by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 24, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, believes the Black Stars’ commanding 5-0 victory over Chad has come at the perfect time, boosting team morale ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Madagascar on Monday.
Reflecting on the significance of the win, Addo highlighted the psychological lift it provided. “Surely, we knew before all the games played that everything was still in our hands, and after their results, we realized that if we win, we can stay on top of our table,” Addo said.
“Everybody understood the importance of this game, and I’m very, very happy that we capitalized on our chances, especially in the first half, because it made things easier after the break. Scoring goals was crucial for the boys’ confidence,” he added.
The upcoming clash will be pivotal in shaping Ghana’s path to the 2026 World Cup, and Addo is keen to ensure his team stays grounded while building on their recent success.
The dominant performance pushed Ghana to the summit of Group I, two points clear of Madagascar, who themselves earned a convincing 4-1 win over the Central African Republic.
Despite the emphatic scoreline, some analysts question the quality of opposition Chad provided, pointing to their passive approach and limited attacking threat. However, for Addo and his players, the focus is on maintaining momentum and securing another vital three points against a determined Madagascar side.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 24, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
With the dream of playing on football’s biggest stage within reach, Black Stars striker Antoine Semenyo has called on his teammates to stay focused and seize their opportunity to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After a rocky start to the qualifiers, Ghana has found its rhythm. Back-to-back victories against Mali and the Central African Republic reignited their campaign, and a commanding 5-0 win over Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium further strengthened their position. Semenyo, who was among the scorers in the emphatic win, believes the team now controls its destiny.
“I think anyone wants to play at the World Cup; not many players can say they’ve played at the World Cup,” Semenyo told SuperSport. “We have a great opportunity to qualify now. First, we need to win these two games.”
Semenyo emphasized the significance of playing on the global stage and urged his teammates to maintain their momentum. With Ghana currently sitting atop Group I, a victory in their upcoming clash against Madagascar could significantly boost their chances of securing a place at the tournament, which will be hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
“Playing on the biggest stage in the world is a dream for every player,” he added. “For us, the opportunity is in our hands, and we just need to take it.”
The Black Stars will face Madagascar at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium on Matchday six, with the game scheduled to kick off at 19:00 GMT.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 24, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
In the heart of Uyo, where the sweltering heat presses down like a heavy blanket, Zimbabwe’s Andy Rinomhota is preparing for a battle against the odds. The Cardiff City midfielder believes the Warriors have what it takes to upset Nigeria in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
Nigeria, under new head coach Eric Chelle, arrives at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium buoyed by a crucial 2-0 victory over Rwanda last Friday. The win breathed new life into their World Cup qualification campaign, and the Super Eagles will be eager to maintain their momentum with another three points.
For Zimbabwe, the stakes could not be higher. Rooted at the bottom of Group C with just three points from five matches, the Warriors must deliver an extraordinary performance to keep their World Cup dream alive.
But Rinomhota insists his team is not in Uyo to simply make up the numbers.
“We Respect Nigeria, But Not Too Much,” Says Rinomhota
Reflecting on his debut in the reverse fixture—a 1-1 draw in Rwanda last November—Rinomhota remains optimistic about Zimbabwe’s chances.
“We’re optimistic. We got a result against Nigeria last time, even though it was technically a home game in Rwanda,” he said.
“That was my first game – it was a big test, and the team did well to draw. This time, we want to go a step further. We respect Nigeria, but not too much. We’ll try to impose ourselves. We’ve come here to get a result and keep pushing towards our goal.”
Fighting the Heat: Zimbabwe Braces for Uyo’s Tough Conditions
As if facing a star-studded Nigerian team wasn’t challenging enough, Zimbabwe must also contend with Uyo’s unforgiving climate. During their training session on Monday, temperatures soared to 32°C, with humidity levels reaching 40 percent.
Rinomhota acknowledges the conditions will be a factor but remains focused on preparation.
