by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigerian Super Eagles striker, Victor Boniface, has reportedly called it quits with his Norwegian girlfriend after a four-year relationship. Sources close to the couple revealed that their split stemmed from disagreements over marriage terms.
The girlfriend, who had been urging Boniface to settle down, insisted on tying the knot without a prenuptial agreement. Her persistence allegedly placed the football star under immense pressure, leading him to make the tough decision to part ways.
For Boniface, the move seems to signal his intent to protect his finances and personal interests as his career continues to soar. The breakup has sparked conversations about the challenges athletes face in navigating relationships while managing their growing wealth.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Callum Hudson-Odoi continues to prove his worth at Nottingham Forest after playing a pivotal role in their exhilarating 3-2 victory over Southampton at the City Ground on Sunday. The English-born Ghanaian winger netted a stunning goal, helping his side secure three crucial points in their quest for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
The Reds wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Elliot Anderson opening the scoring early in the game. Moments later, Hudson-Odoi doubled the lead with a spectacular strike, showcasing his class and confidence under Nuno Espírito Santo. Chris Wood extended the advantage just before halftime, capping a sensational first-half performance from Forest.
Southampton, however, showed resilience after the break. Polish defender Jan Bednarek clawed one back for the visitors on the hour mark. Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu added late drama with a goal deep into stoppage time, but it was too little, too late for the Saints.
Ghanaian forward Kamaldeen Sulemana featured for Southampton, coming on as a substitute in the second half and contributing 32 minutes of energy and effort.
Hudson-Odoi expressed his happiness after the win, taking to social media to say, “Plus three points. Happy for the win and hopefully nothing serious. See you soon.”
With three goals already this season, Hudson-Odoi is cementing himself as a vital player for Nottingham Forest as they continue their impressive campaign.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Veteran broadcaster and football enthusiast Fiifi Banson has voiced his dissatisfaction with Stephen Appiah’s recent appointment to the Black Stars’ management team. Speaking on Accra-based Sporty FM, Banson stated that if he were in Appiah’s position, he would have turned down the offer.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) recently unveiled the former Black Stars captain as the Vice Chairman of the newly formed Management Committee for the senior national team. Appiah, who famously led Ghana to the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, is also tasked with overseeing player relations.
However, Banson believes the role is not fitting for someone of Appiah’s stature. “I wouldn’t take up a Black Stars management committee role if I were Stephen Appiah,” he remarked, suggesting that the former captain should have declined the appointment.
The committee is chaired by Dr. Randy Abbey, who will handle government and stakeholder relations. Samuel Aboabire, the Greater Accra Regional Football Association Chairman, and Medeama SC President Moses Armah will oversee operations and matchday activities. FC Samartex 1996 President Richard Nsenkyire has been assigned special duties.
Despite the criticism, the GFA is confident that this management team will propel the Black Stars to greater heights, with each member assigned specific roles to ensure success on and off the pitch.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Ben Nunoo Mensah, has sounded a cautionary note to Ghana’s next Sports and Recreation Minister, urging them not to prioritize football, particularly the Black Stars, at the expense of other sports disciplines.
Speaking on JoySports Link on JoyFM, Mensah highlighted the disproportionate focus and funding football receives compared to other sports in Ghana. He noted that the Ministry of Youth and Sports has consistently allocated the bulk of its limited resources to the Black Stars, leaving athletes and officials from other sports frustrated and underfunded.
“This has been an ongoing issue for successive governments. In Ghana, many equate sports to just football, and I don’t blame them because that’s what dominates the media. However, the Ministry’s budget is heavily consumed by the Black Stars, leaving little for other disciplines,” Mensah said.
He further emphasized the need for the incoming minister, under the leadership of President John Mahama, to redefine the narrative and ensure a fair distribution of resources. “The new minister must resist the pressure to focus solely on football. This is something the NDC should work to correct,” he added.
As Ghana prepares for a new era in sports leadership, the GOC President’s call resonates with stakeholders who believe that balanced investment across all sporting disciplines will pave the way for greater national success in global competitions.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Michael Baidoo has made a firm commitment to help Plymouth Argyle escape the relegation zone and retain their Championship status. The club is currently struggling at the bottom of the league table with just 21 points after 27 matches. Despite the challenging situation, Baidoo, who joined Plymouth from Swedish side Elfsborg in a record-breaking winter transfer deal until 2028, remains optimistic.
In an interview with BBC World News, Baidoo shared his determination to take the survival battle one game at a time. “We have a big task ahead now,” he said. “We can’t focus on the end, we need to focus on what’s in front of us.” With the team in a precarious position, Baidoo emphasized the importance of focusing on each match and securing as many points as possible.
Though he admits the road ahead will be tough, Baidoo is resolute in his goal to help the team rise from the bottom of the table. The Ghanaian midfielder has already made three appearances for Plymouth, and he is eager to contribute further as the team pushes toward safety.
