by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 30, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has reportedly held talks with midfielder Thomas Partey during a meeting in Spain as preparations continue ahead of upcoming World Cup assignments.
The meeting is believed to have focused on Ghana’s plans moving forward, including squad expectations, player roles, and preparations for future international competitions. Partey remains one of Ghana’s most experienced midfielders and is expected to play an important role if selected for upcoming tournaments.
Addo has been engaging key players as part of efforts to build a competitive squad capable of performing strongly on the global stage. The discussions with Partey are seen as part of wider consultations with senior members of the team.
The Black Stars technical team continues to monitor players across Europe as they work toward assembling a strong squad for future international engagements.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 30, 2026 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
The group stage of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League concluded on Wednesday, with several Nigerian players playing key roles as their clubs secured places in the knockout phase.
A total of 18 matches were played across Europe simultaneously, as teams battled to secure qualification. While several Nigerian stars featured, only one failed to progress, with the rest finishing between 9th and 24th place — positions that qualify teams for the round of 16 playoffs rather than automatic last-16 spots.
Here are five Nigerian players who will feature in the knockout playoffs:
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
Galatasaray entered the final matchday in a playoff qualification spot and needed a positive result against Manchester City to secure progression. They eventually lost 2-0, with Osimhen testing Gianluigi Donnarumma multiple times but unable to score. Despite the loss, results elsewhere helped Galatasaray finish 20th and secure a playoff place.
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos)
Onyemaechi came on late in Olympiacos’ crucial final group game against Ajax at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The Greek champions needed a win to stay in contention for the playoffs, and goals from Gelson Martins and Santiago Hezze secured the result and qualification.
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge)
Club Brugge secured their playoff spot with an impressive 3-0 victory over Marseille. Onyedika played the full match and was once again a key figure in midfield as the Belgian side sealed progression.
George Ilenikhena (Monaco)
Monaco secured qualification following a goalless draw against Juventus, which was enough to confirm a playoff spot and a 21st-place finish. Ilenikhena was an unused substitute in the match.
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)
Lookman featured for Atalanta in their 1-0 loss to Royale Union SG. A win would have pushed them close to automatic qualification, but they ultimately finished 15th with 13 points. Lookman started the game but was substituted in the second half.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 30, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku says it is too early to begin conversations about whether he will seek another term in office.
With almost two years still remaining in his current tenure, Okraku stressed that his priority is to continue working rather than focusing on future elections.
Reflecting on his time in charge, he pointed out that he assumed leadership of the GFA during what he described as one of the most difficult periods in Ghana’s football history.
Okraku said he is not interested in discussing re-election at this stage, noting that he still has significant time left in office to focus on serving the game and helping develop Ghana football.
Addressing questions about balancing his responsibilities at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) with his role at the GFA, Okraku rejected suggestions that the workload is too demanding. He explained that his passion for football gives him the drive and energy needed to perform effectively in both roles.
He added that serving at the continental level has been a major learning experience, describing it as an eye-opening opportunity that has helped him grow, while also expressing his willingness to continue learning and contributing to football development.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 30, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Serie A giants Napoli and AS Roma have reportedly entered the race to sign Ghanaian winger Kamaldeen Sulemana from Atalanta during the ongoing January transfer window.
The 23-year-old attacker joined Atalanta in July 2025 on a long-term deal that runs until 2029. Since arriving, he has featured in 15 Serie A matches this season, contributing two goals and one assist.
Reports suggest both Napoli and Roma have already approached Atalanta to understand the terms under which the club might consider selling the Ghana international.
Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi has previously hinted that the club could be open to offers for players who are not getting consistent minutes, especially given the depth and competition within the squad.
On the international stage, Sulemana has earned 25 caps for Ghana and has scored once for the Black Stars. His current market valuation is believed to be around €18 million.
Atalanta are thought to have secured Sulemana for about €17.5 million, following his earlier transfer from Southampton in January 2023, a deal reportedly worth around €25 million.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 30, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Villarreal manager Marcelino Garcia Toral has openly criticised former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey following Villarreal’s 3-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, a result that capped off a disappointing Champions League campaign for the Spanish side.
Partey, who joined Villarreal on a free transfer during the summer, has faced controversy off the pitch due to ongoing legal cases involving serious allegations, which he denies. While Marcelino previously avoided discussing those matters, he was more direct when evaluating the midfielder’s performances on the field after the loss in Germany.
Speaking to Marca, Marcelino suggested Partey has struggled to match the level he previously showed in England. He noted that modern football demands high intensity and speed, adding that six months should have been enough time for the player to demonstrate his quality.
The Villarreal coach also expressed frustration with his team’s overall Champions League showing. The club finished second from bottom in their group with just one point from eight matches, conceding 18 goals in the process. This contrasts sharply with their La Liga form, where they have conceded only 21 goals in 20 games.
Marcelino admitted he was angered by his team’s first-half display against Leverkusen, saying they were outplayed in intensity, pace, passing and chance creation. He felt his side played too defensively and failed to take opportunities to move forward, which allowed the German side to dominate.
When asked about a costly mistake by goalkeeper Arnau Tenas that led to Leverkusen’s opener, Marcelino was more understanding. He acknowledged that errors are part of football but accepted responsibility for Villarreal’s poor European campaign, stating the team must now focus on maintaining their strong domestic form.
Villarreal return to La Liga action this weekend against Osasuna, hoping to continue what has been one of their best league seasons in terms of points.
