by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 18, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Myron Boadu is back in the spotlight at VfL Bochum — this time for the right reasons.
After being left out of the squad for the 2–1 defeat to FC Augsburg due to a disciplinary issue, the Dutch-Ghanaian striker has returned to full training and is now firmly in contention for a starting berth in Saturday’s fixture against Werder Bremen.
Boadu’s absence last weekend followed a heated training ground incident, but the 24-year-old has since held constructive talks with head coach Dieter Hecking. According to Hecking, the air has been cleared. “We have spoken out,” the coach revealed in his pre-match press conference. “I definitely see him as an alternative for the starting eleven.”
Boadu has responded with maturity and determination, impressing during training and reaffirming his value to the team. Despite the recent setback, he remains Bochum’s leading scorer this season with seven goals — a testament to his attacking instincts and quality in front of goal.
Hecking offered praise for Boadu’s mentality and growth, saying, “Myron is a good lad, has his heart in the right place. Sometimes he gets in his own way.”
With form, fitness, and focus on his side, Boadu could now be set for a key role as Bochum aim to bounce back with a win.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 18, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
As the Black Stars bask in the glory of their recent triumphs in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee on Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Ernest Norgbey, has offered a different perspective on the source of Ghana’s winning form.
While many have showered praise on head coach Otto Addo and his technical team for bringing renewed discipline and purpose to the team, Norgbey believes the secret lies beyond the tactical board.
In a recent interview with GHOne TV’s Benjamin Yamoah, the Ashaiman MP argued that the overwhelming public support and surge in national morale were the true game-changers behind Ghana’s 5-0 demolition of Chad and their emphatic 3-0 victory over Madagascar in March.
“Personally, the winning of the Black Stars is not because of technical expediency. I want to believe that it is because of the motivation and aura of the country. I can not equate it to the technical bench,” Norgbey said.
His comments come at a time when optimism around the national team is soaring, after what had been a rough patch marked by inconsistent performances and dwindling fan enthusiasm.
With the Unity Cup in May and more World Cup qualifiers in September, the question remains—can the Black Stars sustain their momentum with both technical acumen and the power of collective support?
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 18, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The next generation of Ghanaian football stars may just be discovered next week, as the Black Starlets’ technical team, under the guidance of Coach Stephen Frimpong Manso, heads to the Greater Accra region to wrap up their Southern sector talent hunt.
Set to begin on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the scouting exercise kicks off at the Tema Sports Stadium. From there, the search continues at the Madina Astro Turf on Wednesday, April 23, before concluding at the Carl Reindorf Park in Dansoman on Thursday, April 24.
This talent hunt, which targets players born after January 1, 2009, forms part of the Ghana Football Association’s broader initiative to build a solid foundation for the U17 National Team — the Black Starlets.
The Greater Accra leg follows earlier scouting rounds in the Southern sector, including stops in Cape Coast, Koforidua, and Ho. These sessions are designed to rigorously screen and select the most promising young talents for national development.
The Black Starlets’ technical team has already covered extensive ground across the country. Their mission has taken them through Northern Ghana — encompassing Brong Ahafo, Northern, Upper East, and Upper West regions — as well as the middle belt regions of Ashanti, Western, and Western North.
As the final phase in the Southern sector unfolds, hopefuls in Greater Accra will be looking to seize the opportunity of a lifetime: to don the national colors and represent Ghana at the U17 level.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 18, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
In a fiery and impassioned interview aired on Senegal’s 2STV, Augustin Senghor, the president of the Senegalese Football Federation and former CAF vice-president, unleashed a scathing critique against what he perceives as Morocco’s rising dominance over African football politics.
The backdrop? Senghor’s disappointing performance in the recent FIFA Council elections on March 12, 2025, where he garnered just 13 out of 53 votes. But Senghor says this isn’t about personal defeat—it’s about an alarming imbalance in power.
“This is not about a strongman,” he declared, “but about a country that has tactically embedded itself into every layer of CAF.” He pointed fingers directly at Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, whom he described as the architect of a “meticulously constructed system of dominance.”
According to Senghor, this system is skewing CAF’s leadership and priorities toward a northern bloc, comprised of Morocco, Egypt, and Mauritania, leaving other regions sidelined.
He didn’t hold back on Morocco’s growing influence, even accusing CAF of turning a blind eye to the ethics of allowing Morocco to host matches for nations whose stadiums are banned. “It’s an ethical dilemma,” he lamented, hinting at unfair advantage and structural manipulation.
Senghor emphasized he won’t compromise his principles for a seat at the high table. “I won’t join up just to earn a place at FIFA or lead CAF,” he said, rejecting what he called “a logic of subordination.”
His most striking appeal was a call for unity and reform. “Is this truly the equality our founding fathers, Mandela, had envisioned?” he asked, urging African football leaders to reclaim autonomy and reassert fairness in decision-making structures.
“If we want Africa to be the mistress of its own fate, it must be voiced in our sporting institutions as well.”
Senghor’s bold stand has ignited a crucial debate across the continent—one that pits politics against principles and questions whether African football is truly representing all its people.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 17, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus has made it clear that he’s far from satisfied with what he has achieved in his football career so far. At just 24 years old, Kudus has already tasted success with Dutch giants Ajax and is now shining in the English Premier League with West Ham United. Yet, he insists his journey has only just begun.
Speaking on his ambitions, Kudus revealed that while he’s proud of what he’s accomplished, he has his sights set on even greater milestones. “This is just the beginning,” he stated. “I still have a lot of goals and things I want to achieve.”
Known for his technical brilliance and match-winning performances, the Black Stars midfielder emphasized his relentless drive to keep pushing forward. “I’ve reached some goals, but I set new ones and will keep aiming high until whenever I hang up my boots,” Kudus added.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Kudus is expected to play a leading role for Ghana as they chase qualification. His hunger for more success—both at club and international level—continues to fuel his rise as one of Africa’s most exciting football talents.
