by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2026 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Nigeria U-20 women’s forward Janet Akekoromowei has opted to delay a potential move to Europe as she concentrates fully on helping the Falconets qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, Completesports.com reports.
The highly rated attacker has recently attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Benfica, sparking speculation about an imminent move abroad. However, a senior team official has dismissed claims that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) blocked her from travelling for trials.
According to the source, Akekoromowei’s decision is purely personal and driven by ambition on the international stage.
“Janet is focused on helping the team qualify for the World Cup — that’s her main ambition for now. There is nothing true about the NFF seizing her passport. The NFF does not even have the right to do that,” the official said.
The source added that the 18-year-old believes a strong showing at the World Cup would significantly enhance her profile and open bigger opportunities in the future.
“She feels that performing well at the World Cup will further boost her career, so there’s no need to rush things. She is a fantastic player with a very bright future.”
Akekoromowei recently underlined her importance to the Falconets by scoring the winning goal in a 2–1 friendly victory over FC Robo Queens. She was also part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
At club level, the Bayelsa Queens forward enjoyed a remarkable season, earning the Most Valuable Player award in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), further cementing her status as one of the country’s most exciting young talents.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2026 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has called on South Africans to boycott the upcoming FIFA World Cup, citing safety and human rights concerns linked to matches scheduled to be hosted in the United States.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to run from 11 June to 19 July, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. However, Malema has urged both football fans and the national team, Bafana Bafana, to stay away from the tournament’s American leg.
Malema, a long-time critic of former US President Donald Trump and his policies, referenced America’s immigration laws and recent travel restrictions, describing them as violations of human rights.
Speaking to the SABC, the EFF leader said South Africa could not guarantee the safety of its citizens attending matches in the US.
“We cannot guarantee the security of our fans if they are allowed in. It is not safe to go to America — not only during the World Cup. This is not the time. It is dangerous.”
He further called on the national team to take a firm political stance.
“South Africa, Bafana Bafana must officially withdraw. We must boycott the World Cup in America and boycott anything that has got to do with America.”
Malema’s remarks follow comments from former FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who also advised fans to avoid matches in the United States due to security concerns linked to political tensions.
Gayton McKenzie Disagrees — and Backs Bafana Bafana
In contrast, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has encouraged South Africans to attend the tournament, dismissing fears around safety.
Speaking to SportsBlog247.com, McKenzie said fans who follow the correct visa procedures have nothing to worry about.
“If you want to go to the World Cup and you have a visa, what problems do you have? If you go through the proper processes of attaining a visa, you will be fine.”
The minister also defended the US administration’s immigration enforcement policies and warned that a boycott could have serious consequences for South African football.
“People who are saying that we must boycott the World Cup are suffering from cow disease. The repercussions for South Africa would be severe, and we would be banned from international football.”
McKenzie went further by expressing bold confidence in the national team’s chances at the tournament.
“There is no country like South Africa, and I definitely think we will win the World Cup. You may look at stats and all that, but that’s not how football works. I go with my heart — we will win.”
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana international Ransford-Yeboah Konigsdorffer was among the standout performers as Hamburger SV recorded an impressive 2–0 away victory over FC Heidenheim in the German Bundesliga on Saturday.
The Black Stars forward was named in the starting lineup and featured for 68 minutes, playing a key role in a disciplined and dominant display by the visitors at the Voith-Arena.
Konigsdorffer made his impact count before the half-hour mark, opening the scoring after a well-timed assist from Philip Otele. His composed finish ensured Hamburg went into the break with a deserved advantage.
Hamburger SV maintained their control after the interval and sealed the win late on, with Rayan Philippe finding the net in the 78th minute to put the result beyond doubt.
While the 24-year-old has endured a relatively modest Bundesliga campaign — netting two goals in 20 league appearances — his overall tally stands at three goals in 23 matches across all competitions.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup edging closer, Konigsdorffer will be aiming to build consistency in front of goal as he pushes for a place in Ghana’s Black Stars squad ahead of the global showpiece set for June–July.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana international Ibrahim Osman enjoyed a landmark moment in his young career on Saturday, scoring his first goal for Birmingham City to inspire a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Leicester City in the English Championship.
