Africa Sport News — Page 69
WAFU B U-20 Championship: Flying Eagles Set on Capturing AFCON Qualification — Maikaba
Flying Eagles head coach Abdu Maikaba has declared that his team must be ready to work hard if they are to achieve success at the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship. The regional tournament will also serve as the qualifying competition for the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, with the top teams earning places at [...]
EXCLUSIVE — World Cup 2026: African Teams Showed Promise, Yet Super Eagles Could Have Excelled More — Kalika
Simon Kalika, a Dutch coach and former Flying Eagles of Nigeria assistant coach during the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup finals in the Netherlands, as well as the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China, has applauded the performances of African teams at the ongoing World Cup 2026, Completesports.com reports. However, Kalika insists that Nigeria’s [...]
The Teams That Surprised Everyone At The 2026 World Cup | Most Notable Upsets Thus Far
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already delivered incredible surprises, with underdogs proving they belong on football’s biggest stage. Cape Verde stunned Spain with a historic draw, Australia exceeded expectations, Ghana frustrated England, and Norway emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest dark horses. With the new 48-team format creating more opportunities for surprises, this [...]
Anelka: The Reasons Behind My Expulsion From the France Team at the 2010 World Cup
Former Arsenal striker Nicolas Anelka has reflected on his infamous 18-match ban, which he received after a furious dressing-room altercation with France manager Raymond Domenech during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Domenech allegedly substituted the striker at halftime against Mexico, leading to a heated X-rated exchange. Read Also:World Cup 2026: ‘We Can Beat [...]
Ghana U20 striker Agnes Yeboah has finalized her transfer to Guangdong Meizhou in China.
Ghana youth international Agnes Yeboah has completed a permanent transfer to Chinese Women's Super League side Guangdong Meizhou Women Football Club from Ghana Women's Premier League outfit Jonina Ladies.The highly-rated forward makes the move ahead of the second half of the 2026 Chinese Women's Super League season.Yeboah has wasted little time settling into her new environment, making her competitive debut for Guangdong Meizhou over the weekend.Wearing the number 35 jersey, the Ghanaian attacker played 53 minutes in her side's league clash against Sichuan Women, although Guangdong Meizhou suffered defeat in the encounter.The move marks another important milestone in the career of the talented youngster, who has established herself as one of Ghana's brightest prospects in women's football.Yeboah recently played a key role for the Black Princesses during their successful qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, which will be hosted in Poland in September.Her impressive performances have earned her recognition as one of the country's emerging stars.At club level, she enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Jonina Ladies, captaining the side and helping them reach the semifinals of the 2025/26 Ghana Women's FA Cup.The transfer provides Yeboah with an opportunity...
World Cup 2026: Other Teams Should Be More Concerned About Us — Madueke Comments Prior to Argentina Match
Noni Madueke believes England have developed a fear factor at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after reaching the semi-finals for the fourth time in history. Thomas Tuchel’s men came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 after extra-time on Saturday, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice to set up a last-four clash with Argentina. The victory in [...]
Former Super Eagles Player: Arsenal Must Prioritize Champions League Next Season
Arsenal legend Nwankwo Kanu has strongly backed the Gunners to shift their full focus and mentality toward winning the UEFA Champions League. Following a Premier League title victory, the former Super Eagles captain expressed confidence that Mikel Arteta’s squad possesses the momentum and tactical discipline needed to conquer Europe. Read Also:Arsenal Considering Re-signing Former Gunners [...]
Ghanaian youth prospect Graham Ankamafio has prolonged his contract with FC Copenhagen and will now spend time on loan at Rosengard.
Danish-born Ghanaian defender Graham Nii Ankamah Ankamafio has signed a new long-term contract with Danish giants FC Copenhagen before completing a season-long loan move to FC Rosengard 1917 as part of his development.The 18-year-old centre-back, regarded as one of the club's brightest defensive prospects, recently featured in Copenhagen's first-team training camp in Austria, where he continued to impress the coaching staff with his performances.Following the extension of his contract, the youngster will now spend the upcoming campaign with Rosengard 1917 to gain valuable senior football experience and accelerate his development.Copenhagen's Development Director, Morten Grahn, expressed confidence in the defender's future, describing him as one of the club's most exciting young talents."Graham is an uncompromising and hard-working central defender who possesses a rare and exciting physical presence," Grahn said."We are very pleased to extend Graham's contract, and together we have put together a good plan for his next development step."Regular playing time is crucial at this stage in his career, and we look forward to seeing him further develop his great potential at Rosengard."Ankamafio has been part of the Copenhagen academy since joining as an Under-12 player from Danish side B.93.He has steadily...
