by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 24, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has warned Black Galaxies head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani against adopting a defensive strategy in the crucial 2024 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) qualifiers against Nigeria. The first leg ended in a goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium, setting the stage for an intense return fixture on December 28 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Agyemang-Badu, who played a pivotal role in Ghana’s 2009 CHAN campaign, stressed the significance of securing a win in the second leg. “We should be very careful not to go and defend,” he cautioned. “This is only one game, and if you lose, you’re out. We can’t afford to lose, especially after failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.”
The former midfielder expressed the gravity of the situation, pointing out that failing to qualify for the CHAN tournament would be disastrous for Ghanaian football. “If we don’t qualify for CHAN, it will be a big setback,” Agyemang-Badu said. “We have to support the team and pray for them to go all out and secure the win.”
The winner of the tie will earn a spot in the 2025 CHAN tournament, which will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Ghana, who triumphed over Nigeria in a penalty shootout to qualify for the previous edition, will be hoping to repeat their success. Meanwhile, Nigeria is determined to end its two-edition absence from the competition.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 24, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Ademola Lookman, Nigeria’s CAF Men’s Player of the Year, has reflected on how his decision to switch his national allegiance from England to Nigeria has transformed his career. The 26-year-old, born in London and a former England Under-17 World Cup winner, made the switch to represent the Super Eagles in 2022.
Lookman’s shift to Nigeria, he says, has been nothing short of life-changing. In a recent interview with SportyTV, the Atalanta forward shared that since donning the Super Eagles jersey, everything in his career has been on an upward trajectory.
“I think ever since I put on the Super Eagles jersey, it’s been fruitful,” Lookman explained. “We’ve achieved so much as a team, and there’s a real sense of camaraderie. Everything has just gone upwards for me.”
The impact of Lookman’s decision has been undeniable. In less than two years, he has transformed from being viewed as a Premier League underachiever to becoming Africa’s best player, as recognized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). His contributions to Nigeria’s AFCON qualification campaign, with three goals and two assists, were vital in helping the Super Eagles secure their spot in the prestigious tournament.
Lookman’s success hasn’t been limited to international duties. At club level, he made history by scoring a European record hat-trick for Atalanta in the UEFA Europa Cup final against Bayer Leverkusen. His rapid rise has drawn comparisons to other successful Nigerian diaspora players, such as Osaze Odemwingie and Victor Moses.
Reflecting on his CAF Awards win, Lookman expressed his gratitude and pride in joining the ranks of Nigerian football legends. “It’s an incredible moment for me. An incredible achievement,” he said. “It’s special to be able to join the list of many great players who have achieved a lot in the game.”
Beyond personal accolades, Lookman also emphasized the importance of inspiring the next generation of players. “It’s not just me but we have a lot of talent, not just in the men’s game but also in the women’s game,” he said. “To be able to motivate young kids who aspire to be like us is the most important thing. We want to set a good example for them to follow.”
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 24, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ghanaian midfielder Umar Bashiru has candidly reflected on the turbulent campaign his club, Commercial Bank Ethiopia Sports Association (CBE SA), is enduring in the Ethiopian Premier League this season.
CBE SA, the reigning champions, find themselves in unfamiliar territory, languishing in 16th place with just nine points from nine games. Their record of two wins, three draws, and four losses marks a sharp contrast to the dominance they displayed last season.
Bashiru, who joined the club from Ethiopian Insurance (Medhin) after their historic league title triumph, spoke to Pan-Africa Football about the team’s struggles.
“Our performance this season hasn’t been great. We are having trouble winning matches,” Bashiru admitted. Despite creating plenty of chances, their inability to convert them into goals has left the team in a precarious position.
The 28-year-old dismissed any hopes of retaining the league title, emphasizing survival as the team’s immediate focus. “Our priority now is to win games and build confidence,” he stated.
Having featured in four matches this season, Bashiru remains determined to contribute more and help his team climb out of the relegation zone. For now, his goal is to inspire a turnaround and revive the spark that made them champions just a season ago.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 24, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
A Champion’s Perspective on Excellence and Youth Development
Richard Kissi Boateng, the Ghanaian defender who once donned SuperSport United’s colors, has spoken highly of the South African football powerhouse, hailing it as one of the most exceptional clubs in the country. The former player, who contributed to the club’s MTN 8 Tournament victory in 2017, shared his admiration during an interview with Pan-Africa Football.
Reflecting on his time at SuperSport United, where he played between 2017 and 2019, Boateng emphasized the club’s remarkable legacy in the South African league. “SuperSport is one of the biggest teams in South Africa. Their record in the league is among the best,” he said.
He attributed the club’s success to its strategic planning and professionalism. “SuperSport has its season and its own plans on how to handle things in the league. It’s a team that knows what they are doing when they set their sights on winning the title.”
Highlighting its youth development focus, Boateng described the club as a platform for nurturing young talent, solidifying its role as a pillar of South African football. “It has been a platform for every youth in South Africa,” he remarked, adding that SuperSport’s organizational structure compares favorably to other giants like Mamelodi Sundowns.
Boateng’s glowing assessment comes from a wealth of experience. Beyond SuperSport, he has enjoyed a distinguished career, representing clubs such as Berekum Chelsea, Al Ittihad Tripoli, and DR Congo’s TP Mazembe.
As SuperSport United continues to build on its rich history, Boateng’s words offer a testament to its reputation as a club that champions both excellence and the future of African football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 24, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra
Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, is on a mission to reshape the country’s sports narrative. Known for its passion for football, Ghana has long been celebrated for the exploits of the Black Stars. However, at a vibrant boxing event hosted by his son, Sharaf Mahama, over the weekend, Mahama shared a vision for a broader, more inclusive sports culture.
Addressing a packed Bukom Boxing Arena, Mahama acknowledged Ghana’s football legacy but called for a revival of other disciplines. He lamented the country’s struggles in football, including a 42-year drought without an Africa Cup of Nations trophy and a recent failure to qualify for the tournament after 21 consecutive appearances.
“It’s time for us to broaden our horizons,” Mahama declared. “We all love football, but it is not the only game. When we were young, we stayed up till dawn to watch Azuma Nelson fight in Australia. Those were golden moments, and we need to recreate that spirit here in Ghana—not just in boxing, but in all sports.”
Mahama pledged to transform the Bukom Boxing Arena into a world-class facility with fully equipped gyms to support athletes. He also emphasized the need to invest in multiple sports disciplines, drawing inspiration from nations that excel in the Olympics by diversifying their focus beyond football.
“We can achieve greatness in sports if we invest in the potential of all our athletes. This is about national pride, not just for football but for every sport,” he said.
As Mahama sets his sights on a sports revolution, his message is clear: Ghana’s future lies in nurturing all its talents, not just on the football pitch but across the entire sporting spectrum.
