by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 28, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In what turned out to be a thrilling international friendly encounter in Switzerland, 17-year-old Shadrack Kofi Fosu of Pro-Sports Academy emerged the hero as Ghana’s U19 national team recorded a memorable 2-1 comeback win over Swiss giants FC Basel.
The talented winger struck the decisive goal that sealed victory for the Black Satellites’ feeder side, marking a dramatic turnaround from their earlier 3-1 loss to the same opponents just days ago. The win also symbolized redemption and resilience, as the team avenged that previous defeat with passion and purpose.
Fosu, a standout talent from the Kumasi-based Pro-Sports Academy, showcased his trademark speed, agility, and flair throughout the first half. His ability to effortlessly glide past defenders and drift into central positions from the wing proved too much for Basel’s backline. And when it mattered most, he stepped up — calmly finishing off a well-worked team move to give Ghana the lead and eventually the win.
The team, currently in Switzerland as part of the Ghana Football Association’s collaborative program with FC Basel, will play a series of friendlies during their stay. But for now, all eyes are on the bright spark that is Shadrack Kofi Fosu — a player whose hunger, dynamism, and growing maturity have him firmly on the radar as one for the future.
As he continues to impress, the winger’s dream remains clear: to rise through the ranks and eventually don the jersey of the senior national team, the Black Stars.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 28, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Ghana international Frank Acheampong continues to shine in the Chinese Super League, netting for the second consecutive game as Henan FC narrowly lost 3-2 to Shanghai Shenhua in a pulsating fixture on Sunday at the Shanghai Stadium.
The 30-year-old winger played the entire duration of the match, displaying his trademark pace and attacking threat. The hosts opened the scoring in the 17th minute through Shenglong Jiang. The game quickly turned frantic as two quick goals followed before halftime — Bruno Nazario leveled for Henan FC in the 45th minute, only for Joao Carlos Teixeira to restore Shenhua’s lead moments later.
Shanghai Shenhua extended their advantage in the 57th minute courtesy of a strike from Luis Asué. But Acheampong kept his side in contention, finding the net late in the game to reduce the deficit. Despite a spirited effort, Henan FC couldn’t find the equalizer in the action-packed contest.
Acheampong’s goal adds to an impressive run of form. Just days earlier, he played a decisive role in Henan’s Chinese FA Cup win over Chengdu Rongcheng FC.
Now tallying 7 goals and 3 assists in 18 league appearances, and 8 goals in all competitions this season, Acheampong is proving to be a key figure for his club.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 28, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
From humble beginnings in Ghana to the heights of Belgian football, 19-year-old Joseph Amankwaah Opoku is living his dream — and it just got even better.
The talented Ghanaian forward has signed a new contract with Belgian club Zulte Waregem, extending his stay until 2027, with an option to remain until 2029. The new deal comes as a reward for his standout debut season in the Challenger Pro League, where he registered three goals and seven assists in 26 appearances, helping Zulte Waregem secure promotion back to the Belgian top tier.
“Joseph Opoku brought a lot of excitement to Essevee fans last season,” the club announced in a statement. “He is now being rewarded for his excellent campaign with a new contract.”
Opoku’s rise didn’t go unnoticed back home either. His performances earned him a call-up to Ghana’s U-20 team for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he made headlines by scoring a crucial winner in the final group game to seal a quarterfinal spot for the Black Satellites.
Reflecting on his journey, a grateful Opoku shared:
“Over the past twelve months, Essevee has given me so much. A year ago, I couldn’t even have dreamed of this scenario. Today, I am a professional footballer. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved as a team, but I believe this is just the beginning.”
Opoku started the new campaign with purpose, featuring for the full 90 minutes in Zulte Waregem’s 1-1 league opener against Mechelen — a signal of the club’s continued faith in their rising star.
The boy from Ghana is proving to be a name for the future, and Zulte Waregem are banking on his magic for seasons to come.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 28, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
By Atanga Emmanuel | Sportsblog247.com
Representing Nigeria’s Super Eagles is more than just earning an international cap — it’s a deep sense of heritage, identity, and pride. While some of Nigeria’s finest footballers were groomed on local soil, others were born or raised abroad and faced a crucial choice — to follow their roots or remain with their adopted nations.
Over the decades, a growing number of players have answered that call of ancestry, swapping the colours of England, Germany, the Netherlands, and more, for Nigeria’s green and white. Some were once youth internationals for other countries; others had a clear path to European national teams. Yet they chose to represent their fatherland — enriching Nigeria’s football legacy and strengthening the Super Eagles across generations.
Here are 23 footballers who changed international allegiance and helped shape Nigeria’s football story — some legends, some rising stars, all sons of the soil.
1. Victor Moses (England → Nigeria)
From England youth teams to AFCON champion in 2013, Victor Moses answered the call with heart and delivered glory. His switch was rewarded with 37 caps, 12 goals, and unforgettable performances on Africa’s grandest stage.