Yohanna, Lewis-Skelly, Yamal, and Estevao Featured in European Golden Boy Top 100
Brighton and Hove Albion Nigerian summer signing Zadok Yohanna has been included in the top 100 of the 2026 European Golden Boy rankings. The list was released by Italian daily sport publication, Tuttosport (organisers of the prestigious annual award)and ranks players under the age of 21 based on their performances and achievements in 2026 so [...]
Amorim Designates Chukwueze for New Position at AC Milan
Samuel Chukwueze has been handed a new role by AC Milan’s new manager, Ruben Amorim, Completesports.com reports. AC Milan held their first pre-season training session under Amorim at the Milanello training centre on Monday, with several notable tactical changes on display, including Chukwueze being deployed in a role similar to the one Amad Diallo occupied [...]
Kwesi Nyantakyi asserts: Developing youth: Essential for the future of our football
In 2006, FIFA made far-reaching structural changes to the management of club football through the introduction of the Club Licensing System. Youth football became one of the five core thematic areas of the new framework. Consequently, player development emerged as the central objective of every activity within the football value chain.The works of administrators, coaches, referees, sports psychologists, doctors, nutritionists, and other stakeholders are ultimately directed towards developing players. A well-developed player progresses to represent his or her country with pride at the senior world, continental, regional, and zonal competitions. The journey to that level begins with youth development.Youth development is undeniably the key to the future of our football. One of its most important components is the effective management of football academies. From the inception of organised football competitions on the Gold Coast, young players have developed through the traditional âcolts systemâ. Talented youngsters were nurtured on a non-residential basis, while school sports complemented this development pathway.Across Europe and the Americas, boys and girls traditionally combined education with sports, as schools served as the primary avenue for talent development. In contrast, football in Ghana was, for many years, wrongly perceived as a career for school dropouts....
No athlete has secured a definite position in the Black Maidens lineup prior to the U-17 World Cup – Joe Nana Adarkwa
Black Maidens head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa has cautioned players that their places in Ghanaâs squad for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Womenâs World Cup are not guaranteed, insisting that selection will be determined by performance and merit.Ghana secured qualification for the global tournament after edging Senegal 7-6 on penalties at the Accra Sports Stadium in the final round of qualifiers, booking their place at the competition to be staged in Morocco.However, Adarkwa says qualification is only the beginning of the teamâs journey, with the technical team set to continue scouting and assessing players as they work towards assembling a competitive squad.The coach revealed that opportunities remain available for new talents to break into the team, stressing that consistent performance will be the key factor in earning a place in the final squad.âWeâll keep scouting to strengthen the squad. No place is guaranteed; only the best players will make the team,â Adarkwa told Asempa FM.The Black Maidens have been drawn into a challenging Group C at the FIFA U-17 Womenâs World Cup, where they will face former champions Canada, record winners Brazil and European side Norway.Despite the difficult assignment, Adarkwa remains confident that Ghana will...
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe encourages the GFA to keep Carlos Queiroz for the Black Stars' reconstruction initiative.
Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe has called on the football governing body to keep Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars, insisting the Portuguese trainer deserves time to rebuild the national team.Queiroz was appointed Ghanaâs head coach in March following the dismissal of Otto Addo ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The experienced tactician guided the Black Stars to the knockout stage of the tournament, marking Ghanaâs first appearance in the phase since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.Following Ghanaâs elimination from the competition, the 73-year-old sparked speculation about his future after a social media post suggested he could be leaving his role. However, the former Real Madrid manager later clarified that he had not resigned.The uncertainty surrounding his position has triggered debate over whether Queiroz should continue leading the team, but Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe believes maintaining stability on the technical bench is crucial for Ghanaâs long-term plans.Speaking in an interview with Graphic Sports, the Hearts of Oak board member argued that Queiroz should be handed a short-term contract with the possibility of an extension based on his performance.âI feel we should maintain him for a limited period,â...
Lawrence Ati-Zigi expresses strong belief that the Black Stars will leave their mark at the 2027 AFCON.
Black Stars goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi believes Ghana has the quality and hunger needed to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and make a strong impression at the tournament in East Africa.Ghana’s focus has now shifted to the AFCON qualifiers following their elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, where they reached the Round of 32 for the first time since the 2010 edition.The St. Gallen shot-stopper is optimistic about the team’s chances ahead of the qualifiers, which begin in September, insisting that the current squad has the potential to compete at the continental level.“If you look at the players we have, I think we have what it takes to qualify for the AFCON next year. These are young and hungry players,” Ati-Zigi told Sporty FM.The experienced goalkeeper also expressed confidence that Ghana can go beyond qualification and challenge for success at the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.“I believe we can make a statement with what we have as a group in the AFCON next year,” he added.The Black Stars have been drawn in Group C for the qualifiers alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia and...
