by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 26, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Dutch international and Corinthians forward Memphis Depay is working on an exciting initiative to organize a friendly match between his Brazilian club and Ghanaian giants, Asante Kotoko.
Currently in Ghana for the Christmas holidays, Depay has planned several activities, including charity events. On Thursday morning, the former Manchester United and Barcelona star visited Asante Kotoko’s training grounds at Adako Jachie, where he interacted with the players and encouraged them as they prepared for their clash against Bibiani Goldstars.
In a video shared by Asante Kotoko’s social media accounts, Depay expressed his admiration for the team’s efforts and shared his vision for a friendly match between the two clubs. “I like what I see, and I urge you to keep going. Never give up. I respect all of you guys,” Depay said. “I’m trying to arrange something for the team to maybe play a friendly game against my team, Corinthians, in Brazil. It’s in the plans, so let’s hope we can make it happen so that you guys can showcase your talent.”
Asante Kotoko, currently 5th in the Ghana Premier League standings with 24 points, will host Bibiani Goldstars, who are 2nd with 27 points, at the Baba Yara Stadium on Friday in a highly anticipated Matchday 15 fixture.
Fans of Kotoko and Ghanaian football will be eager to see if Depay’s plans materialize, as the proposed match could offer a global platform for the Porcupine Warriors to display their talent.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 26, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Raul Garcia, the former Athletic Club forward, has admitted that Iñaki Williams is yet to fully find his form with the Ghana national team.
Williams, who switched international allegiance to Ghana in 2022 despite being born and raised in Spain’s Basque region, made his debut for the Black Stars in a friendly against Brazil. Since then, he has featured in 17 matches for Ghana but has managed to score just one goal—a sharp contrast to his impressive club performances.
At Athletic Bilbao, Williams has been a standout figure, helping the team break a 40-year drought to claim the Copa del Rey and adding two Spanish Super Cups to his trophy cabinet. This season, the 30-year-old forward has continued to excel, scoring four goals and providing five assists in 18 La Liga appearances, contributing to Bilbao’s strong position in fourth place.
Speaking to LALIGA press, Raul Garcia highlighted the challenges Williams faces with Ghana. “It is true that he has not reached the desired levels when he plays for Ghana,” Garcia said. “Traveling long distances for international games can affect a player’s performance, but Iñaki is committed to doing things the right way and giving his best for the team.”
While his transition to international football has been challenging, Williams remains determined to succeed. Ghana fans and teammates alike hope his club brilliance will soon translate into consistent performances on the international stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 26, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Raul Garcia, a former Athletic Bilbao legend, has thrown his support behind Iñaki Williams, expressing confidence in the forward’s potential to excel with the Ghana national team.
Williams, who pledged his international allegiance to the Black Stars in 2022, has yet to fully hit his stride on the international stage. The 30-year-old, born and raised in Spain’s Basque region, made his Ghana debut in a friendly against Brazil in September 2022. Despite his club heroics, Williams has struggled to find his rhythm with Ghana, scoring just once in 21 appearances for the four-time African champions.
At Athletic Bilbao, however, Williams remains a cornerstone of success. He was instrumental in ending the club’s 40-year Copa del Rey drought and securing two Spanish Super Cups. This season, his impressive tally of four goals and five assists in 18 La Liga matches has helped Bilbao climb to a comfortable fourth place in the league standings.
Raul Garcia highlighted the challenges Williams faces in adapting to a new team and environment, saying, “Obviously, the circumstances of having brand new colleagues and not really being adapted to the team doesn’t make the situation any easier. Here in Bilbao, we’ve all known each other for many years, so it makes it easier.”
Despite the slow start, Garcia remains optimistic: “I’m sure Inaki will achieve wonderful results. He knows what he needs to do and is determined to succeed. I have no doubt he will soon find his form with the Black Stars.”
As Williams continues to thrive in Spain, Ghana fans will be hoping his club success translates into consistent brilliance on the international stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 25, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Swiss Giants Eye Hale End Star Ahead of January Window
Arsenal U21 captain Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, a standout performer in the Premier League 2 this season, has attracted interest from Swiss Super League side FC Zurich as his contract negotiations with the Gunners hit a snag.
The 21-year-old forward, who is of Nigerian descent, has been in sensational form, netting seven goals and providing six assists in just nine league matches. Despite Arsenal U21’s struggles this season, Butler-Oyedeji’s performances have shone, drawing attention from clubs across Europe, including FC Zurich.
According to Football Insider, the Swiss side is keen to strengthen their attack and is preparing to make an offer for Butler-Oyedeji during the January transfer window. However, Arsenal is determined to keep their Hale End graduate and have offered him a new deal. With talks stalling, Zurich and other suitors may see an opportunity to swoop in.
The Gunners are particularly wary of losing another top academy prospect after Chido-Obi Martins’ departure to Manchester United last summer. Losing Butler-Oyedeji would be a blow, especially given his pre-season contributions and his leadership of the U21 squad.
Despite being included on the bench for Arsenal’s Premier League and Champions League fixtures this season, Butler-Oyedeji has yet to make a senior appearance, which could fuel doubts about his long-term future at the Emirates.
Having already gained senior experience through loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Cheltenham Town, Butler-Oyedeji is seen as ready to make the jump to first-team football, and FC Zurich reportedly views him as a valuable addition to their squad.
As the January window approaches, Arsenal faces the challenge of convincing the young forward to commit his future to the club, amid growing interest from abroad.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 25, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
“He Doesn’t Understand Football,” Garcia Says of Napoli Chief
Former Napoli coach Rudi Garcia has openly criticized club president Aurelio De Laurentiis for mishandling Victor Osimhen’s contract situation, claiming it caused unnecessary turmoil at the club.
Osimhen, a Nigerian superstar and a pivotal figure in Napoli’s historic Serie A title win last season, has been at the center of controversy over the past year. After leading Napoli to their first Scudetto in 33 years with 26 goals and claiming the league’s Golden Boot, the Super Eagles striker found himself embroiled in transfer drama last summer.
Despite interest from Chelsea and Al-Ahli, who tabled late bids for the striker, De Laurentiis held firm, demanding a €130 million valuation. At the time, Osimhen’s contract was set to expire in 2024, leaving Napoli at risk of losing him for free. A compromise was eventually reached, with the forward signing a one-year extension through 2026.
In an interview with Haber Sari Kirmizi, Garcia didn’t mince words, accusing De Laurentiis of poor judgment. “Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis doesn’t understand football,” Garcia said. “The contracts of Victor Osimhen and Piotr Zielinski should have been resolved much earlier. Instead, one renewed after a long struggle, while the other left for Inter.”
Garcia also revealed tensions during his tenure, blaming the president’s interference in team tactics and management for the club’s decline. “More than half of the players and staff wanted to leave Napoli at that time. De Laurentiis meddled in everything—from tactics to my player preferences. When I told him to stay in his own area, I paid the price.”
Garcia’s sacking preceded a disappointing campaign for Napoli, who finished 10th and failed to qualify for the Champions League. Despite his contract extension, Osimhen’s future remains uncertain, with speculation suggesting a potential summer departure rather than a January move.
