by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 10, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Watford captain and English football icon Troy Deeney has shared his thoughts on Antoine Semenyo’s decision to commit his long-term future to AFC Bournemouth, expressing a mix of surprise and understanding.
The Ghanaian forward penned a new contract that will keep him at the Vitality Stadium until the summer of 2030, a move that raised eyebrows considering reported interest from Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United.
Deeney, speaking in an interview, acknowledged the logic behind the move but admitted he expected Semenyo to hold off a little longer.
> “Yes, you’ve got to get a new deal because you’ve got to be paid while you’re playing well,” Deeney said. “But I thought he would’ve waited one more month—see what was out there, see what happens.”
He added, “I’ve been there before. When someone puts a contract with that kind of money in front of you, it’s very difficult to say no.”
Semenyo has enjoyed an impressive spell with the Cherries, netting 19 Premier League goals over the past two seasons and cementing himself as a key figure in Andoni Iraola’s setup.
Despite the external attention, the 25-year-old seems focused on continuing his growth at Bournemouth—a decision that, while surprising to some, could prove wise in the long run.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 10, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has heaped praise on Ghanaian star Mohammed Kudus, backing the West Ham United playmaker to thrive at Tottenham Hotspur as his £55 million move to North London nears completion.
Kudus, 24, is expected to undergo a medical on Thursday before putting pen to paper on a long-term deal with the 2025 UEFA Europa League champions. His switch will make him the most expensive Ghanaian footballer in history.
Speaking to SportsBlog247.com, Deeney described Kudus as a natural talent who could instantly become a key figure in Ange Postecoglou’s setup.
> “He has all the potential. For me, it’s about whether he can align the brain with his feet — because it honestly looks like football is a bit too easy for him,” said the Watford legend.
Kudus will be competing with the likes of captain Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski, and Brennan Johnson for a spot in Spurs’ attacking line-up. But Deeney believes the Ghana international has what it takes to push Son to the bench.
> “High left, I expect him to go high left,” he continued. “I expect Son will either move on or have to come off the bench, because Kudus will be the main guy with Brennan Johnson on the other side.”
After joining West Ham in 2023, Kudus quickly became a fan favourite, netting 13 Premier League goals across two seasons and dazzling with his flair, vision, and technical brilliance.
As Kudus prepares for the next big chapter of his career, Spurs fans are already buzzing over the attacking possibilities he brings — and with Deeney’s glowing endorsement, the anticipation is sky-high.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 10, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
A year from now, the footballing world will descend on North America as the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. But while the clock ticks, African nations are locked in an intense race — a race for glory, pride, and a chance to write history on the world’s biggest stage.
The 2022 edition in Qatar changed everything for the continent. Morocco, led by an inspired generation, shattered the ceiling by becoming the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final. Now, with nine guaranteed qualification slots and one potential playoff berth, CAF nations are more motivated than ever.
New Format, New Dreams CAF’s revised format, prompted by the World Cup’s expansion to 48 teams, has seen the 54 African nations divided into nine groups of six. Each group winner qualifies directly, while the four best runners-up enter playoffs for a shot at the inter-confederation playoffs.
With just four matchdays remaining — two in September and two in October — the stakes have never been higher. The playoff rounds are scheduled for November.
Key CAF Qualifier Dates
Matchdays 7 & 8: September 1–9, 2025
Matchdays 9 & 10: October 6–14, 2025
Playoff Semis & Finals: November 10–18, 2025
Who’s Leading the Pack? So far, no team has secured qualification, but the standings show the usual suspects in commanding positions. Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Algeria, and Ivory Coast top their groups — but with rivals hot on their heels.
However, a few teams have already bowed out. Seychelles, Chad, Sao Tome and Principe are eliminated, while Eritrea shockingly withdrew over fears of political asylum-seeking.
Selected Group Highlights
Group A: Egypt are dominant (16 pts), with Burkina Faso chasing.
Group B: DR Congo edge Senegal and Sudan in a thrilling three-way race.
Group C: South Africa lead, but Nigeria are plotting a late surge.
Group D: Cape Verde lead narrowly ahead of Cameroon.
Group E: Morocco perfect so far — 5 wins from 5.
Group F: Ivory Coast and Gabon in a tight contest.
Group H: Tunisia still unbeaten and looking unstoppable.
Group I: Ghana’s young side is flying high with five wins.
Premier League Influence Top-tier African talent from the Premier League could be decisive:
Mohamed Salah (Egypt): Still the heartbeat of the Pharaohs at 33.
Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon): Brentford’s star pushing the Indomitable Lions forward.
Nicolas Jackson (Senegal) and Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast): Leading lights of the next generation.
Yoane Wissa (DR Congo): A key creative force in a wide-open Group B.
What Comes Next? The drama isn’t over yet.
Nigeria vs. South Africa in September could decide the fate of Group C. The Super Eagles must win to stay alive.
Cameroon have a golden chance to leapfrog Cape Verde with a direct encounter coming.
Senegal trail DR Congo by just one point — a win changes everything.
Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia look set to cruise through unless disaster strikes.
⚽ Final Thoughts With talent bursting across the continent, the final four matchdays promise upsets, comebacks, and unforgettable moments. Will Africa’s giants hold firm, or will the underdogs roar into North America?
One thing is certain — the battle lines are drawn, and the next few months will define the future of African football on the world stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 10, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
In a bold managerial twist just weeks before the kickoff of the 2025 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), the Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Eric Sekou Chelle to lead the Super Eagles B side. The decision comes despite Daniel Ogunmodede having steered the team successfully through the qualification phase.
Chelle, who is already at the helm of Nigeria’s senior national team, now shoulders dual responsibilities. The Malian-born tactician replaces Ogunmodede as head coach of the home-based Super Eagles, stepping into a pressure-cooker role with the tournament kicking off in August across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
With time not on his side, Chelle has plunged into preparations at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ogun State, where he’s overseeing the training camp for a 35-man provisional squad. His immediate challenge is to inject tactical clarity and cohesion into a squad set to face defending champions Senegal, Sudan, and Congo in a tricky Group D.
The first two group matches will be held at the Amman Stadium on Zanzibar Island, while the final group clash will be played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
This marks Chelle’s debut campaign with the Super Eagles B side, and the stakes are high — Nigeria will be eager to move beyond their 2018 runner-up finish and secure their first-ever CHAN title.
Despite the last-minute switch, Chelle’s appointment could inject renewed belief and fresh momentum into the squad. All eyes will now be on how the Super Eagles B fare under their new leader on East African soil.
Provisional Super Eagles B Squad for CHAN 2025 (35 Players)
Goalkeepers:
Henry Ani (Enyimba)
Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)
Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United)
Lawal Mustapha (Shooting Stars)
Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos)
Defenders:
Sodiq Ismaila, Junior Nduka (Remo Stars)
Waliu Ojewole, Uzondu Harrison, Ngengen Leonard (Ikorodu City)
Bankole Afeez, Mohammed Kabiru (Kwara United)
Taiwo Abdulrafiu, Stephen Manyo Egbe (Rivers United)
Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International)
Midfielders:
Adebayo Olamilekan, Haddi Haruna, Michael Tochukwu (Remo Stars)
Adejoh Ojonugwa (Abia Warriors)
Saviour Isaac (Rangers International)
Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors)
Otaniyi Taofik (Rivers United)
Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)
Adam Aminu (Kano Pillars)
⚡ Forwards:
Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United)
Adamu Abubakar, Temitope Vincent (Plateau United)
Shola Adelani, Ayomide Cole (Ikorodu City)
Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars)
Ijoma Anthony, Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors)
Atule Joseph (Enyimba)
Aniekeme Okon (Rivers United)
Godwin Obaje (Rangers International)
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 10, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Wolverhampton Wanderers have officially tied down one of their most promising academy talents, Wesley Okoduwa, with the young defender signing his first professional contract with the Premier League club.
The 17-year-old right-back, who turned pro shortly after his birthday in May, has been with Wolves for eight years and continues to rise through the ranks. Okoduwa made headlines earlier this year when he was named in the senior matchday squad for Wolves’ clash against Newcastle United on March 2. Though he didn’t see game time, his presence in the squad made him one of the youngest players ever to be considered for a first-team appearance at Wolves.
Wesley’s football pedigree runs deep—he is the son of former Super Eagles forward Emmanuel Okoduwa, who enjoyed a successful playing career in Ukraine with clubs like Shakhtar Donetsk and Arsenal Kyiv. Emmanuel also starred for Nigeria during the 2003 All-Africa Games, scoring crucial goals against South Africa and Senegal to help the team clinch silver.
Last season, Wesley featured across several competitions, including Premier League 2, U18 Premier League, Premier League Cup, FA Youth Cup, and the EFL Trophy—where he completed 90 minutes against senior side Wrexham.
Born with triple eligibility, Wesley Okoduwa can represent Nigeria, England, or the United States internationally. With his steady development and growing exposure at Wolves, national teams may soon come calling.