“I think it’s going to be quite warm and humid. We’re preparing ourselves, even though the game’s later. We had similar conditions against Cameroon last year in the AFCON qualifiers,” he explained.
“We’re trying to start the game well. Everyone is focused on acclimatising fully. The conditions are definitely on everyone’s mind.”
With temperatures expected to rise to 33°C and humidity levels at 42 percent by kickoff, endurance will be just as crucial as tactical discipline.
Nigeria Holds the Historical Advantage
Despite Zimbabwe’s confidence, history remains firmly on Nigeria’s side. The Super Eagles have never lost to Zimbabwe in their last seven encounters, securing four wins and three draws.
With Eric Chelle eager to make a statement in his early tenure, Nigeria will aim to extend their dominance while avoiding any slip-ups.
The match will be officiated by Eritrean referee Tsegay Teklu Mogos, alongside assistants Eyobel Michael and Mengis Sirak Samuel. Kickoff is scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time, with the sun expected to set just before full-time, ensuring challenging conditions throughout.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 24, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
When Sunday Oliseh thinks about the origins of his love for the Super Eagles, his mind travels back to 1980—the year Nigeria claimed its first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.
The former Super Eagles captain recently paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary 1980 squad, crediting them with inspiring his deep connection to the national team and the iconic green and white jersey.
Oliseh’s remarks came in response to a post by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) commemorating the 45th anniversary of that historic triumph. The NFF’s message celebrated Nigeria’s three AFCON victories (1980, 1994, and 2013) and honored the players who laid the foundation for the nation’s footballing legacy.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Oliseh reflected on the profound influence of the 1980 Green Eagles:
“This team was hugely responsible for my love of the Super Eagles green white green colours; Odegbami, Chukwu, Okala, Atuegbu, Muda Lawal, Nwosu, Owo Blow… They all had technical prowess, strength, and style. Naija sabi do things with style sha!!”
The 1980 squad, led by the charismatic Christian Chukwu and powered by the brilliance of Segun Odegbami, captured the nation’s imagination by defeating Algeria 3-0 in the final at the National Stadium in Lagos. Odegbami dazzled with two goals while Muda Lawal added the third, sealing a historic win on home soil.
For Oliseh, who played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s second AFCON triumph in 1994, the legacy of the 1980 team remains a powerful source of inspiration. He has consistently acknowledged how their technical finesse and stylish play left an indelible mark on his career and on Nigerian football as a whole.
As the Super Eagles continue their quest for a fourth continental crown, the memory of the 1980 heroes remains a beacon for future generations—a reminder that when it comes to football, “Naija sabi do things with style.”
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 24, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
As Zimbabwe prepares for a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria, winger Tawanda Chirewa is refusing to be intimidated by the star-studded Super Eagles.
The 21-year-old, who plies his trade in England with EFL League One side Huddersfield Town on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, remains defiant ahead of Tuesday’s showdown at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
“I’m just focused on recovery and preparing to go again on Tuesday against Nigeria, which is a very good team,” Chirewa told The Standard, via Sportsblog247.com. “A lot of their players compete in England and Europe, but I want to go out there and showcase my abilities. Our squad also has plenty of talented players, so there’s no reason to fear Nigeria.”
Zimbabwe finds itself in a precarious position at the bottom of Group C with only three points from five matches. With their World Cup dreams hanging by a thread, an upset victory over Nigeria is vital to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles are riding a wave of renewed confidence under new head coach Eric Chelle. A 2-0 victory over Rwanda last Friday provided a much-needed boost after a sluggish start to their campaign. Nigeria will aim for back-to-back wins to strengthen their bid for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
History, however, is on Nigeria’s side. The Super Eagles remain unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Zimbabwe, recording four wins and three draws. But with Chirewa and his teammates determined to defy the odds, Nigeria cannot afford to be complacent.
Eritrean referee Tsegay Teklu Mogos will officiate the match, assisted by Eyobel Michael and Mengis Sirak Samuel. Kickoff is set for 5pm Nigerian time.
