by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 6, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen scores his 10th goal of the season, while Alex Iwobi shines in Fulham’s Premier League campaign.
Victor Osimhen kicked off 2025 in style, scoring his first goal of the year to help Galatasaray secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Göztepe in the Turkish Süper Lig on Saturday. The Nigerian striker converted a penalty in the 10th minute, bringing his season tally to 10 goals in just 12 appearances for the Istanbul giants.
The win sees Galatasaray tighten their grip at the top of the table, extending their lead to 11 points ahead of Fenerbahçe, who still have a game in hand. Despite Göztepe equalizing in the 27th minute through Romulo, Yunus Akgün’s 61st-minute strike ensured all three points stayed with the league leaders.
Osimhen, on loan from Napoli, has been instrumental for Galatasaray this season, contributing three assists in addition to his impressive goal haul. Meanwhile, Göztepe’s Kaduna-born midfielder, Anthony Dennis, 20, delivered a solid performance but couldn’t find the back of the net for his side, who currently sit fifth in the league.
In England, Alex Iwobi is having a stellar season with Fulham, describing the team as “one big brotherhood” in an interview with BBC Sport Africa. The 28-year-old midfielder has already matched his best-ever Premier League goal tally of five, with half the season still to play. Iwobi has also provided three assists, making him a key figure in Fulham’s rise to eighth in the table, just three points off fifth-placed Newcastle.
“We’re really fighting for each other,” Iwobi said. “The chemistry off the pitch is incredible, and that shows in our performances. This is my best season so far, and I’m enjoying every moment.”
Fulham are unbeaten in seven games, and their impressive form has sparked hopes of a strong finish to the season.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 6, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Stand-in Super Eagles B coach Daniel Ogunmodede has unveiled a 26-man squad for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals, with Sodiq Ismail and Jide Fatokun of Remo Stars making the list. The duo, who were rumored to be excluded due to potential moves to Albania and Sudan, have been cleared to join the team. Reports suggest their departures will be delayed until after the tournament.
The camp opens on January 6 at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo. Ogunmodede’s squad includes captain Nduka Harrison Junior, goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena, defenders Ifeanyi Onyebuchi and Imo Obot, and forward Sikiru Alimi. Other notable inclusions are midfielders Saviour Isaac and Musa Zayyad, and forwards Adamu Abubakar and Emmanuel Ogbole.
This year’s CHAN marks a milestone for Nigeria as the Super Eagles B edged out Ghana’s Black Galaxies in the qualifiers for the first time. Nigeria secured qualification with a 3-1 victory in Uyo after a goalless first leg in Accra.
The 8th edition of CHAN will run from February 1 to 28 and will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. The tournament, featuring 18 nations, serves as a prelude to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will also be hosted by the three East African countries.
Teams in the tournament include Morocco, Senegal, Zambia, DR Congo, and hosts Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, among others. Nigeria will aim for a strong performance to build momentum for future competitions.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 6, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
A Tale of Redemption: Enyimba Revive CAF Confederation Cup Hopes
After a turbulent start to their CAF Confederation Cup group stage campaign, Enyimba International roared back to life with a statement 4-1 victory over Mozambique’s Black Bulls at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Sunday.
Having picked up just one point from their first three games, the People’s Elephant faced mounting pressure to keep their faint hopes of progressing alive. But with the appointment of seasoned tactician Stanley Eguma and the arrival of former Super Eagles forward Brown Ideye, the Nigerian champions rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion.
A Fast and Furious Start
Enyimba’s intent was evident from the first whistle. Just six minutes into the game, Samuel Atule latched onto a well-placed pass and slotted home to give the hosts an early lead. However, a momentary lapse in concentration allowed the visitors to equalize in the 12th minute, leaving the home fans momentarily stunned.
Determined to regain control, Enyimba pressed forward. Their efforts were rewarded in the 44th minute when Ifeanyi Ihemekwele, showing composure and precision, netted his second goal of the competition, sending Enyimba into the break with a 2-1 advantage.
