by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 22, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo believes the Black Stars’ dominant 5-0 win over Chad in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers is a major confidence booster ahead of tougher challenges.
The Black Stars had struggled in front of goal, netting only three times in their previous six matches—a barren spell that contributed to their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. However, their emphatic victory at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday showcased a revitalized attacking force.
“I feel like we’ve got goal scorers in the team. We just need to get into the right positions, and we’ve done that today. Scoring five goals is a confidence booster,” Semenyo said after the match.
Semenyo set the tone early, finding the net just two minutes in. Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Salisu, and Ernest Nuamah followed with goals of their own as Ghana overwhelmed Chad with relentless attacking play.
Ghana controlled possession and created numerous chances, displaying an attacking sharpness that had been absent in recent performances.
The victory lifts Ghana to the top of Group I with 12 points, two ahead of Madagascar, their next opponent. With a pivotal clash looming on Monday, Otto Addo’s side aims to carry their momentum forward and strengthen their position in the race for a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 22, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
After an emphatic 5-0 victory over Chad, Ghana coach Otto Addo is already shifting focus to the Black Stars’ next challenge—a crucial World Cup qualifier against Madagascar.
The Black Stars will lock horns with Madagascar on Monday, March 24, in Morocco, in what Addo believes will be a far tougher test than their recent triumph.
“First of all, I am happy that we won, also that we scored a lot of goals,” Addo remarked after the dominant performance against Chad. “But to be honest, we have to concentrate on Monday. It will be a different game. It will be much, much difficult, and we are already thinking ahead of that game.”
Ghana wasted no time asserting their dominance against Chad, with Antoine Semenyo opening the scoring just two minutes into the match. Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Salisu, and Ernest Nuamah added their names to the scoresheet, delivering a comprehensive attacking display.
The win propelled Ghana to the top of Group I with 12 points, holding a two-point advantage over second-placed Madagascar. With the stakes rising, the upcoming clash is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the Black Stars’ path to the 2026 World Cup.
As the team prepares for the tougher battle ahead, Addo and his squad are determined to maintain their momentum and solidify their lead in the group.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
As Zimbabwe’s Warriors prepare for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria, they have received a significant boost from their government. President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa has announced a $150,000 winning bonus for each victory in their qualification campaign, a move aimed at inspiring the team to push for a historic spot at the World Cup.
This financial pledge follows the government’s earlier allocation of $1 million to support the Warriors’ participation in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Finals. In an official statement, the government reaffirmed its commitment to the development of football in Zimbabwe and called on the nation to rally behind the team.
With a spirited comeback against Benin Republic, where they fought back from a two-goal deficit, Zimbabwe has shown resilience and determination. Now, as they prepare to face Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on March 25, they are looking to capitalize on this momentum.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles, struggling with only three points from their first four matches, are under immense pressure to revive their qualification hopes. With Zimbabwe hungry for victory and backed by financial incentives, an intense battle awaits in Uyo. Can the Warriors pull off a stunning upset, or will Nigeria finally turn their campaign around?
All eyes will be on Uyo as the drama unfolds.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
As the Super Eagles prepare for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to secure victory.
Touching down in Kigali on Monday alongside teammates William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Alex Iwobi, Lookman wasted no time joining the team’s full training sessions. The 27-year-old, fresh off his coronation as Africa’s Best Player, emphasized the significance of the upcoming clash, acknowledging Rwanda’s quality but backing Nigeria to rise to the occasion.
“It’s a blessing, an honour, and a pleasure to be among the greats who have won this award, like my brother Victor Osimhen last year,” Lookman told the NFF in an interview.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s encounter, he stressed the team’s unity and determination.
“We know Rwanda is a good team, but our focus is on ourselves. We want to impose our game, work hard, and fight for the win. The squad is filled with incredible players, and most importantly, we are a close-knit group with a shared objective—to win.”
The Super Eagles will battle Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, March 21, before returning to Uyo to take on Zimbabwe four days later. With a slow start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, Nigeria must secure maximum points in both fixtures to get back on track.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Osimhen’s Price Falls, but Barcelona Looms: Will He Finally Get His Big Move?
Victor Osimhen has been nothing short of sensational in Turkey, yet his market value continues to dip. Despite netting 26 goals and providing five assists in 30 games for Galatasaray, Transfermarkt’s latest update sees the Nigerian striker’s valuation drop from €75 million to €70 million.
This marks the second consecutive decrease since Osimhen arrived in the Süper Lig on loan from Napoli, a stark contrast to the €100 million valuation he carried before his move. The lack of a high-profile transfer to a top European league has seemingly impacted his market perception.
“In the winter, there were many speculations about whether Osimhen would leave Galatasaray before his loan ended,” said Lara Karacan, Türkiye Area Manager at Transfermarkt. “Several clubs were reportedly ready to trigger his €75 million exit clause, but his decision to stay has influenced his market value.”
Despite this, Osimhen remains the most valuable player in the Turkish league and continues to attract interest from major European clubs. One of those clubs is Barcelona, who are already planning for life after Robert Lewandowski.
Osimhen to Barcelona? A Possible Successor for Lewandowski
With Lewandowski still firing at 36, scoring 35 goals this season, Barcelona is looking ahead. According to reports from Football Italia, citing Corriere dello Sport, the Catalan giants are considering Osimhen as a long-term successor to the Polish striker.
Barça, however, are not alone in their search. Other options include Alexander Isak (Newcastle), Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP), Jonathan David (Lille), and Dušan Vlahović (Juventus). Yet, Osimhen’s electrifying pace, clinical finishing, and ability to link up with young sensation Lamine Yamal could make him their priority.
Napoli still holds the cards, with Osimhen’s contract running until June 2026 and an option for a further extension. However, tensions between the player and the club could open the door for negotiations below his release clause.
The coming months could define Osimhen’s career. Will he finally secure the blockbuster move he has long been linked with, or will his market value continue to fluctuate in limbo? Only time will tell.