2. Reuben Agboola (England → Nigeria)
A true pioneer. The London-born fullback was one of the first foreign-born players to represent Nigeria. He helped secure bronze at AFCON 1992 and opened the door for others to follow.
3. Peter Osaze Odemwingie (Russia → Nigeria)
Eligible for Russia and Uzbekistan, Odemwingie brought flair and fight to Nigeria. Over 60 caps, Olympic silver, and two World Cup campaigns later — his heart clearly beat for the green-white-green.
4. Leon Balogun (Germany → Nigeria)
A defensive rock. Born in Berlin, Balogun swapped Die Mannschaft dreams for Super Eagles passion. His partnership with Troost-Ekong became one of Nigeria’s strongest defensive duos.
5. William Troost-Ekong (Netherlands → Nigeria)
Dutch at youth level, Nigerian by blood — and now by legacy. His leadership at the back and dedication to Nigeria are unquestionable. He was key to Nigeria’s 2019 and 2023 AFCON runs.
6. Brian Idowu (Russia → Nigeria)
Born in St. Petersburg, his debut goal against Argentina in 2017 cemented his place in Nigerian hearts. Rejected by Russia, embraced by Nigeria.
7. Tyronne Ebuehi (Netherlands → Nigeria)
Ebuehi’s choice to play for Nigeria in 2017 came from a desire to honour his roots. From friendlies to the World Cup, he’s worn the shirt with pride.
8. Ola Aina (England → Nigeria)
After years in England’s youth system, Aina chose Nigeria and has become a vital asset in defence. His debut in 2017 helped seal Nigeria’s World Cup qualification.
9. Alex Iwobi (England → Nigeria)
Nephew of Okocha, and gifted in his own right. Iwobi ditched the Three Lions for the Eagles — a decision that’s yielded 80 caps, a World Cup appearance, and plenty of key goals.
10. Carl Ikeme (England → Nigeria)
He took up Nigeria’s goalkeeping mantle after Enyeama and shone until illness ended his career. His debut in 2015 remains a highlight of a promising journey cut short.
11. Shola Ameobi (England → Nigeria)
After years at Newcastle and with England youth teams, Ameobi answered Nigeria’s call in 2011, featuring in the 2014 World Cup squad.
12. Ademola Lookman (England → Nigeria)
From World Cup U20 winner with England to Africa’s best with Nigeria. Lookman’s 2022 switch is already legendary. A redemption tale done right.
13. Calvin Bassey (Italy/England → Nigeria)
Inspired by watching Nigeria’s 2018 World Cup, Bassey chose heritage over convenience. Since debuting in 2022, he’s proven to be a key defensive figure.
14. Maduka Okoye (Netherlands → Nigeria)
He cried tears of joy on debut. Okoye turned down the Dutch team to play for Nigeria, showing emotion, passion, and great promise between the posts.
15. Felix Agu (Germany → Nigeria)
The Werder Bremen man is one of the newest Super Eagles converts. After two games for Germany’s youth teams, Agu switched in 2025 and impressed against Jamaica.
16. Efan Ekoku (England → Nigeria)
A part of Nigeria’s iconic 1994 AFCON-winning and World Cup squad, Ekoku was born in England but left his mark in African football history.
17. Cyril Dessers (Belgium → Nigeria)
Born in Belgium, Dessers’ late switch to Nigeria in 2020 gave him a chance to wear his mother’s colours — a dream he continues to chase with passion.
18. Jordan Torunarigha (Germany → Nigeria)
After years in Germany’s youth setup, Torunarigha joined Nigeria in 2023. His debut came in a nervy win over Mozambique, but his future looks bright.
19. Joe Aribo (England → Nigeria)
From Charlton to Rangers to Nigeria — Aribo burst onto the scene with a goal on debut in 2019. His energy and midfield dynamism have been assets ever since.
20. Tunji Banjo (Ireland → Nigeria)
In 1980, Banjo blazed a trail as one of the first foreign-born players to choose Nigeria. A true pioneer in Nigeria’s international football evolution.
21. Hope Akpan (England → Nigeria)
Once a Premier League midfielder, Akpan debuted in 2014 for Nigeria under Keshi. His story reflects how pride and identity outweigh opportunity alone.
22. Semi Ajayi (England → Nigeria)
After youth stints in England, Ajayi debuted in 2018 and has become a defensive mainstay. He featured in Nigeria’s journey to the AFCON 2023 final.
23. Josh Maja (England → Nigeria)
A late substitute in a friendly, Maja’s journey to Nigeria started in 2019. Gernot Rohr’s call convinced the Bordeaux striker to switch allegiance — one cap so far, but the dream continues.
Legacy and the Future
These players — from different backgrounds, cultures, and stories — all answered a single call: the call of Naija. Their choices have bolstered the Super Eagles across generations and inspired future talents around the globe.
With more dual-national players rising through elite academies worldwide, Nigeria’s football family is only going to grow stronger. The world is watching, and the green-and-white jersey continues to call.
