by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 21, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, has shed light on the specific role played by Desmond Ofei within the Black Stars’ technical team.
Ofei was added to Otto Addo’s backroom staff ahead of the resumption of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March 2025, following his stint as head coach of the Black Satellites, where he guided the U-20 side to the quarterfinals of the AFCON in Egypt.
Speaking on Sporty FM, Asante Twum explained that Ofei’s primary responsibility is game analysis, particularly during matches.
“Desmond Ofei is more like a game reader or analyst,” he said. “He sits on the bench and observes certain details that the head coach, Otto Addo, may not immediately notice.”
Asante Twum further revealed that Ofei plays a key role during set-piece situations, working closely with assistant coach Gregory.
“When we are preparing for set pieces in training, Desmond works together with Gregory. During matches, when the team is defending set pieces, Otto steps back and Desmond takes charge. When we are attacking, Gregory comes in, and the players immediately understand what is required,” he explained.
According to the GFA spokesperson, the impact of this technical collaboration has already been evident.
“In the last five qualifier matches after the technical adjustments, we scored more goals from set pieces. That improvement is down to these combinations that were introduced,” he added.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, many Ghanaians will be hopeful that the strengthened technical setup can elevate the Black Stars’ performances on the global stage.
The senior national team is expected to regroup in March for an international friendly against Germany in Stuttgart as preparations continue.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 21, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Former Ghana and Senegal head coach Claude Le Roy has revealed the advice he gave Sadio Mané during a tense moment in the Africa Cup of Nations final, after Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch against hosts Morocco.
The dramatic incident occurred following a controversial penalty decision awarded to Morocco by referee Jacques Ndala, moments after a Senegal goal had been disallowed at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Le Roy, who was pitchside at the time, was seen speaking with Mané after the Teranga Lions left the field in protest. Speaking to Canal Plus, the veteran coach explained the conversation.
“When the Senegalese team left the pitch, Sadio Mané was alone on the field and he came to me and asked what I would do if I were in his place,” Le Roy said.
“I told him I would have continued playing. I explained that the result had not yet been decided.”
According to Le Roy, Mané took the advice on board and immediately acted.
“After that, he went to bring his teammates back onto the field,” he added.
Senegal eventually regained composure and went on to secure the AFCON title with a hard-fought 1–0 victory, sealed by Pape Gueye’s decisive goal in first-half extra time, crowning the Teranga Lions champions of Africa amid one of the most controversial finals in recent history.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is attracting growing interest from several African national teams following his impressive outing with Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Appointed in January 2025, the Malian tactician guided the Super Eagles to a third-place finish, defeating Egypt in the playoff to secure Nigeria’s ninth AFCON bronze medal.
Nigeria stood out under Chelle for their attacking intent and tactical balance, scoring 14 goals in seven matches while remaining defensively solid. The Super Eagles kept clean sheets in all knockout-stage fixtures, with their only disappointments coming via penalty shootouts against hosts Morocco in the semifinals and DR Congo in the World Cup playoffs.
Continental Interest Gathers Pace
Chelle’s performances on the AFCON stage have not gone unnoticed. During the tournament, he reportedly declined an approach from Tunisia after their round-of-16 exit. In the aftermath of the competition, Angola and Gabon have now emerged as the leading contenders to lure him away.
Gabon recently dismissed head coach Thierry Mouyouma following an early AFCON elimination, while Angola are actively exploring options and have identified Chelle as a prime target.
According to reports from SportyTV, Chelle is expected to hold talks with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) in the coming days to discuss his future, even as interest from rival national teams continues to intensify.
Impressive Record and Contract Situation
Since taking charge, Chelle is yet to lose a competitive match in regulation time. His tenure also includes lifting the Unity Cup in London in May 2025, further boosting his reputation.
However, financial issues may influence his next move. Prior to AFCON, the NFF reportedly owed him three months’ salary and unpaid bonuses, a situation that could make offers with improved financial stability more attractive.
Despite this, many Nigerian fans are calling for continuity, urging the NFF to extend Chelle’s contract through the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, pointing to the clear progress made by the team.
NFF president Ibrahim Gusau has downplayed speculation of an imminent contract extension, stressing that Chelle is only midway through his current deal, which runs until January 2027.
With interest mounting across the continent, a decision on Chelle’s future is expected soon as both the coach and the NFF assess their options.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced that details of the Black Stars’ camping base and logistical arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be made public in the first week of February.
This was revealed by the GFA’s Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum, during an interview on Akoma FM.
He also disclosed that the provisional squad for Ghana’s World Cup campaign will be released in April, with the final squad expected to be named on June 1.
“Details of the Black Stars’ camping base and logistical arrangements will be announced in the first week of February. The provisional squad is expected in April, with the final squad to be named on June 1,” Asante Twum stated.
He further outlined the Association’s objectives for the tournament, stressing that the Black Stars are targeting qualification from the group stage while delivering a competitive showing on the world stage.
“Our target for the World Cup is to qualify from the group stage and be competitive. We want to fight, we have the quality, and we believe we can match our quarter-final appearance and possibly go even further,” he added.
Asante Twum also noted that the technical team has been strengthened since the Qatar 2022 World Cup. He explained that the head coach has requested additional personnel, but negotiations are ongoing, making it premature to reveal names due to contractual obligations.
Ghana sealed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in November after finishing top of their group in the African qualifiers. The Black Stars have been drawn into Group L, where they will face England, Croatia, and Panama.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed that discussions are ongoing for the Black Stars to play an international friendly against Austria as part of preparations for the upcoming World Cup.
GFA Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum, disclosed the development while speaking on Akoma 87.9 FM, noting that the proposed fixture is still in the planning stages.
According to him, the friendly is being considered ahead of Ghana’s scheduled game against Germany, as the technical team looks to fine-tune the squad before the global tournament.
Further details, including the date and venue of the match, are expected to be announced once discussions are concluded.
