In the midst of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) fervor, Ghana’s national team, the Black Stars, received positive news regarding the fitness of midfielder Majeed Ashimeru.
Following Thursday’s enthralling 2-2 draw against Egypt, the medical team have assessed midfielder Ashimeru and expressed confidence in his readiness for the crucial match against Mozambique on Monday.
Ashimeru’s pivotal role in the Ghanaian squad cannot be overstated, as his performances on the pitch have been instrumental in the team’s quest for qualification to the knockout stages of AFCON.
The Anderlecht midfielder’s dynamic playing style and key contributions in attack make him a key asset for the Black Stars. The medical evaluation since Thursday’s game signifies the importance placed on Ashimeru’s fitness by the Ghanaian coaching staff.
With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, having a key player like Ashimeru fit and ready to go is a significant boost for the team’s morale and tactical plans. The midfielder’s ability to control the midfield, distribute the ball with precision, and contribute both defensively and offensively has been a standout feature.
Ghana will need Ashimeru’s skillset to complement the efforts of star player Mohammed Kudus as they aim to navigate through the challenges posed by the competitive nature of this edition of AFCON.
Monday clash against Mozambique takes on added significance, with Ghana needing a victory to even stand a chance of securing progression to the knockout stages. The midfield battle, where Ashimeru excels, could play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the match.
Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar found himself at the center of a storm when he was unexpectedly ruled out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations due to a knee injury, only to be spotted training at Real Sociedad shortly after.
The conflicting reports stirred controversy among Nigerian fans, the NFF, and coach Jose Peseiro. Initially named in Peseiro’s 25-man squad, Sadiq was poised to be a standout player at the AFCON, showcasing brilliant form with two impressive goals for his club just before the tournament.
However, the knee injury announcement, stating a minimum three-week recovery, led to Trabzonspor’s Paul Onuachu taking his place. Adding fuel to the fire, Real Sociedad shared footage of Sadiq vigorously training at their facility, raising questions about the authenticity of his reported injury.
Peseiro, standing by the information provided by the Super Eagles medical team, faced scrutiny from all sides. In an effort to clear the air, Sadiq stepped forward, emphasising that he never feigned his injury but merely followed the guidance of the medical team.
Apparently he was told by the Super Eagles medical staff that he had suffered a meniscus injury, only to get back to his club and be told it was only a bruise. Recent on-field action supports his claim, as he contributed 18 minutes in Real Sociedad’s Copa Del Rey loss to Osasuna.
As Sadiq eyes a return to the starting lineup against Celta Vigo in La Liga today, the controversy surrounding his AFCON absence leaves lingering questions about the communication breakdown between the player, the medical team, and the coaching staff.
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s outstanding save against Cote d’Ivoire has earned him the Save of the Day recognition from the Confederation of African Football.
In a day featuring three matches, Nwabali’s crucial stops helped secure Nigeria’s victory over the hosts Cote d’Ivoire, contrasting with the exciting 2-2 draw between Ghana and Egypt.
Facing three attempts, Nwabali’s notable save early in the match prevented a potential goal, showcasing his prowess under pressure. The CAF acknowledgment highlights the goalkeeper’s growing confidence, especially considering this was only his second competitive appearance for Nigeria.
Previously overlooked in discussions about Nigeria’s top goalkeepers, Nwabali was scouted by head coach Jose Peseiro shortly before the AFCON. He made his debut in a friendly against Guinea and is coming into his own as the tournament progresses.
This recognition is likely to boost Nwabali’s confidence even more, marking a significant journey for the Chippa United goalkeeper who has quickly become a key player for the Super Eagles.
In a thrilling Group A encounter at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations yesterday, Nigeria secured a vital 1-0 victory over Ivory Coast, with captain William Troost-Ekong converting a penalty that proved to be the match-winner.
The Napoli striker and African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, handed over penalty duties to Troost-Ekong, showcasing a remarkable display of teamwork. Troost-Ekong revealed:
“Victor is our first choice; he said he wanted me to take it. Of course, I couldn’t say no. We practice penalties, and I took one against Ghana. Maybe it was the moment of the game, but I was feeling good. For me, I don’t mind. I can take it and if I score or I miss, it is part of the game.”
The victory elevated Nigeria to second place in Group A, surpassing Ivory Coast. Osimhen reflected on the significance of the win, stating, “I am overwhelmed. It is a big win for us, a statement win. We played a disappointing draw against Equatorial Guinea, and it was important to come out strong against a team like the Ivorians.”
AC Milan forward Samuel Chukwueze emphasised the team’s determination, saying, “We played with our hearts. This game shows we are ready to fight for AFCON.” Nigeria faces Guinea Bissau in their final group stage match, with Chukwueze underlying the team’s focus on securing victory to top the group.
Cape Verde secured their knockout stage spot in the Africa Cup of Nations with a game in hand, following a hugely impressive 3-0 victory over Mozambique yesterday.
The Blue Sharks displayed resilience from the outset, stunning Ghana in their opening match to beat the four time champions 2-1. They continued their momentum with a convincing 3-0 triumph against Mozambique.
Former Manchester United player Bebé showcased his prowess with a remarkable long-range free kick, setting the tone for Cape Verde’s success. Ryan Mendes and Kevin Lenini further solidified their dominance, underlining the team’s collective strength and versatility.
Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes, the dependable Shamrock Rovers defender, had previously expressed eagerness about facing Mo Salah in the final group game. Unfortunately, Salah’s back injury has raised doubts about his participation.
While the focus is on Salah’s fitness, Cape Verde find themselves in a comfortable position, having secured the top spot in the group. This affords them the luxury of potentially resting key players in the final group game against Egypt, including Lopes, as they look ahead to the knockout stages with confidence.
Coach Bubista is doing an incredible job with the Blue Sharks. Topping a group that boasts giants like seven time winners Egypt and Ghana, with all their star players is a huge achievement. Cape Verde could cause more upsets in the Round of 16 the way they are playing.
