Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

AFCON top scorer Emilio Nsue was Ineligible for Equatorial Guinea
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

AFCON top scorer Emilio Nsue was Ineligible for Equatorial Guinea

FIFA has determined that Equatorial Guinea captain Emilio Nsue was never eligible to represent the African nation during his 11-year international career.

Nsue won the Golden Boot as the top goalscorer at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier this year, scoring five goals in four appearances, but has been banned by FIFA for six months from national team games.

In December 2013, FIFA ruled that Nsue was not eligible to play for Equatorial Guinea after he had made several appearances for Spain’s youth teams. Despite this ruling, he continued to represent Equatorial Guinea.

FIFA has published a detailed verdict explaining its decision to strip two wins from Equatorial Guinea in the 2026 World Cup qualifying games played in November.

In March, FIFA opened a new investigation into Nsue’s eligibility. Despite being given a six-day deadline to respond, no response from Nsue arrived.

A 15-page FIFA document from May 10, 2024, detailed the difficulties faced by the Equatoguinean federation in attempting to get Nsue approved a decade earlier.

As a result of his ineligibility, Emilio Nsue will not be able to retain the 2023 AFCON Golden Boot. Additionally, Equatorial Guinea was ineligible to participate in the last AFCON, and therefore, they are no longer entitled to maintain their appearance fee.

The versatile forward holds the record for most international goals for Equatorial Guinea, with 22 goals in 43 appearances. FIFA has acknowledged this feat as a significant achievement.

Curtis Davies on potential Sierra Leone Debut in World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Curtis Davies on potential Sierra Leone Debut in World Cup qualifiers

Experienced defender Curtis Davies has discussed possibly making his official Sierra Leone international debut at 39.

He expressed his excitement, stating that it would be a significant moment for him and his family.

“If I make my international debut for the team, it will be a great honour. My father will fly out for the games, and he is as excited as I am. If I am selected, it will be a significant moment for my family,” Davies told Football Sierra Leone.

“For now, the important aspect is getting the three points for the nation to get our qualifiers on track. It will bring us belief ahead of the Burkina Faso game.”

While acknowledging his advanced age, Davies did not rule out the possibility of participating in the World Cup, although he recognized that it would be a challenging goal.

Davies emphasized the importance of securing three points for the nation and getting their World Cup qualifications back on track. He mentioned the upcoming games and the need to focus on the team’s game plan during training.

Davies previously made his debut for the England under-21 team in 2006 and was called up to the Sierra Leone national team squad for friendly matches in 2023.

Sierra Leone must start winning in their upcoming matches to improve their standing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They will face Djibouti and Burkina Faso in their next matches.

The squad includes midfielder Rodney Michael, who has been in good form and excludes Augustine Williams, despite his impressive goal-scoring record for the USL Championship side Indy Eleven.

Egypt leads Group A in the current standings, followed by Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau. Sierra Leone and Ethiopia are tied with one point each, while Djibouti has no points after losing their first two games.

Davies - "For now, the important aspect is getting the three points for the nation to get our qualifiers on track. It will bring us belief ahead of the Burkina Faso game."
Davies - "For now, the important aspect is getting the three points for the nation to get our qualifiers on track. It will bring us belief ahead of the Burkina Faso game."
Zimbabwe's Warriors Rally Troops for South Africa & Lesotho
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zimbabwe’s listed Troops for South Africa & Lesotho

The Warriors of Zimbabwe are gearing up for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with the 2026 African qualifiers set to resume next week.

Looking ahead to the upcoming fixtures, Head Coach Jairos Tapera has named a strong squad of 23 players, including several European-based players such as Marshal Munetsi, Tawanda Chiwera, Marvelous Nakamba, Brendan Galloway, and 20-year-old left-back Shane Maroodza.

The Warriors will first face Lesotho in Johannesburg on Friday, 07 June, followed by a match against South Africa on Tuesday, 11 June – in Bloemfontein.

Drawn in Group C alongside Nigeria, Rwanda, and Benin, the Zimbabwean team has made a decent start to their campaign, securing a goalless draw against Rwanda and holding Nigeria to a 1-1 draw.

The team has a strong history in the CAF AFCON with five appearances but is yet to make it to the FIFA World Cup. The tournament has now been expanded to 48 nations, with nine places guaranteed for Africa and a play-off position.

