by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
As Ghana gears up for their crucial clash against Niger, head coach Otto Addo has made it clear he isn’t fazed by his critics. Responding to recent backlash over his tactical decisions, Addo reminded his detractors of his pedigree.
“I am not tactically bankrupt,” Addo confidently stated during a press briefing. “I was trained by Jurgen Klopp, one of the best in the world. You can dislike me; that’s your opinion. But it doesn’t change the facts.”
The coach’s comments come amidst heightened pressure for the Black Stars to secure a positive result in their upcoming AFCON fixture. While some fans have questioned his strategic approach, Addo remains resolute, calling for unity and belief in the team’s ability to deliver on the pitch.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In a bid to restore some pride for the Black Stars, Ghana head coach Otto Addo is determined to secure a win against Niger in their final Group F match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Despite being eliminated from contention for next year’s tournament in Morocco, Addo views Monday’s encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium as an opportunity to end the campaign on a positive note.
Speaking ahead of the match, Addo emphasized the importance of fighting for Ghana’s dignity and avoiding a last-place finish in the group. “We are looking forward to tomorrow [to beat Niger], not to end up as last,” he stated. “We want to beat them for our honour and for third place.”
Ghana’s performance in the qualifiers has been underwhelming, with the team sitting fourth in Group F on three points after five matches, having managed three draws and two losses. Their most recent outing—a 1-1 draw against Angola last Friday—sealed their fate in the qualifiers, leaving the Black Stars with one last chance to give their fans something to cheer about.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 16:00 GMT, and Addo hopes his team can deliver a spirited performance in front of their home crowd.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s national football coach, Otto Addo, has responded to mounting criticism following the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The team’s 1-1 draw with Angola on Friday ended their hopes of securing a spot in the tournament scheduled to take place in Morocco next year.
The disappointing result leaves Ghana winless in five qualifying matches, sitting fourth in Group F with just three points and only two goals scored. Fans and pundits alike have voiced their frustration, with many calling for Addo to step down as head coach.
Addressing the criticism during a press conference, Addo defended his credentials, citing the wealth of experience he has gained under top-tier coaches such as Jürgen Klopp, Matthias Sammer, and Edin Terzić during his time at Borussia Dortmund.
“I trained under Sammer. I trained under Klopp. I was assistant to Edin Terzić, who was Dortmund’s head coach,” Addo stated. “People can judge me, and surely, most people judge by results, which were not good. But the value of criticism changes when it comes from someone like Klopp rather than others saying ‘this is bad.’”
The Black Stars will conclude their qualifying campaign with a home match against Niger on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 GMT, and while Ghana’s AFCON dreams are over, fans hope for a strong finish to salvage some pride.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
In the aftermath of a disappointing campaign that saw the Black Stars miss out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), head coach Otto Addo has turned his focus to the road ahead—the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With Ghana’s hopes of redemption now pinned on the global stage, Addo is calling on Ghanaians to rally behind the team.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Addo addressed the frustration among fans after the 1-1 draw against Angola, which dashed Ghana’s AFCON dreams. Despite the setback, the coach remains optimistic about the future.
“I understand the disappointment and anger,” Addo admitted. “I feel it too, but we must move forward. The World Cup qualifiers start now, and we need your support to make it happen.”
Currently tied on points with Comoros at the top of Group I, Ghana must finish first to secure a spot in the knockout phase. With crucial matches against Chad and Madagascar in March 2025, Addo is determined to write a new chapter in Ghana’s football history and lead the Black Stars to consecutive World Cup appearances.
“If you want us to qualify, we need your backing,” he emphasized.
As the journey continues, the question now is whether the nation can come together, turning disappointment into determination to fuel the Black Stars’ 2026 World Cup dreams.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
From a childhood marked by his father’s strict expectations to becoming a legend in Nigerian football, William Troost-Ekong shares his inspiring story.
William Troost-Ekong, Super Eagles captain and Al-Kholood defender, recently reflected on his challenging path to football greatness. Born in the Netherlands to a Nigerian father, Troost-Ekong grew up in a household that placed a strong emphasis on academics. But his passion for football sparked a series of “cat and mouse” battles with his father, who was determined to keep him focused on school.
In an interview with Complete Sports, the former Watford and Udinese centre-back revealed how difficult it was to convince his father about pursuing a professional football career.
> “I was warned not to go outside and play, but I tried to sneak out,” Troost-Ekong said. “When I got caught, I was punished. He had given us the opportunity to attend good schools in Europe. I studied in Holland and later transferred to England. So, when I told him I wanted to leave school to become a professional footballer, it was a tough decision for him to accept.”
Despite the early challenges, Troost-Ekong has grown into a symbol of success in Nigerian football, earning accolades such as the AFCON Player of the Tournament and a nomination for the prestigious CAF Player of the Year award alongside his Super Eagles teammate Ademola Lookman.
Now a father himself, Troost-Ekong understands his father’s perspective.
> “Times have changed, and kids today can combine education with their dreams, but it’s not always easy. For some, delaying an athletic career for school might mean missing the physical prime for sports.”
Troost-Ekong’s journey serves as an inspiring tale of perseverance, passion, and the delicate balance between dreams and responsibilities. His decision to play for Nigeria despite being eligible for the Netherlands highlights his pride in his heritage and commitment to the green and white jersey of the three-time AFCON champions.
