by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 23, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
With just weeks to go until the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren says his focus is on sharpening the physical edge of his squad to ensure Ghana competes at the highest level in Morocco.
Speaking to the media team of the Ghana Football Association, the Swedish tactician underlined the importance of physical conditioning as a foundation for success.
“We think that physically we can be a little bit faster, a little bit stronger, better prepared and run a little more in the games, and that’s one thing we are trying to solve,” Coach Björkegren said. “All the girls are working really hard to be physically prepared for the WAFCON.”
Ghana has been drawn into a challenging Group C, which includes reigning champions South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania. The Black Queens will kick off their campaign with a high-stakes encounter against South Africa on July 7.
The 2025 WAFCON tournament will take place in Morocco from July 5 to July 26, and the Black Queens are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations.
Coach Björkegren, who has led a revival in the women’s national team setup, remains optimistic but realistic, knowing the task ahead is tough. Still, he believes with the right physical and mental preparation, his side can make a deep run in the tournament.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 23, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward James Ampofo delivered a standout performance on Sunday, netting a brace as Raufoss hammered Hødd 6-1 in a thrilling Norwegian First Division encounter.
The 22-year-old wasted no time getting on the scoresheet, finding the back of the net just two minutes into the match with a thunderous right-footed finish after being teed up by Petter Jensen. Though Hødd momentarily fought back with a goal from Elias Myrlid, Ampofo struck again in the 27th minute, tapping in Jan Inge Lynum’s low cross to restore Raufoss’ two-goal cushion and make it 3-1 before the break.
Ampofo’s relentless movement and attacking presence kept the Raufoss crowd buzzing until he was substituted in the 74th minute, having played a pivotal role in dismantling a side that had previously held the upper hand in recent meetings.
Raufoss, who had only one win in their last four games against Hødd prior to this fixture, turned in a dominant display from start to finish. Jan Inge Lynum, Ryan Nelson, Markus Aanesland, and Kebba Badjie all got on the scoresheet in a complete team performance that sent a strong message to the rest of the league.
Ampofo’s brace takes his tally to six goals in 11 league appearances this season, underlining his growing importance to the side.
Raufoss will aim to carry their momentum into their next fixture against Kongsvinger on June 28.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 23, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Amsterdam, Netherlands – Rising defensive prodigy Precious Ugwu has opened up about his international future amid growing interest from four nations. The 19-year-old Ajax centre-back, currently impressing at the UEFA U19 European Championship with the Netherlands, says he remains undecided about which country he will ultimately represent at senior level.
Ugwu has featured prominently for the Dutch U19 side, helping them keep back-to-back clean sheets in their group matches. Although born in Germany, the towering defender is eligible to play for Nigeria through his father and for Bosnia and Herzegovina via his mother. He became provisionally cap-tied to the Netherlands in May 2023 after playing at the U17 Euros.
Despite mounting interest from fans and pundits in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ugwu revealed in an interview with Meridian Sport (via Ajax1) that he has yet to hear from their football federation. Still, the teenager floated the idea of suiting up for the Balkan nation — but only at senior level.
> “I haven’t had any contact with them yet,” Ugwu said. “But if I were to choose Bosnia & Herzegovina, it would have to be for the first team. Then I hope to play with the team at the World Cup in 2026.”
Interestingly, his mother Mirela disclosed two years ago that Nigeria had made an approach, which the family declined. Since then, Ugwu’s international future has remained a mystery. While he is yet to make his senior debut for Ajax, he has made the bench three times in Eredivisie matchday squads.
With Germany, Nigeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Netherlands all monitoring his progress, Ugwu’s decision could spark an international tug-of-war in the coming months.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 23, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s women’s national team coach, Kim Lars Bjorkegren, has hailed the Black Queens’ recent 3-1 victory over Malawi as a major boost in their preparations for the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Queens put up a commanding performance in the friendly clash on Saturday, outclassing their opponents with a dominant display that showcased both attacking intent and tactical discipline.
Speaking after the match, Coach Bjorkegren emphasized the importance of the result in the team’s build-up to the continental showpiece set to be held in Morocco from July 5 to 26.
“We created so many chances. We won the game 3-1, but if you are looking at the chances we could have scored, probably six or seven today. The most important thing is to win and to play well, then create more chances. This was a big step in the right direction,” the Swedish tactician told the Ghana FA media.
Ghana has been drawn in a challenging Group C for the WAFCON, alongside reigning champions South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania. The Black Queens will kick off their campaign with a high-stakes opener against South Africa on July 7.
With preparations intensifying, the victory against Malawi is expected to serve as a morale booster for the team as they seek to reclaim their place among the continent’s elite.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 23, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana star joins powerhouse agency ROOF as top clubs circle for West Ham midfielder
Ghanaian international Mohammed Kudus has taken a major step in shaping his future by signing with top German football agency ROOF, sparking renewed speculation over a potential transfer in the ongoing summer window.
The 24-year-old West Ham United midfielder, who burst onto the Premier League scene with an impressive debut season in 2023/24 — contributing 20 goals in all competitions — has attracted interest from English heavyweights Arsenal and Liverpool. However, talks over a move have previously been hindered by uncertainty surrounding his representation.
Having parted ways with long-time agent Jennifer Mendelewitsch at the start of the 2024/25 season — the same agent who oversaw his moves to Ajax and West Ham — Kudus’ affairs were temporarily managed by his family. Now, his decision to join ROOF, a highly reputable agency representing stars like Virgil van Dijk and Kai Havertz, could reignite serious interest from Europe’s elite.
ROOF already boasts another Ghanaian talent, Ernest Nuamah, among its clientele — a sign that Kudus is aligning himself with a growing network of high-profile professionals.
Although Kudus didn’t quite replicate his first-season exploits during the just-ended campaign, netting only five Premier League goals, his overall skill set and potential continue to attract top clubs.
With the transfer window heating up, Kudus’ agent switch could be the catalyst that sets his next big move in motion.