The Warriors Squad for Matches against Lesotho and South Africa

Goalkeepers: Godfrey Chitsumba (Manica Diamonds), Bernard Donovan (Chicken Inn), Martin Mapisa (Dynamos)

Defenders: Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders), Brendan Galloway (Plymouth Argyle, England), Munashe Garananga (KV Mechelen, Belgium), Teenage Hadebe (Konyaspor, Turkey), Devine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Shane Maroodza (Huddersfield Town, England), Godknows Murwira (CAPS United), Gerald Takwara (Ohod, Saudi Arabia)

Midfielders: Tawanda Maswanhise (Leicester City, England), Daniel Msendami (Jwaneng Galaxy, Botswana), Marshall Munetsi (Stade Reims, France), Joey Phuthi (Sheffield Wednesday, England), Andy Rinomhota (Rotherham United, England), Tivonge Rushesha (Reading, England), Jordan Zemura (Udinese, Italy)

Strikers: Tawanda Chirewa (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Tinotenda Kadewere (Nantes, France), Tymon Machope (Simba Bhora), Douglas Mapfumo (Polokwane City, South Africa), Walter Musona (Simba Bhora).

Antonio Rudiger flies Sierra Leone flag high as Madrid seal Trophy
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Antonio Rudiger flies Sierra Leone flag high as Madrid seal Trophy

Defender Antonio Rüdiger celebrated Real Madrid’s victory at Wembley on Saturday by parading around the stadium with the Sierra Leone flag after Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr goals.

Rüdiger, born to a Sierra Leonean mother, has been involved in charitable initiatives to address poverty in the nation.

Real Madrid claimed their 15th Champions League title with a victory over Dortmund. Despite a torrid first half and missed opportunities from Dortmund, Real emerged victorious with goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr.

It was a disappointing night for Jadon Sancho, who is on loan to Dortmund from Manchester United, but a glorious one for England’s Jude Bellingham in his first season at Real.

Rüdiger began his career at VfB Stuttgart, then played for Roma and Chelsea, where he achieved success and won multiple titles. In 2022, he made a significant move by signing with Real Madrid.

 

Manchester United target Sierra Leone-born Trevoh Chalobah
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Manchester United target Sierra Leone-born Trevoh Chalobah

Manchester United are discussing Trevoh Chalobah as an option but may not meet Chelsea’s £25 million valuation of the centre-back.

The young player from Chelsea is expected to be sold in the upcoming off-season. Chalobah secured a regular spot in the team towards the end of the season under manager Mauricio Pochettino.

As a homegrown talent, the London club sees him as a potential asset to raise funds for other player acquisitions.

Chelsea aims to spark a bidding war to maximize the profit from his sale.

It’s worth noting that United and Chelsea completed a deal for Mason Mount last summer, although Mount had limited playing time in the past season.

The centre-back joined Chelsea as an under-9 player and advanced through the Academy to eventually join the men’s first team, following the path of his older brother Nathaniel.

Amadou Bakayoko is on the radar of several English clubs
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amadou Bakayoko is on radar of several English clubs

Stockport, Salford City, Charlton Athletic, and Tranmere Rovers are all set to make offers for Forest Green Rovers striker Amadou Bakayoko, who recently completed a successful loan spell at Dundee, Football Sierra Leone understands.

Bakayoko joined Dundee on loan from Forest Green Rovers last season and played a crucial role in helping the Dark Blues secure a top-six finish in the Cinch Premiership with six goals contribution.

He mentioned that he would appreciate the chance to rejoin Tony Docherty’s side. However, the latest development could see me go either way next season.

The 28-year-old is still under contract at Forest Green for next season but hopes to discuss his options with his parent club before the new campaign.

Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone International is set to travel for World Cup qualifying matches against Djibouti and Burkina Faso on 5 & 10 June, respectively.

John Keister's Bo Rangers set for third successive league title
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

John Keister’s Rangers set for third successive league title

John Keister and his team, Bo Rangers, are focused and determined to secure a victory and claim their third straight title this weekend as they face Old Edwardians in their 29th league match at the Southern Arena.

His team may encounter a formidable challenge when they face the May Park Boys, particularly after their remarkable 4-3 comeback victory against FC Kallon in the previous game. This result may have boosted the confidence of the Edwardians.

The Southern league leaders are 17 points top of the table, and a win against the Edwardians will secure them 69 points to lift the title under his leadership with five games to spare.

Rangers have consistently performed well in the Sierra Leone Premier League since the new administration under chairman Babadi Kamara took over in 2019.

“Recent results in the league, such as Bhantal’s defeat to Ports and FC Kallon’s match against Edwards, have put us in a better position to achieve our goal of winning the title,” Keister to Football Sierra Leone. 

