by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 30, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The winds of change swept through the Black Stars’ technical team as the Ghana Football Association (GFA) made significant adjustments ahead of upcoming tournaments. However, not everyone welcomed the changes with open arms.
Samuel Anim Addo, a former Executive Council member of the GFA, voiced his displeasure over the appointment of Winfried Schaffer as the Black Stars’ new technical advisor and Director of Football. His concern? Schaffer’s inactivity in modern football.
Speaking on Kessben FM, Anim Addo didn’t hold back. “Winfried Schaffer has been inactive,” he stated. “We all wanted a modern technical team, and that’s why people supported Ameenu Shadow. What’s Schaffer’s age, and when was the last time he managed a team?”
His argument wasn’t just about Schaffer’s experience but about a broader issue within Ghanaian football. He questioned why a younger, more contemporary football mind wasn’t chosen for the role, drawing comparisons to Otto Addo’s unexpected rise to the head coach position.
Despite the controversy, Schaffer, a seasoned German manager who led Cameroon to AFCON glory in 2002, is set to work alongside Otto Addo. His appointment is part of a larger restructuring that sees Desmond Offei, head coach of Ghana’s U20 team, stepping in as an assistant coach, replacing Joseph Laumann.
John Paintsil and Fatawu Dauda have retained their assistant coaching roles, while the GFA has also introduced Kris Perquy, a psychologist with 17 years of experience, to strengthen the team’s mental approach. Additionally, Belgian video analyst Gregory De Grauwe has joined to enhance the technical team’s analytical capabilities.
As Ghana prepares for key tournaments, the question lingers—will Schaffer’s experience be a blessing or a burden? For now, the debate rages on.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 30, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
It was a night to remember for three Nigerian stars as Raphael Onyedika, Nathan Tella, and Ethan Nwaneri each netted their first-ever UEFA Champions League goals on Wednesday. Despite mixed results for their teams, their performances showcased Nigeria’s growing influence on Europe’s biggest stage.
Onyedika’s Brave Effort Against City
At the Etihad Stadium, Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika stunned the home crowd by giving his side the lead just before halftime against Manchester City. Latching onto a pass from Christos Tzolis, the Nigerian midfielder unleashed a powerful strike past Ederson, momentarily silencing Pep Guardiola’s men.
However, City responded emphatically in the second half, with goals from Mateo Kovačić and Savinho, along with a Joel Ordonez own goal, securing a 3-1 victory for the reigning champions. Despite the defeat, Brugge managed to squeeze into the last 32.
Nwaneri’s Magic Lifts Arsenal
Meanwhile, in Spain, Arsenal’s 17-year-old sensation Ethan Nwaneri delivered a moment of brilliance to help the Gunners come from behind and secure a 2-1 win against Girona. Picking up the ball inside the box, the young midfielder skillfully danced past two defenders before curling a stunning shot into the far corner—his first-ever Champions League goal.
Nwaneri’s heroics ensured Arsenal’s passage into the last 16, further cementing his growing reputation under Mikel Arteta.
Tella Seals Leverkusen’s Victory
In Germany, Nathan Tella continued his strong form for Bayer Leverkusen, getting on the scoresheet in a 2-0 triumph over Sparta Praha. The Nigerian winger reacted quickest to a loose ball after the goalkeeper failed to deal with Grimaldo’s free kick, smashing home to double Leverkusen’s lead.
With the win, Xabi Alonso’s men comfortably booked their place in the knockout rounds, adding to what has been an impressive season for the Bundesliga side.
As the Champions League knockout rounds approach, Nigerian fans will be keeping a close eye on these rising stars, hoping they can make an even bigger impact on European football’s grandest stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 30, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Raphael Onyedika walked off the Etihad pitch with mixed emotions. His Club Brugge side had fought hard but ultimately fell to Manchester City’s second-half brilliance. Yet, amid the disappointment of a 3-1 defeat, there was a personal milestone that filled him with pride—his first-ever goal in the UEFA Champions League.
