Africa Sport News — Page 83
NPFL: Kano Pillars Introduce New Technical Director Ogunmodede
Kano Pillars have unveiled their new technical adviser Daniel Ogunmodede, Completesports.com reports. The 46-year-old was unveiled at the club’s secretariat by Chairman Ahmad Musbahu Garo on Saturday. The Sai Masu Gida recently appointed the young tactician as their new technical adviser, replacing Mohammed Babaganaru, who guided the club to safety last season. “We are delighted [...]
Benitez: Iraola Holds a Minor Advantage Over Alonso in the Premier League
Former Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez believes newly appointed Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has an edge over Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso because of his established Premier League experience. While Benitez praised Alonso’s tactical intelligence and success at Bayer Leverkusen, he noted that Iraola’s prior three-year stint at Bournemouth makes his transition to a massive club [...]
South Africa Midfield Sensation Passes Away Just Weeks After Appearing at the 2026 World Cup
South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just weeks after featuring for his country at the World Cup, BBC Sport reports. Adams featured in all three of South Africa’s group games at the tournament, where they reached the knockout stages before losing to co-hosts Canada in the [...]
World Cup 2026: Argentina Needs to Demonstrate Resilience Against Switzerland – Scaloni
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has disclosed that the team must show more grit if they are to defeat Switzerland in the quarter-final of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The defending champions are facing resilient opposition in Kansas City but remain driven by their head coach’s emotional call for total devotion and fighting spirit. Read Also:World [...]
Super Falcons midfielder Payne signs a two-year contract with Inter Milan.
Super Falcons midfield star Toni Payne has left Everton and joined Inter Milan on a two-year deal. Inter announced the signing in a statement released on their official website on Saturday. “Internazionale Milano announces the arrival of Antionette Oyedupe “Toni” Payne at the Nerazzurri. The Nigerian striker, born in 1995, has signed a contract with [...]
Wolves Reject Fiorentina's Offer For Arokodare
Wolverhampton Wanderers have turned down an approach from Serie A club Fiorentina for Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Romano also disclosed that Turkish Super Lig outfit Trabzonspor have submitted a proposal for the forward, but the player is not interested in joining the Black Sea Storm. “Understand Fiorentina had a [...]
Top Tier: The Complete List of All 100 Contestants for 1xCup 2026 Revealed
Nigeria’s biggest grassroots event kicks off on July 23. The application period has officially closed, and 1xBet has announced the 100 teams that will compete in the new 1xCup season. Experienced teams, already accustomed to the pressure of big matches, and daring newcomers will fight for the title and generous prize money. All the participants [...]
Ghanaian striker Morirtz-Broni Kwarteng makes his return to FC Magdeburg.
German-born Ghanaian forward Moritz-Broni Kwarteng has re-signed for Bundesliga 2 side FC Magdeburg. The 28-year-old rejoins the club after signed a deal in the summer transfer window following a spell with VfL Bochum."In football, they often say you meet twice in life. For me, that's definitely true now. Just the thought of being back home in Magdeburg soon makes me incredibly happy. While my time at FCM was the shortest, it was also by far the best and most successful period of my career," said the forward.Kwarteng enjoyed a successful spell during his days in the lower division with Magdeburg, leading to interest from then freshly promoted Bochum.However, at Bochum injuries and a loan spell Fortuna Dusseldorf meant Kwarteng needed a change."The images of promotion to the third division and staying in the second Bundesliga are still vivid. Plus, I'll be seeing many familiar faces here, with whom I've always stayed in touch. So when the opportunity arose to return, I didn't have to think twice," he continued."I'm really looking forward to playing in front of our fans at the Avnet Arena again soon. Everyone involved pulled out all the stops in recent weeks to...
President Federation Cup: Nasarawa Amazons Triumph Over Heartland Queens in Penalty Shootout to Claim Women's Championship
Nasarawa Amazons were crowned champions of the 2026 Nigeria Women’s President Federation Cup after edging Heartland Queens 6-5 on penalties in a thrilling final at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Saturday. The victory earned the Lafia-based club their third President Federation Cup title, adding to their previous triumphs in 2005 and 2019. Heartland Queens, [...]
