by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 18, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, says Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey remains mentally strong and ready to represent the country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
Speaking on Accra-based Asaase Radio, Okraku stressed that the Black Stars deputy captain continues to receive full backing from the FA. He dismissed suggestions circulating in sections of the media that the player is struggling mentally, insisting Partey remains focused and resilient during what he described as a challenging period.
Okraku reaffirmed the association’s unwavering support, expressing confidence that the midfielder will be prepared to feature for Ghana at the World Cup in North America.
This is not the first time the GFA has publicly defended the former Arsenal star.
The association also responded to remarks by Villarreal CF head coach Marcelino García Toral, who questioned Partey’s recent performances following the club’s Champions League defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in February 2026.
Marcelino suggested the midfielder had struggled to adapt and was not performing at the expected level. However, GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum rejected that assessment, describing Partey as one of Ghana’s finest players and insisting that one difficult spell does not define his quality.
Legal Proceedings
Partey is currently facing multiple criminal charges in the UK. On February 12, 2026, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed additional rape charges following further investigations by the Metropolitan Police.
He has appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court in relation to the case and is accused of sexual offences involving several women. The allegations relate to incidents said to have occurred between 2020 and 2022.
Partey has denied all allegations through his legal representatives, who maintain his innocence as the judicial process continues.
Despite the ongoing case, the GFA leadership maintains that the midfielder has their full support and remains an important figure for Ghana ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 18, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Ghana international Ernest Nuamah has taken a major step toward full fitness after resuming ball work in training following a long spell on the sidelines.
The 22-year-old winger has been out of action since April after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a Ligue 1 match against Lille OSC.
The injury ruled him out for several months, including the start of the 2025/26 season and Ghana’s recent FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures.
After eight months of intensive rehabilitation, Nuamah has now returned to on-field sessions involving the ball—an encouraging sign that his recovery is progressing well. The forward shared a positive message on social media, highlighting his resilience and determination as he edges closer to competitive action.
His anticipated return later this month is expected to be a timely boost for the Ghana national football team, who are stepping up preparations for the FIFA World Cup in North America. Nuamah played a key role during the qualifiers, memorably scoring in Ghana’s crucial away victory over Mali in Bamako.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 18, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s U-17 national team, the Black Starlets, have scheduled two crucial preparatory matches as they fine-tune their squad ahead of the upcoming CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Starlets will face Division One sides Port City FC and Koforidua Semper Fi FC in a double-header on Wednesday morning at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram. The first match kicks off at 8:00am against Port City, followed by a 10:00am clash with Semper Fi.
These fixtures form part of the team’s build-up toward the continental tournament, providing head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum with another opportunity to assess his squad under competitive conditions.
In previous warm-up matches, the two-time FIFA U-17 World Cup champions delivered impressive performances. They secured a hard-fought 3-2 win over Na God FC before edging True Democracy FC 4-3 in another entertaining encounter. Both matches offered intense competition and valuable lessons as the technical team continues to evaluate the team’s strengths and address areas needing improvement.
The Black Starlets booked their place at the AFCON tournament after finishing runners-up at the WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship. They narrowly missed out on the title, losing to hosts Ivory Coast in a dramatic penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regulation time last October.
With preparations gathering momentum, the Starlets will be aiming to sharpen their form and build cohesion as they target a strong showing in Morocco.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 17, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Andre Ayew continued his resurgence with an impressive all-round performance for NAC Breda in their hard-fought 1-0 away victory over Heracles Almelo on Saturday.
The experienced Ghanaian forward completed the full 90 minutes and earned a solid 7.3 rating, playing a key role in securing the club’s first away win of the year.
Strong Influence at Both Ends
Ayew registered 52 touches during the contest, successfully completed three of his five dribble attempts, and delivered 13 accurate passes from 20 attempts. Beyond the numbers, his leadership and tactical discipline stood out.
True to his style, the former Black Stars captain frequently dropped deep to assist defensively while still offering a physical presence in attack — qualities that have defined his career at both club and international level.
Eyeing a National Team Return
With Ghana head coach Otto Addo preparing to announce his squad for the upcoming March friendlies against Germany and Austria, Ayew’s steady performances could not have come at a better time.
As Ghana look ahead to what would be their fifth FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026, conversations have intensified among fans about the potential return of the experienced forward to the Black Stars fold.
For Ayew, consistency at NAC Breda may prove decisive as he aims to strengthen his case ahead of the global showpiece.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 17, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
When Andre Ayew and his Black Satellites teammates conquered the world in 2009, their triumph did not end on the pitch in Egypt. It continued back home in Ghana, where global success transformed into national celebration.
After winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup, Ghana became the first African nation to lift the prestigious trophy — a groundbreaking achievement that permanently etched the team’s names into football history.
A Historic Final
The journey to glory was anything but easy. In a tense final against Brazil, Ghana displayed resilience, discipline, and unwavering belief. After a fiercely contested match, the Black Satellites held their nerve to triumph on penalties, sparking scenes of jubilation across the country.
Captain Andre Ayew proudly lifted the trophy, symbolising a new era for Ghanaian football.
Individual Brilliance on the World Stage
While Ayew led with authority, it was Dominic Adiyiah who dominated the tournament’s individual honours. His sharp finishing earned him the Golden Boot as top scorer, while his outstanding overall performances secured the Golden Ball as the competition’s best player — a rare double that underlined Ghana’s dominance.
From Global Champions to National Icons
Upon returning home, the victorious squad carried their silverware to the seat of power, presenting the trophy to then-President John Evans Atta Mills and Vice President John Dramani Mahama.
The image of young footballers draped in the Ghana flag, standing proudly before the nation’s leadership, became an enduring symbol of unity and pride.
Their achievement transcended sport. It united the nation, inspired a generation, and proved that Ghanaian talent could conquer the world stage.
Years later, the memory of that golden generation — from their dramatic victory in Cairo to their triumphant visit to the presidency — remains one of the most cherished chapters in Ghana’s sporting history. It was more than a football win; it was a moment when dreams aligned with destiny and a country stood together in celebration.
