by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 6, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars, have paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Christian Atsu, three years after his passing, celebrating the life and legacy of a player whose humility, dedication and love for country left an indelible mark.
In a message posted on the team’s official X account, the Black Stars remembered Atsu as a footballer who proudly wore the national colours and represented Ghana with distinction both on and off the pitch.
Fondly known as “Twasam,” Atsu is remembered not only for his contributions on the field but also for his quiet generosity and selfless commitment to helping others. His humility and compassion earned him deep respect from teammates, supporters and the wider football fraternity.
The former Chelsea and Newcastle United winger earned numerous caps for Ghana, featuring at major international tournaments including the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup, where he consistently gave his best in service of the Black Stars.
Although three years have passed since his tragic death, Atsu’s legacy continues to inspire, standing as a powerful reminder of the values of patriotism, humility and commitment that defined his career.
The Black Stars ended their tribute by wishing him eternal rest, affirming that Christian Atsu’s memory will forever remain part of Ghana’s football history.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 6, 2026 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigerian international Samuel Chukwueze has been shortlisted for Fulham’s Goal of the Month award for January 2026 following his impressive strike against Brighton.
The Super Eagles winger earned the nomination for his crucial equaliser in Fulham’s 2–1 home victory over the Seagulls, finding the net 18 minutes from full time to spark the comeback at Craven Cottage.
Chukwueze, currently on loan from Serie A giants AC Milan, has enjoyed a strong start to life in the Premier League. The 26-year-old has contributed five goals and two assists in just 11 league appearances for the Cottagers.
He faces stiff competition for the award, with Harry Wilson leading the nominations list after being shortlisted four times. Seven other players — Tom Cairney, Jade Bradley, Harrison Reed, Aaron Loupalo-Bi, Kevin, Farhaan and Ali Wahid — have also been nominated.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 6, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye has called on the Ghana Football Association to prioritise the inclusion of English-born players in the Black Stars squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana have been drawn into a challenging Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. The Black Stars will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27 in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In an interview with Citi Sports, Vanderpuye stressed that players such as Callum Hudson-Odoi, Josh Acheampong and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi could offer Ghana a crucial psychological edge—especially in the high-profile clash against England.
“The game I’m really looking forward to is the one against England,” Vanderpuye said. “That’s why I want not just Semenyo, but also Callum Hudson-Odoi, Josh Acheampong and Rak-Sakyi. Their mere presence can give us a psychological advantage in that match.”
He further explained that familiarity between players can significantly influence outcomes at the highest level, citing how defenders often fare better against attackers they know well.
“In football, when you know a player, you understand his movement and tendencies,” he added, suggesting that such inside knowledge could swing key moments in Ghana’s favour.
With the group stage fixtures confirmed, anticipation is already building around Ghana’s showdown with England, a match many see as decisive in the Black Stars’ quest to progress at the World Cup.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 5, 2026 | Africa, Athletics, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana coach Otto Addo has described his encounter with German sprint sensation Owen Ansah as a special moment, following their meeting at a sports event in Hamburg.
Sharing the experience on Instagram, Addo said it was an honour to connect with Ansah, noting that both were born in Hamburg and share Ghanaian heritage. He highlighted the significance of the meeting as a reflection of the growing impact of athletes with Ghanaian roots in global sports.
Addo was invited to a podium discussion at the German Sport and Olympic Museum, hosted by the German Olympic Sports Confederation. The event brought together leading figures in sports to discuss identity, performance, and development in modern athletics.
On the panel, Addo joined Oumi Janta, Shary Reeves, Lisa Mayer, and Owen Ansah, offering insights from his career as a professional footballer and national team coach.
The interaction also emphasized the strong ties between Ghana and its diaspora in Europe, with Addo’s post resonating widely among fans who celebrated the shared heritage and unity across different sporting disciplines.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 5, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
The government has revealed plans to facilitate the participation of Ghanaian supporters at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aiming to boost fan presence and national support during the tournament.
Details on logistics, ticket allocation, and travel arrangements are expected to be released in the coming months as preparations for the World Cup in North America intensify.