VIDEO: Gideon Mensah shares insights gained from Quaresma, unveils a hidden talent, and chooses between Gyan and Essien.
Defender Gideon Mensah has revealed learning the most from Portuguese legend Ricardo Quaresma during his first interview with new club FC Koln. Mensah and Quaresma played together during his time in Portugal with Vitoria Guimaraes, playing on the same flanks in the Primeira liga in the 2021/22 season.The Ghana international signed a two-year deal to join the Bundesliga outfit in the summer transfer window.In a quick-fire questions and answers session with Koln for their socials, Mensah disclosed he also does music in his spare time and revealed he passionate he is about it.Meanwhile, when asked to pick between Ghanaian legends Asamoah Gyan and Michael Essien, the defender had to take time to select his favourite.Mensah travelled to Germany on Friday to complete the deal which was announced on Saturday morning.The 28-year-old enjoyed a decent World Cup, a tournament he described was incredible for him on a personal level.He is expected to cut short his vacation to join his new teammates for pre-season in the coming days.Watch video below: Wir würden deine Musik gerne mal hören, Gideon 🤪_#effzeh pic.twitter.com/hkqbJEUmHy— 1. FC Köln (@fckoeln) July 11, 2026
Gideon Mensah shares his motivation for signing with FC Koln, despite receiving attention from various other teams.
Ghana defender Gideon Mensah has opened up on his decision to join German club FC Koln. The 27-year-old, who turns 28 in seven days time, signed a two-year deal to join the Bundesliga side in the summer transfer window.The moves brings an end to an impressive career in the French league with AJ Auxerre, where he made over 100 appearances, including 98 Ligue 1 games.According to the Black Stars left-back, the decision to move to the Bundesliga felt best and right one following his meeting with the officials of Koln."After the World Cup, I had several options. But in the discussions with the FC officials, who went to great lengths to sign me, I had the best feeling from the start. Added to that is the sporting prospects the club outlined for me," he said after signing the deal."And of course, I've already heard a lot about the city and the extraordinary support of the FC fans, which I'm really looking forward to. Just like I did for Ghana and my previous clubs, I will give my all for FC so that the club achieves its goals and we are successful as a team,” he added....
South African midfielder Jayden Adams has tragically passed away just days after returning from the FIFA World Cup.
South African football has been plunged into mourning following reports that Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just days after returning from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The talented midfielder was part of South Africa's historic World Cup campaign, making three appearances as Bafana Bafana progressed to the Round of 32 before bowing out to co-hosts Canada.Adams' performances in the tournament further highlighted his growing importance to both club and country and cemented his reputation as one of South Africa's brightest midfield talents.Adams joined Mamelodi Sundowns after establishing himself as one of the standout players in the South African Premier Division during his time with Stellenbosch FC.News of his reported passing has sent shockwaves across the football fraternity, with tributes pouring in from supporters, teammates, former colleagues and football stakeholders.The South African Football Players Union described Adams as a gifted footballer who proudly represented his country on the biggest stage, while fans have taken to social media to express their grief over the loss of a player whose career appeared destined for even greater heights.The circumstances surrounding Adams' death remain unclear. While some reports have speculated...
Gideon Mensah brings both quality and reliability to FC Köln, according to the sporting director.
Bundesliga side FC Köln believe the signing of Ghana international Gideon Mensah will strengthen their squad with added quality and stability ahead of the 2026/27 season.The 27-year-old left-back has joined the German club on a long-term deal after leaving French Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre as a free agent following the expiration of his contract.Sporting director Thomas Kessler said the club had monitored Mensah for an extended period before completing the transfer, citing the defender’s consistency, tactical discipline and performances for both club and country.“We have been monitoring Gideon for quite some time and are delighted that we have been able to bring him to FC. He brings international experience, delivered strong performances in France last season and confirmed that quality at the World Cup.“Gideon is a player who consistently puts the team first and impresses with his tactical discipline, defensive strength and dynamism. With his profile, he will add quality and stability to our squad while strengthening our options in that position,” Kessler said.Mensah arrives in Cologne after four seasons with Auxerre, where he established himself as a regular in the French top flight.The Ghana international also enhanced his reputation at the FIFA...
