by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has opened up on Nigeria’s burning ambition to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, admitting that for many players in the squad, reaching football’s biggest stage outweighs even the prestige of winning the Africa Cup of Nations.
Iwobi made the revelation while responding to a hypothetical question on whether he would prefer lifting the AFCON trophy or securing World Cup qualification, offering rare insight into the mindset within the Super Eagles camp as Nigeria continue to battle through a difficult qualifying campaign.
Despite Nigeria’s challenging position in the qualifiers, the Fulham star insisted that belief remains strong among the players.
“We’re still waiting, but hopefully we can go to the World Cup,” Iwobi said, stressing that the team has not given up on its World Cup dream.
The 28-year-old acknowledged the enormous value of winning AFCON, describing it as a career-defining achievement and a lasting legacy.
However, he noted that the World Cup holds a special significance, particularly for players who have never experienced the tournament.
“It’s a tough one because winning AFCON is a great legacy and a memorable achievement,” he explained. “But because I’ve been to the World Cup already, I know a lot of the players haven’t, and they would love to experience it.”
Iwobi, who represented Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, revealed that his personal experience has shaped his outlook, placing the collective dreams of his teammates above individual accolades.
“I can’t be selfish and say we should win AFCON while my teammates miss out on the World Cup,” he admitted. “So it’s a difficult one.”
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the expanded 2026 World Cup remain alive but fragile, with the Super Eagles needing positive results in their remaining fixtures to keep their ambitions on course.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Nations FC Chief Executive Officer Kennedy Boakye Ansah has urged the Black Stars technical team to consider recalling defender Razak Simpson as Ghana steps up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Simpson last featured for the senior national team in May 2025 during the Unity Cup third-place playoff, where he scored his first international goal against Trinidad and Tobago. Since that appearance, the defender has maintained a run of consistent and impressive performances at club level.
Speaking in an interview with Citi Sports, Ansah highlighted Simpson’s professionalism, commitment, and dedication, describing him as a disciplined player who always rises to the occasion.
“Razak Simpson is a top player. He has shown great commitment, discipline, and the desire to give his all for the nation and the national team whenever called upon,” Ansah said.
The Nations FC CEO also revealed that members of the newly assembled Black Stars technical team were in attendance during the club’s recent fixture against All Blacks, a visit he believes was partly aimed at assessing Simpson’s progress.
“Last weekend, one of the newly appointed Black Stars coaches, together with the team manager, came to watch our match against All Blacks. I am convinced Razak was one of the players they came to monitor, alongside some of the other talents in our squad,” he added.
Ansah expressed strong confidence in Simpson’s ability to perform on the international stage, insisting the defender has the quality and mentality required to contribute meaningfully if recalled.
“We know his quality and what he can bring to the national team. He is a very solid player who can compete at the highest level globally,” he stated.
Simpson continues to play a pivotal role for Nations FC as the club pushes forward in the Ghana Premier League and the MTN FA Cup, where they are aiming for a deep run in the quarterfinals.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Liverpool may be forced into the transfer market for a marquee attacking signing this summer should Mohamed Salah complete a long-rumoured move to the Saudi Pro League.
Speculation over Salah’s future has intensified in recent months, with reports suggesting the 33-year-old has given the green light for talks between his representatives and Saudi giants Al-Ittihad. The club previously saw a £150 million bid for the Egyptian winger rejected, but Salah is now said to be more open to an exit at the end of the season if an agreement can be reached.
Losing Salah would leave a huge void at Anfield, with the forward widely regarded as Liverpool’s most influential player of the modern era. Replacing him would be a daunting task, requiring a significant financial outlay and a player capable of delivering goals, creativity, and consistency at the highest level.
Several elite options have already been linked as potential successors:
Yan Diomande
The highly-rated teenage winger from RB Leipzig has emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting prospects. Valued at around £87 million, Diomande is believed to be on Liverpool’s radar, with Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal also monitoring his progress. He is viewed as a long-term solution rather than an immediate like-for-like replacement.
