by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 17, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Kurt Okraku has reaffirmed his burning desire to lead Ghana back to continental glory, describing the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title as one of his biggest unfinished missions as President of the Ghana Football Association.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Asaase Radio, Okraku admitted that ending Ghana’s long wait for an AFCON trophy remains a deeply personal and national ambition.
“I want to win the AFCON. Only God knows how many years it’s been since we won it — we’ve lost count. Basically, I want to win every tournament for Ghana. I want to place Ghana on the medal podium,” he said.
A Long Wait for Continental Success
Ghana are four-time AFCON champions, having lifted the trophy in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982. However, the Black Stars have not won the continental showpiece in over four decades.
The team came agonisingly close in 1992, 2010, and 2015, finishing as runners-up but falling short of reclaiming their former dominance.
Okraku stressed that restoring Ghana’s reputation among Africa’s football heavyweights is a responsibility he is determined to fulfil, acknowledging that while the challenge is significant, faith and belief continue to guide his leadership.
For the GFA boss, AFCON success is not just an aspiration — it is a mission tied to national pride and legacy.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 17, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Emmanuel Essiam has completed a loan move to FC Winterthur from FC Basel, with the agreement running until the summer of 2027.
Winterthur see the 22-year-old as a dynamic addition to strengthen their central midfield options over the long term as they continue to build for the future.
Familiar Face in Swiss Football
Essiam is no stranger to the Swiss game. Since arriving from the Ghana Premier League in early 2022, the Ghana U-23 international has accumulated over 40 appearances across the Swiss Super League, Challenge League, and Swiss Cup.
During his time in Switzerland, he has represented Basel as well as spending loan spells with Stade-Lausanne-Ouchy and FC Aarau to gain further experience.
Road Back from Injury
After battling injuries that disrupted his progress, Essiam temporarily moved to Belgian second-tier side Royal Francs Borains to regain match fitness and rhythm.
Following a restructuring phase at Basel — where he remains contracted until 2028 — the 2021 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations winner now embraces a new chapter in Winterthur.
The move presents an opportunity for Essiam to rediscover consistency and make a lasting impact in midfield as he continues flying the Ghanaian flag in Europe.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 17, 2026 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Christantus Uche has been omitted from Crystal Palace’s updated squad for the UEFA Conference League, marking a significant setback in his debut season in England.
The 22-year-old midfielder joined Palace on loan from Getafe CF last summer amid expectations of playing a key role. However, his opportunities have been limited.
Limited Impact Despite Regular Involvement
Uche has made 21 appearances across all competitions this season, but most of those outings have come from the bench. His only starts have arrived in domestic cup ties and Conference League fixtures, as head coach Oliver Glasner has preferred other attacking options in Premier League matches.
Palace strengthened their forward line with additions such as Brennan Johnson and Jørgen Strand Larsen, intensifying competition for attacking spots.
Despite scoring twice in four Conference League appearances — including a memorable goal against Finnish side KuPS in the group stage — Uche has now been removed from the club’s European list to make room for new inclusions.
Loan Clause Complicates Future
Uche’s loan reportedly includes a conditional obligation-to-buy clause that would be triggered by 10 starts. With only three starts so far and limited fixtures remaining, reaching that benchmark appears increasingly unlikely.
As it stands, the midfielder is expected to return to Getafe at the end of the campaign unless circumstances shift.
Adding further intrigue is the managerial uncertainty at Selhurst Park. Glasner is reportedly set to depart, while José Bordalás — who previously worked closely with Uche — has been linked with the position. A potential reunion could yet reshape the young midfielder’s trajectory.
For now, however, Uche’s immediate future at Palace remains uncertain.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 17, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Jonas Adjetey reached a new milestone in his European journey after making his official debut for VfL Wolfsburg during their entertaining 2-2 Bundesliga draw against RB Leipzig.
The 23-year-old Ghanaian defender, who completed a move from FC Basel in the January transfer window, was introduced in the second half as Wolfsburg looked to reinforce their backline in a fiercely contested encounter.
Adjetey settled quickly into the tempo of the match, displaying composure, tactical awareness, and defensive discipline as the Wolves held firm to secure a valuable point.
A Step Forward in Europe
The appearance marks a significant chapter in Adjetey’s career, having earned his switch to the Bundesliga through consistent performances in Switzerland.
His debut not only highlights his steady rise but also strengthens Wolfsburg’s defensive depth as they aim for a strong finish to the campaign.
With his first Bundesliga minutes now under his belt, Adjetey will be determined to build on this breakthrough, push for more regular opportunities, and continue representing Ghana proudly on the European stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 17, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Nicolas Jackson is expected to return to Chelsea this summer after Bayern Munich decided against activating the purchase clause in his loan agreement.
The Senegal international has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under head coach Vincent Kompany at the Allianz Arena, and the Bundesliga giants are reportedly unwilling to negotiate a separate permanent transfer.
Bit-Part Role in Germany
Jackson’s loan deal included an obligation-to-buy clause worth £56 million, but only if he made 40 appearances and played at least 45 minutes in each of those games. So far, the 24-year-old has featured 22 times, reaching the required minutes threshold in just seven matches.
His campaign was also disrupted by AFCON duty, where he played five games during Senegal’s title-winning run.
Despite Bayern paying a ÂŁ14 million loan fee, the additional transfer sum now appears out of reach.
Competition Proves Costly
One of Jackson’s biggest obstacles has been the presence of Harry Kane, who remains Bayern’s undisputed first-choice striker.
Since returning from AFCON, Jackson has found opportunities limited, playing just 37 minutes across Bayern’s last four Bundesliga fixtures. His last goal for the club came in November, and he has scored only five times overall during his stint in Germany.
Kompany Backs the Forward
Despite limited minutes, Kompany has publicly praised Jackson’s attitude and contribution.
“He’s helped us a lot. Of course, with Harry Kane up front, you have competition — that’s part of the game. As a coach, it’s a real luxury to see how Nicolas is handling that,” Kompany said in December.
The Bayern boss highlighted Jackson’s work in training and his professionalism whenever called upon.
What’s Next?
With Liam Rosenior now in charge at Stamford Bridge following the departure of Enzo Maresca, Chelsea are reportedly open to reintegrating Jackson into their plans rather than sanctioning another move.
However, questions remain about his ability to deliver consistently at the highest level. Although clubs in Spain and Italy previously showed interest, his immediate future appears to lie back in West London — unless a fresh suitor emerges.
As Bayern prepare to host Eintracht Frankfurt while sitting six points clear of Borussia Dortmund at the Bundesliga summit, it remains uncertain whether Jackson will feature prominently before the season concludes.
For now, a summer return to Chelsea looks increasingly inevitable.
