named are Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe.
Nigeria argue that the players were fielded in breach of FIFA nationality-switch regulations, particularly citing concerns around dual citizenship recognition under Congolese law. The Super Eagles lost the tie 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw, a result that ended their qualification hopes.
According to Mouktar, the verdict could have historic implications.
“This is a massive case. It touches on the core principles of player eligibility. From a legal standpoint, the NFF believes it has a strong argument, and we are hopeful of a fair outcome,” he stated.
Should FIFA rule in Nigeria’s favour, the result could reportedly be overturned to a 3–0 forfeit, potentially restoring the Super Eagles to the qualification pathway and into the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March. However, Mouktar cautioned that such a decision would not automatically guarantee World Cup participation, as Nigeria would still need to win through the playoff route.
Other possible outcomes include disciplinary sanctions against the Fédération Congolaise de Football Association (FECOFA), ranging from financial penalties to more severe sporting consequences, depending on FIFA’s findings.
Mouktar emphasized that beyond Nigeria’s ambitions, the ruling will send a broader message across the continent.
“This decision will reinforce compliance with eligibility regulations. Associations must ensure due diligence when fielding players. It’s about protecting the integrity of the game.”
As anticipation builds, supporters in both countries continue to debate the issue passionately, while the football world awaits the final word from FIFA in Zurich.
