by Silas Boahene | Jan 11, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Concerns loom over the fitness of Umar Sadiq, the Real Sociedad attacker, just days before Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations opener against Equatorial Guinea. Sadiq, who emerged as a surprise inclusion in the final squad, has missed full training sessions for the second consecutive day, sparking genuine worry within the team.
During the workout at Ecole Nationale de la Police, Sadiq was notably absent from the session, opting to wear canvas shoes, indicating his likelihood to sit out even before training began. While present, he remained on the sidelines while his teammates engaged in on-field activities.
The 26-year-old, recovering from a career-threatening cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for a significant part of the previous season, has not been at his peak form. This season, he has managed two goals in twenty-two appearances across all competitions for Real Sociedad. The Super Eagles management will closely monitor Sadiq’s condition as they approach their AFCON campaign opener.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 11, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
In preparation for their opening Group A match at the CAF 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles have commenced rigorous training in Abidjan. The Nigerian national team, led by head coach Jose Peseiro, is determined to secure their fourth AFCON trophy and the first in 11 years.
After an eight-hour journey from Lagos, the Eagles settled in Abidjan, the host city for the 34th edition of the continental championship. Following a recovery session on arrival, Peseiro focused on maintaining the players’ optimal condition for the upcoming challenges.
The Nigerian contingent’s journey included an intercontinental trip from the United Arab Emirates to Lagos after a week-long training camp in Abu Dhabi. Undeterred by the extensive travel, the Super Eagles hit the École Nationale de la Police pitch in Abidjan for an intensive training session on Thursday. The team is keen on making a strong start to their AFCON campaign, eyeing victory in the opening match against Equatorial Guinea.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 11, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
During a Farewell Dinner with the Black Stars at their camp in Kumasi, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo expressed confidence in Ghana’s national football team, stating that they have the quality to surpass Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique in their AFCON group. Emphasizing the desire to end the 42-year trophy drought, President Akufo-Addo urged the team to go beyond previous second-place finishes and make the nation proud.
Acknowledging the challenging nature of winning the Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire, the President emphasized the team’s potential to overcome the obstacles. He highlighted the individual achievements of players like Jordan Ayew, the most fouled player in the English Premier League.
President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence in facing Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique, teams Ghana has beaten before, and urged the players to avoid a repeat of the events from AFCON 2022. He assured the team of the unwavering support of Ghanaians and the government’s commitment to ensuring their success.
The Black Stars will commence their AFCON campaign against Cape Verde on Sunday, January 14, followed by matches against Egypt and Mozambique in Group B.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 11, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
Coach Yussif Basigi has finalized the 23-player squad for the first leg of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Senegal, as the Black Princesses prepare for their departure from Accra on Wednesday. Among the notable inclusions are Maafia Nyame, Persis Martha Oteng, Salamatu Abdulai, and Faiza Seidu, who have earned their spots with impressive performances in training.
The squad also features key players such as Mary Amponsah from Ampem Darkoa Ladies, Comfort Yeboah, Deborah Brown, Tracy Twum, and Abena Anomah Opoku, who missed the previous round due to their club’s participation in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
With the goal of securing a seventh consecutive appearance at the Biennial tournament in Colombia later this year, the Black Princesses will kick off the first leg on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the Thies Stade Lat Dior in Senegal.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 11, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Soccer
Former Senegal and Tunisia manager, Alain Giresse, expresses admiration for Egypt and Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed, suggesting the player has the potential to shine at a prominent European club. Giresse, who managed four African national teams from 2006 to 2019, closely follows Mostafa’s performances in Ligue 1 and believes he could make a significant impact in France or elsewhere in Europe.
In addition to praising Mostafa, Giresse identifies Egypt as a strong contender for the upcoming AFCON, acknowledging the team’s rich history in the competition and highlighting the influential presence of Mohamed Salah. Giresse considers Egypt among the formidable teams vying for success in the tournament.
