by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
As the Super Eagles prepare to face Benin Republic, former Arsenal defender William Gallas has called on his old club to sign Nigerian star striker Victor Osimhen. The Galatasaray forward, on loan from Napoli, has been making waves with his exceptional performances in Turkey, tallying six goals and four assists in just six league games. Gallas believes Osimhen would be the perfect addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad, addressing Arsenal’s need for a consistent, powerful presence in front of goal.
This follows similar comments from former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra, who expressed shock that Osimhen was only on loan at Galatasaray, and criticized Arsenal for not securing him last summer. Arsenal and Chelsea had shown interest, but Napoli’s €130 million asking price kept potential suitors at bay.
Arsenal’s struggles in finishing chances this season have been a concern, with players like Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus failing to deliver the consistency fans desire. Gallas, in a recent interview, emphasized that Osimhen’s physical presence and goal-scoring pedigree would transform Arsenal’s attack. “He might not score 20 goals, but he will make life difficult for defenders and create opportunities for his teammates,” Gallas explained.
However, despite the praise, a January move remains unlikely, as Osimhen has expressed his intention to complete his loan spell with Galatasaray. Arsenal fans will have to wait and see if the Gunners can make a summer move for the Nigerian forward.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Ghana Football Association Communications Director Ibrahim Sannie Daara has called for stronger accountability for Black Stars players who consistently fall short on the pitch. In light of the team’s recent struggles, especially in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, Daara believes there should be repercussions for players who do not deliver.
Speaking on GHOne TV, Daara emphasized that players must earn their place in the national team. “Players who fail to deliver should not be rewarded with repeated call-ups… Coaches must hold players accountable when poor performances become the norm,” he asserted. He believes underperforming players should face consequences if they repeatedly fail to meet expectations.
Daara also highlighted the need to expand the player selection pool beyond just top European leagues, noting that emerging talents in lesser-known leagues deserve a chance. “One example that comes straight to mind is Bernard Tekpetey,” he said, referencing the Bulgarian league forward, who he believes has been overlooked. “We should widen the scope to give preference to those on the periphery of the top leagues in Europe.”
Currently, Ghana sits third in Group F with just two points, putting their AFCON 2025 qualification hopes in jeopardy. With Daara’s call for higher standards, the push is on for greater commitment and performance from the national team.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 14, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Edmund Arko Mensah has made a return to the Finnish Veikkausliiga, signing a two-year contract with IF Gnistan. This move comes after his recent departure from Georgian club Dinamo Batumi, where he played following the expiration of his contract. Arko Mensah joins IF Gnistan as a free agent and is set to stay with the club until 2026.
Known for his agility and playmaking skills, Arko Mensah brings with him valuable experience from the Finnish league. He spent nearly four years with FC Honka before transferring to Dinamo Batumi in early 2024. With his familiarity with Finnish football, IF Gnistan sees him as a key addition, hoping he will make a strong impact as they gear up for the upcoming season.
The former Black Meteors left-winger has had an impressive career, having previously played for Ghana Premier League side Legon Cities. His performance at Legon Cities earned him a move to Finland in 2020. Arko Mensah has also represented Ghana on the international stage, with caps for both the U17 and U23 teams. He was a member of the Black Meteors squad that competed in the 2023 Africa U-23 Cup in Morocco, although the team exited in the group stages.
Now, with a new chapter unfolding in Finland, Arko Mensah will be aiming to deliver standout performances and potentially earn a call-up to the Ghanaian national team, the Black Stars.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ibrahim Sannie Daara, former Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), is advocating for Ghana’s national team, the Black Stars, to expand their selection criteria and consider calling up Bernard Tekpetey, who has been in excellent form for Ludogorets in Bulgaria.
Though Tekpetey has shown consistent skill and performance in the Bulgarian league over the past four seasons, the 27-year-old has only represented the Black Stars twice—both appearances during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, where he made a substitute appearance and started in the third-place playoff.
With the Black Stars’ hopes of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON hanging in the balance, Sannie Daara believes it’s time to look beyond players in Europe’s elite leagues. “We should consider players outside the top leagues. Bernard Tekpetey’s performances in Bulgaria deserve attention,” Daara shared on GHOne TV. “Why should he be overlooked just because he’s in the Bulgarian league?”
Currently, Ghana sits third in Group F with two points, and their qualification hopes could be over even before they face Angola on Friday. Second-placed Sudan, needing just a draw, will face Niger in a Thursday fixture, which could secure their qualification and leave Ghana out of contention.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman has expressed his openness to returning to the Black Stars but emphasized that the timing depends on his readiness. The 30-year-old, who last represented Ghana in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Central African Republic, faced a mixed response from fans in Kumasi, with some jeering his performance.
While some speculated that this reaction led to Rahman’s hiatus, he clarified that his choice to step back from international duty is rooted in his long-standing battle with injuries. Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, Rahman explained, “Taking a break was a personal decision to focus on my fitness. I haven’t had an easy journey with injuries, and after joining PAOK last year, I thought it was wise to step away from international football to rebuild my fitness.”
Rahman has endured a difficult few years with injuries, including two ACL tears that kept him sidelined for 999 days from 2017 to 2020. Although he made significant efforts to regain his place, featuring in both the 2021 AFCON and the 2022 World Cup, Ghana’s early exits underscored the challenges he still faced on his path to recovery.
For now, Rahman remains committed to his health, although he recognizes the support and anticipation from fans eager to see him back in the Black Stars squad. “People constantly ask me to return to the national team, but I need to put my health first,” he added. “Once I’m fit, I know I’ll be ready to represent Ghana again and give my best for the team.”