It was a moment to savor. As halftime approached, the Nigerian midfielder found himself in the right place at the right time, calmly finishing past the City defense to give Brugge a surprising lead. For a brief moment, it looked like the Belgian giants might pull off something special.
But Pep Guardiola’s side responded in typical fashion. A dominant second half saw goals from Mateo Kovacic, an own goal by Joel Ordonez, and a strike from Savinho, ensuring City’s victory. Brugge, despite their best efforts, couldn’t hold on.
Still, there was a silver lining. The Belgian side secured a spot in the Champions League playoffs, where they will face either Borussia Dortmund or Atalanta. Meanwhile, City will battle one of Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.
Onyedika, reflecting on the night, shared his emotions with journalist Shina Oludare:
“I don’t know how to put it, but it’s an amazing feeling to score my first goal in City’s stadium. I’m so proud,” he said. “We knew it would be difficult after we got the first goal. We were a bit sloppy, and when we conceded, they gained more momentum and energy, making it harder for us.”
With the playoff draw set for Friday, January 31, Onyedika will now shift his focus to helping Brugge take the next step. His journey in Europe’s biggest competition continues, and with performances like this, the future looks bright.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 30, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Obi-Martin and Musa Shine as Red Devils Secure 5-0 Victory
Manchester United’s U21 side continued their dominant run in the National League Cup with a commanding 5-0 victory over Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park on Wednesday night. The young Red Devils put on a clinical second-half display, with Nigerian starlets Chido Obi-Martin and Victor Musa finding the back of the net.
The match began as a cagey affair, with both sides battling for control. United’s attacking talent was evident, but Oldham held firm in the first half, keeping the scoreline level at the break. However, the second half saw a relentless attacking surge from the visitors.
Jack Moorhouse broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute, showcasing brilliant footwork inside the penalty area before firing home. Seven minutes later, Obi-Martin doubled the lead, reacting quickly to a rebound and slotting the ball past the helpless Oldham goalkeeper.
The floodgates opened as Malachi Sharpe made it 3-0 with a composed finish after a sublime assist from Ruben Curley in the 72nd minute. Sam Mather then drilled a thunderous shot into the roof of the net in the 83rd minute, leaving Oldham with no chance of a comeback.
In stoppage time, substitute Victor Musa rose highest to meet a cross, powerfully heading the ball down for his fifth goal of the season, including two in the National League Cup. His late strike put the finishing touch on a perfect evening for Manchester United’s youngsters.
Habeeb Ogunneye, another Nigerian talent, also played a key role in the victory, contributing to a solid defensive display that secured a clean sheet.
With this result, Manchester United U21s cement their place at the top of Group B and now eagerly await their quarterfinal opponents. The next round of the National League Cup is set for February 5 and 6, where the young Red Devils will look to continue their impressive form.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 30, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Greek Giants Land Super Eagles Defender in Ambitious Move
Bruno Onyemaechi has taken a significant step in his career, sealing a move to Greek powerhouse Olympiacos FC from Portuguese side Boavista. The 25-year-old left-back, who played a crucial role in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 AFCON final, is eager to embrace the challenge of competing on the European stage.
Having made 77 appearances for Boavista, scoring five goals and providing three assists, Onyemaechi’s impressive form this season—three goals and one assist in 18 matches—earned him a transfer to the reigning UEFA Conference League champions.
Speaking on his move, Onyemaechi expressed excitement about joining Olympiacos:
> “First of all, I’m really happy to be here. When I told my family, they all accepted it. Now I’m looking forward to seeing the supporters in the stadium. I wanted the opportunity to play in Europe, and that’s what drove me to be here.”
A dynamic full-back known for his pace and versatility, Onyemaechi aims to make an instant impact in Greece. With 11 caps for the Super Eagles, he is expected to bring defensive solidity and attacking support to Olympiacos as they push for domestic and European success.
