by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 17, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
In a stunning twist to the summer transfer window, Galatasaray and Napoli are now in the final stages of securing a sensational deal for Nigerian superstar Victor Osimhen!
After a crucial round of positive talks today, both clubs have edged closer to an agreement that will see the Turkish giants pay €40 million upfront, with an additional €35 million to follow by the end of 2026.
Interestingly, the deal includes a unique clause preventing Galatasaray from selling Osimhen to any Italian club for the next two years. Negotiations are now focused on final details, such as guarantees and a potential sell-on clause.
The Lions are preparing to make one of the boldest moves in their history, bringing Osimhen to Istanbul in what promises to be a game-changing transfer.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 17, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s Black Queens are through to the quarterfinals of the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), setting up an exciting showdown against Algeria after a statement 4-1 victory over Tanzania in their final Group C match.
It was a rollercoaster group stage for Coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren’s side, who bounced back from a difficult start. The Queens opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to defending champions South Africa, followed by a gritty 1-1 draw against Mali. But it was their final group game that stole the headlines, as they dismantled Tanzania in style.
The fireworks began early at the Municipal Stadium in Berkane, with veteran forward Princella Adubea pouncing on a goalkeeping error to open the scoring in the 12th minute. Although Tanzania clawed back with an equalizer in the 40th minute, the Black Queens didn’t flinch. Alice Kusi calmly converted a penalty to restore the lead before the break.
In the second half, Ghana turned on the style. Evelyn Badu added a third with a classy finish, before Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah capped off the performance with a thunderous strike to seal the 4-1 triumph.
Finishing second in Group C with four points, the Black Queens now turn their attention to Saturday, July 19, when they battle Algeria for a place in the semifinals.
Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, who delivered a brilliant performance, couldn’t hide her joy after the match.
“I’m so proud of the girls,” she beamed. “We all fought hard, had each other’s backs, and showed what Ghana is made of. As one of the vocal leaders, I always push the team, but today we all stepped up together.”
With momentum on their side, Ghana’s Black Queens are dreaming big, with Algeria the next hurdle in their quest for WAFCON glory.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 17, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has finally spoken out about the bitter disappointment of missing the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia—pointing fingers directly at former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr.
Aina, who now plays for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League, reflected on his heartbreak during a candid chat on the 90s Baby Show. The defender, who made his Super Eagles debut under Rohr back in 2017, was left stunned when his name was dropped from Nigeria’s final 23-man squad, despite playing a crucial role in the qualifiers.
“I got shenked in 2018. That manager [Rohr] shenked me. I was supposed to go, but he did rubbish,” Aina admitted with raw emotion.
The painful snub came after Aina helped Nigeria secure qualification, making a substitute appearance in the decisive 1-0 win over Zambia. Despite competing strongly for the left-back spot with Elderson Echiejile and Bryan Idowu, Aina, alongside Mikel Agu, was axed from the squad just before the tournament.
His World Cup heartbreak didn’t end there. Aina also missed out on the 2022 tournament in Qatar after Nigeria crashed out in the playoffs against rivals Ghana. Now, with the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, Aina says it’s all or nothing.
“This 2026, I’m putting all my energy into it. I need to go because if not, I think my World Cup dream is over. I’ll be too old, and I’m not trying to take anyone’s spot by then. Plus, it’s in the U.S.—I need to be there,” Aina said passionately.
Currently, Nigeria’s road to the 2026 World Cup looks shaky. After six games in Group C of the CAF qualifiers, the Super Eagles sit fourth with seven points—six points behind leaders South Africa. With four crucial matches left, Nigeria must win them all to stand a real chance of making it to the grand stage in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Despite the uphill task, Aina remains confident: “This 2026 World Cup, I need to be there. I think we can do it.”
Nigeria’s qualification battle resumes in September with a must-win clash against Rwanda in Uyo, followed by a daunting trip to face South Africa. The reverse fixtures earlier saw Nigeria beat Rwanda 2-0 away but drop points at home in a 1-1 draw with South Africa.
Can Ola Aina finally fulfil his World Cup dream? Only time will tell.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 17, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana
Bay FC forward Princess Marfo could not hide her emotions after the Black Queens of Ghana sealed a thrilling qualification to the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
It had been a nerve-wracking group stage for the Queens, managing just a single point from their first two games. All eyes were on them in a must-win final Group C clash against Tanzania. And when it mattered most, the team delivered a statement performance.
After a tense first half, Ghana roared back in the second period with an attacking masterclass. Marfo, a constant menace with her dazzling dribbles, won a crucial penalty that turned the tide. Princella Adubea had earlier opened the scoring before Alice Kusi calmly slotted home from the spot. The goals kept flowing, with Evelyn Badu and Chantelle-Boye Hlorkah adding their names to the scoresheet in a dominant display.
Following the game, Marfo summed up her emotions in a simple but powerful social media post: “Beautiful pain. Made it through group stage.”
Her words reflected the rollercoaster journey of the Black Queens, who now shift focus to a blockbuster quarter-final showdown against Algeria on Saturday at the Berkane Stadium.
Marfo’s electric form and attacking flair have been a bright spark for Ghana, and fans will be hoping she can weave more magic as the tournament reaches its decisive stages.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 17, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s Black Queens have been handed a timely cash reward of $2,000 each by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation following their inspiring run to the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
It has been a campaign of grit, determination, and redemption for the Queens, who reignited national pride with their remarkable comeback in this year’s tournament—securing a spot in the last eight for the first time since 2016.
Their WAFCON journey didn’t get off to the smoothest of starts, with a tough 2-0 defeat to reigning champions South Africa casting early doubts on their progress. However, the Queens showcased their trademark resilience, bouncing back with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Mali in the second group fixture, keeping hopes alive.
With everything to play for in their final Group C game, the Black Queens saved their best for last. In a high-pressure showdown against Tanzania, the team produced a dominant display, storming to a 4-1 victory. Goals from Princella Adubea, Alice Kusi, Evelyn Badu, and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah lit up the contest, sending Ghana through to the quarter-finals and thrilling fans back home.
In recognition of their fighting spirit and renewed hope for Ghanaian women’s football, the Ministry stepped in with the $2,000 cash prize as both a token of appreciation and motivation ahead of the next crucial stage. The reward also arrives at a time when the government is addressing long-standing concerns over player allowances, signaling a positive shift in support for the women’s game.
Next up, the Black Queens face Algeria on Saturday, August 19, with a semi-final berth within reach. With the nation rallying behind them and morale at a high, the Queens are determined to keep their dream alive.
