by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 4, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
When the floodlights beamed down on the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa, few expected a quiet winger from Enugu Rangers to steal the spotlight. But Ejike Uzoenyi had other plans.
With every blistering run down the left flank and every inch-perfect cross, Uzoenyi carved his name into African football history. His brilliance didn’t just help Nigeria clinch a hard-fought bronze medal—it made him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament.
CAF has now immortalized his heroics by naming him among the greatest players in CHAN history. It’s a deserved honour for a man who used the tournament as a springboard to even greater heights—including a spot in Nigeria’s squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Before his CHAN exploits, Uzoenyi had already tasted continental glory as part of the Super Eagles team that lifted the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), also in South Africa. A winger blessed with pace, precision, and persistence, Uzoenyi remains one of Nigeria’s most decorated players of his era.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 4, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Barely weeks after lifting their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, the Super Falcons of Nigeria already know when and where the next battle begins.
CAF has officially announced that the 14th edition of WAFCON will return to Morocco, the scene of Nigeria’s dramatic 3-2 triumph over the Atlas Lionesses in the 2024 final. The 2026 tournament will run from March 17 to April 3, with the stage once again set in North Africa.
But before the Falcons can defend their crown, they must first clear a final qualifying hurdle in October 2025, where they are scheduled to face Benin Republic.
CAF also revealed that the top four teams at WAFCON 2026 will automatically book tickets to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, adding extra stakes to the already heated continental showdown.
Can Nigeria soar again in Morocco? The countdown begins.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 4, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
A new chapter beckons for Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles as they prepare to launch their campaign at CHAN 2024, with a blockbuster opener against defending champions Senegal on Tuesday.
This comes just days after the Nigerian women’s team lit up the continent with a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, and now it’s the turn of the men to chase glory — this time, strictly with homegrown talent.
But for the Super Eagles B, this is more than just another tournament — it’s a mission to redeem lost time and painful memories. Since the African Nations Championship kicked off in 2009, Nigeria has had a bittersweet relationship with the tournament.
In the maiden edition in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria famously let slip a 2-0 lead to fall 2-3 to Ghana in Accra, before firing blanks in Calabar. They didn’t qualify in 2011, but bounced back with a memorable bronze in 2014 under the late, great Stephen Keshi, overturning a stunning 3-0 half-time deficit against Morocco on the road to third place.
The team stumbled in Rwanda (2016), soared to the final in Morocco (2018), but missed the last two editions in Cameroon and Algeria altogether.
Now, back on the continental stage for just their fourth appearance, the Eagles know the stakes. The ghosts of past exits linger, but so too does the promise of a new dawn — and it all begins against the Lions of Teranga.
Can Nigeria finally conquer CHAN? The journey begins now.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 4, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Cedar Stars Academy have written a glowing chapter in their history books after completing an unforgettable one-month international tour across Sweden and Norway, where they made an emphatic mark in two of the world’s most prestigious youth football tournaments – the Gothia Cup and the Norway Cup.
In their maiden appearance at the 2025 Gothia Cup in Sweden, Cedar Stars stood tall among 42 elite teams from 11 nations in the highly competitive Gothia Puma Trophy (B17). Representing Ghana as one of only three African clubs, the boys from Accra showcased incredible flair, teamwork, and resilience to clinch a bronze medal.
Drawn into a tough Group 2, Cedar Stars started their campaign in style:
Beat IK Sirius FK (Sweden) 3-2
Dominated FC Dinamo Bucuresti 1948 (Romania) 3-0
Held IFK Norrköping (Sweden) to a draw to finish top with 7 points
The knockout rounds saw them eliminate:
IFK Göteborg (Sweden) 3-2 in the Round of 16
Cantolao AD (Peru) 6-2 in a thrilling quarterfinal
Although the dream of lifting the trophy ended with a narrow 2-1 defeat to ASEC Mimosas (Ivory Coast) in the semifinals, Cedar Stars left Sweden with heads held high, winning international respect and turning heads across Europe.
But the journey didn’t end there.
The boys crossed into Norway for the 2025 Norway Cup U-19 tournament—and they were unstoppable. Placed in Group 12 alongside three Norwegian sides, the Ghanaian team sent a clear message from the first whistle:
Thrashed Flaktveit Idrettsklubb 2 11-0
Humiliated Rennebu IL 12-0
Outclassed Molde FK 6-1
And the knockout stage? Pure domination:
Nord SK 5-0 in the Round of 16
Strindheim Toppfotball 1 4-1 in the quarterfinals
Levanger FK 2-0 in the semifinals
In a thrilling grand finale, they defeated Rana Fotballklubb 2-0 to be crowned Norway Cup U-19 Champions — a title won on debut!
Cedar Stars ended the campaign with a perfect record:
✅ 7 wins
⚽ 42 goals scored
Just 2 goals conceded
It was not just about trophies—it was about making a statement. This tour has showcased the Academy’s elite talent, tactical maturity, and the bright future of Ghanaian football.
Congratulations to the entire team, coaching staff, and support crew for flying the Ghanaian flag with pride and purpose. The stars have only begun to rise.
The journey continues. The future? Forever Green.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 4, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Hugo Ekitike couldn’t hide his joy after stepping onto the Anfield turf for the very first time — and boy, did it leave an impression on him.
“It was amazing,” he beamed. “That atmosphere… it grabs your heart. I’m proud, and honestly, I just want to play here as often as possible.”
The 22-year-old French forward is still settling in, but already feels right at home.
With just over a week of training under his belt, Ekitike is already connecting with his new teammates — both on and off the pitch.
“They’re great guys. We’re still building chemistry, especially in those final passes, but I love playing with them. I know I can do better too, and I will.”
After helping Liverpool seal a pre-season win in their final friendly, Hugo’s eyes are locked on Wembley and the Community Shield.
“We’re competitors. We want to win everything, and we’ll give 100%. Me? I’m all in. I came here to win.”
From Paris to Merseyside, Ekitike’s journey is just beginning — but if his debut is anything to go by, Liverpool may have found a real gem.
