by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 8, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Ghana’s search for a new head coach for the Black Stars has entered a decisive stage, with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) narrowing its options to three highly experienced tacticians — Fernando Santos, Carlos Queiroz, and Paulo Bento.
Each of the shortlisted coaches brings a wealth of international experience, having managed national teams across different continents and competed in major tournaments. Their inclusion has sparked widespread discussion among Ghanaian football fans, many of whom are eager to see the national team return to its dominant best.
Santos stands out for his remarkable achievement with Portugal, guiding them to victory at the UEFA Euro 2016 — a triumph that cemented his reputation as a coach capable of leading teams through high-pressure competitions.
Queiroz, known for his tactical discipline, has built a diverse coaching résumé with stints in countries like Iran, Egypt, and Colombia. His structured approach and global experience make him a strong contender for a team looking to rebuild and stabilize.
Bento, on the other hand, is admired for his calm leadership and organization. His work with South Korea, including guiding them to the FIFA World Cup and navigating tough international fixtures, highlights his ability to develop cohesive and competitive squads.
The GFA is expected to make its final decision on April 10, a moment that could shape the future direction of the Black Stars. With upcoming tournaments and qualifiers on the horizon, the choice of coach will be critical in restoring confidence and competitiveness within the team.
As anticipation builds, opinions remain divided. Some supporters are calling for a proven winner with a track record at the highest level, while others believe adaptability and understanding of African football should be the key factors.
One thing is certain — whoever takes the helm will carry the hopes of a nation passionate about football and eager to see the Black Stars shine again on the continental and global stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 7, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Ghana’s Ministry of Sports and Recreation has announced a government-backed plan to send up to 800 supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
According to Minister Kofi Adams, each selected fan will receive a sponsorship package valued at approximately $9,250, covering airfare, accommodation, and local transportation. Fans will, however, be responsible for visa fees and daily meals. The total projected cost for the initiative exceeds $7.4 million.
The program targets loyal members of the Ghana Supporters Union who have consistently supported the Black Stars during the team’s qualification campaign. To widen access, the Ministry and the Ghana Football Association have launched a national raffle. Fans can enter by dialing *899# at GHS 10 per entry for a chance to win fully sponsored trips.
The initiative has sparked debate, with critics, including some legal experts, questioning the expenditure amid pressing national development needs. Meanwhile, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is reportedly in talks with officials from the United States and Canada to ease travel arrangements, including securing multiple-entry visas for fans expected to move between host countries.
Ghana is set to kick off its World Cup campaign on June 17, 2026, facing Panama in Toronto.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 7, 2026 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has issued an apology following his late red card in Nigeria’s 2-2 draw against Jordan in an international friendly on March 31.
The Fulham FC star was sent off after reacting angrily to a challenge from Jordan’s Amer Jamous during the match, which was played in Turkey.
Speaking on a podcast, the former Arsenal FC player admitted fault and expressed regret over his actions.
“I have to take responsibility for what I did and apologize to all my Nigerian teammates, the staff, and everyone who supports Nigeria. My actions were not up to par, and I was sent off,” he said.
Iwobi added that he is determined to learn from the incident and improve moving forward.
“But I’m going to learn from this and move forward. We drew the match; we didn’t lose, so we’ll take the positives from it. I want to apologize for this mistake.”
The Nigeria national football team will return to action in June, where they are scheduled to face Poland and Portugal in upcoming friendly matches.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 7, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s Black Starlets are gearing up for a major test as they prepare to compete in the upcoming U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Scheduled to run from April 25 to May 15, the tournament will feature 16 teams, offering a broader platform for young talents across the continent to showcase their abilities.
This year’s edition carries added significance, as it will also determine qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup set for November. With Africa allocated 10 slots, teams will need strong performances and progression beyond the group stage to secure a place.
For the Black Starlets, the mission is clear: return to the global stage and reassert Ghana’s proud legacy in youth football. The nation has long been a powerhouse at this level, and expectations are high for the new generation to rise to the occasion.
While the expanded format increases opportunities, it also demands greater consistency and squad depth, making the road to qualification more competitive than ever.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 7, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
The Ghana Football Association Executive Committee is set to hold a decisive meeting today, April 7, 2026, with the appointment of a new Black Stars head coach topping the agenda.
This comes at a critical juncture for Ghana football following the dismissal of Otto Addo, as the federation faces mounting pressure to chart a clear and effective technical direction for the senior national team.
The Black Stars have struggled for consistency in recent matches, raising concerns about their preparedness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Issues surrounding team cohesion, creativity in attack, and defensive organization have drawn criticism from both fans and analysts.
According to sources close to Citi Sports, three candidates have been shortlisted for the role, although their identities have not yet been revealed. The Executive Committee is expected to deliberate thoroughly and settle on a preferred candidate during today’s meeting.
Following the decision, the GFA will proceed to engage the government in further discussions, in line with the collaborative approach often adopted in appointing national team coaches.
GFA President Kurt Okraku had earlier emphasized the urgency of the process, assuring that a new coach would be named within “a week or two” after Addo’s departure.
Today’s meeting is widely viewed as a defining moment, as the GFA moves closer to appointing a new leader tasked with restoring confidence, stability, and direction to the Black Stars.
