by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 26, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
The Manager of Sports Marketing at PUMA, Anatanas Ackermann, recently visited the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to reinforce the long-standing partnership between the two organizations. During his visit, Ackermann engaged in a strategic meeting with GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku and General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo.
Discussions centered on enhancing their fruitful collaboration, with a focus on key areas such as youth football development, women’s football, technical education, and innovative concepts to further elevate the partnership.
Ackermann expressed satisfaction with the thriving relationship, describing Ghana as a vital strategic partner for PUMA. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the growth of Ghanaian football at all levels.
This visit follows President Kurt Okraku’s trip to PUMA’s corporate offices in Germany in October 2024, where both parties explored ways to consolidate their relationship.
Since 2005, when PUMA first partnered with the GFA ahead of Ghana’s historic qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the collaboration has yielded significant successes, including numerous milestones for the Black Stars and other Ghanaian national teams. Both parties remain optimistic about achieving even greater accomplishments in the years ahead.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 26, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Ghanaian international Yaw Yeboah has made a significant move in his Major League Soccer (MLS) career, joining Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) from Columbus Crew on a free transfer. The versatile 27-year-old, known for his ability to play as a winger, attacking midfielder, and wing-back, has signed a two-year deal with LAFC through 2026, with an option to extend to 2027.
This move sees Yeboah teaming up with 2018 FIFA World Cup winner Olivier Giroud, who recently joined LAFC. The Ghanaian brings a wealth of experience and success to his new club, having won the MLS Cup in 2023 and the Leagues Cup in 2024 with Columbus Crew. He was also instrumental in helping Crew finish as runners-up in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
“Yaw is a dynamic and versatile player with MLS experience and success, qualities that fit well with our team,” said LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington. “We are excited to welcome Yaw and his family to Los Angeles, confident he will help us achieve our ongoing goal of winning trophies.”
Yeboah has earned four caps for Ghana’s national team, the Black Stars, and his arrival is expected to bolster LAFC’s roster as they aim for continued dominance in MLS and beyond.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 26, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
As the Premier League title race heats up, former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha has thrown his weight behind Liverpool as the clear favorites to lift the trophy this season.
Speaking on BBC’s Final Score, Onuoha lauded Liverpool’s dominance and consistency under manager Arne Slot, noting their commanding lead at the top of the table. With Arsenal trailing by several points despite playing an extra game, Onuoha believes the Gunners face an uphill battle to challenge the relentless Reds.
“Liverpool deserve to be where they are,” said the 38-year-old. “That’s why a lot of people can’t see a drop-off big enough to put their title hopes in real jeopardy.”
The former City defender’s confidence in Liverpool reflects their impressive form, which has left many fans and pundits in awe. While Arsenal have delivered strong performances this season, the gap at the summit appears insurmountable as the season reaches its decisive phase.
For Onuoha, the question isn’t if Liverpool will win the title, but rather when they will seal their dominance and lift the coveted Premier League trophy come May.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 26, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Southampton’s battle against relegation continued this weekend with a 3-1 home loss to Newcastle United, but Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu was a rare bright spot. Onuachu, who has struggled to adapt to the intensity of Premier League football since his arrival, scored his first home goal for the Saints, giving fans a glimmer of hope amidst a challenging season.
The towering forward opened the scoring at St. Mary’s Stadium, only for Newcastle to rally back with three unanswered goals, leaving Southampton rooted near the bottom of the table. Despite the defeat, manager Ivan Juric defended his decision to start the Nigerian international, highlighting his recent improvements in training.
“He’s been training really well and showing great energy. This week, he’s been exceptional, and I believed he could make a difference today,” Juric told the BBC post-match.
Onuachu’s goal came on the back of another recent standout performance, where he broke his scoring drought in a narrow 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest. With two goals in two games, the 6’7” striker seems to be finding his feet, and Juric’s faith in him could mark a turning point as Southampton fight for survival.
While the Saints face an uphill battle to avoid relegation, Onuachu’s newfound form and physical presence could prove vital in the coming weeks. Southampton fans will hope their striker’s resurgence can inspire the team to turn the tide.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 26, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Hearts manager Neil Critchley has confirmed that Barnet-born Nigerian right-back Daniel Oyegoke is close to leaving the club, following their 3-2 victory over Kilmarnock on Saturday.
The 22-year-old defender, who spent four years at Arsenal before joining Brentford and later Hearts in the summer of 2024, was notably absent from the matchday squad. Critchley revealed that a bid had been received, and negotiations with another club were in advanced stages.
“We’ve had a bid from another club, so they’re negotiating. It’s close to being finalized but not completed, so we’ll see in the next 24 to 48 hours,” Critchley told reporters.
Oyegoke, who signed a three-year deal with the Jam Tarts, has been a key player this season with 26 appearances. However, his future now appears to lie away from Edinburgh, with Italian clubs, including Lecce, expressing strong interest ahead of the January transfer deadline.
A former England youth international and 2022 European U19 Championship winner, Oyegoke declined a contract extension at Arsenal in 2021 to join Brentford, where he featured for the B team and went on loan to Milton Keynes Dons and Bradford City, making 37 Football League appearances.
