by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
A Fresh Start for Nigeria’s World Cup Quest
Ademola Lookman, the reigning CAF Player of the Year, has expressed his confidence in the Super Eagles’ future under new head coach Eric Chelle. The 27-year-old forward, fresh off a UEFA Europa League triumph, believes the squad is adapting well to Chelle’s tactical approach.
Having arrived in Kigali alongside William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Alex Iwobi, Lookman is focused on Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Rwanda on Friday. After the team’s second training session, he shared his optimism.
“No pressure at all,” Lookman told Sportsblog247.com. “I’m just happy to be back with the squad. We’ve had multiple meetings about the manager’s tactics—how we attack, defend, and approach the game. Everyone is buying into his ideas, and the energy is positive.”
Lookman missed Nigeria’s last encounter with Rwanda due to injury, a match that ended in a disappointing 2-1 defeat for the Super Eagles in Uyo. However, he is determined to help the team turn things around.
With back-to-back must-win qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, Nigeria must step up to revive their World Cup hopes. The first challenge comes on March 21 in Kigali, followed by a home clash against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on March 25.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Ghanaian midfield maestro Michael Essien has urged football fans to move on from the Black Stars’ disappointing failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ghana endured a frustrating qualifying campaign, finishing at the bottom of their group with just three points from six matches—three defeats and three draws. As a result, the four-time African champions will miss the continental tournament for the first time in 20 years.
Speaking to Sporty FM, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid star admitted his surprise at Ghana’s elimination but highlighted deeper issues within the team.
“I would say I was surprised we didn’t make it to the AFCON, but there’s a whole lot going on with the Black Stars,” Essien stated. “It is sad, but we have to move on. What has happened has happened, and sometimes it’s better not to qualify than to just add to the numbers. If you qualify, you have to compete.”
The Black Stars now shift their focus to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with their first match since the AFCON setback coming against Chad on Friday, followed by a crucial clash with Madagascar on March 24.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Madagascar has surged to the top of Group I in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers after a stunning comeback victory over the Central African Republic (CAR).
Heading into the match, the Barea were third in the standings behind Comoros and Ghana, needing a win to strengthen their qualification hopes. Despite a shaky start, Madagascar showcased resilience and determination to claim a commanding 4-1 win on away soil.
CAR opened the scoring early, with Hugo Gambor netting in the ninth minute to put the hosts ahead. However, Madagascar quickly regrouped, turning the game around before halftime. Rayan Raveloson led the charge, striking twice in the 17th and 21st minutes to put his side in control.
In the second half, the visitors extended their lead with goals from Arnaud Randriantenaina and Lalaina Cliver Rafanomezantsoa, sealing a crucial three points. With this emphatic victory, Madagascar leapfrogs both Ghana and Comoros to claim the top spot in the group.
As the Round 5 fixtures continue, the standings remain fluid, with Comoros now second, Ghana third, Mali fourth, and CAR and Chad in fifth and sixth, respectively. The battle for World Cup qualification is heating up, and Madagascar has sent a strong statement with their latest performance.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Michael Essien still carries the pain of an unfulfilled dream—lifting the Africa Cup of Nations trophy with Ghana. As one of the greatest midfielders to ever don the Black Stars jersey, he was a key figure in the 2008 AFCON squad that came agonizingly close to glory on home soil.
In a candid conversation with Sporty FM, Essien reflected on that tournament, expressing his disappointment. “It still hurts. We were so unlucky in 2008. We got so close, but it just didn’t happen,” the former Chelsea star admitted.
Ghana had a golden opportunity to end their trophy drought, but fate had other plans. Essien, along with his talented teammates, pushed the Black Stars to the semifinals, only to see their dreams shattered. The pain was compounded in 2010 when they lost another final to Egypt.
Despite retiring from international football in 2012, Essien’s longing for AFCON glory remains. Since his departure, Ghana has only reached one final (2015), falling to Côte d’Ivoire in a heartbreaking penalty shootout.
The wait for AFCON success continues, but for Essien and his generation, the pain of 2008 will always linger.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a significant move to enhance Ghana’s football landscape, Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku met with the Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Roey Gilad, to discuss strategic football collaborations between the two nations.
The meeting, held at the Israeli Embassy in Accra on March 19, 2025, focused on strengthening football ties through bilateral initiatives. Ghana and Israel share a deep football history, with Ghanaian players excelling in Israeli clubs and former Black Stars coach Avram Grant leaving a lasting legacy. Israeli tactician Eyal Lachman also made his mark with Ghanaian powerhouse Hearts of Oak.
Key discussions revolved around technical exchange programs, grassroots football development, and opportunities for Ghana’s U-15 national team to participate in an international tournament in Israel. The GFA is also seeking investment from Israeli companies operating in Ghana to support football infrastructure and training initiatives.
Coach attachment programs were another major highlight, with plans to send Ghanaian coaches to Israel for modern IT-based football training while welcoming Israeli experts to Ghana to share best practices. Additionally, specialists will be brought in to train local pitch managers, improving playing surfaces nationwide.
President Okraku expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This engagement is a great step towards strengthening our football ecosystem. By leveraging Israel’s expertise in sports science and technology, we can create more opportunities for Ghanaian footballers, coaches, and administrators.”
The GFA remains committed to fostering international partnerships to drive football development and will work closely with stakeholders to implement these initiatives in the coming months.
