by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
PSV Eindhoven and French outfit OGC Nice have entered the race to sign rising teenage striker Jonah Kusi-Asare, as the Swedish-Ghanaian forward attracts growing interest across Europe.
The 17-year-old, who made his senior debut for Bayern Munich during the 2024/25 campaign under manager Vincent Kompany, has quickly turned heads following a standout season with the club’s youth team. Kompany handed Kusi-Asare his first senior minutes in a 3-0 Bundesliga win over FSV Mainz 05, signaling Bayern’s belief in the youngster’s potential.
Now, as the summer window approaches, a host of clubs are circling. Alongside PSV and Nice, SK Rapid Wien, KVC Westerlo, Denmark’s Vejle BK, and FC Nordsjælland have all shown strong interest in snapping up the talented striker.
Bayern Munich, while committed to Kusi-Asare’s long-term development, are reportedly open to a loan move this summer. The German champions want the teenager to gain first-team experience and are expected to hold talks with his representatives after the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup to decide the ideal next step in his career.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 20, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
The Black Queens of Ghana are gearing up for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a trio of high-profile international friendly matches against Malawi, Botswana, and fierce rivals Nigeria.
These pre-tournament encounters, organized as part of head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren’s comprehensive preparation plan, aim to fine-tune the team’s tactical structure, improve cohesion, and enhance match fitness before the continental competition kicks off in Morocco.
Ghana will kick off the series with a clash against Malawi on Friday, June 21, at the Ziaida Complex in Benslimane. They will then face Botswana at the same venue on Tuesday, June 25. The final and most eagerly awaited warm-up fixture is slated for Saturday, June 29, against regional archrivals Nigeria at the Lanouria Complex.
“We want to test ourselves against different playing styles and team dynamics,” said Bjorkegren. “Malawi and Botswana bring technical discipline, while Nigeria represents the intensity and pedigree of a traditional African giant.”
The Black Queens are placed in Group C at the WAFCON and will open their campaign on July 7 with a mouthwatering tie against reigning champions South Africa.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Paul Onuachu is on the verge of sealing a permanent move to Trabzonspor, as the Turkish giants have reached an agreement with Southampton over the Super Eagles striker’s transfer.
The towering Nigerian forward initially made the switch to England in 2023 for €18 million after a prolific spell at Belgian side Genk. But his time at Southampton has been riddled with injuries, inconsistent form, and managerial changes — restricting him to just 40 appearances over two seasons.
Onuachu found a revival during a loan stint at Trabzonspor in the 2023/24 season, where he rediscovered his scoring touch with 17 goals and four assists in 25 matches. The Turkish outfit were eager to make the deal permanent, but initially balked at Southampton’s steep valuation.
Now, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a breakthrough has been reached. Trabzonspor have agreed to pay €8 million to secure Onuachu’s services. Only personal terms remain to be finalized — a formality given the player’s strong ties with the club and successful loan spell.
Once completed, the 31-year-old will become the latest Nigerian to don Trabzonspor’s colours, joining a notable list that includes former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel, as well as Ogenyi Onazi, Isaac Promise, Augustine James, and Victor Shaka.
Onuachu’s return could signal a fresh chapter of stability and success as he looks to rebuild his career in a league where he feels at home.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 20, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Nigeria pins 2026 qualification hopes on South Africa’s alleged infraction
Nigeria’s Super Eagles may have one final lifeline in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — and it rests in the hands of FIFA.
According to Shehu Dikko, Chairman of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission, the team’s chances of making it to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico are not yet over, despite trailing Group C leaders South Africa by six points. This renewed hope comes amid a looming FIFA disciplinary decision that could see South Africa punished for fielding an ineligible player.
Speaking exclusively to Ghanaian journalist Atanga Emmanuel, Dikko confirmed that global football’s governing body is probing a potential rule violation by Bafana Bafana. South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena is alleged to have played against Lesotho in March while under suspension, having accumulated two yellow cards in earlier qualifiers.
