by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 16, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
As anticipation builds for the maiden expanded edition of the FIFA Club World Cup, African football icon Samuel Eto’o has voiced strong confidence in the continent’s representatives to leave a lasting impression on the global stage.
The tournament, set to run from 15 June to 13 July 2025 across 11 cities in the United States, will see four African clubs—Al Ahly (Egypt), Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) and Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco)—compete among 32 of the world’s best.
Eto’o, president of the Cameroonian Football Federation and CAF Executive Committee member, believes the African quartet has the pedigree and passion to challenge the traditional football powerhouses.
> “I know the teams representing my continent will give everything to go as far as possible,” Eto’o told DSports in an exclusive interview. “Now, football is unpredictable. The level is quite equal. They will do their best.”
Eto’o, a UEFA Champions League winner with Barcelona and Inter Milan, is uniquely positioned to speak on such matters, having lifted the Club World Cup title with Inter in 2010—coincidentally beating African side TP Mazembe in the final. He scored in that 3-0 triumph, which remains Africa’s best finish in the competition.
The draw has handed African clubs tough groups:
Al Ahly face Inter Miami (USA), Palmeiras (Brazil), and Porto (Portugal) in Group A.
Esperance are pitted against Flamengo (Brazil), Chelsea (England), and either LAFC (USA) or Club América (Mexico) in Group D.
Mamelodi Sundowns take on Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Fluminense (Brazil), and Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea) in Group F.
Wydad will battle Al Ain (UAE), Juventus (Italy), and Manchester City (England) in Group G.
Still, Eto’o remains optimistic:
> “We were lucky to have an African club in the final once. Too bad they played against Inter. I hope that happens again.”
With over USD 9.55 million guaranteed for each African club from a $1 billion prize pool, the stakes are higher than ever.
The tournament kicks off on 14 June 2025, with Egyptian giants Al Ahly clashing with Inter Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Eto’o had a message for players heading into the tournament:
> “Enjoy every second. This kind of opportunity might never come again.”
Though he now watches from the boardroom, Eto’o’s passion for African football remains undimmed:
> “My time has passed. Now, I just want to enjoy and see African teams shine.”
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 16, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
After years of persistence and patience, Ghanaian goalkeeper Benjamin Asare is finally living his dream on the international stage—and he believes the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
The 32-year-old Hearts of Oak shot-stopper earned his long-awaited debut for the Black Stars in March during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. It was a moment that had been building for years, and Asare seized it with both hands. He delivered two clean sheets in dominant wins—a 5-0 thrashing of Chad in Accra and a 3-0 victory over Madagascar in Morocco—firmly announcing himself as Ghana’s potential new number one.
Reflecting on his breakthrough, Asare shared that although he was previously called up during the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, he believes his actual debut came at the “right moment.”
> “There is a time for everything,” he said. “I had been called earlier, but this felt right. They say good things come to those who wait. The tough times shape you, and when the breakthrough comes, it’s even more meaningful.”
Having joined Hearts of Oak from relegated rivals Accra Great Olympics, Asare’s steady rise has been fueled by grit and faith.
> “This has always been my goal, and by God’s grace, I’m here. I’m thankful for the opportunity,” he added.
Though he conceded his first international goal during a narrow 2-1 loss to Nigeria in the semifinals of the 2025 Unity Cup, and was benched for the third-place match—where Ghana thrashed Trinidad and Tobago 4-0—Asare remains undeterred.
Now, the experienced goalkeeper has his sights firmly set on helping Ghana qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
> “Our goal is clear—we want to qualify. Missing the last AFCON was a huge blow, so this means even more. I believe in the squad. We have the talent, the unity, and the support to make it happen,” Asare said with confidence.
His story is one of resilience, belief, and perfect timing—traits that could serve Ghana well as the road to 2026 unfolds.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 16, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren has named a 24-player provisional squad for Ghana’s final preparations ahead of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) set to take place in Morocco next month.
The squad, which signals a blend of experience and fresh talent, includes four home-based players from the Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League. Goalkeeper Afi Amenyeku, defenders Comfort Yeboah and Nancy Amoh from reigning champions Ampem Darkoa, and promising Kumasi Academy star Kerrie McCarthy have all earned call-ups.
Top foreign-based stars such as Princella Adubea, Ghana Women’s Footballer of the Year Doris Boaduwaa, Evelyn Badu, Grace Asantewaa, Anasthesia Achiaa, and veteran Portia Boakye are also part of the team tasked with ending Ghana’s seven-year WAFCON absence on a high note.
The Black Queens are expected to begin residential camping immediately as part of their final phase of preparation. Pressure continues to mount on Swedish coach Bjorkegren, who has won just one of his last six games in charge. The team’s recent friendlies in Abidjan saw them draw and lose to Ivory Coast, raising concerns about their form ahead of the continental showpiece.
Ghana is drawn into a tough Group C alongside South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania — a challenge Bjorkegren and his team must navigate if they are to restore confidence in the national side and make a strong return to the African stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has thrown his support behind promising winger Tyrique George, naming the teenage sensation as a potential replacement for Jadon Sancho ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) in the United States.
George, who made headlines earlier this year by becoming the youngest player of Nigerian descent to score for Chelsea in the Premier League, is now being considered for an even bigger stage. His landmark goal came during an Easter Sunday clash against Fulham, surpassing the previous record held by Carney Chukwuemeka.
Sancho, who spent last season on loan at Stamford Bridge, has returned to Manchester United after his move failed to materialize into a permanent deal. His exit has left Chelsea light in wide areas, prompting Maresca to evaluate his current options.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea’s CWC opener against Los Angeles FC, Maresca hinted at George’s growing importance.
> “Jadon is not with us, so for sure that is a position we need to do something,” said the Italian tactician. “At this moment, we have Noni [Madueke], Pedro [Neto], and Tyrique as proper wingers. So for sure, something has to happen.”
George, 19, enjoyed a breakthrough season, splitting time between Chelsea’s senior and youth sides. He contributed two goals and three assists in 20 appearances across the Premier League and UEFA Conference League. His flair was also on display in Premier League 2, where he added another goal and five assists in just eight games.
His standout performances were recognized at the club’s end-of-season awards, where he was crowned Chelsea Academy’s Young Player of the Year.
With the Club World Cup offering a global spotlight, George is determined to seize the opportunity and establish himself as a key figure in Maresca’s Chelsea revolution.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
No Deal Done: Okereke Shuts Down Kocaelispor Transfer Rumours
Reports linking Nigerian forward David Okereke with a move to Turkish side Kocaelispor have been firmly debunked by the player himself.
Speculation had swirled that the 27-year-old had reached a verbal agreement with the newly promoted Turkish Super Lig outfit, with claims that personal terms had already been agreed. However, Okereke has rubbished the reports, calling them “outright lies.”
In a statement on Monday afternoon, the former Nigeria U23 international expressed shock at the origin of the rumours, confirming that he is not in discussions with any club at the moment. His representatives also weighed in, clarifying that while there are several options on the table, no deal is close to being finalized.
Okereke recently wrapped up a productive loan stint at Gaziantep FK, where he scored nine goals and provided three assists in 29 league games. Although the Turkish club held a purchase option, it remains uncertain whether they will choose to exercise it.
Currently contracted to Italian side Cremonese, Okereke remains focused on evaluating his next career step. The forward previously trained with the Super Eagles in March 2019 ahead of a friendly against Egypt, though he did not feature in the game.
