by Emmanuel Atanga | May 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Athletic Bilbao have been dealt a major setback as star forward Inaki Williams is set to miss their critical UEFA Europa League semifinal second leg clash against Manchester United, following a muscle injury sustained last weekend.
The Ghanaian international, a linchpin in Bilbao’s attack, was forced off in the 62nd minute during a goalless La Liga draw against Real Sociedad. Subsequent assessments revealed a hamstring injury in his right leg, sidelining him from the club’s trip to Old Trafford as they aim to overturn a daunting 3-0 deficit.
“Inaki Williams is not included in the squad list for the trip to Manchester,” the club confirmed. “The striker has not been called up for Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg due to a muscle injury to the hamstring of his right leg.”
With Bilbao’s hopes of a European final hanging by a thread, the absence of Williams—who has racked up 11 goals and 9 assists in 48 appearances this season—comes as a huge blow. The club has not provided a clear timeline for his return, only stating that “it remains to be seen whether it will evolve.”
The 30-year-old, who has transitioned from the Spanish to the Ghanaian national team, has been instrumental in Bilbao’s campaign, offering pace, experience, and finishing prowess. His recovery is now a race against time as the club nears the final stretch of the season, both domestically and in Europe.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 7, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s quest for U-20 AFCON glory has been dealt a significant blow as rising star Jerry Afriyie has returned to his Spanish club, CD Lugo, and will miss the Black Satellites’ crucial final Group C match against the Central African Republic in Egypt.
The 18-year-old forward, who played in Ghana’s first two group matches, left the team camp on Wednesday morning following a mutual agreement between the Ghana Football Association and CD Lugo. The Spanish side, currently fighting to avoid relegation in Spain’s lower divisions, had initially shown reluctance to release the talented attacker. However, they ultimately honoured Afriyie’s passionate desire to represent his country—albeit for a limited time.
Afriyie made the most of his short stint at the tournament. He came off the bench in Ghana’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo and was instrumental in the Black Satellites’ 1-0 win over defending champions Senegal, delivering a pinpoint assist for Emmanuel Mensah’s match-winning goal.
His departure now leaves head coach Desmond Ofei with a tactical puzzle to solve ahead of a high-stakes clash. Afriyie’s creativity, speed, and flair have been key to Ghana’s attack, and his absence will be sorely felt in the final group decider.
Ghana still stand a good chance of advancing to the knockout phase, but they’ll need to adapt quickly without one of their brightest attacking sparks. Back in Spain, Afriyie returns to CD Lugo with added confidence and continental experience, hoping to play a decisive role in the club’s relegation battle.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 6, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Jeremie Frimpong, the dynamic 24-year-old right wing-back, has signaled his openness to joining Liverpool amid growing interest from the Premier League giants. With a release clause set at €35 million, the Bayer Leverkusen star could be a valuable addition to Jürgen Klopp’s squad, offering pace, creativity, and a goal threat from the flanks. Sources close to the player suggest Frimpong would welcome the move should Liverpool decide to activate his clause this summer.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 6, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde is facing a mounting injury crisis as his side prepares for a daunting UEFA Europa League semifinal second leg against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
With the Basque outfit trailing 3-0 from the first leg, hopes of a miraculous comeback have taken a hit following uncertainty over the fitness of key players Nico Williams and Oscar de Marcos.
Nico Williams, who has Ghanaian roots and has been one of Bilbao’s standout performers this season, is struggling with a recurring groin injury. The talented winger has been playing through pain in recent weeks, but his condition appears to have worsened.
“He’s making an effort to be there but he’s not well. He finished the other day very badly, and it hasn’t improved,” Valverde said. “He won’t be able to play tomorrow and we’ll have to evaluate him day by day.”
De Marcos is also in doubt after picking up a knock, compounding Valverde’s concerns ahead of the high-stakes encounter. The manager acknowledged the tight fixture schedule has taken a toll on the squad, admitting that managing player fitness through the final stretch of the season is proving to be a challenge.
While midfielder Oihan Sancet is expected to be available, Valverde remains cautious, especially with the season’s climax drawing near.
The potential absence of Nico Williams, whose creativity and pace have been crucial to Bilbao’s attacking play, would be a major blow as they attempt to pull off the near-impossible against the Red Devils.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 6, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The spirit of Ghanaian women’s football soared higher this week as President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, paid a motivational visit to the Black Princesses during their training camp at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
The national U-20 women’s team reported to camp on Monday to begin intensive preparations for their upcoming assignment, and the visit from the GFA President provided an extra boost to morale. Okraku commended the team for their unwavering dedication and for playing a vital role in elevating the profile of women’s football in the country.
“This camp is part of the journey toward building a solid team,” Okraku stated while addressing the players and technical team. “Keep your focus and know that the GFA stands firmly behind you.”
The current squad includes some of the brightest young talents from the domestic league, all selected to undergo rigorous training aimed at refining their skills and enhancing team chemistry ahead of future competitions.
Okraku’s visit underscored the GFA’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering unity within the ranks of the national women’s teams.
