by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
In a match marred by disgraceful racial abuse, Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru stood tall, displaying a masterclass in composure and resilience during his team’s 1-0 victory over Lecce at the Stadio Via del Mare.
Although Dele-Bashiru didn’t feature in the game, he joined his teammates on the pitch after the final whistle to celebrate the hard-fought win. However, his joy was interrupted by vile chants from a section of Lecce fans, including the word “Raus,” a term with troubling historical connotations.
The Nigerian international’s response was nothing short of inspiring. Instead of reacting with anger, Dele-Bashiru maintained direct eye contact with the crowd while continuing to jump and celebrate, his movements a quiet but powerful act of defiance.
Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel quickly came to Dele-Bashiru’s side, standing in solidarity and escorting him off the pitch as the abuse intensified. The incident, captured on videos circulating across social media, has drawn widespread condemnation, once again highlighting football’s ongoing struggle with racism.
Despite the negativity, Dele-Bashiru’s star continues to rise. The 23-year-old midfielder, currently on loan from Turkish side Hatayspor, has been a revelation for Lazio this season. He scored his first Serie A goal in November, sealing a 3-0 win over Bologna, and has shone brightly in the Europa League, with two goals and two assists in just four appearances.
Dele-Bashiru’s courage and growing influence on the pitch are a testament to his character, proving that resilience and grace can triumph even in the face of adversity.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 23, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
No Extensions as Clubs Look to Reinforce for the Season Ahead
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially announced the opening of the second transfer and registration window for the 2024/25 football season. Starting today, clubs across the Ghana Premier League, Access Bank Division One League, Women’s Premier League, and Regional Football Associations have a crucial opportunity to bolster their squads.
In a firm statement, the GFA emphasized that the window will close at exactly 11:59 PM on January 22, 2025. The association made it clear that there will be no extensions, urging clubs to finalize their transfers and registrations before the deadline.
“This is a vital period for teams to strengthen their squads and improve performance for the remainder of the season,” the GFA remarked.
As clubs scramble to secure new signings or release players to refine their strategies, this transfer window could prove pivotal for teams chasing titles or aiming to avoid relegation.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Inspiring a Legacy of Greatness at San Mamés
In the heart of Athletic Bilbao’s resurgence stands Iñaki Williams, a player who has transcended the role of a striker to become the soul of the team. Recently entering the club’s all-time top 10 for appearances with an incredible 445 games, Williams has stepped into the void left by legends like Iker Muniain and Raúl García—not just to fill it but to redefine it.
His leadership extends far beyond the pitch. Two weeks ago, Williams challenged his teammates and fans alike with a bold vision: “Why don’t we dream of winning LaLiga?” This dream wasn’t mere rhetoric—it was a call to action, a rallying cry that sparked hope and belief among the club’s faithful.
Through interviews and social media, his messages resonate with unwavering determination. In his most recent post, Williams declared, “Those who conform achieve comfort, but those who go for everything achieve greatness.” It wasn’t just a statement; it was a mantra. By Sunday, he had fired up the fanbase once again with a tweet: “Let’s go for more.”
This is the Iñaki Williams era—a time when Athletic Bilbao is not just competing but dreaming big. With Williams leading the charge, greatness feels not only possible but inevitable.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
German-Ghanaian defender Derrick Köhn is rapidly winning hearts at SV Werder Bremen with his stellar performances. The 25-year-old left-back played a pivotal role in Bremen’s dominant 4-1 win over 1. FC Union Berlin, contributing two crucial assists and showcasing why he’s become indispensable to the team.
Currently on loan from Galatasaray Istanbul, Köhn has made it clear he’s open to a permanent stay at Bremen. Speaking to BILD about his future, he said, “I feel very comfortable here in Bremen – so yes,” hinting at his desire to extend his time at the Weser. With a purchase option set at €5 million, Bremen appears well-positioned to make his move permanent if his form continues.
Köhn’s numbers speak volumes—13 appearances, two goals, and two assists in the Bundesliga so far—highlighting his importance to Bremen’s impressive campaign. His consistency has helped the team end the year in seventh place, just two points shy of a Champions League spot, fueling optimism for an even stronger second half of the season.
Bremen resumes their campaign on January 12 against RB Leipzig, with Köhn expected to remain a key figure. As talks about his future loom, fans and management alike are hopeful that the talented defender will become a permanent part of their squad.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
New York City FC has bolstered their attacking options with the acquisition of Ghanaian-Danish forward Ato Junior Smith in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. The 22-year-old striker, who previously played for the University of Virginia, was selected as the 78th overall pick in the third round of the annual draft.
Despite enduring a challenging college season plagued by injuries, Smith’s determination and performances caught the attention of NYCFC. Reflecting on the milestone, Smith shared his excitement and gratitude.
“I’m super grateful and honored by the opportunity,” he said. “The college season was short, and I struggled with injuries, including a sprained ligament during pre-season. After recovering, I played a few games before getting injured again. But I kept pushing, and eventually, I started to perform well, which led to this moment. Honestly, I didn’t expect to be drafted, so this feels amazing.”
Smith’s football journey began in Denmark, where he developed his skills with Fremad Amager before moving to the U.S. for collegiate soccer. As a player of Ghanaian descent, Smith remains eligible to represent the Black Stars at the international level.
For NYCFC, the young forward represents an exciting prospect as the club looks to build a competitive squad for the 2025 MLS season. Smith will aim to impress during pre-season and earn a spot in the first team.
With his talent, resilience, and versatility, Ato Junior Smith’s rise to professional football is a testament to perseverance and ambition.
