by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 1, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, World Cup
Leon Balogun’s international future with Nigeria has become the subject of intense speculation, as conflicting reports emerge regarding a possible recall for the veteran defender.
At 36, Balogun hasn’t played for the Super Eagles since June 2022, despite being a key figure in the squad for years. A member of Nigeria’s 2018 World Cup and 2019 AFCON squads, he now finds himself at a crossroads. Currently sidelined at Rangers after picking up an injury in their Europa League clash against Manchester United, the experienced centre-back has resumed training and is eager to return to action.
With Nigeria struggling in World Cup qualifying—having collected just three points from four matches—head coach Eric Chelle is under pressure to reinforce the squad ahead of crucial games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Reports from Sportsblog247.com suggest that Balogun is being considered as a replacement for West Brom’s Semi Ajayi, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
However, other sources dismiss this claim, insisting that Balogun is not in Chelle’s plans. Given his age and injury struggles since rejoining Rangers in 2023, they argue that his chances of a recall are slim.
As Nigeria battles to keep its World Cup hopes alive, the uncertainty surrounding Balogun’s return only adds to the intrigue. Whether he receives the call or not, his legacy as a Super Eagles stalwart remains intact.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 1, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
When Uchenna Ogundu boarded a plane to Turkey last summer, he was leaving behind the familiar streets of Nigeria for the unknown world of European football. Unlike the high-profile moves of Victor Osimhen to Galatasaray and Kelechi Iheanacho to Sevilla, Ogundu’s transfer to Şanlıurfaspor, a second-tier Turkish club, barely made headlines. Yet, months later, his name is now one of the most exciting in Turkish football.
A product of Nigeria’s renowned Diamond Academy, the 18-year-old arrived as an untested teenager and was initially placed in Şanlıurfaspor’s U19 squad. But Ogundu wasted no time proving himself, scoring ten goals in just eight matches. His rapid rise coincided with the departure of experienced Super Eagles forward Olanrewaju Kayode, leaving a gap in the senior team. Rather than looking elsewhere, the club placed their trust in Ogundu.
His first taste of senior football came on January 17, when he played 27 minutes in a narrow loss to Ankaragücü. His performance caught the eye of coach Sait Karafırtınalar, who gave him a starting role in the next match. Though Şanlıurfaspor lost again, Ogundu’s fearless approach hinted at his potential.
The breakthrough moment came soon after—an assist in a 1-0 win over Istanbulspor, followed by his first senior goal in a 1-1 draw against Karagümrük on February 17. But it was today’s performance against Yeni Malatyaspor that cemented his status as a player to watch.
With Şanlıurfaspor desperate for points, Ogundu rose to the occasion, scoring a well-placed header in a commanding 4-1 victory. His contribution helped lift his team out of the relegation zone, marking a new chapter in his journey.
As Şanlıurfaspor prepares to face Adanaspor, Ogundu knows the road ahead won’t be easy. But if his journey so far is any indication, this young Nigerian forward is just getting started.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 1, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a season where experience meets precision, Ghanaian forward André Ayew has been making headlines with his goal-scoring prowess in Ligue 1. The veteran attacker has found the net five times this campaign, but what truly stands out is his dominance in the air—four of those goals have come from headers.
Ayew’s ability to read the game, time his runs, and outjump defenders has made him a key figure for Le Havre. His aerial brilliance continues to remind fans why he remains a vital asset on the pitch, proving that class is permanent.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 1, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick has fired back at ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher over his controversial comments about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Carragher, now a Sky Sports pundit, sparked outrage when he downplayed AFCON’s significance while discussing Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or. The former England international claimed the tournament is not among football’s elite competitions—a statement that has drawn widespread criticism.
Speaking on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa, Pinnick dismissed Carragher’s remarks as shortsighted and reaffirmed AFCON’s growing global prestige.
“I think it is a very myopic opinion, and you can see the wave of backlash because AFCON is growing beyond what many imagined. He might be speaking subjectively, but the facts speak for themselves,” Pinnick stated.
The CAF Executive Council member also pointed to George Weah’s 1995 Ballon d’Or win, emphasizing that Liberia had not even qualified for AFCON that year, yet Weah’s brilliance for AC Milan secured him the award. He believes Salah’s outstanding performances this season—25 goals and 16 assists in the Premier League alone—make him a strong Ballon d’Or contender.
Pinnick further highlighted AFCON’s impact, revealing that the 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast saw a record $60 million in financial support from CAF, and he expects the upcoming 2025 edition in Morocco to be even bigger.
“African players cherish the AFCON trophy. It’s a symbol of pride and prestige, and the tournament’s significance cannot be questioned,” he added.
Meanwhile, Salah continues to strengthen his Ballon d’Or case with a dominant season. The Egyptian star has 182 Premier League goals—just two away from breaking into the league’s all-time top five scorers—while his seven Champions League goals helped Liverpool top their group.
Should Salah win the Ballon d’Or, it would be a monumental moment for African football, further cementing his legacy as one of the continent’s greatest players.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 1, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
As Ghana prepares for a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Chad, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Libyan referee Ahmed Abdulrazg to take charge of the match. The game, scheduled for Friday, March 21, at 7 PM local time, will be played at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Abdulrazg will be supported by his compatriots Amsaaed Attia M. Essa (Assistant Referee I), Munji Alayat (Assistant Referee II), and Muhammad Saad Elmabrouk Elmabrouk (Fourth Official). Additionally, Togo’s Kokou Djaoupe will serve as the Referee Assessor, while Holland-Cole Kasho Joseph from Sierra Leone has been appointed as the Match Commissioner.
Ghana currently sits second in Group I with nine points from four matches, having secured three wins and one defeat. The Black Stars began their qualification journey with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Madagascar but suffered a setback against Comoros. However, they bounced back strongly with successive wins against Mali and the Central African Republic in June last year.
With a World Cup ticket at stake, Ghana will be determined to maintain their momentum and secure another vital three points. Meanwhile, Chad will be looking to pull off an upset and improve their standing in the group. The encounter promises to be a thrilling battle with high stakes for both teams.
