by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Antoine Semenyo’s rise in English football continues to turn heads, with Manchester United reportedly among the clubs closely monitoring the Ghanaian winger’s progress.
The 25-year-old has been a key figure in Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth side, playing a vital role in their attacking play. His performances this season have been nothing short of remarkable, with seven goals and four assists in the Premier League, adding up to nine goals and five assists across all competitions in 32 appearances.
His form has drawn widespread attention, and local journalist Dylan McBennett has revealed that Manchester United are tracking his development, further fueling speculation about a potential move to Old Trafford.
Despite the growing interest, Semenyo remains focused on Bournemouth’s ambitions. With a contract running until 2029, the Cherries hold a strong position in negotiations, but the prospect of joining a European giant like United could influence his future choices.
For now, however, Semenyo’s attention is on international duty. Currently in Accra with the Black Stars, he is preparing for Ghana’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar, set for Friday and Monday, respectively. Whether a move materializes or not, his star continues to shine brightly in European football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 19, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Accra, Ghana – As the Black Stars gear up for their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers, they are set to receive a special visitor. Former President John Dramani Mahama is expected to attend the team’s closed-door training session on Wednesday, offering words of encouragement ahead of their must-win clash against Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on March 21.
With the session strictly off-limits to the media and public, head coach Otto Addo will use the time to fine-tune his squad after a disappointing run that saw Ghana miss out on AFCON 2025. Mahama’s visit is seen as a timely morale booster, aiming to reignite the team’s confidence as they prepare for their second qualifier against Madagascar in Morocco three days later.
Ghana’s hopes of making it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup rest on these upcoming matches, and the presence of a national leader could provide the psychological edge they need to bounce back stronger.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 19, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Accra, Ghana – March 17, 2025
Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has confirmed that President John Dramani Mahama is fully backing the budget for the Black Stars’ 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Speaking after attending the team’s training session at the Accra Sports Stadium, Adams emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring the national team has the necessary resources to succeed.
“We will support whatever we have to do, and the president is supporting us to ensure we take care of the necessary things,” Adams stated.
The Black Stars currently sit second in their group with nine points from four matches. With crucial qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar ahead, securing victories will be essential in keeping their World Cup hopes alive.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 19, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
In the bustling stadiums of Italy, two Nigerian wingers have been weaving magic with their feet. Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze, both known for their dazzling dribbles, have earned spots among Serie A’s top 50 dribblers for the 2024-25 season.
Lookman, Atalanta’s attacking dynamo, has been Nigeria’s standout performer in the Italian top flight, ranking 22nd with 27 completed dribbles in 23 games. But the former Everton man offers more than just flair—his 13 goals and five assists have made him one of the league’s most dangerous forwards.
Chukwueze, meanwhile, sits 40th on the list with 20 successful dribbles, a commendable feat given his limited minutes at AC Milan. The tricky winger, despite making just nine league starts, boasts an impressive dribbling rate of 2.2 per 90 minutes.
At the summit of Serie A’s dribbling charts stands Como’s Nico Paz, who has outmaneuvered defenders 57 times, with Milan’s Rafael Leão (50) and Venezia’s Gaetano Oristanio (48) following closely behind.
Now, as Nigeria gears up for crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, Lookman and Chukwueze will look to translate their club form to the international stage. With Lookman expected to start and Chukwueze fighting for his place, the Super Eagles will hope their dribbling maestros can unlock defenses and fire them closer to World Cup qualification.
The stage is set. Can Nigeria’s magicians conjure victory?
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
As Chelsea FC celebrates its 120-year anniversary, fans are being given a special role in shaping history—by voting for the club’s all-time greatest team.
The ‘Team of 120’ shortlist features some of Stamford Bridge’s most iconic players, with former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel earning a nomination in midfield. He is joined by Eddie Newton, another player of Nigerian descent, as they compete against 28 other legends for a spot in the final XI.
Mikel’s legacy at Chelsea is undeniable. Spending 11 years in West London, he won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, the Europa League, and the coveted UEFA Champions League in 2012. Across 372 appearances, he played a crucial role in midfield, renowned for his composure and defensive prowess.
Despite Mikel’s inclusion, some notable Nigerian names were left off the list. Celestine Babayaro, Chelsea’s first-ever African signing and a cult hero at the Bridge, did not make the cut. Neither did Victor Moses, who played a key role in Antonio Conte’s title-winning 2016/17 campaign, or Kenneth Omeruo, a long-time Chelsea player who never truly got his chance in the first team.
As the voting process unfolds, Chelsea fans will determine whether Mikel Obi secures a place in the club’s all-time best XI.
