by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 16, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Black Stars of Ghana have officially failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a crucial draw against Angola. This marks another setback in what has been a challenging era for the four-time AFCON champions.
Ghana’s struggles on the continental stage have been evident in recent tournaments:
2021: Eliminated in the group stage ❌
2023: Eliminated in the group stage ❌
2025: Failed to qualify entirely
This latest disappointment leaves Ghanaian football fans questioning the team’s direction and performance. Once a dominant force in African football, the Black Stars now face the challenge of rebuilding and regaining their status among the continent’s elite teams.
As the team reflects on this failure, the spotlight will turn to what needs to change for a resurgence in the future. For now, Ghana will have to watch the 2025 AFCON unfold from the sidelines.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 16, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s absence from the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco evokes memories of a similar disappointment in 2004. Twenty years ago, the Black Stars failed to qualify for the AFCON held in Tunisia, a rare setback for one of Africa’s football powerhouses.
Interestingly, history seems to repeat itself whenever certain conditions align. The last time Morocco hosted the AFCON in 1988, Ghana also failed to qualify for the tournament. This uncanny pattern has left fans less surprised by the latest qualification miss, though the disappointment remains palpable.
As the Black Stars regroup and reflect on their performance, the 2024 AFCON will move forward without one of its most storied teams. For many Ghanaians, this moment serves as a reminder of football’s unpredictability and the cyclical nature of history.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 15, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
A carnival-like atmosphere is set to engulf Uyo as Nigeria’s Super Eagles host Rwanda’s Amavubi in the final matchday of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Both teams arrived in the Akwa Ibom capital on Friday ahead of the clash scheduled for Monday at the iconic Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
The Road to Uyo
The Super Eagles, already confirmed as group winners, landed at the Obong Victor Attah International Airport at 3:50 p.m. aboard a chartered ValueJet aircraft from Abidjan. Fresh off a hard-fought draw against Benin Republic, the team now looks to play for national pride in front of their home crowd.
Meanwhile, the Amavubi arrived in Uyo via a connecting Ibom Air flight from Lagos after flying in from Kigali earlier in the day. They landed just before 5 p.m., brimming with determination despite their slim qualification chances.
Rwanda’s Dwindling Hope
Rwanda’s campaign suffered a blow on Thursday after a home loss to Libya, leaving their AFCON hopes hanging by a thread. To qualify, the Amavubi not only need to secure a historic win over Nigeria but also require Libya to defeat Benin Republic in North Africa.
The reverse fixture in Kigali ended in a goalless draw, though it was marred by controversy when a first-half header by Ademola Lookman was disallowed by Moroccan officials. Coincidentally, Monday’s match will also be officiated by a Moroccan team, led by referee Samir Guezzaz.
The Stage is Set
Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m., with Guezzaz and his compatriots arriving in Nigeria on Saturday. The Super Eagles will look to celebrate their AFCON qualification in style, while Rwanda aims to defy the odds in a desperate push for Morocco 2025.
The city of Uyo is expected to come alive with fans eager to witness a thrilling encounter as Nigeria wraps up its qualifying campaign with the AFCON ticket already secured.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 15, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Kigali, Rwanda – In the wake of a disheartening 1-0 defeat to Libya on home soil, Rwanda’s head coach Frank Spittler has urged his players to rise to the occasion in their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Nigeria.
The Wasps’ loss to Libya’s Mediterranean Knights at Kigali’s Amahoro Stadium on Thursday leaves their AFCON qualification hopes hanging by a thread. Substitute Fahd Saad Mohamed delivered the decisive blow for Libya in the 84th minute, capitalizing on Rwanda’s missed opportunities earlier in the match.
Currently third in Group D with five points from five matches, Rwanda’s path to AFCON qualification is narrow. They not only need to beat Nigeria in Uyo on Monday, November 18, but also require Libya to defeat Benin in Tripoli.
“Play for History,” Says Spittler
Addressing reporters after the match, Spittler acknowledged the daunting task ahead. He conceded that defeating the star-studded Super Eagles on their home turf would be a monumental challenge but emphasized the importance of fighting until the end.
“As long as there’s a chance to qualify, we will do everything for it,” Spittler declared. “The chance to win in Nigeria is not very high, but there’s always a chance, and that’s what I tell my players.”
The German tactician motivated his squad with a message of pride and legacy. “When you are a grandfather, you’ll talk about this match. Whether we qualify or not, this is an opportunity to show your best football against some of the world’s best players,” he said.
Spittler also reflected on their previous encounter with Nigeria, a game in which Rwanda displayed flashes of brilliance but failed to capitalize. “It’s always about whether you score or not. Today wasn’t our day, but maybe we’ll have a very nice day in four days.”
Super Eagles Hold the Upper Hand
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles, already guaranteed to top Group D, approach the clash with less pressure. They secured their position after battling Benin’s Cheetahs to a 1-1 draw on Thursday, a result that solidified their dominance in the group.
While the odds favor Nigeria, Spittler’s rallying cry could inspire the Wasps to deliver a spirited performance in Uyo. Whether or not it results in qualification, Rwanda’s encounter with the Super Eagles promises to be a story worth telling for generations.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 15, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
In a somber turn of events, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has extended heartfelt condolences to Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, following the death of his father on Friday, November 15, 2024.
The South Africa-based player shared the heartbreaking news via his Instagram account just hours after helping Nigeria secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Nwabali had been part of the team’s triumphant outing in Abidjan before the tragic news reached him during their return journey to Uyo.
Reacting to the loss, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, expressed deep sympathy for the goalkeeper and his family. “We are shocked and saddened to hear of the demise of Stanley Nwabali’s father. Coming a day after the player featured in the match that won us the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ticket, it made for a day of low morale as we flew from Abidjan to Uyo.
“The death of a parent is always a thing of deep sorrow and sadness. However, we want Stanley to take heart in the fruitful and fulfilled life that his father lived, and we pray that the Almighty will grant him eternal rest and give Stanley and his family the strength to bear this loss,” Sanusi added.
The football community and fans have rallied around Nwabali, offering prayers and words of comfort during this difficult time.