The Ideye Effect
Coach Eguma’s second-half adjustments turned the tide further in Enyimba’s favor. The introduction of Brown Ideye in the 58th minute electrified the team and the crowd. The veteran striker, making his long-awaited continental debut for the club, announced his arrival with a well-taken goal in the 66th minute, extending the lead to 3-1.
As the minutes ticked away, Atule rounded off an outstanding personal performance with his second goal of the night in the 88th minute, sealing a dominant victory and reigniting Enyimba’s continental ambitions.
A Glimmer of Hope
The win lifts Enyimba to four points, still bottom of Group D but within striking distance of a quarterfinal spot. With two challenging games left against Egyptian giants Zamalek and Al Masry, the People’s Elephant must replicate Sunday’s heroics to keep their dream alive.
Coach Eguma, speaking after the match, praised his team’s resilience and the contributions of the new signings, stating, “This is the Enyimba we’ve been working towards—a team with belief, cohesion, and firepower.”
Enyimba’s faithful fans now dare to dream, as the team sends a clear message: the People’s Elephant will not go down without a fight.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 6, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Victor Osimhen, the prolific Nigerian striker currently on loan at Galatasaray, is reportedly inching closer to a move to Manchester United. Sources suggest that the Red Devils have initiated advanced talks with the player, who is said to be keen on the challenge of playing at Old Trafford. However, negotiations with his parent club, Napoli, are yet to begin.
Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray after a failed attempt to secure a permanent move away from Napoli last summer, has been a standout performer in Turkey, contributing to 18 goals in all competitions this season. His Galatasaray contract includes a break clause, while Napoli have slashed his previous release clause, making a transfer more feasible for interested clubs.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim views Osimhen as a crucial addition to solve the club’s attacking woes. While the Red Devils have previously been linked with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres, complications surrounding the Swede’s €100 million release clause have shifted their focus to Osimhen.
Speculation has also emerged about a potential swap deal involving Marcus Rashford and Osimhen, although no concrete details have surfaced. With Osimhen reportedly eager to embrace the Premier League challenge, all eyes are now on United’s next move and Napoli’s stance on the deal.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 6, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
As Ghana prepares for the inauguration of a new government under President-Elect John Dramani Mahama in January 2025, the buzz around who will take the reins as the next Sports Minister has sparked heated debates across the country.
Among the prominent names being floated are Samson Deen, Ben Nunoo Mensah, Herbert Mensah, and Hon. Kobe Woyome. While each contender brings impressive credentials, Samson Deen has emerged as the favorite among the Ghanaian media and sports enthusiasts, thanks to his transformative leadership in sports management and inclusivity.
Deen’s remarkable tenure as the President of the African Paralympic Committee stands out. Under his visionary guidance, the first-ever African Para Games were held in Accra, setting a new standard for para sports in Africa. Additionally, his role in ensuring the smooth transportation logistics for the 13th African Games further cemented his reputation as a skilled administrator.
But Deen’s legacy goes beyond administrative excellence. As a successful entrepreneur and founder of the African Origin Group of Companies, he has demonstrated a unique ability to blend business acumen with sports development. His past contributions to clubs like King Faisal SC, Kumasi Asante Kotoko SC, and Heart of Lions showcase his deep understanding of Ghanaian football and its potential.
While Ben Nunoo Mensah, the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, and Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa, are also strong contenders, Deen’s track record of delivering results in both local and continental sports platforms places him ahead.
Hon. Kobe Woyome, known for his involvement in sports through parliamentary committees, is another notable figure in the mix. However, analysts and fans believe Deen’s vast experience and leadership capabilities make him the most qualified candidate to spearhead Ghana’s sports renaissance.
As the nation eagerly awaits President-Elect Mahama’s decision, the sports fraternity is abuzz with anticipation. Will Samson Deen’s unparalleled contributions and vision earn him the nod? The future of Ghanaian sports could hinge on this pivotal appointment.
