Nigeria will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in a final match to decide Africa's representative in the upcoming World Cup inter-confederation playoffs. The Nigerian team advanced after a 4-1 extra-time victory against Gabon, while the DR Congo secured its place with a 1-0 win over Cameroon. The decisive match is scheduled for the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
The winner of this final will progress to a six-nation playoff tournament next March, from which two teams will qualify for the World Cup. Nigeria finished second in its group behind South Africa during the initial qualifying stage, while the DR Congo, which previously competed as Zaire in the 1974 World Cup, was the runner-up to Senegal in its group.
Other African...
A late surge in extra time secured Nigeria a 4-1 victory against Gabon in a World Cup qualifying match. Victor Osimhen was the standout performer, scoring two critical goals after missing a significant opportunity at the end of regular time. His strikes in the additional period sealed the win for the Super Eagles.
Nigeria had initially taken the lead through Akor Adams, but a deflected shot from Mario Lemina forced the match into extra time. Substitute Chidera Ejuke, then put Nigeria ahead again before Osimhen's double confirmed the result. The match was held in Rabat.
This win advances Nigeria to the tournament's final, where they will face the winner of the match between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo. A victory in...
Brandon Thomas-Asante was named the PFA Championship Fans Player of the Month for October. The Ghana forward scored six goals for Coventry City during that period, contributing to the team's position at the top of the league table. His performances also placed him at the top of the Championship scoring chart with ten goals this season.
Thomas-Asante is currently with the Ghana national team in Japan for the upcoming friendlies against Japan and South Korea. These matches are part of the Black Stars' preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. His recent award highlights his strong club form as he joins the international squad.
Ghana coach Otto Addo explained that defender Mohammed Salisu joined the national team camp late due to a minor injury. Addo told the Ghana FA website that Salisu sustained the issue during his last match for AS Monaco in France, which required treatment and delayed his travel.
The coach noted that Salisu had not yet trained with the squad ahead of the Kirin Cup match against Japan at Toyota Stadium. Addo mentioned the team would need to assess the player's condition, considering factors like the long travel and time difference, before determining his availability.
Salisu's late arrival comes as the Black Stars prepare for two friendlies, against Japan and later South Korea in Seoul, as part of their build-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana's head coach, Otto Addo, anticipates a difficult match against Japan, yet he expressed confidence in his team's ability to secure a victory. Addo acknowledged the strength of the Japanese national team while speaking to the Ghana FA, but he affirmed that the Black Stars possess their own qualities needed to win. He stated that the team was pleased with the organization and was looking forward to the Kirin Cup encounter at Toyota Stadium.
These friendly matches against Japan and South Korea in Seoul are part of Ghana's broader preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Addo recognized the challenge ahead but remained positive about his squad's prospects, predicting a tight contest.
The Ghana Football Association has stated its national team is fully committed to its upcoming matches against Japan and South Korea. GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum confirmed the Black Stars are treating these friendlies with complete seriousness as part of their preparation for the 2026 World Cup. He described the games as challenging and said the team would not take them lightly.
Twum added that the squad aims to field players who demonstrate hunger and a strong competitive spirit for Ghana. He made these comments in an interview with Sporty FM.
All selected players have already assembled for training ahead of the first match in the Kirin Cup at Toyota Stadium. The team will later travel to Seoul for the second...
Four African national teams will compete in Rabat, Morocco, for a chance to advance to an inter-continental playoff for World Cup qualification. Nigeria will play against Gabon, while Cameroon faces the Democratic Republic of Congo. The winners of these matches will meet in a final, with that victor progressing to a six-team tournament for a spot in the upcoming World Cup.
Of the four teams, only Gabon has never previously qualified for a World Cup. Nigeria aims for its seventh appearance, and Cameroon seeks its ninth. The match between Gabon and Nigeria features a notable striker duel, with Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang returning from suspension and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen recognized for his recent scoring form.
The Democratic...
The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has voiced significant dissatisfaction with the condition of youth football and the domestic league. He identified persistent issues with competition quality and inconsistent funding as major challenges facing the sport.
Minister Adams confirmed that the government, partnering with Adesa Production Limited, provided each Premier League club with one million Ghana cedis before the current season began. He stated this financial support was implemented on the directives of President John Mahama to ensure clubs received timely funding. The minister acknowledged that securing sponsorship remains difficult but expressed hope for gradual improvement.
The government has launched a two-year program intended to eliminate the double-track system in senior high schools. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced the Ghana Secondary Learning Improvement Programme, which aims to expand infrastructure and enhance educational quality.
This initiative will focus on increasing enrollment capacity in selected schools and upgrading facilities. Improvements will include constructing new classrooms, dormitories, and science laboratories. The double-track system was originally implemented to manage overcrowding resulting from the free secondary education policy, but it has faced criticism for reducing instructional time.