“However, we have to keep our focus and stay grounded. I have been involved in football long enough to know that you can’t take anything for granted. We need to respect Edward. We have to approach this match with total seriousness.”

The former Sierra Leone coach is aiming for his second top-flight title after winning his first with East End Lions in 2019 when he went unbeaten.

“Securing this title would be an incredible achievement for Bo Rangers, benefitting the club, the fans, and all those affiliated with it. The chairman, executives, and players have played pivotal roles in driving the team’s success.”

Link to The Sierra Leone Premier League Standings

The upcoming match could potentially determine the title winner if Bo Rangers can secure the maximum points.
The upcoming match could potentially determine the title winner if Bo Rangers can secure the maximum points.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ports Authority striker Musa Noah Kamara nets second hat-trick

On Tuesday, Ports Authority’s top scorer, Musa Noah Kamara, scored a hat-trick to lead the team to a 3-1 triump over Bhantal.

The Sierra Leone International recorded his eleventh goal of the season, helping his side move to 12th place on the table. 

Kamara, a former Bo Rangers attacker, is the first player of the season to achieve back-to-back hat-tricks. He is a well-known player in the Sierra Leone topflight league, having previously won the top scorer awards with East End Lions and Bo Rangers.

In January of this year, the Ports Authority officially unveiled their new talisman, Musa Noah Kamara, after the Sierra Leone Football Association confirmed his International Transfer Certificate (ITC), making him eligible to play for the club. 

His arrival was expected to strengthen the Ports’ attack, and he has already demonstrated his capabilities on the pitch.

Forest Green striker Amadou Bakayoko wants Dundee return
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Forest Green striker Amadou Bakayoko wants Dundee return

Sierra Leone international Amadou Bakayoko has praised manager Tony Docherty’s impact during his time at Dens as he expressed his interest in returning to the Scottish Premiership side.

Bakayoko joined Dundee on loan from Forest Green Rovers last season and played a crucial role in helping the Dark Blues secure a top-six finish in the Cinch Premiership. He mentioned that he would appreciate the chance to rejoin Tony Docherty’s side.

When asked about his summer plans, Bakayoko told Courier Sport exclusively, “Not sure at the minute. We’ll have to wait and see. I’m contracted at Forest Green, but I’ll have to speak to them and see what’s possible.”

Would he be keen to return to Dundee? “For sure,” he replied. I think it’s a great league. I think I’ve done decent but I can do a lot better. I didn’t have a full pre-season because of the situation I was in.”

The former Coventry man has been selected for the Sierra Leone squad for World Cup qualifying matches against Djibouti and Burkina Faso in June.

He led the line for the Dee and scored important goals, netting six times and providing five assists in 40 appearances.

However, the 28-year-old is still under contract at Forest Green for next season but hopes to discuss his options with his parent club before the new campaign.

Custis Davies named to Sierra Leone squad for the June qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Curtis Davies named in Sierra Leone squad for crucial qualifiers

Curtis Davies has been named to the Sierra Leone squad for the June World Cup qualifiers. Head Coach Amidu Karim has announced his 24 players for the upcoming double-header, which will be the Leone Stars’ third and fourth in the 2026 Africa World Cup qualifiers next month.

According to our source, Davies, 39, has been cleared by FIFA to represent Sierra Leone. The Cheltenham Town defender played in 39 matches across all competitions last season as the team was relegated from English League Two.

Davies made his England under-21 debut on 28 February 2006 against Norway U21s. He was capped three times by the England under-21s from 2006 to 2007.

In October 2023, Davies was called up to the Sierra Leone national team squad for their friendly matches against Benin and Somalia. He played against Somalia in a non-Fifa-sanctioned friendly.

Sierra Leone, having lost to Egypt and a goalless draw against Ethiopia in their opening two matches, must start winning in their third and fourth matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Leone Stars will host Djibouti on June 5th at the Stade El Abdi in El Jadida, Morocco. They will then play against Burkina Faso on the 10th at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali.

Midfielder Rodney Michael, who scored against Morocco and Ivory Coast in January friendlies, was also named to the squad.

Indy Eleven striker Augustine Williams, who has scored seven goals in the last thirteen matches for the USL Championship side, has been left out again.

In the current standings, Egypt is leading Group A with six points, followed by Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau with four points each. Sierra Leone and Ethiopia are tied with one point each, while Djibouti has no points after losing their first two games.

Head Coach Amidu Karim has announced the 24 players for the upcoming double-header against Djibouti and Burkina Faso
Head Coach Amidu Karim has announced the 24 players for the upcoming double-header against Djibouti and Burkina Faso