by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 9, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
For the first time in two decades, Ghana’s Black Stars will not feature at the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving fans heartbroken. But amidst the disappointment, technical advisor Winfried Schafer is calling for resilience, urging Ghanaians to stand by their team as they plot a comeback.
“I know we are not happy because the team didn’t qualify for AFCON, but please give us your support,” Schafer pleaded. “I want to talk to the players, help the staff, and support Otto Addo so we come back stronger. Believe me, we will.”
With crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar looming, Schafer emphasized the need for hard work and a winning mentality. He called on both local and international players to take pride in wearing the national colors.
“Ghana is a football land, the best in Africa. We must return to our best. You, the fans, are our 12th man. Stay behind us, and we can do it,” he added.
The journey to redemption begins this month. Will the Black Stars rise again?
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 9, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Once struggling for minutes at Real Sociedad, Sadiq Umar’s move to Valencia in January has reignited his career. The Nigerian striker, who had been sidelined due to limited opportunities, has found his rhythm at Mestalla.
At first, Sadiq had to wait for his chance, coming off the bench in his early games. However, injuries to Hugo Duro opened the door, and the Super Eagles forward seized the moment. He announced himself with a goal against Villarreal in February, followed by a stunning brace against Osasuna last week.
His latest heroics came against Real Valladolid, where he netted the winning goal in a crucial 2-1 victory. Diego Lopez had given Valencia the lead in the 7th minute, only for Juanmi Latasa to equalize in the 40th. But Sadiq, brimming with confidence, struck in the 58th minute to secure three vital points, lifting Valencia out of the relegation zone.
This resurgence has not gone unnoticed. Named in Eric Chelle’s 39-man squad for Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Sadiq is making a strong case for himself. His selection initially raised eyebrows, given his inconsistent form for the national team. However, with only Victor Osimhen and Cyriel Dessers showing better form, Sadiq has earned his spot.
As the final 23-man squad looms, Sadiq’s performances may force Chelle’s hand. And if his momentum continues, Real Sociedad might reconsider his future. From an outcast in Spain to a key player for club and country, Sadiq Umar is writing his own redemption story.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 9, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
The Flamingos of Nigeria displayed impressive composure and determination as they triumphed 3-1 over South Africa’s Bantwana in the first leg of their 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying match. The young Nigerian squad arrived in South Africa with high hopes, but it was a chance encounter with Cameroon football legend Samuel Eto’o at OR Tambo International Airport that lifted their spirits to new heights.
Eto’o, a four-time African Player of the Year, met with the players and offered powerful words of encouragement, a gesture that proved to be a turning point for the team. His motivational talk echoed in their hearts as they took to the field.
The match kicked off with Shakirat Moshood making an early impact, scoring the opening goal in the 20th minute with a calm and composed finish. The Flamingos didn’t stop there, continuing to apply pressure. Their efforts were rewarded with a penalty when a foul in the box was committed against them, and Harmony Chidi confidently converted it to extend Nigeria’s lead before halftime.
South Africa mounted a comeback after the break, earning a penalty of their own. Malebana stepped up to convert it, pulling the score back to 2-1. But the Flamingos remained resilient, with Chidi striking again in the 68th minute to seal the victory with a 3-1 scoreline.
With a solid advantage, the Flamingos now return home to Ikenne-Remo, where they will look to finish the job in the second leg at Remo Stars Stadium and edge closer to securing a spot in the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 9, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Anthony Dennis’ football journey has taken a meteoric rise, and now, European giants are taking notice. The 20-year-old midfielder, born in Kaduna, has become a key figure for Turkish Super League side Göztepe, catching the eyes of German Bundesliga club Stuttgart and English Championship side Leeds United.
His impressive performances—marked by three assists in 20 league appearances—have not only solidified his role at Göztepe but also earned him a historic first call-up to Nigeria’s Super Eagles under newly appointed coach Eric Chelle. As the youngest player in the Malian-born tactician’s debut squad, Dennis is poised for a breakthrough moment on the international stage.
A versatile midfielder with a blend of creativity and relentless work rate, Dennis excels in dictating play from central midfield while also providing dynamism as a box-to-box presence. His latest assist in a 2-2 draw against Samsunspor further highlighted his ability to influence games at a high level.
Despite signing a contract extension with Göztepe until 2027, interest from Stuttgart and Leeds could test the resolve of the Turkish club in the summer transfer window. Many see Dennis as a long-term successor to Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi, and should he make the final 23-man Super Eagles squad, he will be eager to prove why he is one of Nigeria’s brightest young talents.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 9, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
As the 2026 World Cup qualifiers approach, the Sudanese Football Association is anxiously awaiting the return of head coach Kwesi Appiah. With the Falcons of Jediane preparing to face Senegal on March 18 and South Sudan on March 24, his absence from the team’s training camp in Saudi Arabia has sparked concerns.
Reports suggest that Appiah had initially withheld his presence due to unpaid entitlements, but the recent arrival of his assistants, Ignatius Osei Fosu and Eric Amponsah, hints at his possible return.
Sudan FA President Dr. Moatasem Jaafar did not hide his urgency regarding the situation. “We are in dire need of Kwesi’s presence among us to lead the national team,” he stated. “We recognize his sacrifices and are committed to resolving any issues to ensure his return.”
Sudan currently tops Group B with 10 points, having put up an impressive performance in the early rounds. As talks between Appiah and the federation continue, expectations are high that he will rejoin the squad soon to steer them through these pivotal matches.
