by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 3, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Derrick Köhn’s future at Werder Bremen is hanging in the balance as the club faces financial hurdles in securing his permanent transfer from Galatasaray.
The German-Ghanaian left-back made an immediate impact upon arriving on loan last summer, impressing with his pace and attacking contributions in the first half of the season. However, his situation has taken a turn, with head coach Ole Werner relegating him to a substitute role in the last three matches.
Initially, Werder Bremen had planned to trigger the €5 million option to sign Köhn permanently, but financial concerns have thrown the deal into doubt. Sporting director Clemens Fritz acknowledged the defender’s strong performances but hinted that the club is “well positioned on the left,” adding more uncertainty to Köhn’s prospects at the club.
Amid Werder’s hesitation, interest in Köhn is growing. Reports suggest that a Bundesliga club and Serie A side Udinese Calcio have inquired about the 26-year-old. With his market value currently at €6 million, according to Transfermarkt, Köhn could be on the move again if Werder Bremen opts out of the deal.
As the season nears its conclusion, the coming weeks could be decisive for Köhn’s next career move.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 3, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian winger Ibrahim Osman made a strong impact off the bench on Wednesday night, capping off Feyenoord’s dominant 4-1 victory over Groningen in the Dutch Eredivisie.
The teenage forward started the game on the sidelines but was introduced in the 65th minute, replacing Antoni Milambo. Wasting no time, Osman injected pace and flair into Feyenoord’s attack, keeping the Groningen defense on high alert.
As the match neared its end, Osman put the final stamp on Feyenoord’s emphatic win, scoring a brilliant goal in the 90th minute to seal the three points. His strike added to earlier goals from Igor Paixao, who netted a brace, and Anis Hadj Moussa.
Groningen’s lone goal came from Jorg Schreuders, but it was merely a consolation as Feyenoord’s attacking firepower proved too strong.
Osman’s performance further cements his growing influence at the club. With this latest goal, he has now tallied three goals and two assists in 18 Eredivisie appearances this season.
As Feyenoord continues their push for success, Osman’s contributions could be crucial in the final stretch of the campaign.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 3, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
In a bold move to reinforce their midfield, North Texas SC has secured the loan signing of Ghanaian sensation Aaron Essel from Scottish Premiership side St. Johnstone FC for the remainder of the season.
At just 19, Essel arrives with a wealth of experience, having already played 18 top-flight matches in Scotland. Before his European adventure, he honed his craft at Bechem United in the Ghana Premier League, where he was a mainstay for three seasons, amassing an impressive 68 appearances.
North Texas head coach John Gall couldn’t hide his excitement about the young midfielder’s arrival.
“Aaron is bringing with him established professional and international experience,” Gall said. “A midfield dynamo, he takes over the middle of the park with his quality and tenacity. He is a reflection of the standard we are establishing here at the club, and we are looking forward to having him on the pitch for us.”
The loan deal comes with an option to make his transfer permanent, contingent upon his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC) clearance. However, St. Johnstone retains the right to recall him.
Internationally, Essel has already donned Ghana’s colors at the U20 and U23 levels, even captaining the U23 side in a high-profile clash against Morocco. His leadership and tireless work ethic will be crucial as North Texas SC aims for success in the MLS NEXT Pro season.
As Essel embarks on this new chapter in the United States, all eyes will be on him to see if he can replicate the dominance he has shown throughout his young career.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 2, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghanaian football has been graced by many legends, but one debate continues to spark discussions—who stands taller between Rev. Osei Kofi and Abedi Pele? The former Black Stars icon, however, believes such comparisons are misplaced.
“Comparing Abedi Pele to me is unfair,” Rev. Osei Kofi remarked. “We played in different eras, under different conditions, and with different styles of football.”
Rev. Osei Kofi dazzled in the 1960s and 70s, helping Ghana win multiple AFCON titles. Abedi Pele, on the other hand, emerged in the late 80s and 90s, leading Ghana to a new era of footballing excellence. Both men left an indelible mark on Ghanaian football, but according to Rev. Osei Kofi, each legend should be appreciated within the context of their time.
Rather than debating who was greater, perhaps the real tribute is celebrating the unique impact of both icons on Ghana’s rich footballing history.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 2, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
For over four decades, Ghana has chased the elusive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy, coming close but never quite claiming victory. According to Rev. Osei Kofi, a former Black Stars legend, the root of this prolonged drought lies in a forgotten promise—one that, if not honored, may have cast a shadow over the nation’s footballing fortunes.
Rev. Osei Kofi recalls how, in 1982, Ghana triumphed in the AFCON final, securing their fourth title. However, he insists that a commitment made to certain individuals or groups was never fulfilled. Since then, despite producing world-class players and reaching multiple finals, the Black Stars have always fallen short at the last hurdle.
Is this simply a coincidence, or could an unfulfilled promise truly be holding Ghana back from AFCON glory? Until this mystery is resolved, the nation’s footballing faithful may continue to wait in vain for their long-awaited fifth title.
