by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 16, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s senior men’s national team faces a somber regroup ahead of final, now-meaningless qualifier against Niger.
The Black Stars returned to Accra on Saturday morning following a 1-1 draw against Angola on Friday night in their penultimate match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Touching down at Kotoka International Airport at 9:45 AM, the team arrived to a subdued atmosphere as the result confirmed their elimination from the tournament.
Under head coach Otto Addo, the Black Stars had needed a win in Angola to keep their qualification hopes alive. The draw at the Estádio 11 de Novembro left Ghana stranded at the bottom of Group F with just three points from five matches.
The team’s chances had briefly flickered following Niger’s surprise 4-0 thrashing of Sudan, which provided a slim lifeline. However, the draw in Angola dashed any remaining hope, rendering Monday’s final game against Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium meaningless.
Ghana sits fourth in Group F, trailing leaders Angola by ten points, five behind second-placed Sudan, and one below Niger in third. This marks the first time in 21 years that the Black Stars will miss the Africa Cup of Nations, a bitter disappointment for a nation with a proud footballing tradition.
The team will now regroup to face Niger, with questions already swirling around the future of Otto Addo and the direction of the Black Stars program.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 16, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana coach reflects on costly shortcomings as Black Stars fail to qualify for Africa’s biggest football tournament.
Ghana’s hopes of featuring in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) came to a heartbreaking end after a 1-1 draw against Angola at the Estádio 11 de Novembro. The result, coupled with earlier struggles, sealed the Black Stars’ fate, leaving them unable to progress from Group F.
Reflecting on the campaign, head coach Otto Addo pointed to Ghana’s inability to capitalize on home advantage as the primary reason for their failure. The Black Stars managed just one point from their home games, a fatal flaw in a qualifying group where away victories are notoriously difficult.
“In tournaments like these, winning your home games is very, very important,” Addo lamented in his post-match interview. “We lost to Angola at home despite being the better team, and those missed opportunities have cost us dearly. Playing away is always challenging because every nation is strong on their own soil.”
The Black Stars entered the Angola clash needing a win to revive their chances, following a lifeline handed by Sudan’s heavy 4-0 loss to Niger. However, their inability to secure maximum points, combined with earlier setbacks, left them at the bottom of Group F with just two points from five matches.
Ghana’s failure to qualify for the AFCON marks a historic low point—it’s the first time in 21 years that the four-time champions will miss the tournament. With their final group match against Niger now a mere formality, questions about the team’s direction and future have begun to loom large.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 16, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Nigerian star Duke Udi questions the rationale behind Real Sociedad striker’s national team inclusion.
In a brewing controversy, Real Sociedad forward Umar Sadiq has come under fire for arriving late to the Super Eagles camp ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The 26-year-old, who last donned the national colors at the 2021 AFCON, arrived on Wednesday morning, two days after most of his teammates had reported.
Sadiq’s inclusion in the 23-man squad, named by caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen, has been a subject of debate. Critics argue that more deserving strikers like Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers and Genk’s Tolu Arokodare were overlooked despite their stellar club form.
Former Nigerian international Duke Udi added fuel to the fire during an interview on Brila FM’s No Holds Barred. He expressed frustration with Sadiq’s late arrival and questioned his attitude towards representing Nigeria.
“Sadiq’s case seems like someone who doesn’t want to represent the country. Then you call him up—what do you expect?” Udi asked. “If you don’t want to play, it’s fine—just say it. But don’t disrespect the others who are fully committed by strolling into camp casually.”
Udi also took aim at the decision to invite Sadiq, given his struggles at Real Sociedad, where the striker has failed to find form or secure regular playing time.
“He’s not even going to play. Why invite him when he’s barely featuring for his club? It’s unnecessary stress,” Udi said.
The criticisms seemed validated when Sadiq remained on the bench during Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Benin. Victor Osimhen’s late heroics rescued a point for the Super Eagles, leaving fans and analysts wondering about Sadiq’s role in the team.
With the spotlight on him, Sadiq will hope to prove his critics wrong when Nigeria faces Rwanda in Uyo on Monday.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 16, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Victor Osimhen’s dazzling form for Galatasaray has earned widespread praise, but former Trabzonspor striker Erman Özgür has warned the Turkish giants about the uphill task of replacing the Nigerian forward when his loan spell ends.
Since joining Galatasaray from Napoli in September, Osimhen has been a transformative presence for Okan Buruk’s side. The 25-year-old has played a pivotal role in solidifying their dominance in the Trendyol Süper Lig, where they sit five points clear at the top of the table with the highest goal tally in the league.
Osimhen’s impact extends beyond domestic success. In the UEFA Europa League, Galatasaray are yet to lose a game and have scored 12 goals—second only to Ajax Amsterdam. The Super Eagles star has been instrumental in making them one of the tournament’s favorites.
Speaking on SkySpor’s YouTube channel, Özgür expressed his admiration for Osimhen’s contributions, emphasizing how irreplaceable he has become. “From the moment you got Osimhen, Galatasaray became the favorite for the UEFA Cup,” Özgür remarked. “After he leaves, Galatasaray fans will not be satisfied with any other striker.”
Highlighting the forward’s unique qualities, Özgür added, “He’s a player with no ego. He’s ambitious, intelligent, and enjoys every moment on the pitch. Galatasaray’s target should be the European Cup as long as nothing happens to him.”
While Galatasaray reportedly hopes to secure a permanent deal for Osimhen, Napoli director Giovanni Manna has ruled out such a move. Fenerbahçe has also been linked with the 2023 Ballon d’Or nominee, but the club’s Vice-President Acun Ilıcalı has dismissed the speculation.
Osimhen’s stellar performances have raised Galatasaray’s ambitions this season, but the looming question remains: How will they fill the void when their star striker inevitably departs?
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 16, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has earned plaudits for his performances on international duty with Nigeria, further cementing his reputation as a key player for both club and country.
Ndidi, who has been integral to Leicester City’s decent start to the Premier League season under manager Steve Cooper, carried his impressive form into Nigeria’s recent clash against Benin. The Super Eagles managed to salvage a late 1-1 draw thanks to Victor Osimhen’s equalizer, but it was Ndidi’s work in the midfield that caught the eye.
Starting and completing the full 90 minutes, Ndidi was praised for his tireless contributions on both ends of the pitch. Nigerian media outlet Premium Times awarded him a 7/10 rating, highlighting his effectiveness in tackles, passes, and duels. “Ndidi’s play was effective, leading in tackles, passes, and duels. He worked tirelessly in both defensive and offensive transitions,” the outlet reported.
Among his teammates, only Osimhen received equal recognition for his game-saving goal, making Ndidi’s performance a standout.
For Foxes fans, Ndidi’s strong showing for Nigeria is another reason to celebrate. Leicester, who returned to the Premier League after winning the EFL Championship under former manager Enzo Maresca, currently sit in 15th place. While this campaign could have been a challenging one, Steve Cooper’s leadership and the form of players like Ndidi have helped steady the team.
As Leicester looks to climb the table, Ndidi’s consistency at both club and international levels will be crucial for their success.
