by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 28, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
At the heart of Nsawam Female Prison, a remarkable story of hope and transformation is unfolding. On Monday, January 27, 2025, thirty women, including 25 female inmates and 5 prison officers, began an extraordinary journey toward earning their CAF Licence D Coaching certificates.
This initiative, spearheaded by CAF Women’s Football in collaboration with the GFA Foundation, is part of the 8-day CAF Football for Reform programme. Running until February 3, 2025, the course offers accredited coaching qualifications to participants, equipping them with valuable skills for a brighter future.
The course is led by renowned CAF Women’s Football Instructors, including Madam Mercy Tagoe-Quarcoo, Joyce Boatey-Agyei, and Bernice Adutwumwaa, who bring expertise and inspiration to the training sessions.
Beyond the technical lessons, this initiative symbolizes football’s power as a tool for societal change—empowering women to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. As the participants prepare for their final exams, the Nsawam Female Prison becomes a beacon of resilience, hope, and the unifying spirit of the game.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 28, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
George Afriyie, former Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has announced his willingness to support Kurt Okraku’s administration for the advancement of Ghanaian football.
Afriyie, who lost the GFA presidential election to Okraku in 2019 and was disqualified from the 2023 race, has been a vocal critic of Okraku’s leadership, often citing what he considers an underwhelming performance. However, the outspoken football administrator now says it’s time to move beyond criticism and contribute positively to the development of football in Ghana.
“There are so many opportunities in this digital age to generate revenue. A league like the Premier League should not be broadcast for free—it shows there’s a problem with the product. If we can’t secure broadcast partners, we must address the issue,” Afriyie noted.
Expressing his readiness to collaborate, Afriyie revealed that he has already reached out to Okraku, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to improve Ghanaian football.
Kurt Okraku’s tenure as GFA President runs until 2027, and this newfound support from Afriyie could mark a turning point for the domestic football governing body.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 28, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a significant step toward improving financial management in African football, a FIFA delegation, led by Finance Services Manager Meryem Atouk, has arrived in Ghana for a three-day Financial Governance Workshop.
The workshop, scheduled from January 29th to 31st at the Marriott Hotel, brings together General Secretaries and Chief Finance Officers from across Africa to enhance their skills in financial management, accountability, and transparency.
Upon arrival, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Ghana Football Association (GFA), where General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo extended a warm welcome. Addo lauded the initiative, emphasizing its potential to align Ghanaian football with global standards.
“This workshop is crucial for strengthening the financial foundations of football governance in Ghana and Africa as a whole,” Addo remarked.
With topics centered on transparency and accountability, the event underscores FIFA’s commitment to empowering African football organizations to adopt sustainable and robust financial practices.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 28, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
In a momentous announcement following the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final Draw in Dar es Salaam, CAF and TotalEnergies have reaffirmed their dedication to African football by extending their partnership through 2028.
The renewed collaboration, unveiled on January 28, 2025, highlights a shared vision for developing the sport across the continent. CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe expressed his enthusiasm, emphasizing the profound impact of this partnership:
“CAF is excited to continue its partnership with TotalEnergies and its Chairman and CEO, Patrick Pouyanné. This partnership contributes to the development and global competitiveness of football in the 54 African countries whose Football Federations are Members of CAF.”
Dr. Motsepe highlighted the African Schools Football Championship as one of their shining initiatives. This program has touched the lives of 800,000 boys and girls, fostering youth development while instilling the values of teamwork and unity.
Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of TotalEnergies, echoed this commitment:
“TotalEnergies is proud to support the rise of this popular sport, with its values of diversity, cohesion, and unity, across Africa, a continent where the Company is a historic player.”
Under this renewed partnership, TotalEnergies will sponsor 12 major CAF events, including flagship tournaments such as the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and African Nations Championship. This collaboration promises to shape the future of African football, empowering players, fans, and communities alike.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 28, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigerian forward Victor Boniface is on the cusp of a career-defining move to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr after successfully completing his medical examination.
The 24-year-old striker is expected to finalize the deal within hours, following weeks of negotiations between Bayer Leverkusen and Al-Nassr. The transfer fee is reportedly in the range of €55-60 million, making it one of the most high-profile moves of the winter transfer window. Boniface is set to earn a lucrative €15 million net per season.
With verbal agreements already in place, the final paperwork is being exchanged, and an official announcement is imminent. The move will see Boniface join a star-studded Al-Nassr squad, bolstering their attack as they compete at the highest level in the Saudi Pro League and beyond.
Due to his pending transfer, Boniface has been excluded from Bayer Leverkusen’s squad for their UEFA Champions League clash against Sparta Prague on Wednesday, January 29.
This move marks a new chapter for the Super Eagles star, who continues to rise on the global football stage.