“With the way things are, it’s still in our hands — depending on the outcome of the disciplinary decision that’s expected soon,” Dikko explained. “If the decision goes as everyone expects — and we ourselves have been victims of such rulings before — it means we can still control our own future. If we win our remaining four games, we can make it.”
FIFA regulations are clear on such matters, Dikko noted: “The rules are the rules; it’s not about Africa, it’s FIFA. There are no two ways about it. Otherwise, anyone could field a player and then say it was a simple error.”
Should FIFA dock South Africa three points and overturn their 2-0 win over Lesotho, the group standings would be thrown wide open — handing Nigeria a potential lifeline with four crucial qualifiers remaining. Only the group winner is guaranteed a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
The Super Eagles, who missed the 2022 edition in Qatar after a painful playoff loss to Ghana, now face the risk of failing to qualify for back-to-back World Cups for the first time since their debut in 1994.
Until FIFA rules, Nigeria’s World Cup fate hangs in the balance — but hope, it seems, is not yet lost.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 20, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are soaring toward another historic mission—and they’re not flying alone.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, alongside seasoned stars Asisat Oshoala, Francisca Ordega, and Chiamaka Nnadozie, will spearhead Nigeria’s 24-player squad at the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to unfold from July 5 to 26 in Morocco. With a record-extending 10th title in sight, the Falcons are blending experience, youth, and national pride into a formidable unit.
Head Coach Justine Madugu has unveiled a dynamic lineup featuring elite internationals and promising homegrown talents. Defensive rocks like Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad, Saudi Arabia), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA), and Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca, Mexico) return to secure the backline. The midfield boasts power and precision with Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini, Christy Ucheibe, and a returning Halimatu Ayinde.
Notably, the squad sees domestic gems Rachael Unachukwu, Sikiratu Isah, and Miracle Usani joining the ranks, signalling Coach Madugu’s commitment to nurturing home-based talent for the future.
With the core squad already training in Abuja, the team departs for a final pre-tournament camp in Lisbon, Portugal, where they will engage in critical friendlies against Portugal (June 23) and arch-rivals Ghana (June 29)—a vital warm-up ahead of group clashes with Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria in Casablanca.
Mission X: Fueling the Falcons’ Flight
Unveiled just days before the squad announcement, the Nigeria Football Federation’s ‘Mission X’ campaign is rallying Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to unite behind the Super Falcons. The campaign—“One Team. One Goal. One More Star”—is more than a slogan; it’s a declaration of intent, reinforcing the NFF’s commitment to women’s football, athlete welfare, and fan engagement.
> “We are committed to fully supporting the Super Falcons’ campaign for a 10th continental title,” said NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi. “We want them to feel the energy of our fans everywhere—from Abuja to Casablanca.”
Full 24-Player Squad – Nigeria Super Falcons (WAFCON 2024):
Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie (France)
Tochukwu Oluehi (Saudi Arabia)
Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders:
Osinachi Ohale (Mexico)
Michelle Alozie (USA)
Ashleigh Plumptre (Saudi Arabia)
Oluwatosin Demehin (Turkey)
Shukurat Oladipo (Italy)
Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons)
Miracle Usani (Edo Queens)
Midfielders:
Rasheedat Ajibade (Spain)
Halimatu Ayinde (Sweden)
Deborah Abiodun (USA)
Jennifer Echegini (France)
Toni Payne (England)
Christy Ucheibe (Portugal)
Forwards:
Asisat Oshoala (USA)
Francisca Ordega (Saudi Arabia)
Chinwendu Ihezuo (Mexico)
Ifeoma Onumonu (France)
Esther Okoronkwo (Canada)
Omorinsola Babajide (Spain)
Folashade Ijamilusi (China)
Chioma Okafor (USA)
With experience in abundance, emerging stars, and a nation behind them, the Super Falcons head to Morocco with one mission: bring home a 10th continental crown.
Let the #MissionX countdown begin.
