by Emmanuel Atanga | May 22, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s shocking absence from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been labeled a national disaster by Black Stars Technical Advisor, Winfried Schäfer. The four-time African champions failed to qualify for the tournament for the first time in two decades, a stunning setback that has sparked outrage and reflection across the football-loving nation.
The Black Stars endured a miserable qualifying campaign, drawing games, losing three, and ultimately finishing bottom of their group—an outcome few could have predicted. The dismal performance ignited a nationwide uproar, with widespread calls for the dismissal of head coach Otto Addo.
Speaking to German outlet Sächsische Zeitung, Schäfer, a veteran coach and former AFCON winner with Cameroon, didn’t hold back in expressing the gravity of Ghana’s failure.
> “The team missed the Africa Cup—something considered a catastrophe in Ghana,” he said.
“There was unrest in the squad, World Cup qualification wasn’t going well, and the president of the federation asked me to come in and bring some structure.”
Schäfer was appointed as a technical advisor shortly before the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers resumed, tasked with stabilizing a shaken team. His impact was immediate, with Ghana bouncing back to secure consecutive wins over Chad and Madagascar in March.
As the Black Stars prepare for a four-nation mini-tournament in the UK later this month, the focus has shifted to redemption. They’ll resume World Cup qualifying action against Chad and Mali in September, aiming to rebuild pride and restore their status as continental heavyweights.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 22, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has unveiled the Super Eagles squad set to battle long-time rivals Ghana in the semifinal of the 2025 Unity Cup. The much-anticipated clash will take place at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford on Tuesday, May 28, with kick-off slated for 19:00 GMT.
Despite the absence of some high-profile names, head coach Eric Chelle has selected a competitive team filled with experience and flair. While stars like Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo, and Calvin Bassey are notable omissions, the squad still boasts depth and quality.
Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, both of whom ply their trade in the English Premier League, will marshal the midfield. Up front, the Super Eagles will count on the attacking prowess of Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, and the dynamic Moses Simon.
Nigeria’s opponent, Ghana, is expected to announce its final squad soon as head coach Otto Addo weighs his options for the West African derby. The winner of the encounter will advance to the Unity Cup final on Saturday, May 31, to face either Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago at 12:30 GMT.
Football fans across the globe are eagerly awaiting another fiery chapter in this storied rivalry.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 22, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigeria will be without several of their biggest stars when they take on archrivals Ghana in the highly anticipated Unity Cup clash later this month in London.
The Nigeria Football Federation has unveiled a squad list for the four-nation tournament, confirming the absence of key players such as Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Both forwards are notable omissions, joined on the sidelines by Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo, and Calvin Bassey.
Also missing from the matchday squad is defender Felix Agu, who will travel with the team but only for training purposes.
Their absence, however, opens the door for fringe and home-based talents to make a mark on the international stage. The tournament, taking place from May 28 to 31 at Brentford FC’s G-Tech Community Stadium, will see Nigeria battle Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago in what is both a celebratory showcase and a valuable tune-up ahead of upcoming international qualifiers.
Despite the high-profile absentees, Nigeria still boasts a competitive lineup. Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka provide experience in midfield, while the attacking front will be led by Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze. Promising stars like Nathan Tella and Cyriel Dessers also make the cut, alongside local league representatives Amas Obasogie and Junior Nduka.
Nigeria’s opening match pits them against Ghana on May 28 in what is expected to be a thrilling West African derby. Ghana’s head coach Otto Addo is expected to announce his squad next week.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 22, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Real Madrid are plotting a major summer statement with a potential €58 million swoop for Athletic Bilbao sensation Nico Williams, according to reports from Spanish outlet Marca. The 22-year-old winger, a Spanish international of Ghanaian descent, has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in La Liga — and now finds himself firmly in the sights of the Spanish giants.
Williams, who dazzled with five goals and five assists in the league this past season, has earned a growing reputation for his explosive pace, fearless dribbling, and versatility across the front line. His standout displays during the last European Championship only solidified his status as a future star.
With Real Madrid keen to infuse more youth and dynamism into their squad, Williams fits the bill perfectly. The club sees him not only as a key addition on the right flank but also as a flexible attacking asset who can adapt to various roles — a quality that will appeal to incoming head coach Xabi Alonso as he prepares to usher in a new era at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Activating Williams’ €58 million release clause would signal Madrid’s ambition as they look to reinforce their squad for another era of dominance. If the deal goes through, it could be one of the most exciting transfers of the summer window.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 22, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Black Stars Technical Director Winfried Schäfer has set his sights on a bold new phase in Ghana football: developing homegrown projects that will elevate the national game. Appointed after Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Schäfer is determined to turn disappointment into opportunity.
Under his guidance, unity has been restored within the Black Stars, with the team winning their first two matches under the new setup. But for the experienced German, who previously led Cameroon to Africa Cup of Nations glory, the real work begins at home.
“The next step is implementing projects in Ghana,” Schäfer explained. “That won’t be easy, and I’m still seeking international partners to support us. But we’ve built a new spirit of optimism, and I believe in what we’re creating.”
With a focus on long-term development and modernization, Schäfer is working closely with head coach Otto Addo to shape a more resilient and competitive national side. The Black Stars will soon test their progress at the Unity Cup — a four-nation tournament in the UK featuring Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago — before returning to their 2026 World Cup qualifying journey in September.