Bradley Barcola
Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola has impressed with his flair, pace, and technical quality. Despite limited league starts due to fierce competition at PSG, the French international has played a key role in the club’s domestic and European success. A move to Liverpool could offer him a starring role, with his versatility allowing him to operate effectively on either wing.
Raphinha
Since leaving Leeds United for Barcelona in 2022, Raphinha has developed into one of world football’s top wide attackers. His goal output and big-game experience make him an ideal candidate to replace Salah.
However, extracting him from the Camp Nou would be difficult, although Barcelona’s ongoing financial challenges could make a substantial offer hard to refuse.
Michael Olise
Now thriving at Bayern Munich, Olise has enjoyed a sensational season, registering 10 goals and 18 assists in just 21 league appearances. The French winger’s Premier League experience and creative output make him an appealing option. However, with a contract running until 2029, Bayern are under no pressure to sell.
As uncertainty surrounds Salah’s future, Liverpool are already weighing up their options in preparation for a possible post-Salah era.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Spanish giants Atlético Madrid are reportedly lining up a €24 million move for Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku as they look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season.
According to Fichajes, the proposed transfer forms part of Atlético’s wider recruitment strategy, with the club keen to complete key signings early and enter preseason with a reinforced squad. The LaLiga side are targeting young, explosive, and rapidly developing players capable of adding pace and directness to their frontline.
Fatawu has been one of the Championship’s standout performers this season, earning widespread attention for his dribbling ability, speed, and effectiveness in one-on-one situations. His consistent attacking threat has placed him firmly on the radar of several European clubs.
The €24 million valuation reflects Atlético Madrid’s confidence in the 21-year-old’s ability to make an immediate impact, while also fitting into the club’s long-term plans. His intensity, versatility, and attacking mindset are seen as ideal traits for Diego Simeone’s high-energy system.
Atlético are keen to move quickly on the deal to avoid competition from other suitors and ensure Fatawu can link up with the squad before preseason preparations begin.
The Ghana international has become a key figure at Leicester City, admired for his ability to stretch defences, take on defenders, and deliver end product in crucial moments. Atlético officials are particularly impressed by his mentality, adaptability, and potential to transition smoothly into LaLiga.
From the player’s perspective, a switch to a European heavyweight is viewed as a natural step in his development. Atlético do not see Fatawu as a squad player but as a potential game-changer, with plans for him to rotate regularly and influence matches.
The prospect of Fatawu combining with Ademola Lookman on the wings has also generated excitement within the club, with the duo expected to offer pace, creativity, and unpredictability in attack.
Leicester City are understood to be aware of Atlético’s interest and recognize that a €24 million offer would be difficult to ignore. Talks are ongoing as all parties weigh up the next steps.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Premier League heavyweights Liverpool are reportedly planning to activate the buy-back clause in Jarrel Quansah’s contract to bring the English-Ghanaian defender back to Anfield in the summer of 2027.
Quansah, 23, left Liverpool last summer to join German champions Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth around €35 million. Since his move to the Bundesliga, the centre-back has grown into a key figure for the club, delivering consistent performances at the heart of Leverkusen’s defence.
With Liverpool facing a potential defensive overhaul amid injuries and the possible exit of senior defenders, the club has identified Quansah as a long-term solution and is prepared to re-sign him under the terms of the original agreement. The buy-back option is believed to be set at approximately €35 million.
The defender has enjoyed an impressive spell in Germany, making 28 appearances across all competitions and scoring two goals, despite being contracted to Bayer Leverkusen until 2030.
Quansah’s departure from Liverpool was driven by limited playing opportunities, a factor that influenced his decision to seek regular first-team football elsewhere. His development has since been rewarded with an international breakthrough, as he made his debut for England’s senior national team in November 2025, effectively ruling out a future switch to represent Ghana.
The highly-rated defender will now be targeting a place in England’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