10 Most Outstanding Nigerian Players in WAFCON History
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will get under way in Morocco on Sunday, 26 July, with defending champions Nigeria aiming to capture a record-extending 11th continental title. Over the years, a host of Super Falcons stars have left an indelible mark on Africa’s biggest women’s football tournament, producing iconic performances and setting the [...]
FC Koln's sporting director praises Gideon Mensah's World Cup experience following the finalization of his transfer.
Bundesliga side FC Köln have backed new signing Gideon Mensah to add quality and stability to their squad after completing the signing of the Ghana international on a long-term contract.The 27-year-old joins the German club as a free agent after bringing an end to his four-year spell with French Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre.Sporting director Thomas Kessler revealed the club had been tracking the Black Stars left-back for an extended period before securing his signature.“We have been monitoring Gideon for quite some time and are delighted that we have been able to bring him to FC. He brings international experience, delivered strong performances in France last season and confirmed that quality at the World Cup,” Kessler said.Mensah arrives in Germany following an impressive FIFA World Cup campaign, playing every minute of Ghana’s four matches as the Black Stars reached the Round of 32 before suffering a narrow defeat to Colombia.The defender became available after his contract with Auxerre expired, ending a successful stint that began with a loan move in 2021 before becoming permanent a year later.Last season, Mensah made 30 Ligue 1 appearances and contributed two assists as Auxerre secured top-flight survival.
U-17 WWCQ: Busari Assured Flamingos Will Triumph Over Benin Challenge
Flamingos head coach Akeem Busari is confident his team will book a place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup despite a stern challenge from Benin Republic. Nigeria will face the Young Amazons in the second leg of their final qualifying round tie at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé on Saturday (today). The [...]
Gideon Mensah finalizes his transfer to FC Köln on a free deal lasting until 2028.
Ghana international Gideon Mensah has completed a move to Bundesliga side FC Köln on a long-term contract ahead of the 2026/27 season.Done deal ✍️Schön dat du do bes, Gideon🫶_#effzeh pic.twitter.com/tGgpwliU4z— 1. FC Köln (@fckoeln) July 11, 2026 The 27-year-old left-back arrives at the German club as a free agent after ending his four-year association with French Ligue 1 outfit AJ Auxerre, where he established himself as a key figure in the team.Mensah’s transfer comes on the back of an impressive FIFA World Cup campaign in North America, where he featured in every minute of Ghana’s four matches.The Black Stars advanced to the Round of 32 before their tournament ended with a 1-0 defeat to Colombia.The former Red Bull Salzburg defender became available after his contract with Auxerre expired, with both parties unable to reach an agreement on an extension.During the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season, Mensah played a significant role in Auxerre’s fight for survival, making 30 league appearances and providing two assists as the club successfully avoided relegation.The Ghanaian defender initially joined Auxerre on loan in 2021 before making the move permanent the following year.His consistency, defensive ability, and experience made him one...
WAFCON 2026: Plumptre Regrets Missing Out on Super Falcons Roster
Ashleigh Plumptre has expressed her disappointment after being left out of Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Head coach Justine Madugu unveiled his 25-player squad for the tournament on Friday, with Plumptre among the notable absentees. The versatile defender has been sidelined since March after suffering a foot injury while on [...]
Enugu Rangers Refutes Simon's Allegation of Discrimination
Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Enugu Rangers, have denied claims by Super Eagles winger Moses Simon that he was not given a contract after a three-month trial because he was not Igbo. Simon, who currently plays for French Ligue 1 club Paris FC, made the claim in an interview with UrbanDwellSport. The 30-year-old disclosed [...]
World Cup 2026: Switzerland Will Give Their All To Overcome Argentina – Xhaka
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has disclosed that the team will sacrifice everything to overcome Argentina in the quarter-final of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026. While acknowledging the difficulty of stopping Lionel Messi, Xhaka stated that the Swiss squad is ready to push their limits and make historic strides to the semi-finals. Read Also:World Cup [...]