by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 10, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Super Eagles monitoring Netherlands U19 champion as he embraces Nigerian roots
Precious Ugwu, the highly-rated teenage defender who recently played a key role in the Netherlands’ UEFA U19 Championship triumph, has left Ajax and is sparking excitement around a potential future with the Super Eagles.
Born in Germany to a Nigerian father and a Bosnian mother, Ugwu holds eligibility for four countries — Germany, Nigeria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and the Netherlands, the latter of which he currently represents at youth level.
Speaking during a recent TikTok Q&A, the 19-year-old didn’t rule out donning the green and white of Nigeria:
> “I am now playing for the Netherlands but yeah, I can play for four countries so we’ll see later in the future for which one I’ll decide,” Ugwu said. “But now I’m really happy here.”
The 1.92m centre-back recently sealed a move to Eredivisie side FC Volendam after over a decade with Ajax, where he made 31 appearances for Jong Ajax and earned three senior team call-ups.
Despite not breaking fully into Ajax’s first team, Ugwu left on good terms.
> “Precious is a great defender who has played in our youth academy for a long time,” said Ajax’s Director of Football Marijn Beuker. “It’s a pity he wasn’t able to make the last step to the first team. We wish him the best at FC Volendam.”
Ugwu’s roots are deeply Nigerian — culturally and personally.
> “My father is Nigerian. I love the food — jollof rice, egusi soup, plantain. I’ve visited Nigeria before, I have family there. I am Igbo. I can’t speak it very well, but I understand a lot. I can say ‘kedu’, ‘odinma’, ‘kedu afa gi?’. I also have a Nigerian name — Uchechukwu.”
His revelations come as Nigeria intensifies its pursuit of dual-national players. Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has been actively scouting across Europe, successfully recruiting Werder Bremen’s Felix Agu, who was also eligible for Germany.
Ugwu’s standout performances at the U19 Euros — where he helped the Dutch keep three clean sheets en route to the title — have only strengthened his appeal to Nigeria.
As he begins this next chapter at FC Volendam, where he is contracted until 2028, the decision on his international future remains wide open — but Nigeria is watching closely.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 10, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Black Queens boss Nora Hauptle is making headlines once again—this time in Zambian colors—as she celebrated her maiden victory with the Copper Queens at the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). On Wednesday, Hauptle’s tactical brilliance inspired Zambia to a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Senegal in Group A.
After an intense 2-2 draw with host nation Morocco in the tournament opener, Zambia knew that a win was crucial to their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage. However, their match against the Teranga Lionesses got off to a shaky start when Nguenar Ndiaye struck early for Senegal, scoring just five minutes into the game.
But the Copper Queens didn’t fold. Star forward Barbra Banda, assisted by Rachel Kundananji, pulled Zambia level in the 12th minute with a composed finish. The match remained finely poised at halftime, but the Zambians returned stronger in the second half.
Rachel Kundananji fired them ahead in the 51st minute before Banda completed her brace in the 74th. Although Senegal managed to cut the deficit through a second goal by Ndiaye—this time from the penalty spot—it wasn’t enough to deny Zambia a well-deserved three points.
The win marks an important milestone for Coach Hauptle, who has quickly found her footing with Zambia at her first WAFCON. Up next, she will lead her side into a decisive final group match against DR Congo.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 10, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
The quest for continental glory intensifies at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with Nigeria’s Super Falcons aiming to extend their legacy by clinching a record 10th title. Former team manager Mansur Abdullahi has backed the reigning queens of African women’s football to go all the way, following their dominant display against Tunisia in the opening match.
Up next for the nine-time champions is a clash against Botswana, where a victory would all but seal a place in the knockout stage.
Meanwhile, hosts Morocco find themselves in a precarious position. The Atlas Lionesses must secure a result against DR Congo on Wednesday evening at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, or risk an early exit after a rocky start. Their opponents, DR Congo, are also in desperate need of redemption after suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to a rampant Senegalese side.
Elsewhere, South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane was named Woman of the Match after a commanding performance in Banyana Banyana’s 2-0 victory over Ghana’s Black Queens. In another standout moment, Malian defender Saratou Traore’s resilience at the back earned her top honors in Mali’s narrow 1-0 win against Tanzania.
As the tournament heats up, all eyes remain on the giants and dark horses alike in this battle for African women’s football supremacy.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 10, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
As the curtain begins to close on an electrifying football year, the debate intensifies: Who truly deserves the CAF Player of the Year crown for 2025?
Three giants of African football have emerged as the leading contenders:
Achraf Hakimi – The Moroccan full-back dazzled once again with his explosive runs, defensive grit, and consistency for both PSG and the Atlas Lions.
Victor Osimhen – Nigeria’s talisman continues to shine as a lethal force up front, delivering goals in Serie A and powering the Super Eagles with his relentless hunger.
Mohamed Salah – The Egyptian King remains a beacon of brilliance, combining world-class performances for Liverpool with influential displays for the Pharaohs.
The continent is watching. The fans are talking. The crown awaits.
Who gets your vote?
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 9, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Tottenham Hotspur remain active in the transfer market despite sealing a deal for Mohammed Kudus, with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa still firmly on their radar.
According to sources close to the situation, Spurs are expected to initiate club-to-club negotiations with Brentford in the coming days regarding a potential move for the 27-year-old Congolese international.
Wissa, who has impressed with his pace and attacking versatility, is seen as a complementary option to Kudus, as Tottenham look to bolster their forward options ahead of the new season.
Talks are anticipated soon, with Spurs keen on exploring the financials of a possible deal.