The 21-year-old winger, who joined the Blues on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion during the winter transfer window, was handed a starting role and delivered a tireless, all-action performance at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.
Birmingham City made a lightning start, with Osman opening the scoring just three minutes into the contest, confidently firing home to give the hosts early control of a fiercely contested encounter.
Leicester City responded midway through the first half when fellow Ghanaian Fatawu Issahaku struck in the 21st minute, restoring parity and ensuring the teams went into the break level.
However, Birmingham showed greater resolve after the interval. Their dominance paid off in the 67th minute when Jay Stansfield converted after being teed up by Marvin Ducksch, sealing a crucial home win.
Osman has now registered one goal in his first three appearances for Birmingham City, who remain firmly in the promotion hunt. After 31 matches, the Blues sit 10th on the table with 45 points.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup drawing closer, the exciting winger will be eager to build momentum during his loan spell as he pushes for a place in Ghana’s Black Stars squad ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, USA, World Cup
African football had a statement year in 2025 — and the echoes will be loud well into 2026. From Europe’s biggest stages to AFCON heroics and continental club dominance, these stars didn’t just perform; they defined the year.
Drawing from elite club form in the 2024/25 season and unforgettable displays at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, here are the African players who owned 2025 and are primed to keep ruling the global game in 2026, whether or not the World Cup takes centre stage.
Who was Africa’s best footballer of 2025?
Without much debate, PSG and Morocco right-back Achraf Hakimi stood above the rest — a season of trophies, leadership, and world-class consistency.
1. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / PSG)
The face of African football in 2025. Hakimi captained Morocco to the AFCON final and was the driving force behind PSG’s historic first UEFA Champions League triumph, capped by a domestic treble. Crowned African Footballer of the Year, he redefined what it means to be an elite modern full-back.
2. Sadio Mané (Senegal / Al Nassr)
Class is permanent. Mané inspired Senegal to AFCON glory, earning Player of the Tournament honours as the Lions of Teranga lifted their second continental title. His leadership and decisive moments proved that even in 2026, he remains African royalty.
3. Mohamed Salah (Egypt / Liverpool)
Another season, another historic Salah campaign. With 29 league goals, he fired Liverpool to a landmark 20th Premier League title. Despite AFCON disappointment, his staggering goal contributions reaffirmed his status as Africa’s most reliable global superstar.
4. Serhou Guirassy (Guinea / Borussia Dortmund)
2025 announced Guirassy to the world. Joint-top scorer in the UEFA Champions League with 13 goals, he terrorised Europe’s best defences and emerged as Africa’s deadliest striker on the biggest stage.
5. Ademola Lookman (Nigeria / Atalanta → Atlético Madrid)
From Europa League heroics to a blockbuster move to Atlético Madrid, Lookman’s rise was unstoppable. At AFCON, he was Nigeria’s creative engine, earning a place in the Team of the Tournament and cementing his big-game reputation.
6. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria / Galatasaray)
Pure power, pure goals. Osimhen smashed 37 goals for Galatasaray and carried that intensity into AFCON, where Nigeria finished third. No African striker blends physicality and finishing quite like him.
7. Yassine “Bono” Bounou (Morocco / Al Hilal)
Impenetrable. Bono conceded just two goals en route to winning AFCON’s Best Goalkeeper award and later earned a place in the FIFA Club World Cup Best XI — the only African keeper to do so in 2025.
8. Fiston Mayele (DR Congo / Pyramids FC)
A reminder that greatness isn’t only forged in Europe. Mayele powered Pyramids FC to their maiden CAF Champions League title, finishing as top scorer and claiming CAF Interclub Player of the Year honours.
9. Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal / Crystal Palace)
Explosive, relentless, decisive. Sarr was a key weapon in Senegal’s AFCON-winning squad and backed it up with consistent Premier League performances, rounding off a trophy-filled and influential year.
