by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Bournemouth forward praises Chelsea legend in rapid-fire Q&A
AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo has declared Michael Essien the greatest Ghanaian to ever play in the English Premier League. The in-form forward made his choice clear during a quick-fire Q&A session with BR Football.
Essien, a two-time Premier League champion with Chelsea, spent nearly a decade at the club, winning multiple titles, including the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup. His dominant performances in midfield made him a fan favorite at Stamford Bridge and a respected figure in English football.
Semenyo himself is enjoying a remarkable season, having recently made his 50th appearance for Bournemouth. The 25-year-old forward has scored seven Premier League goals and two in the FA Cup, helping the Cherries reach the quarter-finals of the competition.
With several Ghanaian players making a mark in England—such as Tony Yeboah, Sulley Muntari, and the late Christian Atsu—Essien’s legacy remains unparalleled in Semenyo’s eyes.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 7, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
A Bold Statement of Trust and Integrity
At a gathering marking the renewal of the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) partnership with Decathlon Ghana, GFA President Kurt Okraku made a bold declaration—asserting that the federation stands as Ghana’s most credible sports institution.
With confidence in his administration’s integrity and structure, Okraku assured stakeholders that the GFA remains a beacon of trust and organization in the country’s sports landscape.
“You can continue to count on my leadership, my integrity, and the trustworthiness of the Football Association. I boldly state that the GFA is perhaps the best-organized sports institution in Ghana,” he affirmed.
Beyond his statement, Okraku called on the public and private sector to rally behind the GFA, emphasizing that such support is essential for the continued development of Ghanaian football.
The renewal of the GFA’s partnership with Decathlon, first established in 2021, will now extend until 2029, marking a long-term commitment to the growth of the sport.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Sudan’s national football team can finally breathe a sigh of relief as head coach James Kwesi Appiah is set to rejoin training camp in Saudi Arabia after resolving his unpaid salary dispute.
The Falcons of Jediane are currently in the middle of a crucial 12-day training camp as they prepare for two vital 2026 World Cup qualifiers. However, preparations hit a setback when Appiah, frustrated over unpaid wages, refused to join the team. His assistants, Ignatius Osei Fosu and Eric Amponsah, arrived in camp last Thursday, sparking hope that the head coach’s return was imminent.
Now, reliable sources confirm that the former Ghana Black Stars manager will depart for Saudi Arabia today or tomorrow, bringing stability back to the team ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
Sudan faces a massive test against African champions Senegal on March 18 before taking on neighbors South Sudan on March 24 in their fifth and sixth Group B qualifying matches. Impressively, the Falcons currently lead the group with 10 points after four matches, putting them in a strong position to challenge for a historic World Cup spot.
To fine-tune their squad, Sudan has arranged a friendly against Jordan before heading to Libya on March 17, where they will make their final preparations ahead of the qualifiers. With Appiah back at the helm, Sudan’s World Cup dream remains very much alive.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Kelvin Lamptey-Mills has never forgotten where he comes from. Though he was raised in the United States since the age of two, the 19-year-old center-back has always felt the heartbeat of Ghana in his veins.
Despite interest from the U.S. men’s national team, Lamptey-Mills remains firm in his desire to wear Ghana’s colors on the grand stage. His journey has taken him from MLS Next Pro to Cyprus, where he recently joined MEAP Nisou from Omonia, further sharpening his skills in European football.
His commitment to Ghana isn’t just talk—he has already been invited to the Black Meteors, a step closer to realizing his ultimate goal. Speaking in an interview with Kolog Bonaventure, Lamptey-Mills made his intentions clear.
“Ghana needs to qualify for the World Cup again. And to get an invite to help the cause, why not?” he expressed with passion.
Even as his manager informed him of U.S. interest, his heart remains with the Black Stars.
“My pride will be representing my mother and grandmum. It will be a dream for us all.”
For Lamptey-Mills, wearing Ghana’s jersey isn’t just about football—it’s about family, heritage, and a dream he refuses to let go.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Mohammed Kudus always knew his talent was a gift, but for him, football has never just been about personal success. It’s about inspiring others, giving back, and making a lasting impact.
From the streets of Ghana to the grand stages of the English Premier League, Kudus has carried a deep sense of purpose. Speaking to the Premier League media, he shared his vision of greatness—not in trophies or accolades, but in using his abilities to uplift those who look up to him.
“It’s a positive feeling to know that someone can dream through your achievement, and your dream, and what you do. My idea of greatness is using your God-given talent to have an impact on other people’s lives and where you’re coming from,” Kudus explained.
Since joining West Ham United from Ajax in 2023, the 24-year-old has dazzled fans with his skill and determination. His debut season was filled with stunning performances and breathtaking goals, proving he belonged at the highest level. While this campaign has been more challenging, Kudus remains one of the most electrifying players in the league, tallying three goals and an assist in 22 appearances so far.
For Kudus, every match is more than just a game—it’s an opportunity to inspire, to prove that dreams are valid, and to use his platform for something greater than himself.
