by Silas Boahene | Jan 31, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Soccer
Manchester United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, has reappeared at the club following an unfruitful Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Cameroon. After featuring in just one game during the tournament, Onana lost his starting position in the aftermath of Cameroon’s 1-3 defeat to Senegal in the group stage. The Indomitable Lions were subsequently eliminated by Nigeria in the first knockout round, with Onana spending the match on the bench.
Reports from the Daily Mail suggest that Onana is contemplating retiring from international football altogether after the disappointing AFCON performance.
Onana faced initial setbacks during the tournament, missing Cameroon’s opening group game due to flight issues that caused him to arrive late. Despite being entrusted with a crucial match against Senegal, his less-than-convincing performance led coach Rigobert Song to opt for Nimes Fabrice Ondoa for the remainder of the competition.
This isn’t the first time Onana has encountered issues with the national team, as he left the World Cup in Qatar prematurely following a disagreement with Song. Although the 27-year-old initially declared he no longer wished to be considered for selection after the Qatar incident, he reversed his decision ahead of AFCON.
While Onana’s retirement from international duties has not been officially announced, such a move could benefit Manchester United. The goalkeeper is expected to reclaim his starting position for the upcoming match against Wolves after returning to Manchester. Altay Bayindir, who covered for Onana in the FA Cup win at Newport, will likely return to the bench.
As United aims to rejuvenate their underwhelming campaign, securing a win against Wolves becomes crucial in kickstarting the second half of the season.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 31, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
In a noteworthy roundup from Sportblog247.com, several Nigeria-eligible players left their mark in Tuesday night’s Premier League action.
Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi made a triumphant return to action, scoring for Nottingham Forest despite their 2-1 loss to Arsenal. Awoniyi found the net in the 89th minute, capitalizing on a loose ball in the penalty area and delivering a powerful shot beyond David Raya. With this goal, the former Liverpool striker has now scored five times in 11 appearances in the Premier League this season, showcasing his consistent goal-scoring form against Arsenal.
French-Nigerian winger Michael Olise, returning from injury, had a stellar performance, contributing two assists and a goal in Crystal Palace’s match. His first assist in the 17th minute set up Eberechi Eze to level the score. Olise continued his impact with another assist in the 27th minute, connecting with Eze once again. Notably, Opta statisticians revealed that Olise has assisted Eze seven times in the Premier League, tying a Crystal Palace record for most assists to a teammate. The 22-year-old wasn’t finished for the night, scoring a brilliant goal from outside the box in the 67th minute, securing a 3-2 victory for Crystal Palace. Olise’s remarkable performance brings his season tally to six goals and three assists.
In another standout performance, Elijah Adebayo secured a hat trick for Luton Town in their impressive 4-0 win against Brighton & Hove Albion. Adebayo opened the scoring in the first minute with a header and added two more goals before the end of the first half and in the 56th minute. Opta statisticians noted that Adebayo’s hat trick marked a historic moment, making him the first player to achieve this feat for Luton Town in the English top-flight in 34 years and the first to do so at Kenilworth Road since 1988. With eight goals in 21 appearances this season, Adebayo continues to be a formidable force in the league.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 31, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
In a breathtaking display on Tuesday, Elijah Adebayo etched his name into Premier League history by leading Luton Town to a commanding 4-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 26-year-old striker’s remarkable hat trick showcased not only his skill but also prompted contemplation on the trajectory of his burgeoning career. Adebayo’s outstanding performance began with a precise header in the opening minute, setting the tone for the match. His second goal, two minutes before halftime, was followed by a remarkable header from a corner kick in the 56th minute, capitalizing on Brighton’s defensive lapse.
Adebayo’s triumph marked a historic moment for both Luton Town and himself, as he became the first player in 34 years to achieve a hat trick for the club in the English top-flight and the first to do so at Kenilworth Road since 1988.
The 4-0 victory stands as Luton Town’s most significant triumph since their return to the Premier League, with Adebayo’s three goals proving decisive. With eight goals in the Premier League, Adebayo has played a pivotal role in Luton Town’s bid to secure their top-flight status.
Adebayo’s journey to this milestone is as extraordinary as his on-field achievements. Six years ago, he found himself on loan at Slough Town in the Southern League Premier Division.
According to manager Edwards, Adebayo has evolved into a more reliable player without the ball, showcasing impressive work-rate, pressing skills, and defensive contributions. Edwards believes that Adebayo’s potential is immense, praising his progress and predicting a successful career if he maintains focus and dedication.
Born in England, Adebayo remains eligible to play for Nigeria, adding an intriguing layer to his promising football journey.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 31, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Mark your calendars for the resumption of the domestic football calendar on Saturday, February 17, 2024, as the highly anticipated MTN FA Cup returns with an enticing lineup of Round of 16 clashes.
Scheduled to unfold across various venues nationwide, the matches are set to captivate football enthusiasts on both Saturday, February 17, and Sunday, February 18, 2024. Defending champions, Dreams FC, will host Koforidua Semper Fi at the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday, while Asante Kotoko SC, with their impressive 9-time FA Cup triumphs, will travel to Tamale’s Aliu Mahama Stadium for a showdown with Karela FC on the same day.
Kicking off the action on Saturday, Bofoakwa Tano FC will face off against Wa Power FC at the Sunyani Coronation Park. Meanwhile, Legon Cities FC is set to host the formidable FC Nania, known as “giant killers,” at the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu.
The full slate of fixtures promises an exciting weekend of football, bringing fans closer to the heart of the MTN FA Cup action.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 31, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer, Uncategorized
In a significant move, the GFA Elite Football Academy has taken its inaugural steps at Winkogo, situated in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The first cohort of students has been admitted to Bolgatanga Senior High School, marking the beginning of an ambitious venture by the Executive Council to establish a Technical Centre in Winkogo. This strategic decision aims to tap into the rich reservoir of talent within the school sector in the three Northern regions of Ghana – Northern, Upper East, and Upper West.
The policy, endorsed by the Executive Council, involves partnering with schools in the aforementioned football zones to set up academies. Junior High School players will be meticulously assessed, and selected talents will find placement in Senior High Schools strategically located across the country.
President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku’s unwavering commitment to restoring Ghana’s position as an African football powerhouse is a driving force behind this groundbreaking initiative. The administration, under the banner of the GFA Elite Academy, aligns itself with the FIFA Talent Identification and Development program, underscoring its determination to nurture football talent from the grassroots level.
Bolgatanga has been chosen as the pilot project location, signaling the commencement of a broader scheme by the Ghana Football Association to establish academies in all ten football regions of the country. These academies, in collaboration with the best schools in each region, will offer a holistic education alongside a rigorous elite football development program.
This inclusive concept, welcoming both boys and girls, specifically targets the identification and cultivation of the finest football talents aged between 15-16, ensuring that hidden gems in the Ghanaian football landscape are unearthed and given the opportunity to shine. The GFA Elite Football Academy stands as a beacon of hope for the future, promising a transformative impact on football development in the region.
