by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 29, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Queens forward Evelyn Badu has completed a transfer to Canadian side Montreal Roses ahead of the 2026 season.
The 23-year-old attacker joins the Northern Super League club after leaving French outfit Fleury 91, marking her latest move after spells across Europe and now North America.
Badu expressed excitement about the transfer, describing it as a long-awaited opportunity. She highlighted the rapid growth of women’s professional football in North America and said she is eager to contribute to Montreal’s ambitious project.
The former Hasaacas Ladies forward made her name in Ghana, helping the Sekondi-based club achieve domestic and continental success during the 2021/22 campaign. She later played in Norway with Avaldsnes IL and Molde, before moving to France.
Badu also made history by becoming the first player to win the CAF Women’s Champions League Golden Boot, later adding best inter-club player and young player awards to her achievements.
Montreal Roses sporting director Marinette Pichon praised the Ghanaian forward, describing her as a technically gifted and intelligent player capable of creating chances and delivering decisive finishes in key moments.
Montreal Roses compete in Canada’s Northern Super League, the country’s top-tier women’s professional league, and were founded in 2023 as part of the league’s expansion of elite women’s football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 29, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down combined fines exceeding $1 million to Senegal and Morocco following disorderly incidents that overshadowed the AFCON 2025 final.
After disciplinary hearings into the events surrounding the final clash between the two nations, CAF’s Disciplinary Committee released its verdict in a ruling published in the early hours of Thursday.
The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football received the heavier punishment, totaling $715,000. This includes $300,000 for unsporting behaviour by players and officials during the match, and another $300,000 linked to misconduct by supporters who reportedly clashed with police and stadium security personnel.
Senegal was also fined $15,000 after players accumulated five yellow cards during the game. Additionally, head coach Pape Thiaw was fined $100,000 and handed a five-match CAF suspension for instructing his players to leave the pitch following the controversial late penalty awarded to Morocco.
CAF stated that Thiaw’s actions brought the game into disrepute. Senegal players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each suspended for two matches for hostile conduct toward the referee.
Meanwhile, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was fined $415,000. This includes $200,000 for misconduct involving ball boys accused of taking the Senegal goalkeeper’s towel during the match.
Morocco was also fined $100,000 for players and technical staff entering the VAR review area and interfering with match officials, and $15,000 following reports of supporters using lasers during the game.
Further disciplinary measures were taken against Morocco midfielder Ismaël Saibari, who received a $100,000 fine and a three-match suspension for unsporting behaviour. Captain Achraf Hakimi was handed a two-match suspension, with one match suspended for one year, for a similar offence.
CAF also rejected Morocco’s protest seeking to strip Senegal of the AFCON 2025 title, citing Senegal’s earlier decision to leave the pitch before the match was completed.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 29, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a total fine of $415,000 on the Royal Moroccan Football Federation following misconduct incidents during the AFCON 2025 final.
The punishment comes after chaotic scenes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where Senegal briefly walked off the pitch for about 17 minutes in protest over a penalty awarded to host nation Morocco.
After discussions led by Senegal captain Sadio Mané, the Teranga Lions returned to the field, eventually winning the match in extra time. Pape Gueye scored the winning goal after Brahim Díaz missed the controversial penalty that triggered the protest.
CAF’s disciplinary review found multiple violations. Morocco FA received a $200,000 fine due to inappropriate conduct by stadium ball boys. A further $100,000 was issued for misconduct by players and technical staff who entered the VAR review area and interfered with match officials. Supporters’ use of lasers during the game attracted a $15,000 fine, while an additional $100,000 was added for separate player misconduct charges.
CAF stated that these actions breached fair play and integrity rules under its Disciplinary Code. The Moroccan FA is expected to appeal the sanctions.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 28, 2026 | Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his heartfelt condolences to Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi following the death of his father, Sunday Ndidi.
Sunday Ndidi reportedly lost his life in a tragic road accident in Umunede, near Agbor in Delta State on Tuesday, plunging the Ndidi family into mourning.
In a condolence message, President Tinubu expressed deep sadness over the loss and sympathised with the family, friends, and associates of the deceased, paying special tribute to the bond between Wilfred Ndidi and his late father.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Sunday Ndidi. I share in the grief of his family, friends and associates, particularly Wilfred Ndidi, who shared a strong bond with his father as a mentor and guide in his remarkable football career,” the President said.
President Tinubu further noted that the late Sunday Ndidi’s values, humility, and integrity left a lasting impression on those who knew him and looked up to him for inspiration.
He prayed for God’s comfort for the Ndidi family and asked that the Almighty grant eternal rest to the soul of the departed.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 28, 2026 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Fenerbahçe have stepped up their interest in Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, with talks resuming after Atalanta reportedly dropped their asking price for the Nigerian attacker.
The Serie A side had initially valued Lookman at €45 million but are now said to be open to negotiations around €35 million, following a lack of strong competing bids. This development has encouraged the Turkish giants to re-enter discussions, with club officials planning a trip to Italy to engage both Atalanta and the player’s representatives.
Reports indicate that Fenerbahçe are exploring a loan deal that would include an option to make the move permanent at the newly reduced valuation.
Lookman has made 18 appearances for Atalanta this season, registering three goals and two assists. His speed, creativity, and attacking versatility continue to make him an attractive option, with Fenerbahçe viewing him as a potential key addition to boost their attacking options.
