by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 12, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Enyimba and Rivers United head coach, Stanley Eguma, believes Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is primed for a move to one of Europe’s top leagues following his standout performances at the last two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
In an exclusive interview with Sportsblog247.com, Eguma praised Nwabali’s consistency on the continental stage, where he played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s impressive runs. The shot-stopper was instrumental as the Super Eagles finished runners-up at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast and later secured a bronze medal at the 2025 edition in Morocco.
Nwabali’s stock has continued to rise, attracting reported interest from North African giants Raja Casablanca and Tanzanian powerhouse Simba SC. Simba are believed to be leading the chase for his signature after the goalkeeper parted ways with South African Premier Soccer League side, Chippa United.
Despite the growing interest across Africa, Eguma stressed that the final decision lies with the player.
“It’s his career. So it’s his prerogative to make a choice as to which of the teams offers the best welfare and career-enhancing factors,” Eguma stated.
However, the experienced tactician, who served as assistant coach when Enyimba won the 2004 CAF Champions League, believes Europe should be Nwabali’s next destination.
“With two AFCON medals — silver and bronze — as Nigeria’s Super Eagles goalkeeper, Europe should be the next career bus stop for him,” he added.
Eguma also outlined the qualities that make Nwabali ready for the European stage, insisting the goalkeeper has little left to prove in Africa.
“Good height, fantastic physical presence, astonishing reflexes and mental alertness — he has nothing more to prove.
“But like I said earlier, it’s his career and his next club is his personal choice to make,” concluded Eguma, a former assistant coach of Nigeria’s U-23 Olympic Eagles.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 12, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, has confirmed a significant change within the Black Stars technical team, revealing that John Paintsil has been moved from his role as assistant coach to the High Performance Department.
Paintsil, who previously worked closely with head coach Otto Addo as part of the core assistant coaching group, will no longer serve in that capacity following a restructuring of the team’s backroom staff.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Peace FM, Asante Twum explained that the decision forms part of broader strategic adjustments aimed at strengthening the national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“Now as I speak to you, John Paintsil has left the core assistant coaches. We have moved him to high performance. He is not part of the core assistants; we have moved him from core assistants to high performance differently under the head coach,” he stated.
According to the GFA spokesperson, the restructuring is geared toward enhancing the team’s technical and performance setup to improve Ghana’s chances of making a strong impact at the next World Cup.
“The FA thinks these changes will help us. Our aim is to go to the World Cup and do a good job for Ghana, and we believe this will help us achieve success,” Asante Twum added.
The Black Stars are currently rebuilding as they set their sights on securing qualification and restoring pride on the global stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s U-20 women’s national team, the Black Princesses, have departed Accra for Johannesburg, South Africa, ahead of the crucial second leg of their third-round FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against the Basetsana. The return fixture is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026.
The first leg, held on February 8 at the Accra Sports Stadium, ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw. Ghana initially took control through a 34th-minute header from Agnes Yeboah off a Linda Owusu Ansah corner, before Linda doubled the lead later in the first half. Despite dominating portions of the match, the Basetsana staged a strong comeback, netting two goals to level the score. A late goal from Ghana substitute Jessica Appiah was disallowed for offside, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the return leg.
Head coach Charles Sampson acknowledged the missed opportunities but remains confident in his squad’s ability to handle the pressure away from home.
He stressed the importance of maturity and composure in facing a motivated South African side in a hostile environment.
Both teams entered this round with dominant performances in earlier stages: the Black Princesses advanced with a 4-0 aggregate victory over Tunisia, while South Africa secured a 9-0 aggregate triumph over Eswatini. The winner on aggregate across the two legs will progress to the final round of African qualifiers, where they will face the victor of Zambia versus Uganda for one of Africa’s four spots at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The tournament, set to be hosted by Poland from September 5 to 27, 2026, will feature 24 teams competing in cities including Łódź, Katowice, Sosnowiec, and Bielsko-Biała. For the Black Princesses, a strong showing in South Africa is vital to securing a place among the world’s elite young female players.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Football fans have taken to social media to share mixed reactions following the Ghana Football Association’s recent additions to the Black Stars technical team.
After the FA announced adjustments to the national team’s backroom staff, debate quickly emerged among supporters over who should lead the senior national side. A section of fans believes Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren should be elevated to the top job, with current head coach Otto Addo serving as his assistant.
One supporter wrote, “Björkegren has modern ideas and strong tactics. He should be the head coach to lead a new era for the Black Stars.”
Another added, “Otto Addo has experience with the team, but I think he would do better as an assistant. Let Björkegren take charge.”
However, others have defended Otto Addo’s position, insisting he deserves to remain in charge of the team.
“Otto understands Ghanaian football and the players. He should continue as head coach and be given full support,” one fan commented.
Another cautioned against major changes, saying, “Changing roles now could create confusion. The technical team must work together for the good of the country.”
The differing opinions highlight the passion Ghanaians have for the Black Stars as the team prepares for upcoming international assignments. Ultimately, supporters will be hoping the technical team works in unity to deliver success for the nation.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2026 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is reportedly in advanced talks to switch his international allegiance to Austria, ruling out the possibility of representing Nigeria ahead of this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
The 22-year-old, who previously featured for England at youth level and was part of the squad that won the 2022 UEFA Under-19 European Championship, is also eligible to play for Nigeria and France.
According to reports, the Austrian Football Association is working to finalise the necessary arrangements to enable Chukwuemeka complete his nationality switch before the World Cup.
Born in Eisenstadt, Austria, Chukwuemeka spent his early childhood there before relocating to Northampton, England. Although he renounced his Austrian citizenship when he became a British citizen — a decision made while he was a minor — he is eligible to have it reinstated.
Currently at Borussia Dortmund, the former Aston Villa and Chelsea midfielder has scored three goals in 26 appearances this season. However, with stiff competition in England’s midfield — including Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, and Elliot Anderson — his pathway to senior Three Lions football appears limited.
Austria, managed by former Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick, secured qualification for the World Cup ahead of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Romania. They have been drawn in a group alongside defending champions Argentina, Jordan, and Algeria.
Chukwuemeka, who made 32 appearances and scored twice during his time at Chelsea, is reportedly eager to secure regular international football as he also pursues a permanent move to Dortmund following last season’s loan spell.
