by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 20, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, USA
In a squad brimming with World Cup veterans and household names, one unexpected inclusion in Nigeria’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) squad has stirred intrigue and excitement — Chioma Okafor, a 20-year-old striking sensation born and raised in Malawi, now set to wear the green-and-white of Nigeria on Africa’s biggest stage.
Chioma’s story doesn’t follow the typical script of a Super Falcons debutant. Born to a Nigerian father and a Malawian mother, she spent her early years playing barefoot on the sandy pitches of Blantyre, Malawi — a place where dreams were big but opportunities for young girls in football were few.
> “I just loved the game,” Chioma once said. “There weren’t many girls playing, but I never let that stop me.”
Everything changed in 2019 when she earned a scholarship to attend Berkshire School in Massachusetts, USA. There, her raw talent exploded under structured coaching. Chioma led her high school team to playoff contention and became a sensation on the East Coast prep scene, earning a full scholarship to the University of Connecticut (UConn).
At UConn, she didn’t just fit in — she flourished. By her freshman year, she had already been named to the All-BIG EAST Second Team and the All-BIG EAST Freshman Team. A year later, national recognition followed with a spot on the NSCAA Third Team All-American list, thanks to her blistering pace, intelligent positioning, and clinical eye for goal.
Despite her soaring profile, the tug-of-war for her international allegiance had quietly begun. Malawi’s Football Association made the first move, inviting her to join the Scorchers for friendly matches. But academic commitments and something deeper held her back.
That “something” turned out to be Nigeria. Her father’s homeland. The land of the Super Falcons. The country of Asisat Oshoala and Perpetua Nkwocha.
> “Following discussions with her parents and formal communication from the Nigeria Football Federation, Chioma has confirmed her commitment to play for Nigeria,” Malawi’s FA said in a gracious release.
And now, her new chapter begins. Okafor is set to link up with the Nigerian national team at their Lisbon training camp, where she’ll join the likes of Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and Ifeoma Onumonu in preparations for key friendlies against Portugal and Ghana.
Though untested on the international stage, Chioma could prove to be Nigeria’s secret weapon — a wildcard injection of youth, hunger, and fresh perspective.
For Chioma, WAFCON is more than a tournament. It’s a full-circle journey: from backyard games in Malawi to top-tier NCAA football in the U.S., and now a call-up to represent the most decorated team in African women’s football.
Chioma Okafor is not just arriving. She’s announcing herself.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Twumasi joins Korean giants from Beitar Jerusalem, eyes instant impact
South Korean powerhouse Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors have officially secured the services of Ghanaian forward Patrick Twumasi, bolstering their frontline for the remainder of the 2025 season.
The 31-year-old winger, known for his electric pace and relentless attacking style, arrives from Israeli side Beitar Jerusalem after a solid 2024/25 campaign where he notched 7 goals and 2 assists in 38 appearances.
Twumasi, now registered as “Chumasha” and set to wear the #21 jersey, brings a wealth of experience from several top-tier leagues. His most prolific spell came at FC Astana in Kazakhstan, where he racked up 53 goals and 31 assists in 143 games, earning a move to La Liga outfit Deportivo Alaves.
He later featured for Hannover 96 in Germany and Maccabi Netanya in Israel, cementing his reputation as a versatile and seasoned attacker.
Twumasi, who made his Ghana debut in October 2017 and has three international caps, has already joined training with Jeonbuk and is expected to make an immediate contribution as the club targets both K League glory and AFC Champions League success.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Story:
Ghanaian midfielder Lawrence Agyekum has opened up about his strong bond with fellow countryman Abu Francis, insisting there is no sense of rivalry between them at Belgian club Cercle Brugge.
The 21-year-old, who joined Cercle from Red Bull Salzburg ahead of the 2024/25 season, revealed that Francis played a key role in helping him settle in after his arrival. Despite both players vying for midfield roles, Agyekum sees their relationship as supportive rather than competitive.
“I didn’t even know he was at the club until I checked the squad list after signing,” Agyekum told Sportsblog247.com. “I reached out, and from the moment I arrived, he made things much easier for me. He helped me understand the club, the environment, and even life in Belgium.”
He continued, “People often assume that when two players from the same country are on one team, it creates competition. But I’ve never seen him that way. He’s more of a brother than a competitor.”
Both Agyekum and Francis were instrumental in Cercle Brugge’s midfield throughout the season and are expected to continue anchoring the team next term. Agyekum has since signed a permanent contract with the club, keeping him in Belgium until June 2029.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
As anticipation builds for Ghana’s pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mali, the National Sports Authority (NSA) has pledged to upgrade the playing surface of the Accra Sports Stadium to meet international standards.
Deputy Director General of the NSA, Gideon Hammond, confirmed that plans are already in motion to ensure the facility is ready for the high-stakes Matchday 8 clash. The Black Stars will host Mali at the stadium after travelling to face Chad in Matchday 7 of the qualifiers.
Ghana last played at the venue in March, delivering a dominant 5-0 victory over Chad. However, the stadium’s condition, particularly the pitch quality, has drawn criticism in recent months.
Speaking to Sportsblog247.com, Hammond acknowledged past shortcomings and stressed the need for proper maintenance going forward.
> “You know, in the previous match, we decided to cut off a portion, but the fans did not even listen to us on that one; they occupied the place,” he said.
He also echoed Black Stars head coach Otto Addo’s recent concerns about infrastructure affecting team performance.
> “One key thing that coach Otto Addo mentioned while preparing for the Chad game was the need to maintain the floodlights and keep the pitch in good shape,” Hammond noted. “He pointed out that the pitch quality directly influences how well the team plays.”
The NSA has been under increasing public scrutiny over the state of national sports facilities, particularly stadium surfaces. With World Cup hopes on the line, the September fixture presents both a sporting and logistical test for Ghana’s football authorities.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian defender Jonas Adjetey is setting his sights on Champions League glory after playing a pivotal role in FC Basel’s domestic double triumph in the 2024/25 season.
The 21-year-old centre-back enjoyed a breakout campaign, featuring in 32 league matches as the Swiss giants clinched their first Super League title in seven years, alongside lifting the domestic cup. These marked the first major trophies of Adjetey’s professional career.
Now, with FC Basel securing a spot in the play-off round of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, Adjetey is aiming even higher — targeting a place in the prestigious group stage.
“For me, it’s a great honour to play in the Champions League,” he told Flashscore. “We will play a play-off. I just pray we get the win, and then we can fit in [the group phase].”
He added, “To play in the Champions League is a very great honour. I always watch the Champions League.”
With his growing influence at Basel and unwavering ambition, Adjetey could soon be flying the Ghanaian flag on Europe’s biggest stage.