Assistant coach Roger De Sa discloses that his contract with the Black Stars was solely for the 2026 World Cup.
Black Stars assistant coach Roger De Sa has disclosed that his contract with Ghanaâs national team was limited to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The South African tactician joined the Black Stars technical team ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico after Carlos Queiroz was appointed as head coach following the dismissal of Otto Addo.De Sa, a former goalkeeper and experienced coach, explained that his agreement with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) covered only the World Cup period and will officially expire at the end of July.âI was only contracted until the end of July, so that's it,â De Sa told KickOff.âMy contract was just for the World Cup, and it ends on the 31st of July,â he added.During Ghanaâs World Cup campaign, the Black Stars began with a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama before securing a goalless draw against England. They concluded the group stage with a 2-1 defeat to Croatia, finishing third in Group L with four points.Ghana advanced to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams but saw their tournament come to an end after a 1-0 loss to Colombia in the Round of 32....
Wolves Exclude Arokodare From Pre-Season Training Roster
Wolverhampton Wanderers have omitted Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare from their pre-season training squad as speculation over his future continues to intensify. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that the Nigerian forward was not included in Wolves’ squad for the start of pre-season preparations, further fueling expectations that he could leave Molineux this summer. According to [...]
World Cup 2026: France Will Not Permit Spain to Dominate Possession – Kounde
Barcelona star Jules Koundé has disclosed that France can’t afford to spend 90 minutes chasing the ball in tonight’s FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final clash against Spain. This will be just the second ever World Cup meeting between France and Spain, following their last 16 meeting back in 2006, with Les Bleus progressing after having [...]
World Cup 2026: ‘We Are Capable of Defeating Them’ – Rodri Discusses Spain vs France
Spain captain Rodri has expressed confidence that the team can beat France in tonight’s FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final matchup. Acknowledging France’s form and physical defensive structure, he believes past victories, such as at Euro 2024, prove Spain has the strategy and quality to overcome them. Read Also:World Cup 2026: France Won’t Allow Spain To [...]
German side 1. FC Köln is pursuing Italian-Ghanaian forward Jamal Iddrissou.
German Bundesliga side 1. FC Koln have identified Italian-born striker of Ghanaian descent Jamal Iddrissou as a transfer target ahead of the 2026/27 season.The Bundesliga outfit are in the market for a new forward as they continue to strengthen their squad before the start of the new campaign.According to reports, Koln have already made an approach to Serie A champions Inter Milan for the highly rated 18-year-old. The German club's opening proposal included a season-long loan with an option to make the move permanent for â¬8 million.However, Inter Milan have turned down the initial offer.The Italian champions are willing to sanction Iddrissou's departure but only under specific conditions. Inter are insisting on including a fixed buy-back clause in any agreement, allowing them to re-sign the striker for â¬15 million in 2027 or â¬18 million in 2028.Inter have communicated their position to Koln, who are yet to submit an improved offer as negotiations remain at an early stage.Iddrissou is also attracting interest from the English Premier League, with Brentford reportedly monitoring the teenager as they consider a move during the summer transfer window.
Karim Zito set to guide FC AshantiGold 04 in their inaugural season in the Ghana Premier League.
Veteran tactician Abdul Karim Zito will spearhead FC AshantiGold 04âs historic maiden voyage into the Ghanaian top flight when his squad launches its intense pre-season training program Tuesday morning.Following the mandatory arrival of players at the residential camp today, Monday, July 13, 2026, Zito is set to take full command of technical proceedings at the AngloGold Ashanti School Park at Koffikrom in Obuasi.The highly experienced strategist, who famously masterminded the club's promotion under their former identity as Bekwai Heroes FC, faces the immediate task of conditioning his players for the rigorous 34-match elite division calendar.With the Ghana Football Association scheduling the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League kickoff for September 4, 2026, Zitoâs immediate focus centers on tactical integration, physical endurance, and fortifying the squad to compete alongside the country's football heavyweights.Management's decision to retain Zito provides critical continuity for the newly rebranded entity, which holds entirely separate legal structures from the defunct, banned AshantiGold SC.By winning the competitive Access Bank Division One League Zone Two title, the astute coach proved his tactical pedigree, earning the mandate to guide the newcomers into the elite division alongside fellow promotional breakthroughs Debibi United and Port City FC.Zito's leadership...