by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 5, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has officially ended his association with South African side Chippa United after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract, closing the curtain on a four-year spell with the club.
In a statement released on Thursday, Chippa United confirmed that the 29-year-old requested to leave the club, despite having signed a three-year contract extension in 2024. The management said the request was accepted, paving the way for Nwabali to move on as a free agent.
“We would like to sincerely thank Stanley Nwabali for the years of service, commitment, and professionalism he has shown during his time at Chippa United Football Club,” the club said. “His contribution will always be appreciated, and we wish him success in the next chapter of his career.”
Nwabali also took to Instagram to share an emotional farewell message, expressing gratitude to the club and its supporters.
“I leave with a heart full of gratitude… this isn’t just a farewell; it’s an appreciation for every moment you’ve given me,” he wrote.
The Nigerian international joined Chippa United from Katsina United in 2022 and went on to establish himself as a key figure in the team. During his time at the club, he made 76 appearances across all competitions, kept 25 clean sheets, and boosted his profile with standout performances.
On the international stage, Nwabali played a crucial role in Nigeria’s third-place finish at the AFCON 2025, further underlining his growing reputation as one of the Super Eagles’ dependable goalkeepers.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 5, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Black Galaxies goalkeeper Lawrence Osei has reportedly retired from active football after relocating to the United States to pursue new opportunities beyond the game.
The 25-year-old former Kpando Heart of Lions shot-stopper is said to have left Ghana earlier this year, with reports emerging on February 4, 2026. His departure has attracted attention largely due to the circumstances surrounding his exit from the club.
According to multiple sources, Osei left Heart of Lions without officially informing the club’s management, effectively abandoning his contract. Club officials only became aware of his decision after he had already arrived in the United States, where he later communicated his intention to seek a new life and better prospects abroad.
The unexpected move has generated debate among fans and pundits, with many calling for improved structures and pathways to support young footballers in Ghana, a sentiment widely echoed on social media.
Despite the controversial nature of his departure, Osei leaves behind a strong footballing legacy. He was one of Heart of Lions’ standout performers in the Ghana Premier League and was crowned Goalkeeper of the Month for November 2024.
During that period, Osei played a pivotal role in keeping the club unbeaten in five league matches, recording two wins and three draws. His assured performances between the posts saw him edge out competition from the likes of Hearts of Oak’s Solomon Agbasi to claim the award.
Osei’s consistent displays also earned him call-ups to the Black Galaxies, underlining his status as one of the promising goalkeepers in the domestic league.
While his decision to step away from football highlights the wider challenges faced by many local players in their search for better opportunities abroad, the manner of his exit has added a controversial twist to an otherwise impressive career chapter.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 5, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana’s U-20 women’s national team, the Black Princesses, will take a major step in their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualification campaign on Sunday when they face South Africa’s Basetsana at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The first-leg encounter is scheduled to kick off at 3:30pm, with the return fixture set to be played in South Africa between February 12 and 14.
Match officials for the tie include Nesrine Quertatani and Khouloud Amri, with Emna Ajbouni serving as the fourth official. Nigeria’s Ruth David has been named match commissioner, while Senegal’s Fatou Gaye will act as referee assessor. Tunisian referee Asma Chouchane will officiate the match, assisted by fellow compatriots.
The Black Princesses entered the qualifiers at the second-round stage after receiving a bye in the first round and progressed by thrashing Tunisia 4-0 on aggregate to book a place in the third round.
Victory over Basetsana would set up a decisive final-round showdown against the winner of the Zambia versus Uganda tie, with one of Africa’s four tickets to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup at stake.
Since 2010, Ghana’s U-20 women have qualified for every edition of the tournament but have exited at the group stage each time. Head coach Charles Sampson, a former assistant coach of the senior Black Queens, is determined to guide the team beyond that barrier.
Speaking from their camping base at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, Sampson stressed the importance of making home advantage count.
“Our ultimate target is the World Cup ticket, but for Sunday’s game, the focus is to get a good result at home to put us in a strong position for the second leg,” he said.
The coach described South Africa as a free-flowing and competitive side and called on Ghanaian fans to rally behind the team.
“We need massive support from the stands on Sunday. With the backing of Ghanaians, we believe we can secure a big win ahead of the return leg,” Sampson added.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 5, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the quarter-final draw for the 2025/26 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup will be held later this month.
According to CAF, the draw is scheduled for February 19, with February 20 also being considered as the football governing body works around an increasingly tight continental calendar.
The exercise will go beyond pairing teams for the quarter-finals, as it will also map out the full pathway to the finals, including possible semi-final matchups in both competitions.
CAF is keen to ensure that all interclub tournaments are completed before June, allowing national teams enough time to prepare for FIFA World Cup qualifiers and other international engagements.
With the quarter-final stage representing a crucial point in Africa’s top club competitions, the draw is expected to lay the groundwork for high-stakes clashes between the continent’s elite sides.
CAF is expected to release additional information on the draw venue and format in the days ahead.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 5, 2026 | Uncategorized
Morocco are preparing to formally ask the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to postpone the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, pointing to an overloaded football calendar and competing national priorities.
The flagship women’s tournament is currently scheduled to be hosted by Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026, with 16 nations set to compete for the continental crown. However, the Moroccan Football Federation believes the timing poses significant challenges.
According to officials, the request for postponement is largely driven by the need to complete the domestic league season on schedule, with a planned conclusion date of May 15, 2026, just weeks before the FIFA World Cup kicks off.
In addition, Morocco’s football authorities are keen to fully concentrate on preparations for the Atlas Lions ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 2026 edition of the Women’s AFCON is set to be historic, as it will mark the first time 16 teams participate in the tournament. Egypt, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Mali are among the invited nations after failing to secure automatic qualification.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons remain the most successful team in the competition’s history, having lifted the trophy a record ten times. As defending champions, they will be aiming to retain their title if the tournament goes ahead as scheduled in North Africa.
